Problems

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For a given polynomial \(P (x)\) we describe a method that allows us to construct a polynomial \(R (x)\) that has the same roots as \(P (x)\), but all multiplicities of 1. Set \(Q (x) = (P(x), P'(x))\) and \(R (x) = P (x) Q^{-1} (x)\). Prove that

a) all the roots of the polynomial \(P (x)\) are the roots of \(R (x)\);

b) the polynomial \(R (x)\) has no multiple roots.

Prove that for \(n> 0\) the polynomial \(nx^{n + 1} - (n + 1) x^n + 1\) is divisible by \((x - 1)^2\).

Prove that for \(n > 0\) the polynomial \[P (x) = n^2x^{n + 2} - (2n^2 + 2n - 1) x^{n + 1} + (n + 1)^2x^n - x - 1\] is divisible by \((x - 1)^3\).

Prove that for \(n> 0\) the polynomial \(x^{2n + 1} - (2n + 1)x^{n + 1} + (2n + 1)x^n - 1\) is divisible by \((x - 1)^3\).

The water level in a pool is given by a quadratic function \(h(t) = at^2 + bt + c\), where \(t\) is measured in hours.

At the moment when the pool is completely drained, say at time \(t_0\), we have \(h(t_0) = 0\) and \(h'(t_0) = 0\).

It is also known that after the first hour, the water level has dropped to exactly half of its original value: \(h(1) = \tfrac{1}{2} h(0)\).

How many hours does it take for the pool to drain completely?