{
  "index": "1941-A-4",
  "type": "ALG",
  "tag": [
    "ALG"
  ],
  "difficulty": "",
  "question": "4. Let the roots \\( a, b, c \\) of\n\\[\nf(x) \\equiv x^{3}+p x^{2}+q x+r=0\n\\]\nbe real, and let \\( a \\leq b \\leq c \\). Prove that, if the interval \\( (b, c) \\) is divided into six equal parts, a root of \\( f^{\\prime}(x)=0 \\) will lie in the fourth part counting from the end \\( b \\). What will be the form of \\( f(x) \\) if the root in question of \\( f^{\\prime}(x)=0 \\) falls at either end of the fourth part?",
  "solution": "Solution. The proposition is valid for \\( f(x) \\) if and only if it is valid for \\( f(x+b) \\) so we can translate all the roots by \\( -b \\) and thus arrange that the middle root is zero. It is no loss of generality, therefore, to assume that \\( b=0 \\) to begin with. Hence we consider\n\\[\nf(x)=(x-a) x(x-c)=x^{3}-(a+c) x^{2}+a c x\n\\]\nwhere \\( a \\leq 0 \\leq c \\). The fourth subinterval referred to in the problem is [c/2, 2c/3].\n\nFrom \\( f^{\\prime}(x)=3 x^{2}-2(a+c) x+a c \\) we find \\( f^{\\prime}(c / 2)=-\\frac{1}{4} c^{2} \\leq 0 \\) and \\( f^{\\prime}(2 c / 3)=-\\frac{1}{3} a c \\geq 0 \\). Hence, since \\( f^{\\prime} \\) is continuous, there is a root of \\( f^{\\prime}(x)=0 \\) on \\( [c / 2,2 c / 3] \\).\n\nA root occurs at the left endpoint \\( c / 2 \\) if and only if \\( c=0 \\); that is, the two largest roots coincide. In this event, \\( f(x)=(x-a) x^{2} \\).\n\nA root occurs at the right endpoint \\( 2 c / 3 \\) if and only if \\( a=0 \\) or \\( c=0 \\). If \\( c=0 \\) we have the previous case, and the interval in question has degenerated to a single point. If \\( \\boldsymbol{c} \\neq 0 \\), then \\( a=0 \\) and the two smallest roots coincide. In this case, \\( f(x)=x^{2}(x-c) \\).\n\nTo answer the second part of the question in terms of the original \\( a, b, c \\) : the zero of \\( f^{\\prime} \\) occurs at the left endpoint iff \\( f(x)=(x-a)(x-b)^{2} \\) and at the right endpoint iff \\( f(x)=(x-b)^{2}(x-c) \\) or \\( f(x)=(x-a)(x-b)^{2} \\).",
  "vars": [
    "x"
  ],
  "params": [
    "a",
    "b",
    "c",
    "p",
    "q",
    "r",
    "f"
  ],
  "sci_consts": [],
  "variants": {
    "descriptive_long": {
      "map": {
        "x": "variable",
        "a": "rootone",
        "b": "roottwo",
        "c": "rootthree",
        "p": "coeffp",
        "q": "coeffq",
        "r": "coeffr",
        "f": "cubicfun"
      },
      "question": "Let the roots \\( rootone, roottwo, rootthree \\) of\n\\[\ncubicfun(variable) \\equiv variable^{3}+coeffp variable^{2}+coeffq variable+coeffr=0\n\\]\nbe real, and let \\( rootone \\leq roottwo \\leq rootthree \\). Prove that, if the interval \\( (roottwo, rootthree) \\) is divided into six equal parts, a root of \\( cubicfun^{\\prime}(variable)=0 \\) will lie in the fourth part counting from the end \\( roottwo \\). What will be the form of \\( cubicfun(variable) \\) if the root in question of \\( cubicfun^{\\prime}(variable)=0 \\) falls at either end of the fourth part?",
      "solution": "Solution. The proposition is valid for \\( cubicfun(variable) \\) if and only if it is valid for \\( cubicfun(variable+roottwo) \\) so we can translate all the roots by \\( -roottwo \\) and thus arrange that the middle root is zero. It is no loss of generality, therefore, to assume that \\( roottwo=0 \\) to begin with. Hence we consider\n\\[\ncubicfun(variable)=(variable-rootone) variable(variable-rootthree)=variable^{3}-(rootone+rootthree) variable^{2}+rootone rootthree variable\n\\]\nwhere \\( rootone \\leq 0 \\leq rootthree \\). The fourth subinterval referred to in the problem is [rootthree/2, 2rootthree/3].\n\nFrom \\( cubicfun^{\\prime}(variable)=3 variable^{2}-2(rootone+rootthree) variable+rootone rootthree \\) we find \\( cubicfun^{\\prime}(rootthree / 2)=-\\frac{1}{4} rootthree^{2} \\leq 0 \\) and \\( cubicfun^{\\prime}(2 rootthree / 3)=-\\frac{1}{3} rootone rootthree \\geq 0 \\). Hence, since \\( cubicfun^{\\prime} \\) is continuous, there is a root of \\( cubicfun^{\\prime}(variable)=0 \\) on \\( [rootthree / 2,2 rootthree / 3] \\).\n\nA root occurs at the left endpoint \\( rootthree / 2 \\) if and only if \\( rootthree=0 \\); that is, the two largest roots coincide. In this event, \\( cubicfun(variable)=(variable-rootone) variable^{2} \\).\n\nA root occurs at the right endpoint \\( 2 rootthree / 3 \\) if and only if \\( rootone=0 \\) or \\( rootthree=0 \\). If \\( rootthree=0 \\) we have the previous case, and the interval in question has degenerated to a single point. If \\( \\boldsymbol{rootthree} \\neq 0 \\), then \\( rootone=0 \\) and the two smallest roots coincide. In this case, \\( cubicfun(variable)=variable^{2}(variable-rootthree) \\).\n\nTo answer the second part of the question in terms of the original \\( rootone, roottwo, rootthree \\) : the zero of \\( cubicfun^{\\prime} \\) occurs at the left endpoint iff \\( cubicfun(variable)=(variable-rootone)(variable-roottwo)^{2} \\) and at the right endpoint iff \\( cubicfun(variable)=(variable-roottwo)^{2}(variable-rootthree) \\) or \\( cubicfun(variable)=(variable-rootone)(variable-roottwo)^{2} \\)."
