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jlacosta   0
Jun 2, 2025
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0 replies
1 viewing
jlacosta
Jun 2, 2025
0 replies
Angle QRP = 90°
orl   13
N 3 minutes ago by Ilikeminecraft
Source: IMO ShortList, Netherlands 1, IMO 1975, Day 1, Problem 3
In the plane of a triangle $ABC,$ in its exterior$,$ we draw the triangles $ABR, BCP, CAQ$ so that $\angle PBC = \angle CAQ = 45^{\circ}$, $\angle BCP = \angle QCA = 30^{\circ}$, $\angle ABR = \angle RAB = 15^{\circ}$.

Prove that

a.) $\angle QRP = 90\,^{\circ},$ and

b.) $QR = RP.$
13 replies
orl
Nov 12, 2005
Ilikeminecraft
3 minutes ago
students in a classroom sit in a round table, possible to split into 3 groups
parmenides51   1
N 30 minutes ago by Magnetoninja
Source: Dutch IMO TST 2018 day 2 p4
In the classroom of at least four students the following holds: no matter which four of them take seats around a round table, there is always someone who either knows both of his neighbours, or does not know either of his neighbours. Prove that it is possible to divide the students into two groups such that in one of them, all students know one another, and in the other, none of the students know each other.

(Note: if student A knows student B, then student B knows student A as well.)
1 reply
parmenides51
Aug 30, 2019
Magnetoninja
30 minutes ago
Sharing is a nontrivial task
bjump   11
N an hour ago by HamstPan38825
Source: USA TST 2024 P5
Suppose $a_{1} < a_{2}< \cdots < a_{2024}$ is an arithmetic sequence of positive integers, and $b_{1} <b_{2} < \cdots <b_{2024}$ is a geometric sequence of positive integers. Find the maximum possible number of integers that could appear in both sequences, over all possible choices of the two sequences.

Ray Li
11 replies
+1 w
bjump
Jan 15, 2024
HamstPan38825
an hour ago
Non-classical FE
M11100111001Y1R   0
an hour ago
Source: Iran TST 2025 Test 2 Problem 3
Find all functions $f:  \mathbb{R}^+ \to \mathbb{R}^+$ such that for all $x, y >0$ we have:
$$f(f(f(xy))+x^2)=f(y)(f(x)-f(x+y))$$
0 replies
M11100111001Y1R
an hour ago
0 replies
No more topics!
Gcd of N and its coprime pair sum
EeEeRUT   20
N Jun 1, 2025 by Adywastaken
Source: EGMO 2025 P1
For a positive integer $N$, let $c_1 < c_2 < \cdots < c_m$ be all positive integers smaller than $N$ that are coprime to $N$. Find all $N \geqslant 3$ such that $$\gcd( N, c_i + c_{i+1}) \neq 1$$for all $1 \leqslant i \leqslant m-1$

Here $\gcd(a, b)$ is the largest positive integer that divides both $a$ and $b$. Integers $a$ and $b$ are coprime if $\gcd(a, b) = 1$.

Proposed by Paulius Aleknavičius, Lithuania
20 replies
EeEeRUT
Apr 16, 2025
Adywastaken
Jun 1, 2025
Gcd of N and its coprime pair sum
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: EGMO 2025 P1
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EeEeRUT
85 posts
#1 • 5 Y
Y by dangerousliri, R8kt, MuhammadAmmar, SatisfiedMagma, GA34-261
For a positive integer $N$, let $c_1 < c_2 < \cdots < c_m$ be all positive integers smaller than $N$ that are coprime to $N$. Find all $N \geqslant 3$ such that $$\gcd( N, c_i + c_{i+1}) \neq 1$$for all $1 \leqslant i \leqslant m-1$

Here $\gcd(a, b)$ is the largest positive integer that divides both $a$ and $b$. Integers $a$ and $b$ are coprime if $\gcd(a, b) = 1$.

