Question:medium

Let \( f(x) \) be a polynomial function satisfying \[ f(x) \cdot f\left(\frac{1}{x}\right) = f(x) + f\left(\frac{1}{x}\right). \] If \( f(4) = 65 \) and \( I_1, I_2, I_3 \) are in GP, then \( f'(I_1), f'(I_2), f'(I_3) \) are in:

Show Hint

For polynomial functions satisfying specific functional equations, determining the form of the polynomial is often the first step. Derivatives of polynomials can then be analyzed to determine the nature of sequences.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • AP
  • GP
  • Both
  • None of these
Hide Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Determine the form of \( f(x) \). The given functional equation is: \[ f(x) \cdot f\left(\frac{1}{x}\right) = f(x) + f\left(\frac{1}{x}\right). \] Rearranging yields: \[ (f(x) - 1)(f\left(\frac{1}{x}\right) - 1) = 1. \] This implies \( f(x) - 1 \) is of the form \( x^n \), where \( n \) is an integer. Let: \[ f(x) = x^n + 1. \]
Step 2: Use the given condition \( f(4) = 65 \).
\[ f(4) = 4^n + 1 = 65 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 4^n = 64 \quad \Rightarrow \quad n = 3. \] Therefore, \( f(x) = x^3 + 1 \).
Step 3: Compute the derivative \( f'(x) \).
\[ f'(x) = 3x^2. \]
Step 4: Analyze \( f'(I_1), f'(I_2), f'(I_3) \).
Given \( I_1, I_2, I_3 \) are in GP, let: \[ I_2 = I_1 r, \quad I_3 = I_1 r^2, \] where \( r \) is the common ratio. Then: \[ f'(I_1) = 3I_1^2, \quad f'(I_2) = 3I_2^2 = 3I_1^2 r^2, \quad f'(I_3) = 3I_3^2 = 3I_1^2 r^4. \] The sequence \( f'(I_1), f'(I_2), f'(I_3) \) is: \[ 3I_1^2, 3I_1^2 r^2, 3I_1^2 r^4, \] which constitutes a geometric progression (GP).
Step 5: Determine the correct option.
The sequence \( f'(I_1), f'(I_2), f'(I_3) \) is in GP.
Was this answer helpful?
0