Maths Olympiad Prep

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Algebra Difficulty 5.7 AIME, harder Prove it Iran

Suppose that nn is a positive integer. Consider a regular 2n2n-gon such that one of its largest diagonals is parallel to the xx-axis. Find the smallest integer dd such that there is a polynomial P(x)P(x) of degree dd whose graph intersects all sides of the polygon on points other than its vertices.

Solution

First of all, we show that dd should be at least nn. The vertices of the polygon are on n+1n+1 different vertical lines and between any two such lines the polynomial should intersect two edges of the polygon, one above and one below the xx-axis. So by the intermediate value theorem the polynomial should have at least nn roots.

Now we want to say that nn is sufficient. Choose n+1n+1 points on the vertical lines that passing through vertices like below. By the Lagrange Interpolation formula there is a polynomial of degree at most nn that cross these n+1n+1 points. Again By the intermediate value theorem this polynomial should intersects all edges. So the polynomial is of degree nn.

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