MathDB
Determine the first term of a sequence

Source: Pre-VMO 2012 - Round 2 - Problem 6

December 26, 2011
algebrapolynomialalgebra proposed

Problem Statement

Let (an)(a_n) defined by: a0=1,  a1=p,  a2=p(p1)a_0=1, \; a_1=p, \; a_2=p(p-1), an+3=pan+2pan+1+an,  nNa_{n+3}=pa_{n+2}-pa_{n+1}+a_n, \; \forall n \in \mathbb{N}. Knowing that
(i) an>0,  nNa_n>0, \; \forall n \in \mathbb{N}.
(ii) aman>am+1an1,  mn0a_ma_n>a_{m+1}a_{n-1}, \; \forall m \ge n \ge 0.
Prove that p12|p-1| \ge 2.