Problem

Source: Polish Mathematical Olympiad finals 2021

Tags: number theory, prime numbers



Let $p_i$ for $i=1,2,..., k$ be a sequence of smallest consecutive prime numbers ($p_1=2$, $p_2=3$, $p_3=3$ etc. ). Let $N=p_1\cdot p_2 \cdot ... \cdot p_k$. Prove that in a set $\{ 1,2,...,N \}$ there exist exactly $\frac{N}{2}$ numbers which are divisible by odd number of primes $p_i$.

HIDE: example For $k=2$ $p_1=2$, $p_2=3$, $N=6$. So in set $\{ 1,2,3,4,5,6 \}$ we can find $3$ number satisfying thesis: $2$, $3$ and $4$. ($1$ and $5$ are not divisible by $2$ or $3$, and $6$ is divisible by both of them so by even number of primes )