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Algebra Level 4

Consider a function f : R { 1 , 0 , 1 } R f: \mathbb R - \{ -1,0,1 \} \rightarrow \mathbb R that satisfies the functional relation

f ( x ) 2 × f ( 1 x 1 + x ) = x 3 . f(x)^2 \times f \left( \dfrac{1-x}{1+x} \right) = x^3 \, .

If f ( 10 ) f(10) is the form of a b \dfrac ab , where b b is positive and a a and b b are coprime positive integers, find a + b a+b .


The answer is -1091.

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1 solution

f ( x ) 2 × f ( 1 x 1 + x ) = x 3 f(x)^2 \times f\left(\dfrac{1-x}{1+x}\right)=x^3 . . . ( 1 ) \quad ...(1)

Substituting 1 x 1 + x \dfrac{1-x}{1+x} into ( 1 ) (1) we get :

f ( 1 x 1 + x ) 2 × f ( x ) = 1 x 1 + x f\left(\dfrac{1-x}{1+x}\right)^2 \times f(x)=\dfrac{1-x}{1+x} . . . . ( 2 ) \quad ....(2)

Dividing both the equations we get:

f ( x ) f ( 1 x 1 + x ) = ( x ( 1 + x ) 1 x ) 3 \dfrac{f(x)}{f\left(\dfrac{1-x}{1+x}\right)}=\left(\dfrac{x(1+x)}{1-x} \right)^3

or f ( 1 x 1 + x ) = ( 1 x x ( 1 + x ) ) 3 × f ( x ) f\left(\dfrac{1-x}{1+x}\right)=\left(\dfrac{1-x}{x(1+x)} \right)^3 \times f(x)

Replacing this value into ( 1 ) (1) we get:

f ( x ) 3 × ( 1 x x ( 1 + x ) ) 3 = x 3 f(x)^3 \times \left(\dfrac{1-x}{x(1+x)}\right)^3=x^3

Taking cube root on both sides we get:

f ( x ) = x 2 ( 1 + x 1 x ) f(x)=x^2 \left(\dfrac{1+x}{1-x}\right)

Hence f ( 10 ) = 1100 9 f(10)=\dfrac{-1100}{9} and a + b = 1091 a+b=\boxed{-1091} .

(+1)Same approach.

展豪 張 - 5 years, 2 months ago

Wouldn't f ( 10 ) = 1100 9 f\left( 10 \right)=\frac { -1100 }{ 9 } be the same as f ( 10 ) = 1100 9 f\left( 10 \right)=\frac { 1100 }{ -9 } so I think the answer can be 1091 too.

Akhilesh Prasad - 5 years, 2 months ago

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Thanks. I've made the relevant edits. Those who previously attempted this problem will be marked correct.

In future, if you spot any errors with a problem, you can “report” it by selecting "report problem" in the “line line line” menu in the top right corner. This will notify the problem creator who can fix the issues.

@Svatejas Shivakumar , at the very least, please inform Akhilesh that you have updated the problem statement.

Brilliant Mathematics Staff - 5 years, 2 months ago

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Actually I had mentioned that b was positive . I did not update the problem, probably a moderator had done it.

I have edited the problem now.

A Former Brilliant Member - 5 years, 2 months ago

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