MathDB
Never 8

Source: Canada 1970, Problem 10

May 14, 2006
algebrapolynomial

Problem Statement

Given the polynomial f(x)=xn+a1xn1+a2xn2++an1x+an f(x)=x^n+a_{1}x^{n-1}+a_{2}x^{n-2}+\cdots+a_{n-1}x+a_n with integer coefficients a1,a2,,ana_1,a_2,\ldots,a_n, and given also that there exist four distinct integers aa, bb, cc and dd such that f(a)=f(b)=f(c)=f(d)=5, f(a)=f(b)=f(c)=f(d)=5, show that there is no integer kk such that f(k)=8f(k)=8.