A sequence of positive real numbers a1,a2,a3,... satisfies an=an−1+an−2 for all n≥3. A sequence b1,b2,b3,... is defined by equations b1=a1 , bn=an+(b1+b3+...+bn−1) for even n>1 , bn=an+(b2+b4+...+bn−1) for odd n>1. Prove that if n≥3, then 13<bnn⋅an<1
Problem
Source: Estonia IMO TST 2018 p10
Tags: algebra, Sequence, recurrence relation, inequalities
23.04.2021 17:13
any ideas?
02.05.2021 14:20
Let cn define the sequence equation that is given for even n>1;similarly define dn to be sequence equation of odd n>1. Take cn and cn−2 and subtract them. This gives an−1+bn−1+bn−2=bn....(1) Now we get Into the way of induction. Base case:[n=3] b3=a3+b2=a3+a2+b1<a3+a3+a3, Which proves the case when n =3. We can also show n=4 works. Now say bm<m.am for m=3,4,5,...,n-1 From (1),bn<an−1+(n−1)an−1+(n−2)an−2 Now we take out the weapon: an=an−1+an−2 Using it we get bn<n.(an−an−2)+(n−2)an−2 So bn<n.an−2.an−2<n.an We can prove bn<n.anfor even n in the almost same way. I will post the solution the solution for left side as well (I am actually doing this sum)
02.05.2021 19:12
Now for the left side of the inequality:) Assume for the sake of strong induction, bm>m3am for m=3,4,...,n-1 ; n is even. From equation (1), bn>an−1+n−13an−1+n−23an−2 So bn>n3an+23(an−2an−2) an>2an−2 So completes the proof for even n. Almost same for odd n. Sum's done!!!