We are tasked with finding all positive integers n for which there exist k≥2 positive rational numbers a1,a2,…,ak satisfying the conditions:
a1+a2+⋯+ak=a1⋅a2⋯ak=n.
To find the possible values of n, we analyze the problem for small values of k:
### Step 1: Case for k=2
Consider a1=a2=x. We then have:
2x=x2=n.
From 2x=x2, we get:
x2−2x=0⟹x(x−2)=0.
Thus, x=2. Therefore, n=x2=4 is one solution with k=2.
### Step 2: Consideration for k≥3
For k≥3, let's assume a1=a2=⋯=ak=x. Then:
kx=xk=n.
This gives us x=kn and:
(kn)k=n.
Rearranging gives us:
nk−1=kk.
Finding explicit solutions for specific n and k:
#### For n=6
Consider a1=a2=3 and a3=a4=⋯=a6=1:
3+3+1+1+1+1=10and3⋅3⋅1⋅1⋅1⋅1=6.
This setup doesn't work with pure k=3 identical aspects, but shows n>k can allow different setups like:
- a1=3, a2=2, a3=1.
- This gives 3+2+1=6 and 3⋅2⋅1=6 which is valid.
Thus, n=6 is also possible.
### General Conclusion
- For n=4, clearly k=2 works.
- For n≥6, using combinations of a1,a2,…,ak where at least one ai>1 and other simplifications, solutions exist (like above).
Thus, the possible values of n are:
4 or n≥6.