Problem

Source: 2017 Saudi Arabia JBMO Training Tests 1

Tags: algebra



For each pair of positive integers $(x, y)$ a nonnegative integer $x\Delta y$ is defined. It is known that for all positive integers $a$ and $b$ the following equalities hold: i. $(a + b)\Delta b = a\Delta b + 1$. ii. $(a\Delta b) \cdot (b\Delta a) = 0$. Find the values of the expressions $2016\Delta 121$ and $2016\Delta 144$.