    },
    "descriptive_long_confusing": {
      "map": {
        "x": "saxophone",
        "a": "pinecone",
        "b": "butterfly",
        "c": "rainstorm",
        "p": "lighthouse",
        "q": "moonlight",
        "r": "paintbrush",
        "f": "carnation"
      },
      "question": "4. Let the roots \\( pinecone, butterfly, rainstorm \\) of\n\\[\ncarnation(saxophone) \\equiv saxophone^{3}+lighthouse saxophone^{2}+moonlight saxophone+paintbrush=0\n\\]\nbe real, and let \\( pinecone \\leq butterfly \\leq rainstorm \\). Prove that, if the interval \\( (butterfly, rainstorm) \\) is divided into six equal parts, a root of \\( carnation^{\\prime}(saxophone)=0 \\) will lie in the fourth part counting from the end \\( butterfly \\). What will be the form of \\( carnation(saxophone) \\) if the root in question of \\( carnation^{\\prime}(saxophone)=0 \\) falls at either end of the fourth part?",
      "solution": "Solution. The proposition is valid for \\( carnation(saxophone) \\) if and only if it is valid for \\( carnation(saxophone+butterfly) \\) so we can translate all the roots by \\( -butterfly \\) and thus arrange that the middle root is zero. It is no loss of generality, therefore, to assume that \\( butterfly=0 \\) to begin with. Hence we consider\n\\[\ncarnation(saxophone)=(saxophone-pinecone) saxophone(saxophone-rainstorm)=saxophone^{3}-(pinecone+rainstorm) saxophone^{2}+pinecone rainstorm saxophone\n\\]\nwhere \\( pinecone \\leq 0 \\leq rainstorm \\). The fourth subinterval referred to in the problem is [rainstorm/2, 2rainstorm/3].\n\nFrom \\( carnation^{\\prime}(saxophone)=3 saxophone^{2}-2(pinecone+rainstorm) saxophone+pinecone rainstorm \\) we find \\( carnation^{\\prime}(rainstorm / 2)=-\\frac{1}{4} rainstorm^{2} \\leq 0 \\) and \\( carnation^{\\prime}(2 rainstorm / 3)=-\\frac{1}{3} pinecone rainstorm \\geq 0 \\). Hence, since \\( carnation^{\\prime} \\) is continuous, there is a root of \\( carnation^{\\prime}(saxophone)=0 \\) on \\( [rainstorm / 2,2 rainstorm / 3] \\).\n\nA root occurs at the left endpoint \\( rainstorm / 2 \\) if and only if \\( rainstorm=0 \\); that is, the two largest roots coincide. In this event, \\( carnation(saxophone)=(saxophone-pinecone) saxophone^{2} \\).\n\nA root occurs at the right endpoint \\( 2 rainstorm / 3 \\) if and only if \\( pinecone=0 \\) or \\( rainstorm=0 \\). If \\( rainstorm=0 \\) we have the previous case, and the interval in question has degenerated to a single point. If \\( \\boldsymbol{rainstorm} \\neq 0 \\), then \\( pinecone=0 \\) and the two smallest roots coincide. In this case, \\( carnation(saxophone)=saxophone^{2}(saxophone-rainstorm) \\).\n\nTo answer the second part of the question in terms of the original \\( pinecone, butterfly, rainstorm \\) : the zero of \\( carnation^{\\prime} \\) occurs at the left endpoint iff \\( carnation(saxophone)=(saxophone-pinecone)(saxophone-butterfly)^{2} \\) and at the right endpoint iff \\( carnation(saxophone)=(saxophone-butterfly)^{2}(saxophone-rainstorm) \\) or \\( carnation(saxophone)=(saxophone-pinecone)(saxophone-butterfly)^{2} \\)."
    },
    "descriptive_long_misleading": {
      "map": {
        "x": "knownvalue",
        "a": "highroof",
        "b": "outercore",
        "c": "deepfloor",
        "p": "freefactor",
        "q": "zeroterm",
        "r": "voidconst",
        "f": "antifunc"
      },
      "question": "4. Let the roots \\( highroof, outercore, deepfloor \\) of\n\\[\nantifunc(knownvalue) \\equiv knownvalue^{3}+freefactor\\, knownvalue^{2}+zeroterm\\, knownvalue+voidconst=0\n\\]\nbe real, and let \\( highroof \\leq outercore \\leq deepfloor \\). Prove that, if the interval \\( (outercore, deepfloor) \\) is divided into six equal parts, a root of \\( antifunc^{\\prime}(knownvalue)=0 \\) will lie in the fourth part counting from the end \\( outercore \\). What will be the form of \\( antifunc(knownvalue) \\) if the root in question of \\( antifunc^{\\prime}(knownvalue)=0 \\) falls at either end of the fourth part?",
      "solution": "Solution. The proposition is valid for \\( antifunc(knownvalue) \\) if and only if it is valid for \\( antifunc(knownvalue+outercore) \\) so we can translate all the roots by \\( -outercore \\) and thus arrange that the middle root is zero. It is no loss of generality, therefore, to assume that \\( outercore=0 \\) to begin with. Hence we consider\n\\[\nantifunc(knownvalue)=(knownvalue-highroof)\\, knownvalue\\,(knownvalue-deepfloor)=knownvalue^{3}-(highroof+deepfloor)\\, knownvalue^{2}+highroof\\, deepfloor\\, knownvalue\n\\]\nwhere \\( highroof \\leq 0 \\leq deepfloor \\). The fourth subinterval referred to in the problem is [deepfloor/2, 2deepfloor/3].\n\nFrom \\( antifunc^{\\prime}(knownvalue)=3\\, knownvalue^{2}-2(highroof+deepfloor)\\, knownvalue+highroof\\, deepfloor \\) we find \\( antifunc^{\\prime}(deepfloor / 2)=-\\frac{1}{4} \\, deepfloor^{2} \\leq 0 \\) and \\( antifunc^{\\prime}(2\\, deepfloor / 3)=-\\frac{1}{3} \\, highroof\\, deepfloor \\geq 0 \\). Hence, since \\( antifunc^{\\prime} \\) is continuous, there is a root of \\( antifunc^{\\prime}(knownvalue)=0 \\) on \\( [deepfloor / 2,2\\, deepfloor / 3] \\).\n\nA root occurs at the left endpoint \\( deepfloor / 2 \\) if and only if \\( deepfloor=0 \\); that is, the two largest roots coincide. In this event, \\( antifunc(knownvalue)=(knownvalue-highroof)\\, knownvalue^{2} \\).\n\nA root occurs at the right endpoint \\( 2\\, deepfloor / 3 \\) if and only if \\( highroof=0 \\) or \\( deepfloor=0 \\). If \\( deepfloor=0 \\) we have the previous case, and the interval in question has degenerated to a single point. If \\( \\boldsymbol{deepfloor} \\neq 0 \\), then \\( highroof=0 \\) and the two smallest roots coincide. In this case, \\( antifunc(knownvalue)=knownvalue^{2}(knownvalue-deepfloor) \\).\n\nTo answer the second part of the question in terms of the original \\( highroof, outercore, deepfloor \\) : the zero of \\( antifunc^{\\prime} \\) occurs at the left endpoint iff \\( antifunc(knownvalue)=(knownvalue-highroof)(knownvalue-outercore)^{2} \\) and at the right endpoint iff \\( antifunc(knownvalue)=(knownvalue-outercore)^{2}(knownvalue-deepfloor) \\) or \\( antifunc(knownvalue)=(knownvalue-highroof)(knownvalue-outercore)^{2} \\)."
