2014 USAMO Problems/Problem 1

Revision as of 17:04, 30 April 2014 by Tenniskidperson3 (talk | contribs) (Solution)

Problem

Let $a,b,c,d$ be real numbers such that $b-d \ge 5$ and all zeros $x_1, x_2, x_3,$ and $x_4$ of the polynomial $P(x)=x^4+ax^3+bx^2+cx+d$ are real. Find the smallest value the product $(x_1^2+1)(x_2^2+1)(x_3^2+1)(x_4^2+1)$ can take.

Solution

The value in question is equal to \[P(i) P(-i) = \left\lvert (b-d-1) + (a-c)i \right\rvert^2= (b-d-1)^2 + (a-c)^2 \ge16\] where $i = \sqrt{-1}$. Equality holds if $x_1 = x_2 = x_3 = x_4 = 1$, so this bound is sharp.