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k a April Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
Apr 2, 2025
Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner, what are your plans? At AoPS Online our schedule has new classes starting now through July, so be sure to keep your skills sharp and be prepared for the Fall school year! Check out the schedule of upcoming classes below.

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0 replies
jlacosta
Apr 2, 2025
0 replies
k i Adding contests to the Contest Collections
dcouchman   1
N Apr 5, 2023 by v_Enhance
Want to help AoPS remain a valuable Olympiad resource? Help us add contests to AoPS's Contest Collections.

Find instructions and a list of contests to add here: https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c40244h1064480_contests_to_add
1 reply
dcouchman
Sep 9, 2019
v_Enhance
Apr 5, 2023
k i Zero tolerance
ZetaX   49
N May 4, 2019 by NoDealsHere
Source: Use your common sense! (enough is enough)
Some users don't want to learn, some other simply ignore advises.
But please follow the following guideline:


To make it short: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!
If you don't have common sense, don't post.


More specifically:

For new threads:


a) Good, meaningful title:
The title has to say what the problem is about in best way possible.
If that title occured already, it's definitely bad. And contest names aren't good either.
That's in fact a requirement for being able to search old problems.

Examples:
Bad titles:
- "Hard"/"Medium"/"Easy" (if you find it so cool how hard/easy it is, tell it in the post and use a title that tells us the problem)
- "Number Theory" (hey guy, guess why this forum's named that way¿ and is it the only such problem on earth¿)
- "Fibonacci" (there are millions of Fibonacci problems out there, all posted and named the same...)
- "Chinese TST 2003" (does this say anything about the problem¿)
Good titles:
- "On divisors of a³+2b³+4c³-6abc"
- "Number of solutions to x²+y²=6z²"
- "Fibonacci numbers are never squares"


b) Use search function:
Before posting a "new" problem spend at least two, better five, minutes to look if this problem was posted before. If it was, don't repost it. If you have anything important to say on topic, post it in one of the older threads.
If the thread is locked cause of this, use search function.

Update (by Amir Hossein). The best way to search for two keywords in AoPS is to input
[code]+"first keyword" +"second keyword"[/code]
so that any post containing both strings "first word" and "second form".


c) Good problem statement:
Some recent really bad post was:
[quote]$lim_{n\to 1}^{+\infty}\frac{1}{n}-lnn$[/quote]
It contains no question and no answer.
If you do this, too, you are on the best way to get your thread deleted. Write everything clearly, define where your variables come from (and define the "natural" numbers if used). Additionally read your post at least twice before submitting. After you sent it, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.


For answers to already existing threads:


d) Of any interest and with content:
Don't post things that are more trivial than completely obvious. For example, if the question is to solve $x^{3}+y^{3}=z^{3}$, do not answer with "$x=y=z=0$ is a solution" only. Either you post any kind of proof or at least something unexpected (like "$x=1337, y=481, z=42$ is the smallest solution). Someone that does not see that $x=y=z=0$ is a solution of the above without your post is completely wrong here, this is an IMO-level forum.
Similar, posting "I have solved this problem" but not posting anything else is not welcome; it even looks that you just want to show off what a genius you are.

e) Well written and checked answers:
Like c) for new threads, check your solutions at least twice for mistakes. And after sending, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.



To repeat it: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!


Everything definitely out of range of common sense will be locked or deleted (exept for new users having less than about 42 posts, they are newbies and need/get some time to learn).

The above rules will be applied from next monday (5. march of 2007).
Feel free to discuss on this here.
49 replies
ZetaX
Feb 27, 2007
NoDealsHere
May 4, 2019
Find all such primes
Entrepreneur   2
N 4 minutes ago by straight
Source: Own
Find all primes $p,q\;\&\;r$ such that $$\color{blue}{pq=r^2+r+1.}$$
2 replies
Entrepreneur
26 minutes ago
straight
4 minutes ago
Inspired by giangtruong13
sqing   5
N 13 minutes ago by kokcio
Source: Own
Let $ a,b,c,d\geq 0 ,a-b+d=21 $ and $ a+3b+4c=101 $. Prove that
$$ 61\leq  a+b+2c+d\leq \frac{265}{3}$$$$- \frac{2121}{2}\leq   ab+bc-2cd+da\leq \frac{14045}{12}$$$$\frac{519506-7471\sqrt{7471}}{27}\leq   ab+bc-2cd+3da\leq 33620$$
5 replies
sqing
Yesterday at 2:57 AM
kokcio
13 minutes ago
four points lie on a circle
pohoatza   76
N 15 minutes ago by Bonime
Source: IMO Shortlist 2006, Geometry 2, AIMO 2007, TST 1, P2
Let $ ABCD$ be a trapezoid with parallel sides $ AB > CD$. Points $ K$ and $ L$ lie on the line segments $ AB$ and $ CD$, respectively, so that $AK/KB=DL/LC$. Suppose that there are points $ P$ and $ Q$ on the line segment $ KL$ satisfying \[\angle{APB} = \angle{BCD}\qquad\text{and}\qquad \angle{CQD} = \angle{ABC}.\]Prove that the points $ P$, $ Q$, $ B$ and $ C$ are concyclic.