    },
    "garbled_string": {
      "map": {
        "x": "fgqvnlpo",
        "a": "qzxwvtnp",
        "b": "hjgrksla",
        "c": "mdfqlnze",
        "p": "vcrpghsu",
        "q": "tjkwzbae",
        "r": "ynxvsmoi",
        "f": "kvdplhuw"
      },
      "question": "4. Let the roots \\( qzxwvtnp, hjgrksla, mdfqlnze \\) of\n\\[\nkvdplhuw(fgqvnlpo) \\equiv fgqvnlpo^{3}+vcrpghsu fgqvnlpo^{2}+tjkwzbae fgqvnlpo+ynxvsmoi=0\n\\]\nbe real, and let \\( qzxwvtnp \\leq hjgrksla \\leq mdfqlnze \\). Prove that, if the interval \\( (hjgrksla, mdfqlnze) \\) is divided into six equal parts, a root of \\( kvdplhuw^{\\prime}(fgqvnlpo)=0 \\) will lie in the fourth part counting from the end \\( hjgrksla \\). What will be the form of \\( kvdplhuw(fgqvnlpo) \\) if the root in question of \\( kvdplhuw^{\\prime}(fgqvnlpo)=0 \\) falls at either end of the fourth part?",
      "solution": "Solution. The proposition is valid for \\( kvdplhuw(fgqvnlpo) \\) if and only if it is valid for \\( kvdplhuw(fgqvnlpo+hjgrksla) \\) so we can translate all the roots by \\( -hjgrksla \\) and thus arrange that the middle root is zero. It is no loss of generality, therefore, to assume that \\( hjgrksla=0 \\) to begin with. Hence we consider\n\\[\nkvdplhuw(fgqvnlpo)=(fgqvnlpo-qzxwvtnp) fgqvnlpo(fgqvnlpo-mdfqlnze)=fgqvnlpo^{3}-(qzxwvtnp+mdfqlnze) fgqvnlpo^{2}+qzxwvtnp mdfqlnze fgqvnlpo\n\\]\nwhere \\( qzxwvtnp \\leq 0 \\leq mdfqlnze \\). The fourth subinterval referred to in the problem is [mdfqlnze/2, 2mdfqlnze/3].\n\nFrom \\( kvdplhuw^{\\prime}(fgqvnlpo)=3 fgqvnlpo^{2}-2(qzxwvtnp+mdfqlnze) fgqvnlpo+qzxwvtnp mdfqlnze \\) we find \\( kvdplhuw^{\\prime}(mdfqlnze / 2)=-\\frac{1}{4} mdfqlnze^{2} \\leq 0 \\) and \\( kvdplhuw^{\\prime}(2 mdfqlnze / 3)=-\\frac{1}{3} qzxwvtnp mdfqlnze \\geq 0 \\). Hence, since \\( kvdplhuw^{\\prime} \\) is continuous, there is a root of \\( kvdplhuw^{\\prime}(fgqvnlpo)=0 \\) on \\( [mdfqlnze / 2,2 mdfqlnze / 3] \\).\n\nA root occurs at the left endpoint \\( mdfqlnze / 2 \\) if and only if \\( mdfqlnze=0 \\); that is, the two largest roots coincide. In this event, \\( kvdplhuw(fgqvnlpo)=(fgqvnlpo-qzxwvtnp) fgqvnlpo^{2} \\).\n\nA root occurs at the right endpoint \\( 2 mdfqlnze / 3 \\) if and only if \\( qzxwvtnp=0 \\) or \\( mdfqlnze=0 \\). If \\( mdfqlnze=0 \\) we have the previous case, and the interval in question has degenerated to a single point. If \\( \\boldsymbol{mdfqlnze} \\neq 0 \\), then \\( qzxwvtnp=0 \\) and the two smallest roots coincide. In this case, \\( kvdplhuw(fgqvnlpo)=fgqvnlpo^{2}(fgqvnlpo-mdfqlnze) \\).\n\nTo answer the second part of the question in terms of the original \\( qzxwvtnp, hjgrksla, mdfqlnze \\) : the zero of \\( kvdplhuw^{\\prime} \\) occurs at the left endpoint iff \\( kvdplhuw(fgqvnlpo)=(fgqvnlpo-qzxwvtnp)(fgqvnlpo-hjgrksla)^{2} \\) and at the right endpoint iff \\( kvdplhuw(fgqvnlpo)=(fgqvnlpo-hjgrksla)^{2}(fgqvnlpo-mdfqlnze) \\) or \\( kvdplhuw(fgqvnlpo)=(fgqvnlpo-qzxwvtnp)(fgqvnlpo-hjgrksla)^{2} \\)."
