Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2023/ib/paper-3/10e/a/i/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2023 ib Paper 3 10E a i Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
A polynomial over a unique factorization domain is called a primitive polynomial when the greatest common divisor of its coefficients is a unit.
Assume that the primitive polynomial factors in as , with both factors of positive degree. Clearing denominators and removing contents writeswhere and are primitive. ThenBy Gauss lemma for polynomials, is primitive. Since is also primitive, comparison of contents forces to be a unit of . Absorbing that unit into one factor gives a nontrivial factorization of in , contrary to its assumed irreducibility. Hence is irreducible in .
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