Find f(x) for every rational x
Source: IMO LongList 1979 - P27
September 15, 2010
algebrabinary representationfunctional equationfunctionIMO ShortlistIMO Longlist
Problem Statement
For all rational satisfying , the functions is defined by
f(x)=\begin{cases}\frac{f(2x)}{4},&\mbox{for }0 \leq x < \frac 12,\\ \frac 34+ \frac{f(2x - 1)}{4}, & \mbox{for } \frac 12 \leq x < 1.\end{cases}
Given that is the binary representation of , find, with proof, .