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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

Let be a polynomial such that andfor such that both sides are defined. Find .
Solution
Combining denominators and simplifying,It becomes obvious that , for some constant , matches the definition of the polynomial. To prove that must have this form, note that Since and divides the right side of the equation, and divides the left side of the equation. Thus divides , so divides . It is easy to see that is a quadratic, thus as desired. By the given, . Thus, .
Final answer
66