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SAMC

Saudi Arabia algebra

Problem

Let be a function satisfying the following conditions:

a) ;

b) , for all integers .

Find in closed form.
Solution
For we get hence . It follows hence . Also, implies gives . Finally, implies hence .

Now we prove by induction that for any , we have . Assume that , and get hence and we are done.
Final answer
f(n) = sqrt(n)

Techniques

Telescoping seriesFunctional EquationsInduction / smoothing