Problem

Source: XII International Festival of Young Mathematicians Sozopol 2023, Theme for 10-12 grade

Tags: algebra



Let $n \geq 4$ be a natural number. The polynomials $x^{n+1} + x$, $x^n$, and $x^{n-3}$ are written on the board. In one move, you can choose two polynomials $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ (not necessarily distinct) and add the polynomials $f(x)g(x)$, $f(x) + g(x)$, and $f(x) - g(x)$ to the board. Find all $n$ such that after a finite number of operations, the polynomial $x$ can be written on the board.