Polynomials – Prove $x^{2020} + x^{1011} + 2 x^{1010} + x^2 + x + 1$ Does Not Have a Real Root

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Prove that $$x^{2020} + x^{1011} + 2 x^{1010} + x^2 + x + 1$$ does not have a real root.


The degree of the polynomial is $2020$. That's a enough big number. Usually I know some ways for small degree polynomials but it didn't work here. I've been trying to try the sum of squares method but haven't been able to. I tried putting the $x^{1010}$ out of the parenthesis $$x^{1010}(x^{1010} + x + 2) + x^2 + x + 1$$

That didn't work either. I'm looking for a derivative-free solution.

Best Answer

Both $x^{1010}(x^{1010} + x + 2)$ and $x^2 + x + 1$ are non-negative functions of $x$, so that any real root of $x^{1010}(x^{1010} + x + 2) + x^2 + x + 1$ must also be a real root of $x^2 + x + 1$. But $x^2 + x + 1$ does not have real roots.

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