    },
    "kernel_variant": {
      "question": "Let  \n\\[\nf(x)=k\\,x^{4}+p\\,x^{3}+q\\,x^{2}+r\\,x+s\\qquad(k>0)\n\\]\nbe a real quartic whose (not necessarily distinct) real zeros are ordered  \n\\[\na\\le b\\le c\\le d .\n\\]\n\nIn each of the three inner gaps we introduce a uniform partition into four **open** sub–intervals.\n\n\\[\n\\begin{aligned}\n&(c,d):\\; \\text{quarters counted from the right-hand end }x=d\n        &&\\longrightarrow\\ \\text{first},\\; \\text{second},\\; \\text{third},\\; \\text{fourth},\\\\\n&(b,c):\\; \\text{quarters counted from the left-hand end }x=b\n        &&\\longrightarrow\\ \\text{first},\\; \\text{second},\\; \\text{third},\\; \\text{fourth},\\\\\n&(a,b):\\; \\text{quarters counted from the left-hand end }x=a\n        &&\\longrightarrow\\ \\text{first},\\; \\text{second},\\; \\text{third},\\; \\text{fourth}.\\\\\n\\end{aligned}\n\\]\n\nLet  \n\\[\n\\alpha\\le\\beta\\le\\gamma\n\\]\nbe the real zeros of the derivative \\(f'(x)\\), counted with multiplicities (so equalities are allowed when two of the critical points coincide).\n\n(a)  Prove that the largest critical point \\(\\gamma\\) always lies in the **second** part of \\((c,d)\\).\n\n(b)  For the middle critical point \\(\\beta\\) set  \n\\[\n\\Delta:=a+d-(b+c)\n\\]\n(the excess of the sum of the extreme roots over the sum of the two middle roots).  \nShow that  \n\\[\n\\begin{array}{ll}\n\\bullet &\\text{if }\\;\\Delta<0\\text{ then }\\beta\\text{ lies in the \\emph{second} part of }(b,c);\\\\[2pt]\n\\bullet &\\text{if }\\;\\Delta=0\\text{ then }\\beta=(b+c)/2,\\text{ the common end–point of the second and third parts;}\\\\[2pt]\n\\bullet &\\text{if }\\;\\Delta>0\\text{ then }\\beta\\text{ lies in the \\emph{third} part of }(b,c).\n\\end{array}\n\\]\n\n(c)  Prove that the smallest critical point \\(\\alpha\\) always lies in the **second** part of \\((a,b)\\).\n\n(d)  Determine precisely when a critical point can occur at one of the quarter end–points described in (a)–(c) and give the resulting factorisations of \\(f(x)\\).  \nIn particular, show that  \n\n\\[\n\\begin{array}{ll}\n\\bullet & \\gamma \\text{ can reach the right end of its part only when }a=b=c\\quad\\text{(triple lower root);}\\\\[2pt]\n\\bullet & \\alpha \\text{ can reach the right end of its part only when }a=b\\quad\\text{(double lower root);}\\\\[2pt]\n\\bullet & \\beta \\text{ can reach the point }(b+c)/2\\text{ (but never any other quarter–boundary) exactly when }\\Delta=0;\\\\[2pt]\n\\bullet & \\text{no other end–point positions are possible unless the corresponding gap collapses (two consecutive roots coincide).}\n\\end{array}\n\\]",
      "solution": "Throughout let  \n\\[\n\\Sigma_{g}(x):=\\sum_{i}\\frac{1}{x-r_{i}}\\qquad\\bigl(g(x)=k\\prod_{i}(x-r_{i}),\\ k>0\\bigr).\n\\]\nThen  \n\\[\ng'(x)=g(x)\\,\\Sigma_{g}(x)\\tag{$\\ast$}\n\\]\nand, because \\(g(x)\\) keeps a fixed sign inside each gap, the sign of \\(g'\\) inside such a gap is the sign of \\(\\Sigma_{g}\\) up to that fixed factor.  Moreover  \n\\[\n\\Sigma_{g}'(x)= -\\sum_{i}\\frac{1}{(x-r_{i})^{2}}<0\\tag{1}\n\\]\nso \\(\\Sigma_{g}\\) is strictly decreasing on every open interval that contains no root of \\(g\\).\n\n\\bigskip\nI.\\;The gap \\((c,d)\\) – proof of part (a).\n\nTranslate the origin to \\(x=c\\) and put  \n\\[\na':=a-c\\le b':=b-c\\le 0<d':=d-c, \\qquad \ng(x):=f(x+c)=k(x-a')(x-b')\\,x\\,(x-d'),\\quad (d'>0).\n\\]\nWrite \\(a,b,d\\) for \\(a',b',d'\\).  The four quarters of \\((0,d)\\) counted from the right are  \n\\[\nJ_{1}=(\\tfrac34d,d),\\;\nJ_{2}=(\\tfrac12d,\\tfrac34d),\\;\nJ_{3}=(\\tfrac14d,\\tfrac12d),\\;\nJ_{4}=(0,\\tfrac14d).\n\\]\n\nInside \\((0,d)\\) exactly the factor \\((x-d)\\) is negative, hence \\(g(x)<0\\) there and  \n\\[\n\\operatorname{sign}g'=-\\operatorname{sign}\\Sigma_{g}.\n\\]\n\n1.\\;Left end of \\(J_{2}\\).  \nAt \\(x=\\tfrac12d\\),\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{g}\\!\\bigl(\\tfrac12d\\bigr)=\n\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d-a}+\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d-b}+\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d}+\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d-d}\n               =\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d-a}+\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d-b}+\\frac{2}{d}-\\frac{2}{d}>0,\n\\]\nbecause the first two terms are positive.  Hence \\(g'(\\tfrac12d)<0\\).   \\hfill(2)\n\n2.\\;Right end of \\(J_{2}\\).  \nAt \\(\\rho:=\\tfrac34d\\) we have \\(\\rho-d=-\\tfrac14d\\).  Since \\(a,b\\le 0\\),\n\\[\n\\rho-a\\ge\\rho,\\qquad \\rho-b\\ge\\rho\\Longrightarrow\n\\frac{1}{\\rho-a}\\le\\frac{1}{\\rho},\\quad\\frac{1}{\\rho-b}\\le\\frac{1}{\\rho}.