AlgebraDifficulty 7.4National olympiad, round 2Find the answer
Let R denote a non-negative rational number. Determine a fixed set of integers a,b,c,d,e,f , such that for every choice of R , dR2+eR+faR2+bR+c−32<∣R−32∣
A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.
Solution
Note that when R approaches 32 , dR2+eR+faR2+bR+c must also approach 32 for the given inequality to hold. Therefore R→32limdR2+eR+faR2+bR+c=32 which happens if and only if d34+e32+fa34+b32+c=32 We cross multiply to get a34+b32+c=2d+e34+f32 . It's not hard to show that, since a , b , c , d , e , and f are integers, then a=e , b=f , and c=2d . Note, however, that this is a necessary but insufficient condition. For example, we must also have a2<2bc to ensure the function does not have any vertical asymptotes (which would violate the desired property). A simple search shows that a=0 , b=2 , and c=2 works.
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