Let S⊆R be a set of real numbers. We say that a pair (f,g) of functions from S into S is a Spanish Couple on S, if they satisfy the following conditions: (i) Both functions are strictly increasing, i.e. f(x)<f(y) and g(x)<g(y) for all x,y∈S with x<y; (ii) The inequality f(g(g(x)))<g(f(x)) holds for all x∈S. Decide whether there exists a Spanish Couple
a. on the set S=N of positive integers; b. on the set S={a−1/b:a,b∈N}.
Solution
We show that the answer is NO for part (a), and YES for part (b).
a. Throughout the solution, we will use the notation gk(x)=g(g(…gk(x)…)), including g0(x)=x as well. Suppose that there exists a Spanish Couple (f,g) on the set N. From property (i) we have f(x)≥x and g(x)≥x for all x∈N.
We claim that gk(x)≤f(x) for all k≥0 and all positive integers x. The proof is done by induction on k. We already have the base case k=0 since x≤f(x). For the induction step from k to k+1, apply the induction hypothesis on g2(x) instead of x, then apply (ii): g(gk+1(x))=gk(g2(x))≤f(g2(x))<g(f(x)) Since g is increasing, it follows that gk+1(x)<f(x). The claim is proven.
If g(x)=x for all x∈N then f(g(g(x)))=f(x)=g(f(x)), and we have a contradiction with (ii). Therefore one can choose an x0∈S for which x0<g(x0). Now consider the sequence x0,x1,… where xk=gk(x0). The sequence is increasing. Indeed, we have x0<g(x0)=x1, and xk<xk+1 implies xk+1=g(xk)<g(xk+1)=xk+2.
Hence, we obtain a strictly increasing sequence x0<x1<… of positive integers which on the other hand has an upper bound, namely f(x0). This cannot happen in the set N of positive integers, thus no Spanish Couple exists on N.
b. We present a Spanish Couple on the set S={a−1/b:a,b∈N}. Let f(a−1/b)=a+1−1/bg(a−1/b)=a−1/(b+3a) These functions are clearly increasing. Condition (ii) holds, since f(g(g(a−1/b)))=(a+1)−1/(b+2⋅3a)<(a+1)−1/(b+3a+1)=g(f(a−1/b))
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