SOLUTION TO PROBLEM 11

The third property is most useful in the form

$$f(x,z)=\frac{z}{z-x}f(x,z-x),$$

which is valid whenever z>x. To obtain this form, set z=x+y in the original form, so that y=z-x. Using this new form of the third property, as well as the other properties of f, we obtain

$$\begin{array}{c} f(14,52)=\frac{52}{38}\cdot f(14,38)=\frac{5... ...rac{4}{2} \cdot f(2,2)=91\cdot 2\cdot 2={\bf 364}. \end{array}$$

Questions and/or comments should be directed to Judy Downey or Griff Elder
 

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Last modified:   Tue Mar 27 21:20:42 CST 2001