AlgebraDifficulty 7.0Prove itBMO Round 2 · United Kingdom · 2026
Let N be a positive integer and let (kn)n≥1 be a sequence of positive integers with all terms at most N. Annabel begins by choosing integers x1,x2,…,xN. She then extends this to an infinite sequence (xn)n≥1 of integers by defining xn=i=n−kn∑n−1xi for each n>N. Show that there are either finitely many strictly positive terms or finitely many strictly negative terms in the infinite sequence (xn).
This one wants a proof. Work it on paper, then check yourself against the publisher's own solution, linked below. Be honest about it: the record is only any use to you if it is.