Proposed by Vyacheslev Yasinskiy, Ukraine
76 replies
1 viewing
pohoatza
Jun 28, 2007
Bonime
15 minutes ago
TST Junior Romania 2025
ant_   7
N 28 minutes ago by MR.1
Source: ssmr
Consider the isosceles triangle $ABC$, with $\angle BAC > 90^\circ$, and the circle $\omega$ with center $A$ and radius $AC$. Denote by $M$ the midpoint of side $AC$. The line $BM$ intersects the circle $\omega$ for the second time in $D$. Let $E$ be a point on the circle $\omega$ such that $BE \perp AC$ and $DE \cap AC = {N}$. Show that $AN = 2AB$.
7 replies
ant_
Yesterday at 5:01 PM
MR.1
28 minutes ago
NEPAL TST 2025 DAY 2
Tony_stark0094   3
N 28 minutes ago by ThatApollo777
Consider an acute triangle $\Delta ABC$. Let $D$ and $E$ be the feet of the altitudes from $A$ to $BC$ and from $B$ to $AC$ respectively.

Define $D_1$ and $D_2$ as the reflections of $D$ across lines $AB$ and $AC$, respectively. Let $\Gamma$ be the circumcircle of $\Delta AD_1D_2$. Denote by $P$ the second intersection of line $D_1B$ with $\Gamma$, and by $Q$ the intersection of ray $EB$ with $\Gamma$.

If $O$ is the circumcenter of $\Delta ABC$, prove that $O$, $D$, and $Q$ are collinear if and only if quadrilateral $BCQP$ can be inscribed within a circle.
3 replies
Tony_stark0094
Today at 8:40 AM
ThatApollo777
28 minutes ago
Radical Condition Implies Isosceles
peace09   8
N 32 minutes ago by cubres
Source: Black MOP 2012
Prove that any triangle with
\[\sqrt{a+h_B}+\sqrt{b+h_C}+\sqrt{c+h_A}=\sqrt{a+h_C}+\sqrt{b+h_A}+\sqrt{c+h_B}\]is isosceles.
8 replies
peace09
Aug 10, 2023
cubres
32 minutes ago
Solllllllvvve
youochange   3
N 40 minutes ago by sadat465
Source: All Russian Olympiad 2017 Day 1 grade 10 P5
Suppose n is a composite positive integer. Let $1 = a_1 < a_2 < · · · < a_k = n$ be all the divisors of $n$. It is known, that $a_1+1, . . . , a_k+1$ are all divisors for some $m $(except $1, m$). Find all such $n.$
3 replies
youochange
Jan 12, 2025
sadat465
40 minutes ago
a_n >= 1/n if a_{n+1}^2 + a_{n+1} = a_n, a_1=1 , a_i>=0
parmenides51   13
N an hour ago by Safal
Source: Canadian Junior Mathematical Olympiad - CJMO 2020 p1
Let $a_1, a_2, a_3, . . .$ be a sequence of positive real numbers that satisfies $a_1 = 1$ and $a^2_{n+1} + a_{n+1} = a_n$ for every natural number $n$. Prove that $a_n  \ge \frac{1}{n}$ for every natural number $n$.
13 replies
parmenides51
Jul 15, 2020
Safal
an hour ago
Number Theory Chain!
JetFire008   33
N an hour ago by Primeniyazidayi
I will post a question and someone has to answer it. Then they have to post a question and someone else will answer it and so on. We can only post questions related to Number Theory and each problem should be more difficult than the previous. Let's start!

