Olympiad problems

1997 Romania National Olympiad, 1

Let $\alpha \in \mathbb{C} \setminus \mathbb{Q}$ be such that the set $A= \{ a+b \alpha : a,b \in \mathbb{Z} \}$ is a ring with respect to the usual operations of $\mathbb{C}.$ If the ring $A$ has exactly four invertible elements, prove that $A= \mathbb{Z}[i].$

2001 Miklós Schweitzer, 4

Find the units of $R=\mathbb Z[t][\sqrt{t^2-1}]$.

abstract algebra ring theory units

2025 Romania National Olympiad, 1

We say a ring $(A,+,\cdot)$ has property $(P)$ if : \[ \begin{cases} \text{the set } A \text{ has at least } 4 \text{ elements} \\ \text{the element } 1+1 \text{ is invertible}\\ x+x^4=x^2+x^3 \text{ holds for all } x \in A \end{cases} \] a) Prove that if a ring $(A,+,\cdot)$ has property $(P)$, and $a,b \in A$ are distinct elements, such that $a$ and $a+b$ are units, then $1+ab$ is also a unit, but $b$ is not a unit. b) Provide an example of a ring with property $(P)$.

abstract algebra rings units algebra