Prove an equation has no integer solution

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The equation $x^4 - px^3 - qx^2 - rx - s = 0$ has no integer solutions for positive integers $p, q, r, s$ where $p \ge q \ge r \ge s$. This conclusion is established through a systematic analysis of the polynomial's behavior and properties of integer roots. The discussion emphasizes the significance of the constraints on the coefficients and their implications on the existence of integer solutions.

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Let $p,\,q,\,r,\,s$ be positive integers such that $p\ge q\ge r \ge s$.

Prove that the equation $x^4-px^3-qx^2-rx-s=0$ has no integer solution.
 
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anemone said:
Let $p,\,q,\,r,\,s$ be positive integers such that $p\ge q\ge r \ge s$

Prove that the equation $x^4-px^3-qx^2-rx-s=0----(1)$ has no integer solution.
by" Rational zero theorem"
if m is the integer solution of (1)
then : s is a multiple of $\mid m\mid $

but :$m^4-pm^3-qm^2-rm-s\neq 0$
for $p\ge q\ge r\ge s \ge\mid m \mid>0$
and $p,q,r,s\in N$
 
Last edited:
Albert said:
by" Rational zero theorem"
if m is the integer solution of (1)
then : s is a multiple of $\mid m\mid $

but :$m^4-pm^3-qm^2-rm-s\neq 0$
for $p\ge q\ge r\ge s \ge\mid m \mid>0$
and $p,q,r,s\in N$

Hi Albert,

Your concept is correct, thanks for participating. :)

Solution of other that based on the same principle:

Suppose that $m$ is an integer root of $x^4-px^3-qx^2-rx-s=0$ . As $s\ne 0$, we have $m\ne 0$. Suppose now that $m>0$, then $m^4-pm^3=qm^2+rm+s>0$ and hence $m>p\ge s$. On the other hand, $s=m(m^3-pm^2-qm-r)$ and hence $m$ divides $s$, a contradiction.

If $m<0$, then writing $n=-m>0$, we have $n^4+pn^3-qn^2+rn-s=n^4+n^2(pn-q)+(rn-s)>0$, a contradiction. This proves that the given polynomial has no integer roots.
 

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