Let the sequences of numbers \(\{a_n\}\) and \(\{b_n\}\), that are associated with the relation \(\Delta b_n = a_n\) (\(n = 1, 2, \dots\)), be given. How are the partial sums \(S_n\) of the sequence \(\{a_n\}\) \(S_n = a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_n\) linked to the sequence \(\{b_n\}\)?
Definition. Let the function \(f (x, y)\) be valid at all points of a plane with integer coordinates. We call a function \(f (x, y)\) harmonic if its value at each point is equal to the arithmetic mean of the values of the function at four neighbouring points, that is: \[f (x, y) = 1/4 (f (x + 1, y) + f (x-1, y) + f(x, y + 1) + f (x, y-1)).\] Let \(f(x, y)\) and \(g (x, y)\) be harmonic functions. Prove that for any \(a\) and \(b\) the function \(af (x, y) + bg (x, y)\) is also harmonic.
Let \(f (x, y)\) be a harmonic function. Prove that the functions \(\Delta_{x} f (x, y) = f (x + 1, y) - f (x, y)\) and \(\Delta_{y}f(x , y) = f(x, y + 1) - f(x, y)\) will also be harmonic.
Definition. The sequence of numbers \(a_0, a_1, \dots , a_n, \dots\), which, with the given \(p\) and \(q\), satisfies the relation \(a_{n + 2} = pa_{n + 1} + qa_n\) (\(n = 0,1,2, \dots\)) is called a linear recurrent sequence of the second order.
The equation \[x^2-px-q = 0\] is called a characteristic equation of the sequence \(\{a_n\}\).
Prove that, if the numbers \(a_0\), \(a_1\) are fixed, then all of the other terms of the sequence \(\{a_n\}\) are uniquely determined.
The frog jumps over the vertices of the hexagon \(ABCDEF\), each time moving to one of the neighbouring vertices.
a) How many ways can it get from \(A\) to \(C\) in \(n\) jumps?
b) The same question, but on condition that it cannot jump to \(D\)?
c) Let the frog’s path begin at the vertex \(A\), and at the vertex \(D\) there is a mine. Every second it makes another jump. What is the probability that it will still be alive in \(n\) seconds?
d)* What is the average life expectancy of such frogs?
Prove that the 13th day of the month is more likely to occur on a Friday than on other days of the week. It is assumed that we live in the Gregorian style calendar.
Find the coefficient of \(x\) for the polynomial \((x - a) (x - b) (x - c) \dots (x - z)\).
Prove that for \(n > 0\) the polynomial \[P (x) = n^2x^{n + 2} - (2n^2 + 2n - 1) x^{n + 1} + (n + 1)^2x^n - x - 1\] is divisible by \((x - 1)^3\).
Prove that for \(n> 0\) the polynomial \(x^{2n + 1} - (2n + 1)x^{n + 1} + (2n + 1)x^n - 1\) is divisible by \((x - 1)^3\).
A class contains 33 pupils, who have a combined age of 430 years. Prove that if we picked the 20 oldest pupils they would have a combined age of no less than 260 years. The age of any given pupil is a whole number.