Olympiad problems

2009 Miklós Schweitzer, 4

Prove that the polynomial \[ f(x) \equal{} \frac {x^n \plus{} x^m \minus{} 2}{x^{\gcd(m,n)} \minus{} 1}\] is irreducible over $ \mathbb{Q}$ for all integers $ n > m > 0$.

2013 Romania National Olympiad, 4

Tags: superior algebra , algebra , polynomial , group theory , abstract algebra

Given $n\ge 2$ a natural number, $(K,+,\cdot )$ a body with commutative property that $\underbrace{1+...+}_{m}1\ne 0,m=2,...,n,f\in K[X]$ a polynomial of degree $n$ and $G$ a subgroup of the additive group $(K,+,\cdot )$, $G\ne K.$Show that there is $a\in K$ so$f(a)\notin G$.

2018 District Olympiad, 4

Tags: superior algebra , finite field

Let $n$ and $q$ be two natural numbers, $n\ge 2$, $q\ge 2$ and $q\not\equiv 1 (\text{mod}\ 4)$ and let $K$ be a finite field which has exactly $q$ elements. Show that for any element $a$ from $K$, there exist $x$ and $y$ in $K$ such that $a = x^{2^n} + y^{2^n}$. (Every finite field is commutative).

2010 District Olympiad, 1

Tags: superior algebra

Let $ S$ be the sum of the inversible elements of a finite ring. Prove that $ S^2\equal{}S$ or $ S^2\equal{}0$.

2009 District Olympiad, 2

Tags: abstract algebra , algebra , polynomial , function , superior algebra

Prove that in an abelian ring $ A $ in which $ 1\neq 0, $ every element is idempotent if and only if the number of polynomial functions from $ A $ to $ A $ is equal to the square of the cardinal of $ A. $

2003 District Olympiad, 3

Tags: superior algebra , algebra , polynomial , quadratic

Let $\displaystyle \mathcal K$ be a finite field such that the polynomial $\displaystyle X^2-5$ is irreducible over $\displaystyle \mathcal K$. Prove that: (a) $1+1 \neq 0$; (b) for all $\displaystyle a \in \mathcal K$, the polynomial $\displaystyle X^5+a$ is reducible over $\displaystyle \mathcal K$. [i]Marian Andronache[/i] [Edit $1^\circ$] I wanted to post it in "Superior Algebra - Groups, Fields, Rings, Ideals", but I accidentally put it here :blush: Can any mod move it? I'd be very grateful. [Edit $2^\circ$] OK, thanks.

2002 District Olympiad, 2

Tags: superior algebra , product rings , ring theory , morphism

[b]a)[/b] Show that, for any distinct natural numbers $ m,n, $ the rings $ \mathbb{Z}_2\times \underbrace{\cdots}_{m\text{ times}} \times\mathbb{Z}_2,\mathbb{Z}_2\times \underbrace{\cdots}_{n\text{ times}} \times\mathbb{Z}_2 $ are homomorphic, but not isomorphic. [b]b)[/b] Show that there are infinitely many pairwise nonhomomorphic rings of same order.

2009 IMS, 2

Tags: superior algebra

Let $ R$ be a ring with 1. Every element in $ R$ can be written as product of idempotent ($ u^n\equal{}u$ for some $ n$) elements. Prove that $ R$ is commutative

2009 IMS, 1

Tags: superior algebra , group theory , abstract algebra

$ G$ is a group. Prove that the following are equivalent: 1. All subgroups of $ G$ are normal. 2. For all $ a,b\in G$ there is an integer $ m$ such that $ (ab)^m\equal{}ba$.

2013 Miklós Schweitzer, 3

Tags: superior algebra , group theory , abstract algebra

Find for which positive integers $n$ the $A_n$ alternating group has a permutation which is contained in exactly one $2$-Sylow subgroup of $A_n$. [i]Proposed by Péter Pál Pálfy[/i]

1997 Romania National Olympiad, 3

Tags: algebra , superior algebra , field theory , polynomial

Let $K$ be a finite field, $n \ge 2$ an integer, $f \in K[X]$ an irreducible polynomial of degree $n,$ and $g$ the product of all the nonconstant polynomials in $K[X]$ of degree at most $n-1.$ Prove that $f$ divides $g-1.$

1986 Traian Lălescu, 1.2

Tags: group theory , klein , abstract algebra , division rings , superior algebra

Let $ K $ be the group of Klein. Prove that: [b]a)[/b] There is an unique division ring (up to isomorphism), $ D, $ such that $ (D,+)\cong K. $ [b]b)[/b] There are no division rings $ A $ such that $ (A\setminus\{ 0\} ,+)\cong K. $

1980 Miklós Schweitzer, 3

Tags: superior algebra

In a lattice, connected the elements $ a \wedge b$ and $ a \vee b$ by an edge whenever $ a$ and $ b$ are incomparable. Prove that in the obtained graph every connected component is a sublattice. [i]M. Ajtai[/i]

2019 Romania National Olympiad, 4

Tags: complex number , polynomial , root , superior algebra

Let $n \geq 3$ and $a_1,a_2,...,a_n$ be complex numbers different from $0$ with $|a_i| < 1$ for all $i \in \{1,2,...,n-1 \}.$ If the coefficients of $f = \prod_{i=1}^n (X-a_i)$ are integers, prove that $\textbf{a)}$ The numbers $a_1,a_2,...,a_n$ are distinct. $\textbf{b)}$ If $a_j^2 = a_ia_k,$ then $i=j=k.$

