Prove that for any integer $n$, $n\geq 3$, there exist $n$ positive integers $a_1,a_2,\ldots,a_n$ in arithmetic progression, and $n$ positive integers in geometric progression $b_1,b_2,\ldots,b_n$ such that \[ b_1 < a_1 < b_2 < a_2 <\cdots < b_n < a_n . \] Give an example of two such progressions having at least five terms. Mihai Baluna
Problem
Source: Romanian IMO Team Selection Test TST 1999, problem 7
Tags: calculus, integration, arithmetic sequence, geometric sequence, geometric series, algebra, binomial theorem