olymmath

ISL 2006 C1

    We have n≥2n \geq 2 lamps L1,…,LnL_{1}, \ldots, L_{n} in a row, each of them being either on or off. Every second we simultaneously modify the state of each lamp as follows: - if the lamp LiL_{i} and its neighbours (only one neighbour for i=1i=1 or i=ni=n, two neighbours for other ii ) are in the same state, then LiL_{i} is switched off; - otherwise, LiL_{i} is switched on. Initially all the lamps are off except the leftmost one which is on. (a) Prove that there are infinitely many integers nn for which all the lamps will eventually be off. (b) Prove that there are infinitely many integers nn for which the lamps will never be all off. (France)

    Official text Transcription from NuminaMath olympiads, checked word for word against the official paper. Quoted with source.

    Official text: IMO 2006 Shortlist booklet, page 20.

    Solutions

    Official solution Solution 1 by the IMO Problem Selection Committee

    The terms of the source let olymmath link to this solution but not copy it. Read the solution (IMO official site).

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