REMARKS

Page 5, Problem 1 given to Krichevskii: As often happens in these accounts, everyone overlooked an additional solution, namely x = -2. Apparently, it was assumed that only real numbers could be involved, since the solution x = - 2 gives rise to the complex number . In any case, the fact that the examiners, who were professional mathematicians, did not use this mathematical technicality to trap applicants instead of arguing trivial semantics provides a good insight into their lack of mathematical culture…