Question 1
33 replies
JetFire008
Apr 7, 2025
Primeniyazidayi
an hour ago
Inequality with a,b,c
GeoMorocco   1
N 2 hours ago by Natrium
Source: Morocco Training
Let $   a,b,c   $ be positive real numbers such that : $   ab+bc+ca=3   $ . Prove that : $$\frac{\sqrt{1+a^2}}{1+ab}+\frac{\sqrt{1+b^2}}{1+bc}+\frac{\sqrt{1+c^2}}{1+ca}\ge \sqrt{\frac{3(a+b+c)}{2}}$$
1 reply
GeoMorocco
Yesterday at 10:05 PM
Natrium
2 hours ago
IMO Shortlist 2013, Number Theory #1
lyukhson   149
N 2 hours ago by SSS_123
Source: IMO Shortlist 2013, Number Theory #1
Let $\mathbb{Z} _{>0}$ be the set of positive integers. Find all functions $f: \mathbb{Z} _{>0}\rightarrow \mathbb{Z} _{>0}$ such that
\[ m^2 + f(n) \mid mf(m) +n \]
for all positive integers $m$ and $n$.
149 replies
lyukhson
Jul 10, 2014
SSS_123
2 hours ago
Tangents and chord
iv999xyz   1
N 2 hours ago by aidenkim119
Given a circle with chord AB. k and l are tangents to the circle at points A and B. C and E are in different half-planes with respect to AB and lie on k, and F and D are in different half-planes with respect to AB and lie on l. Furthermore, C and F are in the same half-plane with respect to AB and AC = BD; AE = BF. CD intersects the circle at P and R and EF intersects the circle at Q and S. P and Q are in the same half-plane with respect to AB and in different half-plane with R and S. Prove that PQRS is a parallelogram if and only if AB, CD, and EF intersect at one point.
1 reply
iv999xyz
Today at 9:41 AM
aidenkim119
2 hours ago
Find the area enclosed by the curve |z|^2 + |z^2 - 2i| = 16
mqoi_KOLA   2
N 3 hours ago by mqoi_KOLA
Find the area of the Argand plane enclosed by the curve $$ |z|^2 + |z^2 - 2i| = 16.$$(ans- $3 \sqrt7 \pi$)
2 replies
mqoi_KOLA
Today at 11:58 AM
mqoi_KOLA
3 hours ago
Very tight inequalities
KhuongTrang   2
N 3 hours ago by SunnyEvan
Source: own
Problem. Given non-negative real numbers $a,b,c$ satisfying $ab+bc+ca=1.$ Prove that $$\color{black}{\frac{1}{35a+12b+2}+\frac{1}{35b+12c+2}+\frac{1}{35c+12a+2}\ge \frac{4}{39}.}$$$$\color{black}{\frac{1}{4a+9b+6}+\frac{1}{4b+9c+6}+\frac{1}{4c+9a+6}\le \frac{2}{9}.}$$When does equality hold?
2 replies
KhuongTrang
May 17, 2024
SunnyEvan
3 hours ago
Only consecutive terms are coprime
socrates   35
N Apr 2, 2025 by zuat.e
Source: 7th RMM 2015, Problem 1
Does there exist an infinite sequence of positive integers $a_1, a_2, a_3, . . .$ such that $a_m$ and $a_n$ are coprime if and only if $|m - n| = 1$?
35 replies
socrates
Feb 28, 2015
zuat.e
Apr 2, 2025
Only consecutive terms are coprime
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: 7th RMM 2015, Problem 1
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socrates
2105 posts
#1 • 6 Y
Y by Davi-8191, tenplusten, Centralorbit, megarnie, Adventure10, Mango247
Does there exist an infinite sequence of positive integers $a_1, a_2, a_3, . . .$ such that $a_m$ and $a_n$ are coprime if and only if $|m - n| = 1$?
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mikeshadow
55 posts
#2 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Yes, there exists.
Let us partition the set of prime numbers into pairs of $(p_i,q_i)$, take $a_{2n+1}=p_{2n+1}q_{2n+1}\prod_{k=0}^{n-1}  p_{2k+1} \prod_{k=1}^{n-1} q_{2k}$ and $a_{2n}=p_{2n}q_{2n}\prod_{k=0}^{n-2}  q_{2k+1} \prod_{k=1}^{n-1} p_{2k}$, notice that any two non-consecutive terms have a prime divisor in common, while any consecutive don't have one.
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dibyo_99
487 posts
#3 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Err.. with the same basic idea, we can make the above form a little less complicated. Construct $a_i$'s inductively. Take $2$ distinct primes not chosen at some previous step $p_{i,0}, p_{i,1}$ and let \[a_i = p_{i,0}p_{i,1} \prod_{j=1}^{i-2}p_{j,i\pmod{2}} \]Then, clearly, $a_i$ shares factors with all $a_j$'s $\forall$ $j \in [1,i-2]$. However, $p_i$ and $p_{i-1}$ are coprime because primes chosen in $a_i$ and $a_{i-1}$ have opposite pairity indices and are therefore distinct.
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v_Enhance
6872 posts
#4 • 7 Y
Y by utkarshgupta, xdiegolazarox, Wizard_32, Centralorbit, sa2001, Adventure10, Mango247
Yeah, I found this surprisingly easy for an RMM1: Enumerate the primes $p_1$, $q_1$, $p_2$, $q_2$, ... and define
\[
	a_{n}
	= 
	p_nq_n \cdot 
	\begin{cases}
		\prod_{k=1}^{n-2} p_k & n \text{ even} \\
		\prod_{k=1}^{n-2} q_k & n \text{ odd}.
	\end{cases}
\]
The idea is that you just take every pair $i < j$ you want to not be relatively prime (meaning $\left\lvert i-j \right\rvert \ge 2$) and throw in a prime. You can't do this by using a different prime for every pair (since each $a_i$ must be finite) and you can't use the same prime for a fixed $i$, so you do the next best thing and alternate using even and odd and you're done.

