Problem involving polynomial function and prime numbers. Let f be a polynomial function, with integer coefficients, strictly increasing on N such that f(0)=1.

Brenda Jordan

Brenda Jordan

Answered question

2022-11-02

Problem involving polynomial function and prime numbers
Let f be a polynomial function, with integer coefficients, strictly increasing on N such that f ( 0 ) = 1. Show that it doesn't exist any arithmetic progression of natural numbers with ratio r > 0 such that the value of function f in every term of the progression is a prime number. I noticed that the last term of f is 1, due to the fact that f ( 0 ) = 1. I don't know how to continue.

Answer & Explanation

reinmelk3iu

reinmelk3iu

Beginner2022-11-03Added 21 answers

Step 1
Let f(x) be a polynomial with integer coefficents. Then for any a , b Z , g ( x ) = f ( a x + b ) is also a polynomial with integer coefficients. Assume g(n) is prime for all n N and let p = g ( 1 ). Note that g(n)modp is periodic with period p. We conclude that p g ( n p + 1 ) for all n N . It follows that g ( n p + 1 ) p has infinitely many roots and hence (provided a 0) also f ( x ) p has inifinitely many roots, hence must be the zero polynomial, i.e., f(x) is constant - but it was given that f(x) is strictly increasing!
Step 2
Remark: The fact f ( 0 ) = 1 was not used. And instead of strictly increasing, non-constant suffices.

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