Maths Olympiad Prep

Library / /29 of 106

Algebra Difficulty 8.1 Shortlist Find the answer

Find all integers n3n \geq 3 for which there exist real numbers a1,a2,an+2a_1, a_2, \dots a_{n + 2} satisfying an+1=a1a_{n + 1} = a_1, an+2=a2a_{n + 2} = a_2 and
aiai+1+1=ai+2,a_ia_{i + 1} + 1 = a_{i + 2},
for i=1,2,,ni = 1, 2, \dots, n.

[i]

A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.

Solution

We are tasked with finding all integers n3 n \geq 3 for which there exist real numbers a1,a2,,an+2 a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_{n+2} such that an+1=a1 a_{n+1} = a_1 , an+2=a2 a_{n+2} = a_2 , and the recurrence relation

aiai+1+1=ai+2 a_i a_{i+1} + 1 = a_{i+2}

holds for i=1,2,,n i = 1, 2, \ldots, n .

### Step-by-step Solution:

1. Initial Observation:

Notice that we need the sequence to eventually repeat because of the conditions an+1=a1 a_{n+1} = a_1 and an+2=a2 a_{n+2} = a_2 . This suggests that the cycle of the sequence must be of length dividing n n .

2. Periodic Nature:

To achieve an+1=a1 a_{n+1} = a_1 and an+2=a2 a_{n+2} = a_2 , let's assume a cycle length of 3, meaning ak+3=ak a_{k+3} = a_k for all k k . We test n n such that n n is a multiple of 3 to see if the recurrence can close and repeat.

3. Cycle Test and Closure:

Assume a1,a2,a3 a_1, a_2, a_3 exist such that the recurrence relation closes:

a1a2+1=a3, a_1 a_2 + 1 = a_3,
a2a3+1=a4=a1, a_2 a_3 + 1 = a_4 = a_1,
a3a4+1=a5=a2. a_3 a_4 + 1 = a_5 = a_2.

Rewriting the third equation using a4=a1 a_4 = a_1 , we get:

a3a1+1=a2. a_3 a_1 + 1 = a_2.

We now have a system:

a1a2+1=a3, a_1 a_2 + 1 = a_3,
a2a3+1=a1, a_2 a_3 + 1 = a_1,
a3a1+1=a2. a_3 a_1 + 1 = a_2.

This shows consistency if the cycle length modulo conditions are satisfied.

4. **Conclusion for n n :**

Since a1,a2,a3 a_1, a_2, a_3 corresponds to a cycle that repeats every 3 steps, n n must align such that it is a multiple of 3. Thus, the length of the sequence n n must be in the form

n=3k, n = 3k,

where k1 k \geq 1 .

This requirement implies the integers n n for which such a sequence can exist are precisely multiples of 3.

5. Final Result:

Therefore, the integers n3 n \geq 3 that satisfy the existence conditions for the given sequence are:

3k for integers k1. \boxed{3k \text{ for integers } k \geq 1}.

This solution confirms the cyclic requirements of the sequence given the recurrence relations, ensuring a consistent repeat every 3 steps.

Want a route through all this instead of an archive? The track puts 2,000 problems in a working order, from AMC 10 level to the IMO shortlist.

Source: Omni-MATH, licensed Apache-2.0. Statement and solution reproduced as published; topic and difficulty added by this site.