Hope to see actual number theory tomorrow :)
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Konigsberg
2206 posts
#5 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
This is remarkably similar to USAMTS round 3 problem 4
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Konigsberg
2206 posts
#6 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Nice intuitive thinking: think of the darn a1. Oh hey it can't be a prime! How about a product of 2 primes, and just alternate stuff. Then just repeat and repeat. QED

Could someone make a totally different construction as this?
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MathPanda1
1135 posts
#7 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
When will the other problems of today's RMM be posted?
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AnonymousBunny
339 posts
#8 • 4 Y
Y by biomathematics, Zoom, adityaguharoy, Adventure10
This looks pretty silly; can someone verify this please?

Solution
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by AnonymousBunny, Mar 1, 2015, 9:11 AM
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Konigsberg
2206 posts
#9 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Oh yeah, that's another possible, but very similar construction. Do you know of a TOTALLY DIFFERENT construction? (obviously not just jumbling around the primes), or just multiplying a prime to everything... or is it possible to prove that all possible constructions will follow a similar form?

Also, it is really really similar to usamts round 3 problem 4
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Emerson_Soriano
14 posts
#10 • 3 Y
Y by vinayak-kumar, codyj, Adventure10
La respuesta es sí. En efecto, sea $a_1=2 \times 3, a_2=5 \times 7$ y $a_3=2 \times 11$ y sea $a_4=3 \times 5 \times 13$. Luego, para $n \geq 4$, $a_n= \frac{a_{n-2}}{p_{n-2}} \times p_{n-3} \times q_n$, donde $p_i$ representa el mayor primo que aparece en $a_i$ ($i \geq 1$), y $q_i$ representa el menor primo que no divide a ninguno de los siguientes términos: $a_1, a_2, ... , a_{i-1}$, para $i \geq 2$, por ejemplo, $a_5=2 \times 7 \times 17$. Probaremos que esta secuencia funciona. Si demuestro que para cualquier $i \geq 5$, se cumple que $a_i$ y $a_{i-1}$ son coprimos, y $a_i$ con $a_j$ no son coprimos, para todo $1 \leq j \leq i-2$, ya quedaría listo. En efecto, probaremos que para $n \geq 5$, cumple, notemos que la base ya la construimos, pues los $5$ primeros términos ya satisfacen, luego supongamos que todos los términos $a_1, a_2, ... , a_{i-1}$ cumplen lo pedido, entonces como $a_i= \frac{a_{i-2}}{p_{i-2}} \times p_{i-3} \times q_n$. Notemos que $a_{i-1}$ es coprimo con $a_{i-2}$, con $p_{i-3}$, y con $q_i$. Por lo tanto, $a_i$ y $a_{i-1}$ son coprimos. Luego, es fácil ver que $a_i$ y $a_{i-3}$ no son coprimos, también vemos que como $p_{i-2}$ es el mayor de los primos en $a_{i-2}$, entonces no aparece atrás, y por tanto, $\frac{a_{i-2}}{p_{i-2}}$ no es coprimos con $a_j$, para$j \leq i-4$. Por lo tanto, $a_i$ no es coprimo con $a_j$, para todo $j \leq i-2$. Lo cual completa la inducción.

Observación: $q_i$ tambíen es igual a $p_i$, solo que usé otro sentido en la fórmula para que se vea la construcción.
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Stens
49 posts
#11 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Quite similar to the other solutions, but does this work as well?

Let $a_1=2$, and define the other $a_i$´s recursively:
$a_n=p_{n}\cdot\prod_{i=1}^{n-2}a_i$
where $p_n$ denotes the nth prime.
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newton123
1 post
#12 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Stens wrote:
Quite similar to the other solutions, but does this work as well?

Let $a_1=2$, and define the other $a_i$´s recursively:
$a_n=p_{n}\cdot\prod_{i=1}^{n-2}a_i$
where $p_n$ denotes the nth prime.

