It follows f(f(f(n)))=f(3n), hence for all n∈N we have
f(3n)=3f(n)(1)
For n=0 we find f(0)=0. We have f(1)=1. Indeed, if f(1)=1, then we get 3=f(f(1))=f(1)=1, not possible. Hence f(1)>1, so 3=f(f(1))>f(1)>1. It follows f(1)=2, and consequently f(2)=f(f(1))=3.
Now we prove by induction that for all n∈N, we have
f(3n)=2⋅3n and f(2⋅3n)=3n+1(2)
Indeed, the relations (2) hold for n=0. If they hold for a positive integer n, then we get
f(3n+1)=f(3⋅3n)=3f(3n)=2⋅3n+1
and
f(2⋅3n+1)=3f(2⋅3n)=3n+1
There are exactly 3n−1 positive integers k such that 3n<k<2⋅3n. Also, there are exactly 3n−1 positive integers k′ such that
f(3n)=2⋅3n<k′<3n+1=f(2⋅3n)
The function f is strictly increasing, then we have
f(3n+k)=2⋅3n+k,0≤k≤3n
hence f(2⋅3n+k)=f(f(3n+k))=3(3n+k).
In our case, we have 2010=3⋅670 and it follows
f(2010)=3f(670)=3f(2⋅35+184)=9(35+184)=3843.