On sums of powers of integers

For non-negative integers k, n, let P _k (n) denote the sum {fx27-1}. We show by two different means that if k ≥ 3 and odd, then n ²(n+1)² iss a factor of the polynomial P _k (n); and if k ≥ 2 and even, then n (n+1) (2n+1) is a factor of the polynomial P _k (n). We also derive a relatively unknown result first obtained by Johann Faulhaber in the 17th century. Shailesh Shirali has been at Rishi Valley School, Andhra Pradesh (Krishnamurti Foundation India) since the 1980’s. He has a deep interest in teaching and writing about mathematics at the high school/post school levels, with particular emphasis on problem solving and on historical aspects of the subject. He has been involved in the Mathematics Olympiad movement at the national and international level for the past two decades. He is the author of several expository books and articles aimed at interested high school students.