Math brain teaser

[walter b]

(12-28-2013 02:03 AM)Les_Koller Wrote:  I ask for p(a), then p(p(a)). Alternatively, ask for p(pi). IF the computer absolutely HAS to deliver exact answers, you will get your answer quickly. For instance, if P = 13x^4 + 10x^2 + x + 8, you get 13 pi^4 + 10 pi^2 + pi + 8.

(12-28-2013 02:45 AM)Paul Dale Wrote:  p(a) and p(p(a)) doesn't quite work. Take a polynomial where p(a) = a. The second evaluation produces no new information and you cannot distinguish between p(x) = x and p(x) = a.

Let me modify Les' solution a bit: I'd ask for p(pi) and p(e). So I'd get two answers allowing me to exclude the case Pauli mentioned. Thanks, Les, for the basic idea!

d:-)