Consider the sequence a0,a1,a2,… defined by:
a0=M+21
and
ak+1=ak⌊ak⌋fork=0,1,2,…
We are tasked with finding all positive integers M such that at least one term in the sequence is an integer.
### Analysis of the Sequence
The first term of the sequence is given by:
a0=M+21
The floor function ⌊a0⌋ for a0 is:
⌊a0⌋=⌊M+21⌋=M
Thus, the sequence proceeds to:
a1=a0⌊a0⌋=(M+21)×M=M2+2M
Then the floor function of a1 is:
⌊a1⌋=M2+⌊2M⌋
Exploring further terms, we see:
a2=a1⌊a1⌋=(M2+2M)×(M2+⌊2M⌋)
### Finding Integer Terms
In order for one of these terms ak to be an integer, it must be that:
1. For k=0, a0 itself must be an integer.
2. For k≥1, each subsequent term ak must also be an integer, arising from the multiplication with integer floor values.
For a0 to be an integer, observe:
M+21∈/Zsince M is an integer, hence a0 is non-integer
For a1 to become an integer, we need M>1. Note:
- If M=1, then a0=1.5 and a1=1.5×1=1.5, which is not integer.
- If M>1, it is possible (though not automatic) that ak becomes an integer in subsequent iterations due to larger multiplicative products. Particularly, M≥2 produces a1 values that may drive a2 or further ak toward integer status under multiplications.
Thus, the condition for having at least one integer term in the sequence is M>1.
Therefore, the solution is:
M>1