Finding $f(67500)$ with Given Conditions on $f(x)$

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Conditions
In summary, we are given a function $f(x)$ defined on the set of natural numbers, satisfying the conditions $f(xy) = f(x) + f(y) - 1$ and $f(x) = 1$ for a finite number of values. We also know that $f(90) = 5$. Using this information, we are asked to find the value of $f(67500)$.
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Given that the function $f(x)$ is defined on the set of natural numbers, taking values from the natural numbers, and that it satisfies the following conditions:

(a) $f(xy)=f(x)+f(y)-1$ for any $x,y \in N$.

(b) the equality $f(x)=1$ is true for finitely many numbers.

(c) $f(90) = 5$

Find $f(67500)$.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I have edited anemone's post to write $f(90)=5$ instead of $f(90)=6$. I helped her modify this problem from a past Olympiad problem, and I inadvertently gave her the wrong value. My apologies to everyone. (Wasntme)
 
  • #3
anemone said:
Given that the function $f(x)$ is defined on the set of natural numbers, taking values from the natural numbers, and that it satisfies the following conditions:

(a) $f(xy)=f(x)+f(y)-1$ for any $x,y \in N$.

(b) the equality $f(x)=1$ is true for finitely many numbers.

(c) $f(90) = 5$

Find $f(67500)$.

Let me give it a try.

From (a) we find that $f(90) = f(2\cdot 3^2\cdot 5) = f(2) + 2f(3) + f(5) - 3$.
With (c) this yields:
$$f(2) + 2f(3) + f(5) - 3 = 5$$
$$f(2) + 2f(3) + f(5) = 8\qquad [1]$$

My lemma
Neither f(2), nor f(3), nor f(5) can be 1.
Proof
Suppose one of them is 1, say f(2), then $f(2^k) = kf(2) - k + 1=1$.
That means that infinitely many numbers x have f(x)=1.
This is a contradiction with (b).Combining my lemma with [1] tells us that $f(2)=f(3)=f(5)=2$.

It follows from (a) that:
$f(67500)=f(2^2\cdot 3^3\cdot 5^4)=2f(2)+3f(3)+4f(5) - 8=2\cdot 2 + 3\cdot 2 + 4\cdot 2 - 8 = 10. \qquad \blacksquare$
 
  • #4
I like Serena said:
Let me give it a try.

From (a) we find that $f(90) = f(2\cdot 3^2\cdot 5) = f(2) + 2f(3) + f(5) - 3$.
With (c) this yields:
$$f(2) + 2f(3) + f(5) - 3 = 5$$
$$f(2) + 2f(3) + f(5) = 8\qquad [1]$$

My lemma
Neither f(2), nor f(3), nor f(5) can be 1.
Proof
Suppose one of them is 1, say f(2), then $f(2^k) = kf(2) - k + 1=1$.
That means that infinitely many numbers x have f(x)=1.
This is a contradiction with (b).Combining my lemma with [1] tells us that $f(2)=f(3)=f(5)=2$.

It follows from (a) that:
$f(67500)=f(2^2\cdot 3^3\cdot 5^4)=2f(2)+3f(3)+4f(5) - 8=2\cdot 2 + 3\cdot 2 + 4\cdot 2 - 8 = 10. \qquad \blacksquare$
Clever!

-Dan
 
  • #5
I like Serena said:
Let me give it a try.

From (a) we find that $f(90) = f(2\cdot 3^2\cdot 5) = f(2) + 2f(3) + f(5) - 3$.
With (c) this yields:
$$f(2) + 2f(3) + f(5) - 3 = 5$$
$$f(2) + 2f(3) + f(5) = 8\qquad [1]$$

My lemma
Neither f(2), nor f(3), nor f(5) can be 1.
Proof
Suppose one of them is 1, say f(2), then $f(2^k) = kf(2) - k + 1=1$.
That means that infinitely many numbers x have f(x)=1.
This is a contradiction with (b).Combining my lemma with [1] tells us that $f(2)=f(3)=f(5)=2$.

It follows from (a) that:
$f(67500)=f(2^2\cdot 3^3\cdot 5^4)=2f(2)+3f(3)+4f(5) - 8=2\cdot 2 + 3\cdot 2 + 4\cdot 2 - 8 = 10. \qquad \blacksquare$

Thank you for participating, I like Serena! And your answer is correct!:cool:

topsquark said:
Clever!

-Dan

Indeed!(Star)(Star)(Star)
 

FAQ: Finding $f(67500)$ with Given Conditions on $f(x)$

What is the value of f(67500)?

The value of f(67500) cannot be determined without knowing the specific function f(x) and its corresponding conditions.

What conditions are given for f(x)?

The conditions for f(x) may vary depending on the problem or experiment. Some common conditions include a specific mathematical expression, a set of data points, or a set of rules for the function.

How do I find f(67500) with the given conditions?

To find f(67500), you will need to use the given conditions to determine the specific function f(x). Then, you can plug in the value of x (in this case, 67500) to find the corresponding output, which is f(67500).

Can I use any method to find f(67500) with the given conditions?

The method used to find f(67500) will depend on the given conditions and the specific function f(x). Some methods may be more efficient or appropriate than others, so it is important to carefully consider the conditions and choose an appropriate method.

Is it possible to find f(67500) with the given conditions?

As long as the given conditions are valid and sufficient, it is possible to find f(67500). However, if the conditions are not complete or do not provide enough information, it may not be possible to find the exact value of f(67500).

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
796
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
827
Back
Top