Let p=abc be the decimal representation of a three-digit prime number p.
Prove that the quadratic equation ax2+bx+c=0 has no real roots.
Solution
Since abc is the decimal representation of a three-digit prime number p, we have a=0, c=0. Suppose, contrary to our claim, that there exists a rational root of the equation ax2+bx+c=0. Then the discriminant of this equation is a perfect square, i.e. b2−4ac=n2, where n is a positive integer number, n<b. Multiplying the equality p=100a+10b+c by 4a we have 4np=400a2+40ub+4ac=400a2+40ub+b2−n2. Thus 4np=(20a+b)2−n2=(20a+b+n)(20a+b−n). The numbers 20a+b+n and 20a+b−n have the same parity and since their product is divisible by 4 both of 10a+(b+n)/2 are positive integers. Since their product is divisible by the prime number 10a+(b+n)/2≤10a+b≤99<p. This contradiction proves the required statement.
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