Let be a positive rational number and be a positive integer. Define a sequence such that and for :
Determine all positive integers such that the sequence is eventually periodic for any positive rational number .
Solution
Consider the sequence defined by the initial term , where is a positive rational number, and the recursive relation for :
where and are positive integers that are relatively prime.
We seek all positive integers such that the sequence becomes eventually periodic for any positive rational number .
### Analysis of the Sequence
1. Rational Structure:
Each is a rational number of the form , where and are integers. The expression for ensures and .
2. Behavior of the Sequence:
Since , it increases linearly, starting from , as increases. As the sequence continues, .
3. Criteria for Periodicity:
The sequence becomes eventually periodic if there exists integers and such that .
4. Condition on m:
- The recursive relation can be reflected in a difference equation involving consecutive terms,
Thus, the sequence will determine periodic behavior, and a key observation is:
- For the sequence to repeat, especially when , the condition that numbers must be satisfied together with the structure of .
5. Observations on Parity:
- If is odd, the increments . This indicates a simplified condition for periodicity as the eligibilities for even differences entail periodic occurrence in modular arithmetic.
- If is even, there may be no periodicity due to disparities in balance induced by alternating arrangements.
Hence, for the sequence to become eventually periodic regardless of the initial rational number , must be an odd integer.
Therefore, the final solution is: