Can Polynomial Constraints Determine a Unique Integer Solution?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that for the polynomial \( P(x) \) with integer coefficients, given the conditions \( P(21)=17 \), \( P(32)=-247 \), and \( P(37)=33 \), the only integer \( N \) satisfying \( P(N)=N+51 \) is \( N=26 \). The proof involves analyzing the polynomial's behavior at specified points and leveraging the properties of polynomial equations. The conclusion is definitive, establishing \( N=26 \) as the unique solution under the given constraints.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polynomial functions and their properties.
  • Familiarity with integer coefficients in polynomial equations.
  • Knowledge of mathematical proof techniques, particularly in number theory.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study polynomial interpolation methods to understand how to derive polynomials from given points.
  • Explore integer solutions in polynomial equations, focusing on Diophantine equations.
  • Learn about the Rational Root Theorem and its applications in determining polynomial roots.
  • Investigate the implications of polynomial constraints in number theory.
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Mathematicians, students studying number theory, and anyone interested in polynomial equations and their integer solutions will benefit from this discussion.

anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $P(x)$ be any polynomial with integer coefficients such that $P(21)=17,\,P(32)=-247$ and $P(37)=33$.

Prove that if $P(N)=N+51$ for some integer $N$, then $N=26$.

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Congratulations to kaliprasad for his correct solution(Cool)!

Model solution from other:
If $P(N)=N+51$ for some integer $N$, then $P(x)-x-51=(x-N)Q(x)$ for some polynomial $Q(x)$ by the factor theorem.

Note $Q(x)$ has integer coefficients because $P(x)-x-51=P(x)-P(N)-(x-N)$ is a sum of $a_i(x_i-N_i)$ terms with $a_i's$ integer.

Since $Q(21)$ and $Q(37)$ are integers, $P(21)-21-51=-55$ is divisible by $21-N$ and $P(37)-37-51=-55$ is divisible by $37-N$ is 16, we must have $N=26$ or 32.

However, if $N=32$, then we get $-247=P(32)=32+51$, a contradiction. Therefore, $N=26$.
 

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