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Given a polynomial $ P(z) = z^n + a_{n-1}z^{n-1} + \cdots + a_0 $, such that
$\max_{|z|=1} |P(z)| = 1 $

Prove: $ P(z) = z^n $

Hint: Use cauchy derivative estimation $ |f^{(n)} (z_0)| \leq \frac{n!}{r^n} \max_{|z-z_0|\leq r} |f(z)| $ and look at the function $ \frac{P(z)}{z^n} $

It seems to be maximum principle related, but I can't see how to use it and I can't understand how to use the hint.

2 Answers 2

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Let $g(z):=z^nP\left(\frac 1z\right)$. It's a polynomial whose leading term is $a_0$ and constant coefficient is $1$. We have that $g(0)=1$ and $\max_{|z|=1}|g(z)|=1$, hence by maximum modulus principle, $g$ is constant equal to $1$. This gives the wanted result.