Problem

Source: 2016 IMO Shortlist A5

Tags: IMO Shortlist, algebra, Fractions, Hi



Consider fractions $\frac{a}{b}$ where $a$ and $b$ are positive integers. (a) Prove that for every positive integer $n$, there exists such a fraction $\frac{a}{b}$ such that $\sqrt{n} \le \frac{a}{b} \le \sqrt{n+1}$ and $b \le \sqrt{n}+1$. (b) Show that there are infinitely many positive integers $n$ such that no such fraction $\frac{a}{b}$ satisfies $\sqrt{n} \le \frac{a}{b} \le \sqrt{n+1}$ and $b \le \sqrt{n}$.