Example 5 Given the functions F(x)=ax2+bx+c and G(x)=cx2+bx+a, where ∣F(0)∣⩽1,∣F(1)∣⩽1,∣F(−1)∣⩽1, prove that for ∣x∣⩽1, we have ∣F(x)∣⩽45,∣G(x)∣⩽2. (26th IMO Shortlist)
This one wants a proof. Work it on paper, then read the official solution and mark
yourself. Be honest about it: the record is only any use to you if it is.
Official solution
Prove (1) F(0)=c,F(−1)=a−b+c,F(1)=a−b+c, so F(x)=2x(x−1)F(−1)−(x2−1)F(0)+2x(x+1)F(1),
For ∣x∣⩽1, we have 0⩽1+x⩽2,0⩽1−x⩽2,0⩽1−x2⩽1, thus 2∣F(x)∣⩽∣x∣(1−x)+2x2−1+∣x∣(1+x)=2(∣x∣+1−∣x∣2)
That is ∣F(x)∣⩽∣x∣+1−∣x∣2=−(∣x∣−21)2+45⩽45. (2) By the given conditions ∣F(0)∣=∣c∣⩽1,∣F(−1)∣=∣a−b+c∣⩽1, ∣F(1)∣=∣a+b+c∣⩽1, since cx2+bx+a=c(x2−1)+(a+b+c)⋅21+x+(a−b+c)⋅21−x
Therefore, for any ∣x∣⩽1 we have cx2+bx+a=⩽⩽=∣c∣⋅(x2−1)+∣a+b+c∣⋅21+x+∣a−b+c∣⋅21−x(x2−1)+21+x+21−x(1−x2)+21+x+21−x2−x2⩽2
That is ∣G(x)∣⩽2.
Source: NuminaMath-1.5,
licensed Apache-2.0.
Statement and solution reproduced as published; topic, difficulty and ordering added
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