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Interesting fractions

Source: 44th International Tournament of Towns, Senior A-Level P5, Spring 2023

April 4, 2023
number theoryFractions

Problem Statement

Given an integer h>1h > 1. Let's call a positive common fraction (not necessarily irreducible) good if the sum of its numerator and denominator is equal to hh. Let's say that a number hh is remarkable if every positive common fraction whose denominator is less than hh can be expressed in terms of good fractions (not necessarily various) using the operations of addition and subtraction. Prove that hh is remarkable if and only if it is prime. (Recall that an common fraction has an integer numerator and a natural denominator.)