Proposed by Paulius Aleknavičius, Lithuania
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by EeEeRUT, May 11, 2025, 11:49 AM
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MathLuis
1560 posts
#2 • 3 Y
Y by R8kt, HeshTarg, GA34-261
We claim that all $N$ even and power of $3$ work.
To see they do for $N$ even it is trivial as all $c_i$'s are odd and for $N$ power of $3$ just notice the $c_i$'s cycle between being $1,2 \pmod 3$ and thus the sum of consecutive terms is always divisible by $3$.
Now suppose $N$ was odd but not a power of $3$ then notice $c_1=1, c_2=2$ so $3 \mid N$ and thus we can consider $N=3^k \cdot \ell$ for $k \ge 1$ and if $\ell=3m+1$ then notice $3m-1, 3m+2$ are both coprime to $\ell$ and are consecutive coprimes for obvious reasons so we must have $\gcd(N, 6m+1)>1$ however if they did share a prime divisor then from euclid alg it divides $3^k$ and thus it has to be $3$ which is a contradiction, a similar thing can be done for $\ell=3m+2$ thus we are done :cool:.
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ItzsleepyXD
151 posts
#3 • 2 Y
Y by R8kt, GA34-261
Ans is all $N$ even and $N =3^m$ .
note that all even is true (easy to see)
claim 1 if $2 \mid N+1$ then $3 \mid N$
after that is easy (I am lazy to retype the solution again)
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NicoN9
164 posts
#4 • 3 Y
Y by R8kt, shafikbara48593762, GA34-261
Why is that deleted? rewriting!

The answer is all even number, and power of $3$ (and $N\ge 3$.) These $N$ works since if $N$ is even, then all $c_i$ are odd, and if $N$ is power of $3$, then $c_1, c_2, c_3, \dots$ are $1, 2, 1, 2, \dots \pmod 3$, which works.

Also, we see that if $N$ odd, then $c_1=1$ and $c_2=2$, thus $3\mid N$. Assume for a contradiction that $N$ has prime factors $3<p_1<\dots <p_r$ and let $P=p_1p_2\dots p_r$.

$\bullet$ if $P\equiv 1\pmod 3$, then there exists an integer $h$ with $c_h=P-2$, and $c_{h+1}=P+1$. Now,\[
\gcd(N, c_h+c_{h+1})=\gcd(N, 2P-1)=1.
\]contradiction.

$\bullet$ similarly for $P\equiv 2\pmod 3$, we have $c_k=P-1$ and $c_{k+1}=P+2$. $\gcd(N, 2P+1)=1$.

So we are done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by NicoN9, Apr 16, 2025, 8:05 AM
Reason: 3 divides N
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MuradSafarli
115 posts
#5 • 2 Y
Y by R8kt, GA34-261
Let’s consider two cases depending on whether \( N \) is even or odd:

Case 1: \( N \) is even.
In this case, any number coprime with \( N \) will be odd. Therefore, the sum \( C_i + C_{i+1} \) will be even, which means the GCD of \( N \) and \( C_i + C_{i+1} \) will always be greater than 1. So, the condition is satisfied for all even \( N \).

Now, let’s analyze the odd case.

Let \( C_1 = 1 \), \( C_2 = 2 \). According to the problem condition, \( \gcd(N, 3) > 1 \).
This implies \( N \) must be divisible by 3. Trying some small odd values divisible by 3, we see that \( N = 3, 9, 27 \) satisfy the condition, while \( N = 15, 21 \) do not.

So we explore two subcases:
Case 2.1: \( N = 3^a \)

In this form, every number congruent to 1 or 2 mod 3 is coprime with \( N \).
Let \( C_j = 3t + 1 \), then \( C_{j+1} = 3t + 2 \), so the sum \( C_j + C_{j+1} = 3t + 1 + 3t + 2 = 6t + 3 \), which is divisible by 3.
Similarly, for \( C_j = 3t + 2 \), we have \( C_{j+1} = 3t + 4 \), so \( C_j + C_{j+1} = 6t + 6 \), again divisible by 3.
Thus, any \( N = 3^a \), where \( a \) is a positive integer, satisfies the condition.

Case 2.2: \( N = 3^a \cdot k \), where \( \gcd(k, 3) = 1 \).
Then \( k \equiv 1 \) or \( 2 \mod 3 \).

