Problem

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Tags: combinatorics, polynomial, algebra, game, winning strategy



Pepe and Lintz the pig play a game. (a) In the first round, Lintz writes a degree 2023 polynomial on a blackboard where all the coefficients of the polynomial (including the constant term) are non-zero real numbers. Pepe then chooses two terms of the polynomial and exchanges their coefficients. If the resulting polynomial has no real rational roots, then Pepe wins. Otherwise, Lintz wins. Who has a winning strategy for this round and what is it? (b) The second round has the same rules as the first round, except that in this round, if the resulting polynomial has one or more negative real roots, then Pepe wins. Otherwise, Lintz wins. Who has a winning strategy for this round and what is it?