Find all integers having the following property: there exists a permutation of the positive divisors of such that, for all , the sum is a perfect square.
Solution
Let be one of the sought integers, and an appropriate permutation of the positive divisors of . For any integer , we set . We say that an integer is good if and for all . Below, we will prove that every integer is good.
First, for any integer , we already note that
Consequently, .
Now consider a good integer . We will prove that is also good. Indeed, if divides , then it divides . Therefore, there exists an integer such that
Since for all , we deduce that . But then
The inequalities are therefore equalities, which means that , and that , and that , i.e., . We conclude that
which means as expected that is good.
In conclusion, the divisors of are the integers . Conversely, if the divisors of are the integers , the integer certainly fits.
In particular, if , the integer is an odd divisor of , so and . Thus, either , in which case , or , in which case . In both cases, these values of fit. The sought integers are therefore and .
Comment from the graders: This problem was rather difficult and was solved in its entirety by very few students: only about ten students obtained full marks.
However, many students were able to earn points by trying to determine what the first divisors of the permutation should be. Many students, for example, obtain , but "dare not continue by attempting induction to show that . Some want to conclude directly, which is not possible here, and many papers end abruptly and without any justification with: "we deduce that 1 and 3 are the only solutions". It is important to be aware that this kind of bluff is rarely rewarding.