Can Polynomial Constraints Determine a Unique Integer Solution?

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In summary, P(N) is a mathematical notation for a sequence where the first term is 26 and each subsequent term is 51 more than the previous one. To prove that P(N)=N+51 for N=26, mathematical induction can be used. However, other methods such as direct proof, contrapositive proof, or contradiction can also be used. The formula for P(N) is N+51 and proving this statement is important for establishing the validity of a mathematical concept and for its use in other proofs or applications.
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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, $N=26$.
 

Related to Can Polynomial Constraints Determine a Unique Integer Solution?

1. How do you prove P(N)=N+51 for N=26?

To prove P(N)=N+51 for N=26, we can use mathematical induction. First, we show that the equation holds true for the base case N=26. Then, we assume it holds true for some arbitrary value of N=k and use this assumption to prove that it also holds true for N=k+1. This completes the inductive step and proves the equation for all values of N.

2. What is the base case for proving P(N)=N+51 for N=26?

The base case for proving P(N)=N+51 for N=26 is when N=26. This means that we need to show that P(26)=26+51, which simplifies to 77. We can do this by plugging in 26 for N in the equation and showing that both sides are equal.

3. How do you use the assumption that P(N)=N+51 for N=k to prove that it also holds true for N=k+1?

To prove that P(N)=N+51 holds true for N=k+1, we start by assuming that P(k)=k+51 is true. Then, we substitute k+1 for N in the equation and show that both sides are equal. This completes the inductive step and proves that P(N)=N+51 holds true for all values of N.

4. Can you explain why mathematical induction is a valid proof technique?

Mathematical induction is a valid proof technique because it follows a logical and systematic approach to proving a statement for all values of N. By proving the base case and showing that the statement holds true for an arbitrary value of N, we can conclude that it holds true for all values of N. This is because if it holds true for N=k, then it must also hold true for N=k+1, and this process can continue indefinitely.

5. What are some other examples of using mathematical induction to prove equations?

Some other examples of using mathematical induction to prove equations include proving the sum of the first n natural numbers, showing that 2^n>n for all positive integers n, and proving the binomial theorem. It is a useful technique for proving statements that involve a pattern or recursive definition.

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