MathDB
Sequence with non-positive terms

Source: Baltic Way 2014, Problem 2

November 11, 2014
algebra proposedalgebra

Problem Statement

Let a0,a1,...,aNa_0, a_1, . . . , a_N be real numbers satisfying a0=aN=0a_0 = a_N = 0 and ai+12ai+ai1=ai2a_{i+1} - 2a_i + a_{i-1} = a^2_i for i=1,2,...,N1.i = 1, 2, . . . , N - 1. Prove that ai0a_i\leq 0 for i=1,2,...,N1.i = 1, 2, . . . , N- 1.