Definition. Let the function \(f (x, y)\) be valid at all points of a plane with integer coordinates. We call a function \(f (x, y)\) harmonic if its value at each point is equal to the arithmetic mean of the values of the function at four neighbouring points, that is: \[f (x, y) = 1/4 (f (x + 1, y) + f (x-1, y) + f(x, y + 1) + f (x, y-1)).\] Let \(f(x, y)\) and \(g (x, y)\) be harmonic functions. Prove that for any \(a\) and \(b\) the function \(af (x, y) + bg (x, y)\) is also harmonic.
Let \(f (x, y)\) be a harmonic function. Prove that the functions \(\Delta_{x} f (x, y) = f (x + 1, y) - f (x, y)\) and \(\Delta_{y}f(x , y) = f(x, y + 1) - f(x, y)\) will also be harmonic.
Liouville’s discrete theorem. Let \(f (x, y)\) be a bounded harmonic function (see the definition in problem number 11.28), that is, there exists a positive constant \(M\) such that \(\forall (x, y) \in \mathbb {Z}^2\) \(| f (x, y) | \leq M\). Prove that the function \(f (x, y)\) is equal to a constant.
A frog jumps over the vertices of the triangle \(ABC\), moving each time to one of the neighbouring vertices.
How many ways can it get from \(A\) to \(A\) in \(n\) jumps?
Prove that the 13th day of the month is more likely to occur on a Friday than on other days of the week. It is assumed that we live in the Gregorian style calendar.
Prove that the polynomial \(P (x)\) is divisible by its derivative if and only if \(P (x)\) has the form \(P(x) = a_n(x - x_0)^n\).
Prove that for \(n > 0\) the polynomial \[P (x) = n^2x^{n + 2} - (2n^2 + 2n - 1) x^{n + 1} + (n + 1)^2x^n - x - 1\] is divisible by \((x - 1)^3\).
Prove that for \(n> 0\) the polynomial \(x^{2n + 1} - (2n + 1)x^{n + 1} + (2n + 1)x^n - 1\) is divisible by \((x - 1)^3\).
Prove that the polynomial \(P (x) = a_0 + a_1x + \dots + a_nx^n\) has a number \(-1\) which is a root of multiplicity \(m + 1\) if and only if the following conditions are satisfied: \[\begin{aligned} a_0 - a_1 + a_2 - a_3 + \dots + (-1)^{n}a_n &= 0,\\ - a_1 + 2a_2 - 3a_3 + \dots + (-1)^{n}na_n &= 0,\\ \dots \\ - a_1 + 2^{m}a_2 - 3^{m}a_3 + \dots + (-1)^{n}n^{m}a_n &= 0. \end{aligned}\]
You are mixing four magic potions, and you choose how much of each one to use. Let \(a\), \(b\), \(c\), and \(d\) be the amounts of the four potions you pour in, each chosen between \(0\) and \(1\) liter. The wizard tells you that the magic power of your mix is given by the formula \[a + b + c + d - ab - bc - cd - da.\] What is the largest magic power you can create?