On the recursive sequence \(y_{n+1}=(p+y_{n-1})/(qy_n+y_{n-1})\) (Q1593762): Difference between revisions

The difference equation \[ y(n+1)=(p+y(n-1))/(qy(n)+y(n-1)) \tag{1} \] with positive \(p,q\) and initial conditions is studied. It is shown that this system has a unique equilibrium point which is locally asymptotically stable if \(q<1+4p\). If \(q>1+4p\) then it is a saddle point and a cycle with prime period-two exists. It is proved that the interval \(I\) with end points 1 and \(p/q\) is an invariant interval of the system (1). Hence the authors proved that if \(q< 1+4p\) then the equilibrium point is a global attractor of (1). If \(q>1+4p\) then every solution of (1) eventually enters and remains inside \(I\).