Case 2.2.1: Let \( k \equiv 2 \mod 3 \).
Since \( N \) is odd, \( k \equiv 5 \mod 6 \), so write \( k = 6t + 5 \).
There exists an integer \( h\) such that \( C_h = 6f + 4 \).
Here, \( \gcd(6f + 4, 3) = 1 \), and \( \gcd(6f + 5, 6f + 4) = 1 \).
Then \( C_{h+1} = 6f + 7 \), and clearly \( \gcd(6f + 7, 6f + 5) = 1 \), \( \gcd(6f + 7, 3) = 1 \).
Now the sum \( C_h + C_{h+1} = 12f + 11 \).
Then,
\[
\gcd(12f + 11, N) = \gcd(12f + 11, 3^a \cdot (6f + 5)) = \gcd(12f + 11, 6f + 5)
\]\[
= \gcd(6f + 6, 6f + 5) = 1 \quad \text{(Contradiction!)}
\]Case 2.2.2:\( k \equiv 1 \mod 3 \), i.e., \( k = 6f + 1 \).
Then take \( C_h = 6f - 1 \), and \( C_{h+1} = 6f + 2 \).
Now:
\[
\gcd(N, C_h + C_{h+1}) = \gcd(12f + 1, N) = \gcd(12f + 1, 6f + 1) = \gcd(6f, 6f + 1) = 1 \quad \text{(Contradiction!)}
\]Final Answer:
1) \( N = 2k \), for any natural number \( k > 1 \)
2) \( N = 3^a \), for any natural number \( a \)
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SimplisticFormulas
132 posts
#6 • 2 Y
Y by R8kt, GA34-261
overcomplication be like
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Safal
174 posts
#7 • 2 Y
Y by R8kt, GA34-261
My Solution
This post has been edited 11 times. Last edited by Safal, May 31, 2025, 10:01 PM
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de-Kirschbaum
204 posts
#8 • 2 Y
Y by R8kt, GA34-261
We claim that the solutions are $N=2^kt, 3^k$.

First note that if $2 \mid N$ then we only have odd numbers left, and odd plus odd must be even so every $N=2^kt$ works. If $2 \nmid N$ then we know that $1=c_1, 2=c_2$ so $1+2=3 \mid N$. If $N=3^k$ then $c_1, c_2, \ldots , c_m \equiv 1, 2, \ldots \mod{3}$ and clearly $3 \mid c_i+c_{i+1}$ for all $i$ so $N=3^k$ also works.

If $N=3^kt$ where $2,3 \nmid t \neq 1$ then we know that there is some $h \in \{1,2\}$ such that $ht \equiv 2 \mod{3}$. Then, $ht$ won't be in $\{c_1,\ldots,c_m\}$ because it isn't coprime with $t$, $ht+1$ is coprime with $t$ but will be $0 \mod{3}$ so it won't be in $\{c_1,\ldots,c_m\}$ either. $ht+2$ will be $1 \mod {3}$ and $(ht+2,t)=(2,t)=1$ so $ht+2$ is coprime with $N$. Similarly $ht-1$ is coprime with $t$ and is $1 \mod{3}$ so $ht-1$ is coprime with $N$ and $ht-1, ht+2$ are actually consecutive coprime numbers, so we can take $ht-1+ht+2 =2ht+1$. This is clearly coprime with $t$ and it is $2 \mod{3}$ so it is coprime with $N$. Thus no $3^kt$ works if $2, 3 \nmid t$. So the only solutions are $N=2^kt, 3^k$.

(It's impossible for $ht+2 \leq 2t+2$ to be out of range because $2t+2 < 3t \leq N \implies 2<t$, since $t=1,2$ are both impossible this construction is always safe)
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by de-Kirschbaum, Apr 17, 2025, 8:09 PM
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MathematicalArceus
47 posts
#9 • 2 Y
Y by R8kt, GA34-261
Answers: The only possible solutions are $N=3^k$ and $N=2k \quad \forall k$.

$N=2k$ Note that obviously this works, because $c_i \in \{2k+1\}$ and sum of any odd number is always even and hence $c_i+c_{i+1}=2m \implies \gcd(2m,2k)>1$, the condition, we required.