\n\\]\nConsequently  \n\\[\n\\Sigma_{g}(\\rho)\\le\\frac{1}{\\rho}+\\frac{1}{\\rho}+\\frac{1}{\\rho}-\\frac{4}{d}\n                 =\\frac{3}{\\rho}-\\frac{4}{d}.\n\\]\nBecause \\(\\rho=\\tfrac34d\\), the right–hand side equals \\(0\\).  Hence\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{g}(\\rho)\\le 0,\\quad\n\\Sigma_{g}(\\rho)=0\\Longleftrightarrow a=b=0\\;(=\\text{triple root at }x=c).\n\\]\nThus \\(g'(\\rho)>0\\), and \\(g'(\\rho)=0\\) only in the triple–root limit.  \\hfill(3)\n\nFrom (2), (3) and the monotonicity (1) there is exactly one zero \\(\\gamma\\) of \\(g'\\) in  \n\\(J_{2}=(\\tfrac12d,\\tfrac34d)\\).  Re–translating we find that \\(\\gamma\\) lies in the second quarter of \\((c,d)\\), proving (a).\n\n\\bigskip\nII.\\;The gap \\((b,c)\\) – proof of part (b).\n\nTranslate so that \\(b=0\\) and put  \n\\[\nh(x):=f(x+b)=k(x-a)\\,x\\,(x-c')\\,(x-d'),\\qquad a<0<c:=c'<d:=d'.\n\\]\nThe quarters of \\((0,c)\\) counted from the left are  \n\\[\nI_{1}=(0,\\tfrac14c),\\;\nI_{2}=(\\tfrac14c,\\tfrac12c),\\;\nI_{3}=(\\tfrac12c,\\tfrac34c),\\;\nI_{4}=(\\tfrac34c,c).\n\\]\nAll four factors are positive on \\((0,c)\\); hence \\(\\operatorname{sign}h'=\\operatorname{sign}\\Sigma_{h}\\).\n\nA.\\;Two reference points.\n\nA1.\\;At \\(x_{1}:=\\tfrac14c\\)\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{h}(x_{1})=\\frac{1}{x_{1}}+\\frac{1}{x_{1}-a}+\\frac{1}{x_{1}-c}+\\frac{1}{x_{1}-d}\n                 >\\frac{4}{c}-\\frac{8}{3c}=\\frac{4}{3c}>0,\n\\]\nso \\(h'(x_{1})>0\\).   \\hfill(4)\n\nA2.\\;At \\(x_{3}:=\\tfrac34c\\)\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{h}(x_{3})<\\frac{8}{3c}-\\frac{4}{c}=-\\frac{4}{3c}<0,\n\\]\nso \\(h'(x_{3})<0\\).   \\hfill(5)\n\nB.\\;Mid–point \\(x_{2}:=\\tfrac12c\\).  \nA short algebra check yields\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{h}(x_{2})=\\frac{a+d-c}{(x_{2}-a)(d-x_{2})}\n                 =\\frac{\\Delta}{(x_{2}-a)(d-x_{2})},\\qquad\n\\Delta:=a+d-(b+c).\\tag{6}\n\\]\nThus  \n\\[\n\\operatorname{sign}\\Sigma_{h}(x_{2})=\\operatorname{sign}\\Delta.\\tag{7}\n\\]\n\nC.\\;Location of \\(\\beta\\).\n\n(i)\\;\\(\\Delta<0\\). From (4) and (7) we have \\(h'(x_{1})>0>h'(x_{2})\\); the strict decrease of \\(\\Sigma_{h}\\) forces a unique zero \\(\\beta\\) in \\(I_{2}\\).\n\n(ii)\\;\\(\\Delta=0\\). Then \\(\\Sigma_{h}(x_{2})=0\\) so \\(\\beta=x_{2}=(b+c)/2\\), the common boundary of \\(I_{2},I_{3}\\).\n\n(iii)\\;\\(\\Delta>0\\). From (7) and (5) we have \\(h'(x_{2})>0>h'(x_{3})\\); hence \\(\\beta\\in I_{3}\\).\n\nBecause \\(\\Sigma_{h}\\) is strictly decreasing (1), there is exactly one critical point in \\((b,c)\\).  The three cases above complete the proof of part (b).\n\n\\bigskip\nIII.\\;The gap \\((a,b)\\) – proof of part (c).\n\nContinue to work with the translation \\(b=0\\).  \nOn \\((a,0)\\;(a<0)\\) we still use \\(h\\).  Quarters counted from the left are  \n\\[\nK_{1}=(a,\\tfrac34a),\\;\nK_{2}=(\\tfrac34a,\\tfrac12a),\\;\nK_{3}=(\\tfrac12a,\\tfrac14a),\\;\nK_{4}=(\\tfrac14a,0).\n\\]\nHere \\((x-a),(x-c),(x-d)>0\\) while \\(x<0\\), so \\(h(x)<0\\) and  \n\\(\\operatorname{sign}h'=-\\operatorname{sign}\\Sigma_{h}\\).\n\n1.\\;At \\(x_{1}:=\\tfrac34a\\)\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{h}(x_{1}) > 0\\Longrightarrow h'(x_{1})<0. \\tag{8}\n\\]\n\n2.\\;At \\(x_{2}:=\\tfrac12a\\)\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{h}(x_{2})<0\\Longrightarrow h'(x_{2})>0. \\tag{9}\n\\]\n\nBy (8), (9) and monotonicity (1) the sign of \\(h'\\) changes from negative to positive inside \\(K_{2}\\); therefore \\(\\alpha\\in K_{2}\\).  Equality \\(\\alpha=x_{2}\\) would require \\(\\Sigma_{h}(x_{2})=0\\), which forces \\(a=b\\).  Hence \\(\\alpha\\) reaches the quarter boundary only in the double–root case \\(a=b\\).  This proves part (c).\n\n\\bigskip\nIV.\\;Endpoint phenomena – proof of part (d).\n\n\\[\n\\begin{array}{ll}\n\\bullet &\\gamma\\text{ at the right end }\\rho=\\tfrac34(d-c)+c\n        \\Longleftrightarrow \\Sigma_{g}(\\rho)=0\\Longleftrightarrow a=b=c\\\\\n        &\\phantom{\\gamma\\text{ at the right end }}\\Longrightarrow\n          f(x)=k(x-a)^{3}(x-d).\\\\[6pt]\n\\bullet &\\alpha\\text{ at the right end }\\tfrac12(b-a)+a\n        \\Longleftrightarrow \\Sigma_{h}(\\tfrac12a)=0\\Longleftrightarrow a=b\\\\\n        &\\phantom{\\alpha\\text{ at the right end }}\\Longrightarrow\n          f(x)=k(x-a)^{2}(x-c)(x-d).\\\\[6pt]\n\\bullet &\\beta=(b+c)/2\n        \\Longleftrightarrow \\Delta=0\\quad\\text{by (6)}\n        \\quad (\\text{no merger of distinct roots}).