Non unique factorization of integer valued polynomials

abstract-algebrafactoringpolynomialsring-theory

Is there a nice example of a polynomial with non unique factorization in the subring of
$\mathbb Q[X,Y]$ of polynomials that defines functions $\mathbb Z^2\to\mathbb Z$?

I don't think this subring is a UFD because of the possibility to multiply the unique factors in $\mathbb Q[X,Y]$ in different ways to sometimes obtain different irreducible factors in the subring.

Best Answer

This can even be done with one variable: $$ 2\cdot \left(\frac{x(x+1)}{2}\right)=\big(x\big)\cdot\big(x+1\big). $$ If you prefer to avoid irreducibles that become units in $\mathbb{Q}$: $$ \left(\frac{x(x+1)}{2}\right)\cdot\left(\frac{(x+2)(x+3)}{2}\right) = \left(\frac{x(x+3)}{2}\right)\cdot\left(\frac{(x+1)(x+2)}{2}\right). $$

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