Prove that for any integer $n \ge 2$, there exists a unique finite sequence $x_0, x_1,..., x_n$ of real numbers which satisfies $x_0 = x_n = 0$ and $x_{i+1} - 8x_i^3 -4x_i + 3x_{i-1} + 1 = 0$ for all $i = 1,2,...,n - 1$. Prove moreover that $ |x_i| \le \frac12$ for all $i = 1,2,...,n - 1$. Nguyễn Duy Thái Sơn