Problem

Source: Irish MO 2017 paper 2 problem 5

Tags: algebra, Sequence, Sum



Given a positive integer $m$, a sequence of real numbers $a= (a_1,a_2,a_3,...)$ is called $m$-powerful if it satisfies $$(\sum_{k=1}^{n} a_k )^{m} = \sum_{k=1}^{n} a_k^{m}$$for all positive integers $n$. (a) Show that a sequence is $30$-powerful if and only if at most one of its terms is non-zero. (b) Find a sequence none of whose terms are zero but which is $2017$-powerful.