CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions | CAT Algebra - Functions questions

The question is about determining value of a. We need to find the value of 'a' which satisfies the given condition. Functions is a simple topic which involves a lot of basic ideas. Make sure that you a get of hold of them by solving these questions. A range of CAT questions can be asked based on this simple concept of Functions questions in the CAT Exam. Make sure you practice a lot of questions in CAT Functions Algebra to push your CAT preparation in the right direction. Functions as an idea is a fabulous idea if one can wrap their head around it the right way, and it has been one of the staple ideas tested by the CAT exam historically.

Question 9: Given that x is real and f(x) = f(x + 1) + f(x – 1). Determine the value of ‘a’ that will satisfy f(x) + f(x + a) = 0

1. -1
2. -2
3. 1
4. 3

Explanatory Answer

Method of solving this CAT Question from CAT Algebra - Functions: Keep finding f(x+1), f(x+2), f(x+3) and so on until one of them is equal to -f(x).

f(x) = f(x + 1) + f(x – 1)

Let f(x) = p and f(x – 1) = q
f(x + 1) = f(x + 1 + 1) + f(x + 1 – 1) (Put x = x + 1 here!)
= f(x + 2) + f(x)
p – q = f(x + 2) + p
Or f(x + 2) = -q

f(x + 2) = f(x + 2 + 1) + f(x + 2 – 1) (Put x = x + 2 here!)
= f(x + 3) + f(x + 1)
– q = f(x + 3) + p – q

Or f(x + 3) = -p
At this point we notice that f(x) = p and f(x+3) = -p
f(x) + f(x + 3) = 0 (This is the condition to be satisfied to determine a)
Hence ‘a’ = 3

The question is "Given that x is real and f(x) = f(x + 1) + f(x – 1). Determine the value of ‘a’ that will satisfy f(x) + f(x + a) = 0?"

Hence the answer is "3"

Choice D is the correct answer.