Problem

Source: Canada RepĂȘchage 2023/7 CMOQR

Tags: algebra, polynomial, trinomial, quadratics



(a) Let $u$, $v$, and $w$ be the real solutions to the equation $x^3 - 7x + 7 = 0$. Show that there exists a quadratic polynomial $f$ with rational coefficients such that $u = f(v)$, $v = f(w)$, and $w = f(u)$. (b) Let $u$, $v$, and $w$ be the real solutions to the equation $x^3 -7x+4 = 0$. Show that there does not exist a quadratic polynomial $f $with rational coefficients such that $u = f(v)$, $v = f(w)$, and $w = f(u)$.