If f is a function satisfying f (x + y) = f(x) f(y) for all such that
f(1) = 3 and , find the value of n.
It is given that,
f (x + y) = f (x) × f (y) for all x, y ∈ N … (1)
f (1) = 3
Taking x = y = 1 in (1), we obtain
f (1 + 1) = f (2) = f (1) f (1) = 3 × 3 = 9
Taking x = 1 and y = 2 in (1), we obtain
f (1 + 2) = f (3) = f (1) f (2) = 3 × 9 = 27
Similarly, Taking x = 1 and y = 3 in (1), we obtain
f (1 + 3) = f (4) = f (1) f (3) = 3 × 27 = 81
∴ f (1), f (2), f (3), …, that is 3, 9, 27, …, forms a G.P. with both the first term and common ratio equal to 3.
We know that -
Sum of first n terms of G.P with first term 'a' and common ratio 'r' is given by -
It is known that,
But,
∴ n = 4
Thus, the value of n is 4.