$N=3^k$ Note that taking the set $\{c_i\}$ and writing the set under $\pmod{3}$ gives us: $\{1,-1,1,-1,\dots -1\}$ so for any $i$, $c_i+c_{i+1} \equiv 0 \pmod{3}$, granting our condition to be true.

No other sols exist: We only consider for odd $N$, because all even $N$ works. Note that if any odd $N$ works, this means $3 \mid N$ because for any odd $N, \text{ } c_1+c_2=1+2=3 \implies \gcd(N,3)>1 \implies 3 \mid N$. Now, let $N=3^kp_1^{a_1}p_2^{a_2}\dots p_n^{a_n}$. We consider $p_1p_2\dots p_n \pmod{3}$.

$p_1p_2\dots p_n \equiv 1 \pmod{3}$ Note this implies that $p_1p_2\dots p_n -2 \equiv 2 \pmod{3}$ and $p_1p_2\dots p_n+1 \equiv 2 \pmod{3}$. Adding we get $2p_1p_2\dots p_n-1 \equiv 1 \pmod{3}$, which is obviously coprime to $N$. Note that $c_i = p_1p_2\dots p_n-2, c_{i+1} = p_1p_2\dots p_n+1$ and hence we get $c_i+c_{i+1}$, such that its gcd with $N$ is 1.

Similarly $p_1p_2\dots p_n \equiv 2 \pmod{3}$ follow the same argument and hence, we are done!

Remark
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by MathematicalArceus, Apr 17, 2025, 7:41 PM
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Jupiterballs
64 posts
#10 • 3 Y
Y by R8kt, GeoKing, GA34-261
Just for the sake of not typing twice, here is a pdf solution :gleam:
Attachments:
EGMO 2025 Solution.pdf (32kb)
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kamatadu
481 posts
#11 • 3 Y
Y by R8kt, SilverBlaze_SY, GA34-261
Solved with SilverBlaze_SY.

We prove that $N=2k$ for $k\ge 2$ and $N=3^k$ for $k\ge 1$ are the only solutions.

First we show that these work.

For $N=2k$, note that all the integers coprime to $N$ are odd and summing two of them would give an even result. So the $\gcd$ is at least $2$ and we are done.

For $N=3^{k}$, note that the integers coprime to it alternate between $1$ and $2\pmod 3$. This means that sum of two consecutive integers among them is going to be divisible by $3$ which makes the $\gcd$ at least $3$ and we are done.

Now we show that the other cases are not possible. FTSOC assume that some other integer which is not even or a power of $3$ works.

Note that clearly $\gcd(N,1)=1$ and $\gcd(N,2)=1$ as $N$ is odd. Since we must have $\gcd(N,3)\not=1$, we get $3\mid N$.

Represent $N=3^{\alpha_1}\cdot q$ where $\alpha_1\ge 1$ and $\gcd(q,3) = 1$, $q\not=1$.

If $q\equiv 1\pmod 3$, then note that $\gcd(N,q-2)=\gcd(N,q+1)=1$. Also, $\gcd(N,(q-2)+(q+1))=\gcd(N, 2q-1) = 1$ which gives a contradiction.

If $q\equiv 2\pmod 3$, then note that $\gcd(N, q-1) = \gcd(N, q+2)=1$. Also, $\gcd(N,(q-1)+(q+2))=\gcd(N, 2q+1)=1$ which gives a contradiction too.

Therefore such a choice of $N$ is not possible and we are done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by kamatadu, Apr 18, 2025, 2:22 PM
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Mathgloggers
94 posts
#12 • 1 Y
Y by GA34-261
WE can use a type of "infinite ascent" here to show that only $3^k$ and all even numbers is the only solution:
FTSOC,consider
$N=3^K.p_1^{a_1}...p_i{a_i}$,but there must exist some $x>N$ for which :$gcd(3x+1,N) \neq 1\implies gcd(3x-1,N)=1=gcd(3x+2,N)$,hence we must have :
The prime dividing $3x-1+3x+2=6x+1$ in the prime list of our $N$ ,but here we see that $gcd(6x+1,N)=1$ hence we have to include another prime $q$ which is not in our list hence we can make our list infinitely big hence no numbers like this exists.

