The set of polynomials with real coefficients is called special, if for all distinct the polynomial has no real roots, but for all distinct the polynomial has a real root.
1) Give an example of the special set of four polynomials with nonzero sum.
2) Is there exists a special set of five polynomials?
Solution
1) The polynomials , , , give a needed example.
2) To the contrary, assume that there exists a special set of polynomials with real coefficients. Consider a complete graph with a set of vertices . An edge is called positive (negative), if the polynomial is positive (negative). By the assumption in this graph there is no any positive (negative) triangles. Indeed, if for example , and , then which is a contradiction with the definition of a special set. The next lemma can be easily proved.
Lemma. In a two-colored complete graph with four vertices without one-colored triangles there is a pair of skew (crossed) edges of every color.
Using the lemma we have conflicting inequalities:
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