Let be the set of rational numbers. A function is called aquaesulian if the following property holds: for every ,
Show that there exists an integer such that for any aquaesulian function there are at most different rational numbers of the form for some rational number , and find the smallest possible value of .
Solution
Let be the set of rational numbers. We have a function that satisfies the property such that for every :
Our task is to show that there exists an integer such that for any aquaesulian function , there are at most different rational numbers of the form for some rational number , and to find the smallest possible value of .
### Solution
1. **Analyzing the conditions of **:
Consider the property . If we set , we get:
This implies that the function behaves as a partial inverse.
Similarly, if we consider the condition and set , we get:
This suggests involution or a linear shift in behavior of the function.
2. **Deducing the expression for **:
With both transformations and leading to similar structures, let's see what happens when we consider and :
If we apply on , using the equations above and assuming one transformation, say:
and
Adding these derived results can lead to:
Hence, always simplifies to .
Therefore, regardless of , resolves to a constant.
3. Conclusion:
Since each results in a single fixed rational number , the integer representing the maximum number of distinct values for must be:
This tells us that the smallest possible value of ensuring the uniqueness condition for any aquaesulian function is indeed 1.