Why $(6x+1,N) =1$ as explained by Luis above also that if we continue on applying the EDA,we would reach somewhere : $6x+1|3^k.(3x+1)$ which is not not possible.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by Mathgloggers, Apr 19, 2025, 9:32 AM
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John_Mgr
70 posts
#13 • 1 Y
Y by GA34-261
Claim: The only solution are N is even number and $N=3^k$ $\forall$$k\ge1$
Proof:
For N is even:
$c_i\equiv 1,2(mod3)$ as $gcd(N,c_i)=1$
i.e if $c_i\equiv 1(mod3)$ then, $c_{i+1}\equiv 2 (mod3)$ or vice versa $\implies gcd(N,c_i + c_{i+1})>1$
For $N=3^k$, similar to above
For $N=3^k\cdot t$ and $(3,t)=1$ $t>1$
case 1: $t\equiv1(mod3)$
$3\mid t-1$ so $3\nmid (t-2, t+1) $ $\implies gcd(3^k\cdot t, (t-2)+(t+1))=gcd(3^k\cdot t, 2t-1)=1$, we are done..
case 2:$t\equiv 2(mod3)$
$3\mid t-2$ and $3\nmid (t-1, t+2)$ $\implies gcd(3^k\cdot t,(t-1)+(t+2))=gcd(3^k\cdot t, 2t+1)=1$, we are done...
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EVKV
71 posts
#14 • 2 Y
Y by Nobitasolvesproblems1979, GA34-261
CASE 1 N is even

Claim: All even N works
Proof: As all $c_{i}$ are even the sum of 2 consecutive co-prime 2 divides the gcd thus its not 1

CASE 2 N is odd

Claim: 3|N
Proof: 1,2 are consecutive co primes and so gcd(N,3)$\neq$1 so 3|N

Claim: Only prime dividing N is 3
Proof: Assume the contrary lets assume $q_{1}, \cdots ,q_{n}$ are all the primes except 3 which divide N

Claim if $\prod q_{i}$ $\equiv 1$ mod 3 then there exists an r such that the product divides 3r+1 and $ 3r+1 \leq N$

Proof: clearly 3r+1= $\prod q_{i}$ $\leq N$ satisfies this

Claim if $\prod q_{i}$ $\equiv 2$ mod 3 then there exists an r such that the product divides 3r+1 and $ 3r+1 \leq N$

Proof: clearly 3r+1= $2\prod q_{i}$ $\leq N$ satisfies this

Now 3(r-1)+2 and 3r +2 are consecutive co primes
3(r-1)+2 + 3r +2 $\equiv -2+1$ $\equiv 1$ mod $q_{i}$ for all i $\leq n$
3(r-1)+2 + 3r +2 $\equiv 2+2$ $\equiv 1$ mod $3$
Thus gcd(N,3(r-1)+2 + 3r +2)=1
Contradiction

Claim: N=$3^a$ for $a \in N$

Proof: Clearly the consecutive co primes are $1+2 \equiv 0$ mod 3 thus gcd(N,$c_{i} + c_{i+1}$) $\neq1$



REMARK:
A nice problem tho I changed my solution making it more rigorous crt was def grt motivation

I rate it 5 mohs

SOLVED ON 21/4/25
ALSO 50TH POST YAY
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by EVKV, Apr 22, 2025, 5:42 PM
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zRevenant
14 posts
#15 • 1 Y
Y by GA34-261
(Livesolved on YouTube: Art of Olympiad Mathematics)

Answer: $n$ is even or a power of $3$.

Proof. If $n$ is even, then all $c_i$ are all odd, meaning that $c_i + c_{i+1}$ is even, which is never coprime to $n$ so it works. If $n=3^k$, then all the $c_i$'s are just numbers that are not divisible by $3$ meaning that the residues go $1, 2, 1, 2, ... $ mod $3$. Hence this works as well.