It won't work if $a_1$ is prime. since if $a_1$ is prime, $a_3$ and $a_4$ must have a common factor, $a_1$. Such that they cannot be coprime.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by newton123, Sep 29, 2015, 1:42 AM
Reason: Adjust spaces
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k.vasilev
66 posts
#13 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
We will prove that for each $n$ there exist a sequence $a_1,a_2,\ldots,a_n,$ satisfying the condition in the promp by induction on $n.$ The base case is trivial. For the step let the statement be true for some $n.$ Now we will construct our new sequence with $n+1$ members as follows:
Let $p_1,p_2,\ldots,p_{n-1}$ be distinct primes greater than $a_i$ for each $i=1,2,\ldots,n.$ The sequence with $n+1$ members is $a_1p_1, a_2p_2,\ldots,a_{n-1}p_{n-1},a_n,p_1p_2\cdots p_{n-1}.$ Now it is easy to notice, that $(a_kp_k,a_lp_l)=1$ iff $|k-l|=1$ for $k,l<n$ and $(a_n,p_i)=1$ for all $i.$ Therefore $(a_n,a_kp_k)=1$ iff $(a_n,a_k)=1$ iff $|n-k|=1$(By the induction hypothesis), we also have that $(a_n,p_1p_2\cdots p_{n-1})=1$ and for all $i\leq n-1$ $(p_1p_2\cdots p_{n-1}, a_ip_i)=p_i>1.$ Thus, the problem is solved.
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yayups
1614 posts
#15 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
The answer is yes. Let the primes be $p_1,p_2,p_3,\ldots$. Now, let $b_n$ be the product of the primes $p_{2k-1}$ where $k\equiv n\pmod{2}$ and $k\le n-2$ and $p_{2\ell}$ where $\ell\not\equiv n\pmod{2}$ and $\ell\le n-3$. Let $a_n=p_{2n}p_{2n-1}b_n$. It is easy to see that this works.
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pad
1671 posts
#16 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Yes. The following construction works: $a_1=p_1p_3, a_2=p_2p_4, a_3=p_1p_5, a_4=p_2p_3p_6$, and
\[ a_n = \begin{cases} p_1(p_4p_6p_8p_{10} \cdots p_{n-3}p_{n-1})p_{n+2} \text{ for } n \text{ odd} \\ p_2(p_3p_5p_7p_9 \cdots p_{n-3}p_{n-1})p_{n+2} \text{ for } n \text{ even}. \end{cases}\]It is not hard to see that this works.
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Wizard_32
1566 posts
#17 • 5 Y
Y by amar_04, Adventure10, Mango247, Aopamy, Funcshun840
Here's a solution which I think is not new, but written in a different way.
socrates wrote:
Does there exist an infinite sequence of positive integers $a_1, a_2, a_3, . . .$ such that $a_m$ and $a_n$ are coprime if and only if $|m - n| = 1$?
The answer is yes. By looking at the prime factors, we only need to find an infinite number of sets so that $S_i \cap S_J=\phi$ if and only if $|i-j|=1.$ Here's the construction:

Let $p_i$ denote the $i$th prime. Consider the sets $A_1=\{p_1,p_2\},A_2=\{p_3,p_4\},\dots.$ Then, add alternating elements from previous sets, as shown:
$$\begin{array}{c | c | c | c | c | c | c | c | c | c}
    A_i & \{2,3\} & \{5,7\} & \{11,13\}  & \{17,19\} & \{23,29\} & \{31,37\} & \{41,43\} & \{47,53\} & \\
    \text{From } A_1 &  &  & 2 & 3 & 2 & 3 & 2 & 3 & \\
    \text{From } A_2 &  &  &   & 5 & 7 & 5 & 7 & 5 & \\
    \text{From } A_3 &  &  &   &   & 11 & 13 & 11 & 13 &  \dots \\
    \text{From } A_4 &  &  & & & & 17 & 19 & 17 & \\
    \text{From } A_5 &  &  & & & & & 23 & 29 &\\
    \text{From } A_6 &  &  & & & & &  & 31 &\\
    % &  &  & & \vdots & & &  &  &\\
\end{array}$$Then the sets $S_i$ to be $A_i$ $\cup$ the $i$th column works, for instance $S_1=\{2,3\}$ and $S_4=\{17,19,3,5\}.$ $\blacksquare$

Edit: Oh yeah, this is the same as v_Enhance's solution at #4. Oops.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by Wizard_32, May 2, 2020, 9:51 AM
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Idio-logy
206 posts
#18 • 1 Y
Y by Nathanisme
The answer is yes. Let the prime numbers be $p_1,p_2,p_3,\dots$ since there are infinitely many of them. Let $a_1=p_1p_2$, $a_2=p_3p_4$, $a_3=p_1p_5$, and
\begin{align*}
    a_{2n} &= p_2p_3p_5p_7\dots p_{2n-1}p_{2n+2}\\
    a_{2n+1} &= p_1p_4p_6p_8\dots p_{2n}p_{2n+3}.\\
\end{align*}
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jj_ca888
2726 posts
#19 • 1 Y
Y by Nathanisme
Remark: Do RMM 1 when you can't do RMM 2.

The answer is yes. Let the primes be $p_1 < q_1 < p_2 < q_2 < \ldots $ and suppose we let\[a_n = (p_nq_n)\cdot (p_1p_2\ldots p_{n-2})\]if $n$ is even and\[a_n = (p_nq_n) \cdot (q_1q_2\ldots q_{n-2})\]if $n$ is odd.

