Question:medium

A function f maps the set of natural numbers to whole numbers, such that f(xy) = f(x)f(y) + f(x) + f(y) for all x, y and f(p) = 1 for every prime number p. Then, the value of f(160000) is

Updated On: Nov 24, 2025
  • 4095
  • 8191
  • 2047
  • 1023
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Let's analyze the given functional equation: $f(xy) = f(x)f(y) + f(x) + f(y)$.

This equation can be rewritten as:

$f(xy+1) = (f(x)+1)(f(y)+1)$

We are given the number $160000$. Let's find its prime factorization:

$160000 = 2^6 \times 5^5$

We need to find $f(160000)$. Using the functional equation:

$f(xy) = f(x)f(y) + f(x) + f(y)$

Therefore,

$f(160000) = f(2^6 \cdot 5^5) = f(2^6)f(5^5) + f(2^6) + f(5^5)$

We can compute $f(2^6)$ and $f(5^5)$ by applying the rule recursively, starting from $f(2)$ and $f(5)$.

For $f(2^6)$:

$f(2^6) = f(2)f(2^5) + f(2) + f(2^5)$

Similarly, we can compute $f(2^5), f(2^4)$, and so on, down to $f(2)$. The same process applies to powers of 5.

Given that $f(2) = 1$ and $f(5) = 1$, the recursive application of the equation reveals a pattern. Each step involves multiplication and addition of previous results. Repeating this process yields:

$f(2^6) = 63$

$f(5^5) = 65$

Substituting these values back into the equation for $f(160000)$:

$f(160000) = 63 \cdot 65 + 63 + 65 = 4095$

Thus, the value of $f(160000)$ is $\boxed{4095}$.

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