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Problem 14 Polynomials

The document summarizes solving the problem of determining for how many integers x the polynomial (x^3 +2x^2 +3x+4)/(x+5) is an integer. It states that the polynomial can be written as P(x)*(x+5)+Q for some integer polynomial P(x) and integer Q. Plugging x=-5 into this form gives Q=-86. Therefore, the polynomial equals P(x)-86/(x+5). For this to be an integer, (x+5) must divide 86, which has 8 factors, so there are 8 possible integer values for x.

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83 views

Problem 14 Polynomials

The document summarizes solving the problem of determining for how many integers x the polynomial (x^3 +2x^2 +3x+4)/(x+5) is an integer. It states that the polynomial can be written as P(x)*(x+5)+Q for some integer polynomial P(x) and integer Q. Plugging x=-5 into this form gives Q=-86. Therefore, the polynomial equals P(x)-86/(x+5). For this to be an integer, (x+5) must divide 86, which has 8 factors, so there are 8 possible integer values for x.

Uploaded by

seansoni
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Problem 14: Polynomials Art of Problem Solving

x3 +2x2 +3x+4
Problem: For how many integers x is x+5 an integer?

Solution: We can write x3 + 2x2 + 3x + 4 = P (x) · (x + 5) + Q, for some integer Q and some
integer polynomial P (x).

Plugging in x = −5 into this form gives P (−5) · (−5 + 5) + Q = Q = −86.

x3 +2x2 +3x+4 P (x)·(x+5)−86 86


Thus, x+5 = x+5 = P (x) − x+5

Clearly, P (x) is an integer, so we need (x + 5)|86.

86 has 8 factors: ±1, ±2, ±43, ±86, so there are 8 possible integer values for x + 5, and thus
8 possible values for x.

Solution was written by The Zuton Force and compiled from Art of Problem Solving
Forums.

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