2011 District Olympiad, 2

Tags: superior algebra , group theory , morphism

Let $ G $ be the set of matrices of the form $ \begin{pmatrix} a&b\\0&1 \end{pmatrix} , $ with $ a,b\in\mathbb{Z}_7,a\neq 0. $ [b]a)[/b] Verify that $ G $ is a group. [b]b)[/b] Show that $ \text{Hom}\left( (G,\cdot) ; \left( \mathbb{Z}_7,+ \right) \right) =\{ 0\} $

1986 Traian Lălescu, 1.1

Tags: ring theory , field theory , superior algebra , abstract algebra , morphism , characteristic

Let be two nontrivial rings linked by an application ($ K\stackrel{\vartheta }{\mapsto } L $) having the following properties: $ \text{(i)}\quad x,y\in K\implies \vartheta (x+y) = \vartheta (x) +\vartheta (y) $ $ \text{(ii)}\quad \vartheta (1)=1 $ $ \text{(iii)}\quad \vartheta \left( x^3\right) =\vartheta^3 (x) $ [b]a)[/b] Show that if $ \text{char} (L)\ge 4, $ and $ K,L $ are fields, then $ \vartheta $ is an homomorphism. [b]b)[/b] Prove that if $ K $ is a noncommutative division ring, then it’s possible that $ \vartheta $ is not an homomorphism.

1972 Miklós Schweitzer, 4

Tags: superior algebra , abstract algebra , group theory , search

Let $ G$ be a solvable torsion group in which every Abelian subgroup is finitely generated. Prove that $ G$ is finite. [i]J. Pelikan[/i]

2014 District Olympiad, 3

Tags: superior algebra

Let $(A,+,\cdot)$ be an unit ring with the property: for all $x\in A$, \[ x+x^{2}+x^{3}=x^{4}+x^{5}+x^{6} \] [list=a] [*]Let $x\in A$ and let $n\geq2$ be an integer such that $x^{n}=0$. Prove that $x=0$. [*]Prove that $x^{4}=x$, for all $x\in A$.[/list]

2007 Romania National Olympiad, 4

Tags: superior algebra , group theory , abstract algebra

Let $n\geq 3$ be an integer and $S_{n}$ the permutation group. $G$ is a subgroup of $S_{n}$, generated by $n-2$ transpositions. For all $k\in\{1,2,\ldots,n\}$, denote by $S(k)$ the set $\{\sigma(k) \ : \ \sigma\in G\}$. Show that for any $k$, $|S(k)|\leq n-1$.

2005 Alexandru Myller, 1

Tags: linear algebra , matrix , superior algebra

Let $A,B\in M_2(\mathbb Z)$ s.t. $AB=\begin{pmatrix}1&2005\\0&1\end{pmatrix}$. Prove that there is a matrix $C\in M_2(\mathbb Z)$ s.t. $BA=C^{2005}$. [i]Dinu Serbanescu[/i]

2011 District Olympiad, 4

Tags: group theory , abstract algebra , ring theory , nilpotence , cardinal , superior algebra

Let be a ring $ A. $ Denote with $ N(A) $ the subset of all nilpotent elements of $ A, $ with $ Z(A) $ the center of $ A, $ and with $ U(A) $ the units of $ A. $ Prove: [b]a)[/b] $ Z(A)=A\implies N(A)+U(A)=U(A) . $ [b]b)[/b] $ \text{card} (A)\in\mathbb{N}\wedge a+U(A)\subset U(A)\implies a\in N(A) . $

2018 Brazil Undergrad MO, 7

Tags: graph theory , isomorphism , superior algebra

Unless of isomorphisms, how many simple four-vertex graphs are there?

1951 Miklós Schweitzer, 14

Tags: superior algebra , group theory , abstract algebra

For which commutative finite groups is the product of all elements equal to the unit element?

2001 IMC, 2

Tags: superior algebra , number theory , relatively prime

Let $r,s,t$ positive integers which are relatively prime and $a,b \in G$, $G$ a commutative multiplicative group with unit element $e$, and $a^r=b^s=(ab)^t=e$. (a) Prove that $a=b=e$. (b) Does the same hold for a non-commutative group $G$?

1985 Traian Lălescu, 2.3

Tags: homomorphism , abstract algebra , group theory , cyclic group , automorphism , endomorphism , superior algebra

Let $ 0\neq\varrho\in\text{Hom}\left( \mathbb{Z}_4,\mathbb{Z}_2\right) ,$ $ \text{id}\neq\iota\in\text{Aut}\left( \mathbb{Z}_4\right) ,$ $ G:=\left\{ (x,y)\in\mathbb{Z}_4^2\big|x-y\in\ker\varrho\right\} , $ and $ \rho_1,\rho_2, $ the canonic projections of $ G $ into $ \mathbb{Z}_4. $ Prove that there exists an unique $ \nu\in\text{Hom}\left( \mathbb{Z}_4,G\right) $ such that $ \rho_1\circ\nu=\text{id} $ and $ \rho_2\circ\nu =\iota . $ Determine numerically this morphism.