It is easy to check that this works.
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lazizbek42
548 posts
#20
Y by
Very nice problem
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MathsLover04
95 posts
#22
Y by
The answer is yes. We will build our sequence so that it only contains square-free integers. Now lets do some notations:


Consider $p_1,p_2,\ldots $ the prime numbers.

For any $a_m=p_{b_1}p_{b_2}\ldots p_{b_k}$ with $b_1<b_2<\ldots <b_k$ denote $deg(a_m)=p_{b_k}$.

For any $a_m=p_{b_1}p_{b_2}\ldots p_{b_k}$ with $b_1<b_2<\ldots <b_k$ denote $\overline{a_m}=\frac{p_1p_2\ldots p_{b_k}}{a_m}$.


Build the sequence as following:


$a_1=p_1p_2$ and $a_2=p_3p_4$

$a_n=\frac{\overline{a_{n-1}}}{deg(\overline{a_{n-1}})}\cdot p_{n+2}$


This construction satisfies the given condition, so we are done.
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HoRI_DA_GRe8
593 posts
#23 • 2 Y
Y by Mango247, lelouchvigeo
Construction
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by HoRI_DA_GRe8, May 21, 2022, 5:50 AM
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laikhanhhoang_3011
637 posts
#24 • 1 Y
Y by David-Vieta
not sure
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IAmTheHazard
5001 posts
#25
Y by
laikhanhhoang_3011 wrote:
not sure

I had the same idea at first but I don't think this works. In particular, if we pick, say, $p_1$ for $a_1$, and then down the line we are forced to pick $p_3$ for some $a_i$, then $a_1 \mid a_{n+1}$. Then $a_{n+2}$ should be coprime to $a_{n+1}$, but also not coprime with $a_1$, which is impossible.
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IAmTheHazard
5001 posts
#26
Y by
Yes.
Let the primes be $p_1,\ldots,$ in some order. Let
$$a_n=p_{2n-1}p_{2n}\cdot \prod_{i=1}^{n-2} p_{2i-(n\%2)}$$where $n\%2=1$ if $n$ is odd and $0$ otherwise. It is easy to check that this works, since $\gcd(a_n,a_{n+1})=1$ and $\gcd(a_m,a_n)=p_{2m-(n\%2)}$ for $m\leq n-2$. $\blacksquare$
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asdf334
7586 posts
#27
Y by
hmmm it feels like this should work

essentially, if we have $a_1$ to $a_n$ chosen, we just need to pick suitable $a_{n+1}$, which essentially just means that the sets of primes $S_i$ dividing $a_i$ satisfy $S_1, S_2, \dots, S_{n-1}$ are not subsets of $S_n$. at this point we can just realize that if we selected $S_1$ to $S_{n-1}$ to contain really large arbitrary sets of primes (think of them as buffers) then this basically works, and we're done
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GrantStar
815 posts
#28
Y by
Yes.
Denote the primes by $p_1$, $p_2$, $\dots$. The construction is as follows
  • Put $p_{2i}$ in $a_i$, $a_{i+2}$, $a_{i+4}$, $\dots$ where by putting it in we simply mean $p_{2i}$ divides these numbers
  • Put $p_{2i+1}$ in $a_i$, $a_{i+3}$, $a_{i+5}, a_{i+7}, a_{i+9}, \dots$
To show that this works, we just notice the following
  • Proving that consectutive terms are relatively prime is trivial by construction of the sequence.
  • Proving that consecutive terms are not relatively prime is also easy. This is done as fixing a term $a_N$, all terms $a_k$ with $k$ and $N$ having the same parity clearly share a common factor, namely $2$ or $5$. Accesing the odd terms is also easy by the delay of some terms by $3$ indices instead of $2$.
This completes the problem.
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megarnie
5560 posts
#29
Y by
Yes there does.

