Can this polynomial with integer coefficients be factored?

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    Factoring Polynomial
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the factorization of the polynomial \(x^{5024}+x^{1004}+1\) with integer coefficients. Participants explore the possibility of factoring this polynomial, considering both integer and complex coefficients, and discuss the implications of the polynomial's roots.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the polynomial cannot be factored with integer coefficients due to the absence of real roots.
  • Another participant notes that the only possible rational roots are 1 and -1, neither of which satisfies the polynomial equation, implying no rational roots exist.
  • A different viewpoint proposes that if the requirement for integer coefficients is removed, the factorization would necessarily involve complex coefficients due to the presence of complex roots.
  • In response, a participant argues that since the polynomial has real coefficients, complex roots must occur in conjugate pairs, allowing for a factorization into quadratic factors with real coefficients.
  • One participant questions whether any polynomial of the form \(x^n+x^m+1\) (where \(n\) and \(m\) are even integers) can be factored over the integers.
  • Another participant claims that it is possible to find counterexamples to the assertion that such polynomials cannot be factored, suggesting that specific conditions, such as \(n\) being an integral multiple of \(m\), may allow for factorization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factorization of the polynomial, with no consensus reached on whether it can be factored with integer coefficients or under what conditions such factorizations might be possible.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of roots and coefficients, and the implications of polynomial forms on factorization, which remain unresolved.

sutupidmath
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the question is this: factor the following polynomial with integer coefficients:

[tex]x^{5024}+x^{1004}+1[/tex]

my first thought is that since this polynomial doesn't have real roots such a factorization isn't even possible, but i really don't have any more clever idea how to factor this one.
 
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The only possible rational roots of that are 1 and -1. Obviously neither of those satisfies the equation [itex]x^{5024}+ x^{1004}+ 1= 0[/itex] so it has no rational roots and so cannot be factored with integer coefficients.
 
Ok now, say we take out the requirement that the coefficients be integers. Then, if we are simply looking to express that polynomial as a product of two other polinomials, then will it include inevitably complex coefficients? Or, how would that factorization in terms of two other polynomials look like? Since, we won't have real roots, i see that there will only be complex roots, so even the factorization, from my point of view, seems to include inevitably complex coefficients, right?
 
Not necessarily. Since it has real coefficients, all complex roots must come in "complex conjugate" pairs: a+ bi and a- bi. Any factorization into linear factors would have to be of the form (x-(a+bi))(x-(a-bi)) but those multiplied together: ((x-a)- bi)((x-a)+ bi)= (x-a)2+ b2= x2- 2ax+ a2+ b2 so it can be factored into 5024/2= 2512 quadratic factors with real coefficients.
 
so, does it mean that in general any polynomial, say of the form

[tex]x^n+x^m+1[/tex] where both n,m are even integers cannot be factored over the integers. That is cannot be written, say as a product of two polynomials with integer coefficients?
 
I say this is possible to be written, right? SInce, i can already find a counterexample if you say otherwise? So, when would it be the case? i assume wehnever n, is an integral multiple of m, right?
 

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