\\\\[6pt]\n\\bullet &\\text{Any other quarter boundary would contradict the strict inequalities}\\\\\n        &\\text{found in the sign analyses above unless the corresponding gap collapses.}\n\\end{array}\n\\]\n\nThus the only admissible end–point positions and the associated factorisations are exactly those listed in part (d).\n\n\\bigskip\n\\textbf{Remark on coincident critical points.}\\;\nWhen \\(a=b=c\\) the derivative is  \n\\[\nf'(x)=k(x-a)^{2}\\bigl(4x-3a-d\\bigr),\n\\]\nso it possesses only two \\emph{distinct} critical points: a double one at \\(x=\\gamma=\\alpha\\) (the end–point just analysed) and a simple one at \\(x=\\beta\\).  Our notation \\(\\alpha\\le\\beta\\le\\gamma\\) is therefore to be interpreted with repetitions allowed, exactly as stated at the beginning of the problem.\n\n\\bigskip\nThis finishes the complete solution.\n\n\\bigskip",
      "metadata": {
        "replaced_from": "harder_variant",
        "replacement_date": "2025-07-14T19:09:31.381957",
        "was_fixed": false,
        "difficulty_analysis": "1.  Higher degree.  The original and current kernels deal with a cubic and its first derivative.  The enhanced variant escalates to a quartic, requiring simultaneous control of the first and second derivatives.\n\n2.  Multiple interacting concepts.  One must locate four different critical/inflection points in six distinct sub-intervals, then analyse how their positions interact with each other and with possible multiplicities of the roots.\n\n3.  Deeper theory.  The solution exploits  \n • the representation f′=f·Σ and (f″/f)=Σ′,  \n • sign considerations of Σ and Σ′,  \n • refined bounding arguments that use every root,  \n • Rolle’s theorem and the monotonicity of reciprocal squares,  \nall of which go significantly beyond the original one-step IVT argument.\n\n4.  Complicated degeneracies.  Part (d) forces a complete catalogue of factorisations arising from different coalescences of the roots, a layer of case-work absent from the original problem.\n\n5.  Longer chain of reasoning.  Establishing four separate inclusions (rather than one) together with all endpoint possibilities roughly triples the length and conceptual load of the proof.\n\nFor these reasons the enhanced kernel variant is substantially more intricate and demanding than either the original problem or the previous kernel variant."
      }
    },
    "original_kernel_variant": {
      "question": "Let  \n\\[\nf(x)=k\\,x^{4}+p\\,x^{3}+q\\,x^{2}+r\\,x+s\\qquad(k>0)\n\\]\nbe a real quartic whose (not necessarily distinct) real zeros are ordered  \n\\[\na\\le b\\le c\\le d .\n\\]\n\nIn each of the three inner gaps we introduce a uniform partition into four **open** sub–intervals.\n\n\\[\n\\begin{aligned}\n&(c,d):\\; \\text{quarters counted from the right-hand end }x=d\n        &&\\longrightarrow\\ \\text{first},\\; \\text{second},\\; \\text{third},\\; \\text{fourth},\\\\\n&(b,c):\\; \\text{quarters counted from the left-hand end }x=b\n        &&\\longrightarrow\\ \\text{first},\\; \\text{second},\\; \\text{third},\\; \\text{fourth},\\\\\n&(a,b):\\; \\text{quarters counted from the left-hand end }x=a\n        &&\\longrightarrow\\ \\text{first},\\; \\text{second},\\; \\text{third},\\; \\text{fourth}.\\\\\n\\end{aligned}\n\\]\n\nLet  \n\\[\n\\alpha\\le\\beta\\le\\gamma\n\\]\nbe the real zeros of the derivative \\(f'(x)\\), counted with multiplicities (so equalities are allowed when two of the critical points coincide).\n\n(a)  Prove that the largest critical point \\(\\gamma\\) always lies in the **second** part of \\((c,d)\\).\n\n(b)  For the middle critical point \\(\\beta\\) set  \n\\[\n\\Delta:=a+d-(b+c)\n\\]\n(the excess of the sum of the extreme roots over the sum of the two middle roots).  \nShow that  \n\\[\n\\begin{array}{ll}\n\\bullet &\\text{if }\\;\\Delta<0\\text{ then }\\beta\\text{ lies in the \\emph{second} part of }(b,c);\\\\[2pt]\n\\bullet &\\text{if }\\;\\Delta=0\\text{ then }\\beta=(b+c)/2,\\text{ the common end–point of the second and third parts;}\\\\[2pt]\n\\bullet &\\text{if }\\;\\Delta>0\\text{ then }\\beta\\text{ lies in the \\emph{third} part of }(b,c).\n\\end{array}\n\\]\n\n(c)  Prove that the smallest critical point \\(\\alpha\\) always lies in the **second** part of \\((a,b)\\).\n\n(d)  Determine precisely when a critical point can occur at one of the quarter end–points described in (a)–(c) and give the resulting factorisations of \\(f(x)\\).  \nIn particular, show that  \n\n\\[\n\\begin{array}{ll}\n\\bullet & \\gamma \\text{ can reach the right end of its part only when }a=b=c\\quad\\text{(triple lower root);}\\\\[2pt]\n\\bullet & \\alpha \\text{ can reach the right end of its part only when }a=b\\quad\\text{(double lower root);}\\\\[2pt]\n\\bullet & \\beta \\text{ can reach the point }(b+c)/2\\text{ (but never any other quarter–boundary) exactly when }\\Delta=0;\\\\[2pt]\n\\bullet & \\text{no other end–point positions are possible unless the corresponding gap collapses (two consecutive roots coincide).}\n\\end{array}\n\\]",
