Sets, Relations & Functions
Iterated Composition of Functions
nta_pyq_2023_jan
Grade 11

Question:

Let $f^1(x) = \dfrac{3x+2}{2x+3}$, $x \in \mathbb{R} - \left\{-\dfrac{3}{2}\right\}$. For $n \ge 2$, define $f^n(x) = f^1 \circ f^{n-1}(x)$. If $f^5(x) = \dfrac{ax+b}{bx+a}$, $\gcd(a,b)=1$, then $a+b$ is equal to ______.

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: Compute $f^2, f^3$ to find the pattern; coefficients follow a recurrence leading to $f^5(x)=\frac{1563x+1562}{1562x+1563}$.
$f^5(x)=\frac{1563x+1562}{1562x+1563}$, so $a=1563$, $b=1562$, $a+b=3125$.
Correct Answer: 3125

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