MathLabs

Problem 4

Prove that there is no function ff from the set of non-negative integers into itself such that f(f(n))=n+1987f(f(n)) = n + 1987 for every non-negative integer nn.
Step 5 of 5: Contradiction
In plain words

An integer cannot be half of one.

a+2⋅1987q=a+1987  ⟹  2q=1a+2\cdot1987q=a+1987\implies 2q=1
Detailed analysis

The original equation says f(f(a))=a+1987f(f(a))=a+1987. Comparing with the previous step gives 2q=12q=1, impossible for an integer qq. Thus ff cannot exist.