Problem

Source: Baltic Way 1996 Q14

Tags: function, algebra proposed, algebra



The graph of the function $f(x)=x^n+a_{n-1}x_{n-1}+\ldots +a_1x+a_0$ (where $n>1$) intersects the line $y=b$ at the points $B_1,B_2,\ldots ,B_n$ (from left to right), and the line $y=c\ (c\not= b)$ at the points $C_1,C_2,\ldots ,C_n$ (from left to right). Let $P$ be a point on the line $y=c$, to the right to the point $C_n$. Find the sum \[\cot (\angle B_1C_1P)+\ldots +\cot (\angle B_nC_nP) \]