Is T Always Equal to 2 in the Persistent Number Theorem?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The Persistent Number Theorem establishes that if a number \( T \) is persistent, it must equal 2. This conclusion arises from the conditions that for real numbers \( a, b, c, d \) (distinct from 0 and 1), the equations \( a+b+c+d=T \) and \( \frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{b}+\frac{1}{c}+\frac{1}{d}=T \) lead to the result \( \frac{1}{1-a}+\frac{1}{1-b}+\frac{1}{1-c}+\frac{1}{1-d}=T \). The proof provided by Olinguito confirms that the only solution satisfying these conditions is \( T=2 \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of real numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with algebraic equations and manipulations
  • Knowledge of the concept of persistence in mathematical functions
  • Basic understanding of mathematical proofs and logical reasoning
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Persistent Number Theorem in number theory
  • Explore algebraic proofs involving real numbers and their properties
  • Investigate other mathematical theorems related to persistence
  • Learn about the application of algebraic identities in proving mathematical statements
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, educators, and students interested in number theory and algebraic proofs will benefit from this discussion, particularly those exploring the properties of persistent numbers.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

Call a number $T$ persistent if the following holds:

Whenever $a,\,b,\,c,\,d$ are real numbers different from $0$ and $1$ such that

$a+b+c+d=T$ and $\dfrac{1}{a}+\dfrac{1}{b}+\dfrac{1}{c}+\dfrac{1}{d}=T$

we also have

$\dfrac{1}{1-a}+\dfrac{1}{1-b}+\dfrac{1}{1-c}+\dfrac{1}{1-d}=T$

Prove that $T$ must be equal to $2$ if $T$ is persistent.

-----

Remember to read the https://mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to https://mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Congratulations to Olinguito for his correct solution, which you can find below:

Let $T$ be a persistent number.

Choose real numbers $a,b\ne0,1$ such that
$$a+\frac1a+b+\frac1b\ =\ T.$$
We can always do this. For, observe that if $f(x)=x+\dfrac1x$, then $f(x)>2$ for all $x>1$ and $f(x)\to\infty$ as $x\to\infty$, meaning that given any $y>2$, there exists an $x>1$ such that $f(x)=y$. Also note that $f(x)\to-\infty$ as $x\to-\infty$.

Therefore, given the fixed number $T$, we can also choose an $a<0$ such that
$$a+\frac1a\ <\ T-2$$
and then there will be a $b>1$ such that
$$b+\frac1b\ =\ T-a-\frac1a\ >\ 2.$$

Thus we have
$$a+b+\frac1a+\frac1b\ =\ T\ =\ \dfrac1a+\dfrac1b+a+b.$$
Hence, as $T$ is persistent, we have
$$T\ =\ \frac1{1-a}+\frac1{1-b}+\frac1{1-\frac1a}+\frac1{1-\frac1b}$$
which simplifies to $\boxed{T=2}$.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K