Q42 / 90 · KVPY 2019 (SB/SX) · Mathematics

The number of ordered pairs a,b of positive integers such that 2a-1b and 2b-1a are both integers is 

  • A
    1
  • B
    2
  • Correct answer
    C
    3
  • D
    more than 3

Solution

For positive integers 'a' and 'b' the numbers 2a-1b and 2b-1a are integers if 'a' and 'b' and odd integers because '2a-1' and '2b-1' are odd integers. 

Now, let 2a-1b=α and 2b-1a=β, where α,β are integers.

then 2a-1=αb and 2b-1=βa

so 4a-2=αβa+1

⇒ a=α+24-αβ

∵ a is an integer, then 0<αβ<4

∴ Possible value of α=1, 2 or 3 and β=1, 2 or 3

such that 0<αβ<4

Now, when α,β=1,1, then a,b=1,1

When α,β=1,2, then a,b have no value

When (α,β)=(1,3), then a,b=3,5 and similarly when α,β=3,1, then a,b=5,3 

So, number of ordered pairs a,b is 3.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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