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Irska

Ireland algebra

Problem

Let be a polynomial with rational coefficients. Prove that there exists a positive integer such that the polynomial defined by has integer coefficients.
Solution
Each term in is of the form , where is rational. Expanding the expression , we see that is a factor in all terms. Thus it suffices to pick to equal the least common multiple of the denominators of the coefficients .

Techniques

Polynomial operationsAlgebraic properties of binomial coefficientsLeast common multiples (lcm)