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Problem 2272

National Olympiad second round; IMO P1/P4
Number theory Difficulty 7.7 Prove it SAUDI ARABIAN IMO Booklet · Saudi Arabia · 2023

Let a1,a2,…,ana_1, a_2, \dots, a_n be non-zero integers such that
a1a2…an(1a12+1a22+⋯+1an2) a_1 a_2 \dots a_n \left( \frac{1}{a_1^2} + \frac{1}{a_2^2} + \dots + \frac{1}{a_n^2} \right)
is an integer. Prove that ak2∣a1a2…ana_k^2 \mid a_1 a_2 \dots a_n for all k=1,2,…,nk = 1, 2, \dots, n.

This one wants a proof. Work it on paper, then read the official solution and mark yourself. Be honest about it: the record is only any use to you if it is.

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Official solution

For each k=1,2,…,nk = 1, 2, \dots, n, denote bk=a1a2…anak2b_k = \frac{a_1 a_2 \dots a_n}{a_k^2} and consider the following polynomial
P(x)=(x−b1)(x−b2)…(x−bn)=xn+cn−1xn−1+⋯+c1x+c0. P(x) = (x - b_1)(x - b_2) \dots (x - b_n) = x^n + c_{n-1} x^{n-1} + \dots + c_1 x + c_0.
Based on Vieta's theorem, one can see that cn−1c_{n-1} is an integer, and for any kk integers i1,i2,…,ik∈{1,2,…,n}i_1, i_2, \dots, i_k \in \{1, 2, \dots, n\}, bi1bi2…bikb_{i_1} b_{i_2} \dots b_{i_k} is also an integer, which implies that all coefficients ckc_k are integers. On the other hand, P(x)P(x) is a monic polynomial which implies that all of its roots b1,b2,…,bnb_1, b_2, \dots, b_n are also integers. Hence,
a1a2…ana12,a1a2…ana22,…,a1a2…anan2∈Z. \frac{a_1 a_2 \dots a_n}{a_1^2}, \frac{a_1 a_2 \dots a_n}{a_2^2}, \dots, \frac{a_1 a_2 \dots a_n}{a_n^2} \in \mathbb{Z}.

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