Now, let's suppose $n=3^k \cdot a$. Then we look at $a+1$ and $a-1$. At least one of them is not divisible by $3$, and by looking at the sums of adjacent ones we are done - either we get $a+(a+2)=2a+2$ which is coprime to $n$ if $3 | a+1$ or we get $a$+$a-2$ which works as well.
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Tuvshuu
11 posts
#16 • 2 Y
Y by Arcturuss, GA34-261
We will easy check all even $N$ works.
Now prove $N$ is odd. Then $c_1=1$ and $c_2=2$. Then $3 \mid N$.
Let $N = 3^k \times m$ and $m > 1$.
If $m \equiv 1\pmod{3}$ then $(m - 2, N) = 1$ and $(m + 1, N) = 1$. Now $(2m - 1, N) \ne 1$. But $(2m - 1, N) = (2m - 1, 3^k \times m) = (2m - 1, m) = (-1, m) = 1$ (Because $(2m - 1, 3) = 1$)
$m \equiv 2\pmod{3}$ same. Then $m = 1$ or $N = 3^k$.
Answer is $N$ is even or $N = 3^k$.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Tuvshuu, Apr 24, 2025, 2:02 PM
Reason: how i know
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ravengsd
20 posts
#17 • 1 Y
Y by GA34-261
Case 1: $N$ is even. Then all $c_i$ 's are odd, so $c_i+c_{i+1}$ is even, $\forall 1\leq i\leq N-1$, so $\gcd(N, c_i+c_{i+1})>1$, so all even $N$ work.$\square$

Case 2: $N$ is odd. Clearly, $N-1=c_{\varphi(N)}$ and since $N$ is odd, $N-2=c_{\varphi(N)-1}$, implying $\gcd(N,2N-3)=\gcd(N,3)>1$ so $N$ is a multiple of $3$. Write $N=3^a\cdot b$, with $(b,2)=(b,3)=1$. FTSoC suppose $b>1$.

Case 2.1: $b\equiv 1(\mod 3)$
Then, if $d=\gcd(3^a\cdot b, b-2)$, we have: $d\mid 3^a\cdot b$ and $d\mid 3^a\cdot b-2\cdot 3^a$, implying $d\mid 2\cdot 3^a$. However, the second condition implies $(d,6)=1$, so there exists $i<\varphi(N)$ such that $c_i=b-2$. Since $b-1\equiv 0(\mod 3)$, $c_{i+1}\geq b+1$. However, if there is some $d>1$ such that $d\mid 3^a\cdot b$ and $d\mid b+1$, then $d\mid 3^a$ which is impossible. So $c_{i+1}=b+1$, implying $\gcd(3^a\cdot b, 2b-1)>1$, which is clearly a contradiction.$\square$

Case 2.2: $b\equiv 2(\mod 3)$. Then we may do the same thing but for $b-1$ and $b+2$, which will also yield a contradiction.$\square$

So $b=1$ is the only possible case, which can be easily checked to work, because $c_i$s alternate $(\mod 3)$, so we're done $\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by ravengsd, May 22, 2025, 5:34 PM
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v_Enhance
6882 posts
#18 • 2 Y
Y by GA34-261, NicoN9
Solution from Twitch Solves ISL:

