Analysis – Positive Polynomial as Sum of Squares of Two Polynomials

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Let $f(x)$ be a polynomial function with real coefficients such that $f(x)\geq 0 \;\forall x\in\Bbb R$. Prove that there exist polynomials $A(x),B(x)$ with real coeficients such that $f(x)=A^2(x)+B^2(x)\;\forall x\in\Bbb R$

I don't know how to approach this, apart from some cases of specific polynomials that turned out really ugly. Any hints to point me to the right direction?

Best Answer

Consider roots of $f(x)$, as $f(x)\geq0,\forall x\in\mathbb{R}$, so $f(x)$ can be rewritten as following: $$f(x)=a^2(x-a_1)^2\cdots(x-a_k)^2[(x-\alpha_1)(x-\bar{\alpha_1})]\cdots[(x-\alpha_l)(x-\bar{\alpha_l})]$$ Where $a,a_1,\cdots,a_k\in\mathbb{R},\alpha_1,\cdots,\alpha_l\in\mathbb{C}$.

Denote $g(x)=a(x-a_1)\cdots(x-a_k),h(x)=(x-\alpha_1)\cdots(x-\alpha_l)=h_1(x)+ih_2(x)$, then \begin{align*} f(x)&=g^2(x) \, h(x) \, \bar{h}(x)\\ &=g^2(x) \, [h_1(x)+ih_2(x)] \, [h_1(x)-ih_2(x)]\\ &=(g(x)h_1(x))^2+(g(x)h_2(x))^2 \end{align*}

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