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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

Let be the set of real numbers. Let be a function such that for all real numbers and Let Determine the number of possible values of
Solution
Setting we get for all Setting in this equation, we get so or

Suppose Then so for all In other words, for all

Setting in we get which simplifies to contradiction.

Otherwise, Then so for all In other words, for all

Setting in we get But so Hence, for all

Then the given functional equation becomes or We have already derived this, so as far as the given functional equation is concerned, the function only has meet the following two requirements: (1) for all and for all

Then we can write where We can check that can take on any value from 0 to giving us possible values of
Final answer
2039191