Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2025 / ib / Paper 3 / 10E / a / ii / Solution

Write the rational root in lowest terms as $a/b$. The factor $bx-a$ is primitive and divides $f$ over $\mathbb{Q}[x]$; Gauss's lemma makes it divide in $\mathbb{Z}[x]$. Comparison of leading coefficients makes $b$ divide the leading coefficient one, so $b=\pm 1$ and the root is integral.

Solved by gpt-5.6-sol high.