IMO 2009 · Problem 1

Let \(n\) be a positive integer and let \(a_1,\ldots,a_k\) (\(k\ge 2\)) be distinct integers in the set \(\{1,\ldots,n\}\) such that \(n\) divides \(a_i(a_{i+1}-1)\) for \(i=1,\ldots,k-1\). Prove that \(n\) does not divide \(a_k(a_1-1)\).

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

Solution

Suppose, for a contradiction, that \(n\) also divides \(a_k(a_1-1)\). Extend the indices cyclically, so that \(a_{i+k}=a_i\). Then \[ a_i a_{i+1}\equiv a_i\pmod n \] for every \(i\).

Let \(P=a_1a_2\cdots a_k\). For each \(i\), we have \[ a_i \equiv a_i a_{i+1} \equiv a_i a_{i+1}a_{i+2} \equiv \cdots \equiv a_i a_{i+1}\cdots a_{i+k-1} =P \pmod n. \] Indeed, each step replaces the last factor \(a_j\) by \(a_j a_{j+1}\), which is congruent to it modulo \(n\). The final product contains each of \(a_1,\ldots,a_k\) exactly once.

Consequently, \(a_1\equiv a_2\pmod n\). But \(1\le a_1,a_2\le n\), so \(|a_1-a_2|<n\). Thus \(a_1=a_2\), contradicting their distinctness.

Therefore \(n\) does not divide \(a_k(a_1-1)\). \(\square\)

The solution was checked against the official IMO shortlist solutions.