OmegaLearn.org Chapter 1.

Algebra

Theorem 1.9.21
If
1
x+ =a
x
then
1
x2 + 2
= a2 − 2
x
1
x3 + 3 = a3 − 3a
x
1
x4 + 4 = (a2 − 2)2 − 2
x

Definition 1.9.22 (Symmetric Polynomials). A polynomial

P (x) = an xn + an−1 xn−1 + ... + a1 x + a0

is symmetric if
an = a0
an−1 = a1
an−2 = a2
an−3 = a3
etc.

Basically, opposite coefficients are equal.

Concept 1.9.23 (Solving Symmetric Polynomials of Even Degree)

To solve a symmetric polynomial P (x) = a0 xn + a1 xn−1 + ... + a1 x + a0 of even degree,
n
• Divide by x 2

• Group the xk and 1

xk
terms together

• Make the substitution

1
y =x+
x
and write all the terms in your expression that way

• Solve the reduced polynomial

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