The 97 rational numbers 49/1, 49/2, 49/3, ..., 49/97 are written on a blackboard.
Two of the above numbers X and Y are chosen and replaced by X*Y-X-Y+1.
The procedure is repeated until a single number Z(say) remains on the board.

Determine the possible values of Z.

(In reply to re: Two special results by Ady TZIDON)

The first is if you combine 49/1 with 49/2 as X and Y in the stated algorithm; then combine that result with 49/3; and then that result with 49/4, etc. until you get the one number at the end.

Posted by Charlie on 2016-03-20 22:49:12