Prove that for each $n\geq 2$, there is a set $S$ of $n$ integers such that $(a-b)^2$ divides $ab$ for every distinct $a,b\in S$.
Problem
Source: USAMO 1998
Tags: induction, modular arithmetic, algebra proposed, algebra
04.04.2006 07:27
28.10.2008 05:53
MithsApprentice wrote: Prove that for each $ n\geq 2$, there is a set $ S$ of $ n$ integers such that $ (a - b)^2$ divides $ ab$ for every distinct $ a,b\in S$. I am not sure if the following is right:
15.12.2009 22:37
$ S_2 = \{1,2\}$ suppose we have constructed set $ S_n = \{a_1,a_2,...,a_n\}$ let $ x = \prod_{i = 1}^n a_i$ construct $ S_{n + 1}$ as follows: $ S_{n + 1} = \{x, x + a_1,x + a_2,...,x + a_n\}$
01.02.2010 04:37
23.09.2014 13:32
EDIT: Oops, sorry to revive. Didn't notice.
19.10.2015 05:06
Another approach: Let $a_1=x$ and set $a_t=\frac{k^{t-1}}{(k-1)^{t-1}}x$ for all $t \ge 2$. Choose $x$ divisible by $(k-1)^{n-1}$ and we get an $n$-term sequence.
17.12.2021 00:06
Induction