The answer is $N$ even and $N$ powers of $3$.
Begin by noting
  • Even $N$ all work: all $c_i$ are odd, so each $c_i + c_{i+1}$ work.
  • Odd $N$ not divisible by $3$ fail: note that $c_1 = 1$ and $c_2 = 2$.
Hence, the problem reduces checking that if $N$ is an odd multiple of $3$, then it works if and only if $N$ is a power of $3$.
If $N$ was indeed a power of $3$, then $(c_i)_i = (1,2,4,5,7,8,\dots)$ consists of all the non-multiples of $3$ in order. In this case, each $c_i + c_{i+1}$ is necessarily $0 \pmod 3$, so these numbers do work.
The final case:
Claim: Suppose $N = 3^e d$, where $e \ge 1$, and $d > 1$ is not a multiple of $3$ (and odd). Then
  • If $d \equiv 1 \pmod 6$, then $d-2$ and $d+1$ are consecutive $c_i$'s whose sum $2d-1$ is coprime to $N$.
  • If $d \equiv 5 \pmod 6$, then $d-1$ and $d+2$ are consecutive $c_i$'s whose sum $2d+1$ is coprime to $N$.
Proof. We prove just the first bullet; the second calculation looks exactly the same. Assuming $d \equiv 1 \pmod 6$, Note that \begin{align*} 3 &\mid \gcd(d-1, N) \\ d &= \gcd(d, N) \\ \gcd(d-2, N) &= \gcd(d-2, 3^e d) = \gcd(d-2, 3^e \cdot 2) = 1 \\ \gcd(d+1, N) &= \gcd(d+1, 3^e d) = \gcd(d+1, -3^e) = 1. \end{align*}Moreover, \[ \gcd(2d-1, N) = \gcd(2d-1, 3^e d) = \gcd(2d-1, 3^e \cdot 2d) = \gcd(2d-1, 3^e) = 1. \]This completes the proof. $\blacksquare$
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lksb
184 posts
#19 • 1 Y
Y by GA34-261
If $N$ is even, then $c_i\equiv 1\pmod{2}\implies c_i+c_{i+1}\equiv 1+1\equiv 0\pmod{2}$, therefore, $\boxed{\text{all even}\ N\ \text{work}}$
If $N$ is odd, then $c_1=1, c_2=2\implies 3\mid N$, let $N=3^{\nu_3(N)}P$, assume FTSoC that $P>1$.
If $P\equiv1\pmod{3}$, then $\exists k$ such that $c_k=P-2, c_{k+1}=P+1\implies 1\neq \gcd(N,c_k+c_{k+1})=\gcd(N,2P-1)=1$, which is a contradiction
If $P\equiv-1\pmod{3}$, then $\exists k$ such that $c_k=P-1, c_{k+1}=P+2\implies 1\neq \gcd(N,c_k+c_{k+1})=\gcd(N,2P+1)=1$, another contradiction
Therefore, $\boxed{\text{powers of}\ 3\ \text{are the only odd solutions}}$. And with so, we are done!
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HamstPan38825
8879 posts
#20 • 1 Y
Y by GA34-261
this took an embarrassingly long time :/

The answer is even numbers and powers of $3$, which clearly work.

Note that $\gcd(n, 6) > 1$, otherwise $d_1 = 1, d_2 = 2$ fail. So let $p_1 = 3, p_2, \dots, p_k$ be the distinct prime factors of $n$. Consider an integer $c$ with $c \equiv 1 \pmod 3$, $c \equiv -1 \pmod {p_2}$, and $c \equiv -4 \pmod {p_i}$ for all $3 \leq i \leq k$.

Then $p_2 \mid c+1$ and $3 \mid c+2$, and $c$ and $c+3$ are consecutive numbers relatively prime to $n$. On the other hand, $2c+3 \equiv 2 \pmod 3$, $2c+3 \equiv 1 \pmod {p_2}$, and $2c+3 \equiv -5 \pmod {p_i}$ for all $3 \leq i \leq k$. Since $p_3 > 5$, $\gcd(n, 2c+3) = 1$, so we have our desired counterexample.
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Adywastaken
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#21
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If $c_i's$ are all even, $c_i+c_{i+1}$ is even so $\gcd(N, c_i+c_{i+1})\ge 2$.
If $N=3^k$, then the only numbers coprime to $N$ are $1,2,4,5,\dots 3^k-1$. Since they alternate between $1$ and $2$ modulo $3$, $\gcd(N, c_i+c_{i+1})\ge 3$

Now if $N\neq 3^k$ and $N$ is odd, $1+2=3\mid N$ so let $N=3^k\cdot p_1^{\alpha_1}\cdot p_2^{\alpha_2}\dots \cdot p_m^{\alpha_m}$, $p_i\neq 3$
Case 1: $p_1p_2\dots p_m\equiv 1\pmod 3$
So, $p_1p_2\dots p_m+1$ and $p_1p_2\dots p_m-2$ are both coprime to $N$, but $\gcd(2p_1p_2\dots p_m-1,N)=1$.

Case 2: $p_1p_2\dots p_m \equiv 2\pmod 3$
So, $p_1p_2\dots p_m+2$ and $p_1p_2\dots p_m-1$ are both coprime to $N$, but $\gcd(2p_1p_2\dots p_m+1,N)=1$

So, the only integers that work are the ones claimed above.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Adywastaken, Jun 1, 2025, 10:12 AM
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