Proving $f(-k)<-k$ when $f(k)<k$

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SUMMARY

Let \( f \) be a polynomial with integer coefficients satisfying the conditions \( f(-k) < f(k) < k \) for an integer \( k \). The conclusion drawn from the discussion is that it must follow that \( f(-k) < -k \). This is established through the properties of polynomials and their behavior under integer inputs, confirming the relationship between the values of \( f \) at negative and positive integers.

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Let $f$ be a polynomial with integer coefficients such that $f(-k)<f(k)<k$ for some integer $k$. Prove that $f(-k)<-k$.
 
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Solution of other:
As $a^n-b^n=(a-b)(a^{n-1}+a^{n-2}b+\cdots+b^{n-1})$, then for any distinct integers $a$ and $b$ and for any polynomial $f(x)$ with integer coefficients $f(a)-f(b)$ is divisible by $a-b$.

Thus, $f(k)-f(-k)\ne 0$ is divisible by $2k$ and consequently $f(-k)\le f(k)-2k<k-2k=-k$.
 

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