Problem

Source: Peru EGMO TST 2021 #1

Tags: algebra



A finite set $M$ of real numbers is called special if $M$ has at least two elements and the following condition is true: If $a$ and $b$ are distinct elements of $M$ then $5\sqrt{|a|}-\frac{2b}{3}$ is also a element of $M$. a) Determine if there is a special set with (exactly) two elements. b) Determine if there is a special set with three (or more) elements such that all elements are positive.