MathDB
charismatic numbers x= prod (q+i)^{a_i}

Source: 2015 Latvia BW TST P8

December 16, 2022
algebrarationalnumber theory

Problem Statement

Given a fixed rational number qq. Let's call a number xx charismatic if we can find a natural number nn and integers a1,a2,..,ana_1, a_2,.., a_n such that x=(q+1)a1(q+2)a2...(q+n)an.x = (q + 1)^{a_1} \cdot (q + 2)^{a_2} \cdot ... \cdot(q + n)^{a_n} . i) Prove that one can find a qq such that all positive rational numbers are charismatic. ii) Is it true that for all qq, if the number xx is charismatic, then x+1x + 1 is also charismatic?