IMO 1982 · Problem 1

The function \(f(n)\) is defined for all positive integers \(n\) and takes on non-negative integer values. Also, for all \(m,n\) \[ f(m+n)-f(m)-f(n)=0\text{ or }1 \] \[ f(2)=0,\ f(3)>0,\text{ and }f(9999)=3333. \] Determine \(f(1982)\).

Official text of the problem. Official problem paper (PDF)

Answer

\[ \boxed{f(1982)=660}. \]

Solution

The given condition implies \[ f(m+n)\ge f(m)+f(n). \] Consequently, induction on \(k\) gives \[ f(kn)\ge kf(n) \] for all positive integers \(k,n\). Also, since \(f(3)\) is a positive integer, \(f(3)\ge1\).

Using \(1982=660\cdot3+2\), we obtain \[ f(1982)\ge f(660\cdot3)+f(2) \ge660f(3)\ge660. \]

For the opposite bound, observe that \[ 9999=3\cdot1982+1351\cdot3. \] Therefore, \[ \begin{aligned} 3333=f(9999) &\ge f(3\cdot1982)+f(1351\cdot3)\\ &\ge3f(1982)+1351f(3)\\ &\ge3f(1982)+1351. \end{aligned} \] It follows that \[ f(1982)\le\frac{3333-1351}{3} =660+\frac23. \] Since \(f(1982)\) is an integer, it is at most \(660\). Together with the lower bound, this proves \(f(1982)=660\).

The solution was checked against John Scholes' IMO solution archive (Kalva).