Problem

Source: Romanian MO 2001

Tags: algebra, polynomial, algebra proposed



Let $n\ge 2$ be an even integer and $a,b$ real numbers such that $b^n=3a+1$. Show that the polynomial $P(X)=(X^2+X+1)^n-X^n-a$ is divisible by $Q(X)=X^3+X^2+X+b$ if and only if $b=1$.