      "solution": "Throughout let  \n\\[\n\\Sigma_{g}(x):=\\sum_{i}\\frac{1}{x-r_{i}}\\qquad\\bigl(g(x)=k\\prod_{i}(x-r_{i}),\\ k>0\\bigr).\n\\]\nThen  \n\\[\ng'(x)=g(x)\\,\\Sigma_{g}(x)\\tag{$\\ast$}\n\\]\nand, because \\(g(x)\\) keeps a fixed sign inside each gap, the sign of \\(g'\\) inside such a gap is the sign of \\(\\Sigma_{g}\\) up to that fixed factor.  Moreover  \n\\[\n\\Sigma_{g}'(x)= -\\sum_{i}\\frac{1}{(x-r_{i})^{2}}<0\\tag{1}\n\\]\nso \\(\\Sigma_{g}\\) is strictly decreasing on every open interval that contains no root of \\(g\\).\n\n\\bigskip\nI.\\;The gap \\((c,d)\\) – proof of part (a).\n\nTranslate the origin to \\(x=c\\) and put  \n\\[\na':=a-c\\le b':=b-c\\le 0<d':=d-c, \\qquad \ng(x):=f(x+c)=k(x-a')(x-b')\\,x\\,(x-d'),\\quad (d'>0).\n\\]\nWrite \\(a,b,d\\) for \\(a',b',d'\\).  The four quarters of \\((0,d)\\) counted from the right are  \n\\[\nJ_{1}=(\\tfrac34d,d),\\;\nJ_{2}=(\\tfrac12d,\\tfrac34d),\\;\nJ_{3}=(\\tfrac14d,\\tfrac12d),\\;\nJ_{4}=(0,\\tfrac14d).\n\\]\n\nInside \\((0,d)\\) exactly the factor \\((x-d)\\) is negative, hence \\(g(x)<0\\) there and  \n\\[\n\\operatorname{sign}g'=-\\operatorname{sign}\\Sigma_{g}.\n\\]\n\n1.\\;Left end of \\(J_{2}\\).  \nAt \\(x=\\tfrac12d\\),\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{g}\\!\\bigl(\\tfrac12d\\bigr)=\n\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d-a}+\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d-b}+\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d}+\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d-d}\n               =\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d-a}+\\frac{1}{\\tfrac12d-b}+\\frac{2}{d}-\\frac{2}{d}>0,\n\\]\nbecause the first two terms are positive.  Hence \\(g'(\\tfrac12d)<0\\).   \\hfill(2)\n\n2.\\;Right end of \\(J_{2}\\).  \nAt \\(\\rho:=\\tfrac34d\\) we have \\(\\rho-d=-\\tfrac14d\\).  Since \\(a,b\\le 0\\),\n\\[\n\\rho-a\\ge\\rho,\\qquad \\rho-b\\ge\\rho\\Longrightarrow\n\\frac{1}{\\rho-a}\\le\\frac{1}{\\rho},\\quad\\frac{1}{\\rho-b}\\le\\frac{1}{\\rho}.\n\\]\nConsequently  \n\\[\n\\Sigma_{g}(\\rho)\\le\\frac{1}{\\rho}+\\frac{1}{\\rho}+\\frac{1}{\\rho}-\\frac{4}{d}\n                 =\\frac{3}{\\rho}-\\frac{4}{d}.\n\\]\nBecause \\(\\rho=\\tfrac34d\\), the right–hand side equals \\(0\\).  Hence\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{g}(\\rho)\\le 0,\\quad\n\\Sigma_{g}(\\rho)=0\\Longleftrightarrow a=b=0\\;(=\\text{triple root at }x=c).\n\\]\nThus \\(g'(\\rho)>0\\), and \\(g'(\\rho)=0\\) only in the triple–root limit.  \\hfill(3)\n\nFrom (2), (3) and the monotonicity (1) there is exactly one zero \\(\\gamma\\) of \\(g'\\) in  \n\\(J_{2}=(\\tfrac12d,\\tfrac34d)\\).  Re–translating we find that \\(\\gamma\\) lies in the second quarter of \\((c,d)\\), proving (a).\n\n\\bigskip\nII.\\;The gap \\((b,c)\\) – proof of part (b).\n\nTranslate so that \\(b=0\\) and put  \n\\[\nh(x):=f(x+b)=k(x-a)\\,x\\,(x-c')\\,(x-d'),\\qquad a<0<c:=c'<d:=d'.\n\\]\nThe quarters of \\((0,c)\\) counted from the left are  \n\\[\nI_{1}=(0,\\tfrac14c),\\;\nI_{2}=(\\tfrac14c,\\tfrac12c),\\;\nI_{3}=(\\tfrac12c,\\tfrac34c),\\;\nI_{4}=(\\tfrac34c,c).\n\\]\nAll four factors are positive on \\((0,c)\\); hence \\(\\operatorname{sign}h'=\\operatorname{sign}\\Sigma_{h}\\).\n\nA.\\;Two reference points.\n\nA1.\\;At \\(x_{1}:=\\tfrac14c\\)\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{h}(x_{1})=\\frac{1}{x_{1}}+\\frac{1}{x_{1}-a}+\\frac{1}{x_{1}-c}+\\frac{1}{x_{1}-d}\n                 >\\frac{4}{c}-\\frac{8}{3c}=\\frac{4}{3c}>0,\n\\]\nso \\(h'(x_{1})>0\\).   \\hfill(4)\n\nA2.\\;At \\(x_{3}:=\\tfrac34c\\)\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{h}(x_{3})<\\frac{8}{3c}-\\frac{4}{c}=-\\frac{4}{3c}<0,\n\\]\nso \\(h'(x_{3})<0\\).   \\hfill(5)\n\nB.\\;Mid–point \\(x_{2}:=\\tfrac12c\\).  \nA short algebra check yields\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{h}(x_{2})=\\frac{a+d-c}{(x_{2}-a)(d-x_{2})}\n                 =\\frac{\\Delta}{(x_{2}-a)(d-x_{2})},\\qquad\n\\Delta:=a+d-(b+c).\\tag{6}\n\\]\nThus  \n\\[\n\\operatorname{sign}\\Sigma_{h}(x_{2})=\\operatorname{sign}\\Delta.\\tag{7}\n\\]\n\nC.\\;Location of \\(\\beta\\).\n\n(i)\\;\\(\\Delta<0\\). From (4) and (7) we have \\(h'(x_{1})>0>h'(x_{2})\\); the strict decrease of \\(\\Sigma_{h}\\) forces a unique zero \\(\\beta\\) in \\(I_{2}\\).