1989 AHSME Problems/Problem 10

Problem

Consider the sequence defined recursively by $u_1=a$ (any positive number), and $u_{n+1}=-1/(u_n+1)$ , $n=1,2,3,...$ For which of the following values of $n$ must $u_n=a$ ?

$\mathrm{(A) \ 14 } \qquad \mathrm{(B) \ 15 } \qquad \mathrm{(C) \ 16 } \qquad \mathrm{(D) \ 17 } \qquad \mathrm{(E) \ 18 }$

Solution

Repeatedly applying the function, and simplifying, we get $a,\quad-\frac1{a+1},\quad-\frac{a+1}a,$ and then $a$ again. So $a$ must appear at every third term after $u_1$ . The only option given of the form $1+3k$ is $\boxed{\mathrm{(C)}\,16}$ .

1989 AHSME (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by Problem 9	Followed by Problem 11
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1989 AHSME Problems/Problem 10

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