Question 29

$$P(x) = a_n x^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \cdots + a_1 x + a_0 = 0$$ is a polynomial equation, $$a_0, a_1, \ldots, a_n$$ are integers. If $$\alpha$$ is an integer and $$P(\alpha) = 0$$ then

Solution

From $$P(\alpha) = 0$$, $$a_0 = -\alpha\left(a_n\alpha^{n-1} + \cdots + a_1\right)$$, and the bracket is an integer. So $$\alpha$$ divides $$a_0$$, i.e. $$a_0 = k\alpha$$ for some integer $$k$$. The other two need not hold, for example $$x - 2 = 0$$ has root 2 but 2 does not divide $$a_n = 1$$. Hence options a and b are both correct.

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