MathDB
Math Prize 2023 Problem 20

Source:

October 12, 2023

Problem Statement

Let f1(x)=2πsin(x)f_1(x) = 2\pi \sin (x). For n>1n > 1, define fn(x)f_n(x) recursively by fn(x)=2πsin(fn1(x)). f_n(x) = 2\pi \sin(f_{n-1}(x)). How many intervals [a,b][a, b] are there such that   \bullet \ 0a<b2π0 \le a < b \le 2\pi,   \bullet \ f6(a)=2πf_6(a) = -2\pi,   \bullet \ f6(b)=2πf_6(b)=2\pi,   \bullet \ and f6f_6 is increasing on [a,b][a, b]?