Find all integers \(\displaystyle{n}{\left({n}{>}{0}\right)}\) such that the

Petrolovujhm

Petrolovujhm

Answered question

2022-04-05

Find all integers n(n>0) such that the which quadratic equation
an+1x22xk=1n+1ak2+k=1nak=0
has real roots for every choice of real numbers a1,a2,,an+1.

Answer & Explanation

Marcos Boyer

Marcos Boyer

Beginner2022-04-06Added 12 answers

Step 1
Hint: The equation has real roots if and only if the discriminant is non-negative. This means
k=1n+1ak2an+1k=1nak.
Hint: Since this has to hold true for every choice of real numbers, if we view this as a quadratic in an+1, what conclusion can we draw about the determinant?
We have an+12an+1k=1nak+k=1nak20 for all an+1, so the discriminant must be non-negative, namely (k=1nak)24k=1nak2.
Step 2
Hence, by Cauchy Schwards, we must have n4.
Ideally, for n5, you should provide an explicit counter example. (This is left as an exercise to the reader).

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