Problems

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With a non-zero number, the following operations are allowed: \(x \rightarrow \frac{1+x}{x}\), \(x \rightarrow \frac{1-x}{x}\). Is it true that from every non-zero rational number one can obtain each rational number with the help of a finite number of such operations?

A function \(f\) is given, defined on the set of real numbers and taking real values. It is known that for any \(x\) and \(y\) such that \(x > y\), the inequality \((f (x)) ^2 \leq f (y)\) is true. Prove that the set of values generated by the function is contained in the interval \([0,1]\).

Author: I.I. Bogdanov

Peter wants to write down all of the possible sequences of 100 natural numbers, in each of which there is at least one 4 or 5, and any two neighbouring terms differ by no more than 2. How many sequences will he have to write out?

Using mathematical induction prove that \[1 + 2 + 3 + \dots + n = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}.\]

There are \(n\) lines on a plane, and all the lines intersect at exactly one point. Prove that the lines divide the plane into \(2n\) parts.

There are \(n\) lines on a plane, no two lines are parallel, and no three lines cross at one point. Show that those lines dived the plane into \(\frac{n(n+1)}{2}+1\) regions.

In a sequence 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ... find the number

(a) in the 6th place

(b) in the 2016th place.

Using mathematical induction prove that \[1 +3 +5 +\dots + (2n-1) = n^2.\]

Circles and lines are drawn on the plane. They divide the plane into non-intersecting regions, see the picture below.

Show that it is possible to colour the regions with two colours in such a way that no two regions sharing some length of border are the same colour.

Numbers \(1,2,\dots,n\) are written on a whiteboard. In one go Louise is allowed to wipe out any two numbers \(a\) and \(b\), and write their sum \(a+b\) instead. Louise enjoys erasing the numbers, and continues the procedure until only one number is left on the whiteboard.

What number is it? What if instead of \(a+b\) she writes \(a+b-1\)?