Let $a$ and $b$ be non-negative integers. Consider a sequence $s_1$, $s_2$, $s_3$, $. . .$ such that $s_1 = a$, $s_2 = b$, and $s_{i+1} = |s_i - s_{i-1}|$ for $i \ge 2$. Prove that there is some $i$ for which $s_i = 0$.
Source: CJMO 2023 p1, Canadian Junior Mathematical Olympiad 2023 /1
Tags: algebra
Let $a$ and $b$ be non-negative integers. Consider a sequence $s_1$, $s_2$, $s_3$, $. . .$ such that $s_1 = a$, $s_2 = b$, and $s_{i+1} = |s_i - s_{i-1}|$ for $i \ge 2$. Prove that there is some $i$ for which $s_i = 0$.