Order the set of prime numbers as $2 = p_1, p_2, \ldots,$. Let $(g_i)$ denote a sequence of ordered pairs, such that $g_i = (p_{2i-1}, p_{2i})$ for each positive integer $i$ (so $g_1 = (2,3), g_2 = (5,7)$, and so on). Define $a_1 = p_1 p_2 = 2\cdot 3$ and $a_2 = p_3 p_4 = 5\cdot 7$. For odd $n$, we let $a_n$ be the product of all the first elements in each of $g_1, g_2, \ldots, g_{n-2}$ multiplied by the product of both elements in $g_n$. For even $n$, we let $a_n$ be the product of all the second elements in each of $g_1, g_2, \ldots, g_{n-2}$ multiplied by the product of both elements in $g_n$. The first few numbers of this sequence we \[2\cdot 3, 5\cdot 7, 2\cdot 11\cdot 13, 3\cdot 7\cdot 17 \cdot 19, \ldots,  2\cdot 5\cdot 11\cdot 23\cdot 29\]
If $m > n + 1$, then $g_n$ divides both $a_n$ and $a_m$, so they aren't relatively prime. If $m = n + 1$, then we can see the prime factors of $a_m$ and $a_n$ are disjoint ($m$ and $n$ have different parity). Therefore, $\gcd(a_m, a_n) = 1 \iff |m-n| = 1$.
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lelouchvigeo
177 posts
#30
Y by
Answer
My solution is same as (23)
Hint
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by lelouchvigeo, Jan 7, 2024, 5:26 AM
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cursed_tangent1434
579 posts
#31 • 1 Y
Y by GeoKing
Really easy just that it's annoying to write out like a decent proof. The answer is yes, and we construct such a sequence recursively as follows. First we let $\mathcal{P}={p_1,p_2,\dots}$ be the set of all prime numbers. Then, we define a sequence of sets $(S_i)$ which are subsets of $\mathcal{P}$ and let $a_i$ be the product of all the primes in $S_i$.

In the first two rounds, let $S_1=\{p_1,p_2\}$ and $S_2=\{p_3,p_4\}$. Then, we add $p_1$ to all sets $S_i$ where $i \equiv 1 \pmod{2}$ and $p_2$ to all sets $S_j$ where $j\equiv 0 \pmod{2}$ for all $i\geq 3$. Next, in the third round we add $p_5$ and $p_6$ to $S_3$. Then, we add $p_3$ to all sets $S_i$ where $i \equiv 3 \pmod {2}$ ($i>3$) and $p_4$ to all sets $S_j$ where $j \not \equiv 3 \pmod{2}$ ($j>4$). Similarly, we keep continuing, where in the $k^{\text{th}}$ round we add $p_{2k-1}$ and $p_{2k}$ to $S_k$. Then, we add $p_{2k-1}$ to all sets $S_i$ where $i\equiv 2k-1 \pmod{2}$ ($i>2k-1$) and $p_{2k}$ to all sets $S_j$ where $j \not \equiv 2k-1 \pmod{2}$ ($j>2k$).

To explicitly state the sets,
\[S_i= \{p_1,p_4,p_5, \dots ,p_{2i-6},p_{2i-5},p_{2i-1},p_{2i}\} \text{ for all } i \equiv 1 \pmod{2} \text{ and } i>1\]and
\[S_i = \{p_2,p_3,p_6,p_7, \dots ,p_{2i-6},p_{2i-5},p_{2i-1},p_{2i}\} \text{ for all } i \equiv 0 \pmod{2} \text{ and } i>2\]
Now, it is immediately clear that $S_i$ and $S_j$ do not have any common factor for consecutive $i,j$ (since $i\not \equiv j \pmod{2}$, $p_r \nmid \gcd(a_i,a_j)$ for any $r < 2i-1$ and $p_{2i-1}$ and $p_{2i}$ don't divide $a_j$ since they are added only to sets $S_t$ where $t>i+1$ by the nature of our construction). For all $i,j$ where $j>i+1$, $S_i$ and $S_j$ must have one of $p_{2i-1}$ or $p_{2i}$ as a common factor depending on the parity of $j$. Thus, this construction must work and we are done.
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RedFireTruck
4220 posts
#32
Y by
Yes. Construction below.

Define $S_n$ as a set of positive integers such that $a_n=\prod_{i\in S_n}p_i$ where $p_i$ represents the $i$th prime.

Then, let $S_1=\{1,2\}$ and $S_2=\{3,4\}$.

For $n>2$, let $S_n=\{2,4,\dots, n-2, n, n+1\}$ for even $n$ and let $S_n=\{1,3,\dots, n-4, n-2, n+3\}$ for odd $n$.

This satisfies the assertion, as desired.
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Mr.Sharkman
496 posts
#33
Y by
Solution
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InterLoop
251 posts
#34
Y by
solution
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ezpotd
1252 posts
#35
Y by
this is so abd to writeup

Consider an infinite list of primes $p_i$, and split the primes into groups of $4$. Then for $n = 4i  +1$, have $p_n$ divide $a_k$ if and only if $k$ is odd and at least $2i + 1$. For $n = 4i + 2$, have $p_n$ divide $a_k$ if and only if $k$ is even and at least $2i + 3$ or $k$ is $2i +1$. For $n = 4i + 3$, have $p_n$ divide $a_k$ if and only if $k$ is even and at least $2i + 2$. For $n = 4i + 4$, have $p_{n}$ divide $a_k$ if and only if $k$ is odd and at least $2i + 4$ or $k$ is $2i + 2$. For simplicity, call $p_{2i + 1}, p_{2i + 2}$ the associated primes of $a_{i + 1}$.