\n\n(ii)\\;\\(\\Delta=0\\). Then \\(\\Sigma_{h}(x_{2})=0\\) so \\(\\beta=x_{2}=(b+c)/2\\), the common boundary of \\(I_{2},I_{3}\\).\n\n(iii)\\;\\(\\Delta>0\\). From (7) and (5) we have \\(h'(x_{2})>0>h'(x_{3})\\); hence \\(\\beta\\in I_{3}\\).\n\nBecause \\(\\Sigma_{h}\\) is strictly decreasing (1), there is exactly one critical point in \\((b,c)\\).  The three cases above complete the proof of part (b).\n\n\\bigskip\nIII.\\;The gap \\((a,b)\\) – proof of part (c).\n\nContinue to work with the translation \\(b=0\\).  \nOn \\((a,0)\\;(a<0)\\) we still use \\(h\\).  Quarters counted from the left are  \n\\[\nK_{1}=(a,\\tfrac34a),\\;\nK_{2}=(\\tfrac34a,\\tfrac12a),\\;\nK_{3}=(\\tfrac12a,\\tfrac14a),\\;\nK_{4}=(\\tfrac14a,0).\n\\]\nHere \\((x-a),(x-c),(x-d)>0\\) while \\(x<0\\), so \\(h(x)<0\\) and  \n\\(\\operatorname{sign}h'=-\\operatorname{sign}\\Sigma_{h}\\).\n\n1.\\;At \\(x_{1}:=\\tfrac34a\\)\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{h}(x_{1}) > 0\\Longrightarrow h'(x_{1})<0. \\tag{8}\n\\]\n\n2.\\;At \\(x_{2}:=\\tfrac12a\\)\n\\[\n\\Sigma_{h}(x_{2})<0\\Longrightarrow h'(x_{2})>0. \\tag{9}\n\\]\n\nBy (8), (9) and monotonicity (1) the sign of \\(h'\\) changes from negative to positive inside \\(K_{2}\\); therefore \\(\\alpha\\in K_{2}\\).  Equality \\(\\alpha=x_{2}\\) would require \\(\\Sigma_{h}(x_{2})=0\\), which forces \\(a=b\\).  Hence \\(\\alpha\\) reaches the quarter boundary only in the double–root case \\(a=b\\).  This proves part (c).\n\n\\bigskip\nIV.\\;Endpoint phenomena – proof of part (d).\n\n\\[\n\\begin{array}{ll}\n\\bullet &\\gamma\\text{ at the right end }\\rho=\\tfrac34(d-c)+c\n        \\Longleftrightarrow \\Sigma_{g}(\\rho)=0\\Longleftrightarrow a=b=c\\\\\n        &\\phantom{\\gamma\\text{ at the right end }}\\Longrightarrow\n          f(x)=k(x-a)^{3}(x-d).\\\\[6pt]\n\\bullet &\\alpha\\text{ at the right end }\\tfrac12(b-a)+a\n        \\Longleftrightarrow \\Sigma_{h}(\\tfrac12a)=0\\Longleftrightarrow a=b\\\\\n        &\\phantom{\\alpha\\text{ at the right end }}\\Longrightarrow\n          f(x)=k(x-a)^{2}(x-c)(x-d).\\\\[6pt]\n\\bullet &\\beta=(b+c)/2\n        \\Longleftrightarrow \\Delta=0\\quad\\text{by (6)}\n        \\quad (\\text{no merger of distinct roots}).\\\\[6pt]\n\\bullet &\\text{Any other quarter boundary would contradict the strict inequalities}\\\\\n        &\\text{found in the sign analyses above unless the corresponding gap collapses.}\n\\end{array}\n\\]\n\nThus the only admissible end–point positions and the associated factorisations are exactly those listed in part (d).\n\n\\bigskip\n\\textbf{Remark on coincident critical points.}\\;\nWhen \\(a=b=c\\) the derivative is  \n\\[\nf'(x)=k(x-a)^{2}\\bigl(4x-3a-d\\bigr),\n\\]\nso it possesses only two \\emph{distinct} critical points: a double one at \\(x=\\gamma=\\alpha\\) (the end–point just analysed) and a simple one at \\(x=\\beta\\).  Our notation \\(\\alpha\\le\\beta\\le\\gamma\\) is therefore to be interpreted with repetitions allowed, exactly as stated at the beginning of the problem.\n\n\\bigskip\nThis finishes the complete solution.\n\n\\bigskip",
      "metadata": {
        "replaced_from": "harder_variant",
        "replacement_date": "2025-07-14T01:37:45.329826",
        "was_fixed": false,
        "difficulty_analysis": "1.  Higher degree.  The original and current kernels deal with a cubic and its first derivative.  The enhanced variant escalates to a quartic, requiring simultaneous control of the first and second derivatives.\n\n2.  Multiple interacting concepts.  One must locate four different critical/inflection points in six distinct sub-intervals, then analyse how their positions interact with each other and with possible multiplicities of the roots.\n\n3.  Deeper theory.  The solution exploits  \n • the representation f′=f·Σ and (f″/f)=Σ′,  \n • sign considerations of Σ and Σ′,  \n • refined bounding arguments that use every root,  \n • Rolle’s theorem and the monotonicity of reciprocal squares,  \nall of which go significantly beyond the original one-step IVT argument.\n\n4.  Complicated degeneracies.  Part (d) forces a complete catalogue of factorisations arising from different coalescences of the roots, a layer of case-work absent from the original problem.\n\n5.  Longer chain of reasoning.  Establishing four separate inclusions (rather than one) together with all endpoint possibilities roughly triples the length and conceptual load of the proof.\n\nFor these reasons the enhanced kernel variant is substantially more intricate and demanding than either the original problem or the previous kernel variant."
      }
    }
  },
  "checked": true,
  "problem_type": "proof",
  "iteratively_fixed": true
}