Inspecting each individual prime makes it obvious that no two consecutive numbers share a prime divisor. We can also observe any two non consecutive numbers share a prime divisor by considering the one that comes first in the sequence, clearly every number after its successor divides one of its associated primes (in alternating fashion), so we are done.
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HamstPan38825
8857 posts
#36
Y by
The answer is yes. The construction is a tad bit underwhelming.

Let $p_1 < p_2 < p_3 < \cdots$ be the primes in increasing order. Then for term $a_i$ of the sequence, we let
  • primes $p_{2i-1}$ and $p_{2i}$ divide $a_i$ immediately;
  • for each $j < i - 1$, $p_{2j-1}$ divides $a_i$ if $i \equiv j \pmod 2$, and $p_{2j}$ divides $a_i$ otherwise.
To check that this sequence works, notice that:
  • for any $k \leq n-2$, one of $p_{2k-1}$ and $p_{2k}$ divides both $a_k$ and $a_n$ by construction;
  • neither of $p_{2n-3}$ and $p_{2n-2}$ divide $a_n$, and for each $k \leq n-3$, if $p_{2k-1}$ divides $a_{n-1}$ and not $p_{2k}$,
    then $p_{2k}$ divides $a_n$ and not $p_{2k-1}$, and vice versa.
So $\gcd(a_k, a_n) > 1$ when $k \leq n-2$ and $\gcd(a_{n-1}, a_n) = 1$. This is all we need to prove.
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L13832
259 posts
#37
Y by
I'll tell the motivation I had, this problem sure did take time to solve.

solution
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by L13832, Feb 3, 2025, 8:22 AM
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zuat.e
36 posts
#38
Y by
We claim there does exist such sequence.

Definition: Given a finite sequence $\{a_n\}_{n=1}^m$ of numbers which satisfy the condition, let $d(a_i)$ be the minimal primes needed for $a_i$ to satisfy $gcd(a_i, a_j)>1$ $(j\leq i-2)$ for every $j$ (if there's more than one possible option, pick one randomly, it's only important to not include superfluous primes).
Furthermore, note that $gcd(m, d(a_i))\leq gcd(m,a_i)$ because all factors of $d(a_i)$ are also factors of $a_i$.

Claim:

The sequence $\{a_n\}_{n=1}^{\infty}$, given by \[\left\{\begin{array}{ll}
             a_1=2\cdot 3  \\
             a_2=5\cdot 7  \\
             a_3=2\cdot 11 \\
             a_4=3\cdot 5\cdot 13\\
             a_{n+2}=d(a_n)\cdot p_{n-1} \cdot p_{n+2} & (n\geq 3)
        \end{array}\right.\]where $p_n$ is a prime we choose which hasn't come up before in the sequence (before $a_n$) satisfies.

Proof: We show by induction the sequence $\{a_n\}_{n=1}^k$ always works regardless of the choice of $k$: suppose it is true until $k$, then clearly if $t\leq k-1$, $\gcd(a_{k+1}, a_t)=\gcd(d(a_{k-1})p_{k-2}p_{k+1}, a_t)$, so $d(a_{k-1)}$ and $a_t$ share common factors by definition of $d(a)$.
Besides that, $gcd(a_k, a_{k+1})=gcd(d(a_{k-2})p_{k-3}p_k, d(a_{k-1})p_{k-2}p_{k+1})$. Now:

(i) $gcd(d(a_{k-2})p_{k-3}p_k, p_{k+1})=1$ because $p_{k+1}$ is a new prime.
(ii) $gcd(d(a_{k-2})p_{k-3}p_k, p_{k-2})$ for $p_{k-2}$ is a new prime chosen after $d(a_{k-2})$ and $p_{k-3}$ so it doesn't divide them and $p_{k}$ is a prime which hadn't come up before $a_n$, yet $p_{k-2}\mid a_{k-2}$
(iii) $gcd(d(a_{k-2})p_{k-3}p_k, d(a_{k-1}))= gcd(p_{k-3}, d(a_{k-1}))$, since $a_{k-2}$ and $a_{k-1}$ don't share factors (so neither will $d(a_{k-2})$ and $d(a_{k-1})$) and $p_k$ is chosen after $a_{k-1}$.

Finally, $gcd(p_{k-3}, d(a_{k-1}))= gcd(p_{k-3}, d(d(a_{k-3})p_{k-4}p_{k-1})\leq gcd(p_{k-3}, d(a_{k-3})p_{k-4}p_{k-1})=1$, since $p_{k-3}$ is chosen after $d(a_{k-3})$ such that it is a new prime and so it will also not be equal to $p_{k-4}$, the same way $p_{k-1}$ isn't equal to $p_{k-3}$

It follows that $gcd(a_{k}, a_{k+1})=1$, proving our claim.
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