The Nautilus Journal of Mathematics Issue I 2012b PDF

Editors-in-Chief
Rikuro Fukusato, Editor of Mathematics

Sophia Oak, Editor of Arts and Operations

Advisor
Mr. James Wong

Staff
Shane Basset
Deion Law
Priscilla Luu
Rise Morisato
Jerry Su
Sara Yogi
Joyce Zhang

The Nautilus: Maryknoll Journal of Mathematics

Special thanks to Maryknoll Math Department

Front/Back/Flag Page Art: Sophia Oak

Desktop Publishing Programs: Microsoft Word, The Geometers Sketchpad
Printer: Hewlett Parkard Laser Jet 4V
http://www.maryknollschool.org

The nautilus, also known as the living fossil, is a creature that spends most of its life exploring
the great depths of the ocean. It resembles the logarithmic spiral, one that grows without altering its
shape, and was recognized by the great mathematician Jacques Bernoulli as a symbol of fortitude and
constancy in adversity as well as growth and renewal. Like the nautilus, Maryknoll students broke
out of their shells and explored the depths of mathematics through challenging monthly problems.

The Nautilus is created by and for students of Maryknoll High School in order to explore the
realm of mathematics and to recognize the expression of individuality through problem solving. It is
designed to showcase student creativity and problem solving ability by publishing the most interesting
and elegant solutions. Submissions are accepted monthly from the beginning to end of the month, and
from September to March.

All original work will not be returned.


1

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
a = 2
b = 3
c = 4
d = 5
e = 6
f = 7
x = 8
25
20
15
X
The Nautilus: Maryknoll Journal of Mathematics is a student publication that showcases the
best solutions by Maryknoll students to a set of challenging and non-routine math problems posed
by the National Council Teacher of Mathematics and published in the professional journal
Mathematics Teacher.

Problem 1: Determine the value of x in the spiral diagram.
(March 21, 2011)

Solved by Joyce Zhang:

By Pythagoras Theorem, a
2
+ b
2
= c
2
.
1
2
+ 1
2
= a
2
1
2
+ a
2
= b
2
1
2
+ b
2
= c
2
2 = a
2
1
2
+ ( 2 )
2
= b
2
1
2
+ ( 3 )
2
= c
2

2 = a 3 = b
2
4 = c
2

3 = b 4 = c
2 = c

1
2
+ c
2
= d
2
1
2
+ f
2
= x
2
1
2
+ 2
2
= d
2
etc.

1
2
+ ( 7 )
2
= x
2
5 = d
2
8 = x
2

5 = d 8 = x

Answer: x = 8

Problem 2: Simplify . (May 29, 2011)

Solved by Rikuro Fukusato:

Answer: 32

Problem 3: The rectangle shown in the diagram has width 15 and length 20. Find x, the length of
the segment perpendicular to the diagonal. (October 28, 2011)

Solved by Nathan Goo: In triangles, base1 (height1) = base2 (height2).
15(20) = 25x

5 5
5 4 5 3

=x
12 = x

Answer: 12


2

l
a
b

Problem 4: The surface area of a cube is 450. Find the length of an interior diagonal of the cube.
[December 19, 2011]

Solved by Chloe Fortuna: Let b = length of the interior diagonal,
a = length of the base diagonal, and l = length of the edge.

Answer: 15 units

Problem 5: A light-year is to an astronomical unit (AU) as a mile is to an inch. This rule of thumb
can help us approximate that vast distances that astronomers refer to. (An AU is slightly less than
the average distance from the Earth to the Sun.) If a light year is 63,240 AU, find the percent error
in the estimate of light-year given by the mile : inch analogy. (September 6, 2011)
Solved by Nathan Goo:
1mi 5280ft 12in
1mi 1ft

Answer: 0.19%
Problem 6: The midpoints of the sides of the largest square are joined to form a new square. The
process is repeated using the new square, and a circle is inscribed in this smallest square. If the area
of the largest square is16/,findtheareaofthecircle.(May2,2011)
Let As1 be the area for the largest square.
Let As2 be the area for the middle square.
Let As3 be the area for the smallest square.
Let AC be the area for the circle.
As2 = As1 and AS3 = AS2 AS3 = AS1 =(16/)
AS3 =4/
A side of a square is the square root of its area, so the side of S3 and
diameter of the circle is
t t
2 4
or . Therefore, Area of circle AC =(diameter)
2

AC =
2
)
2
2
1
(
t
= 1.
Answer: 1
l = 7S
a
2
= 7S +7S
a = 1Su
b
2
= 7S +1Su
b = 1S units
Suiface Aiea SA = 6 l
2
= 450

1 mile = 5280* 12 = 63360 inches


3

115
115
115
Problem 7: Two thousand patriotic millionaires each decided to contribute 15% of their net
worth to reduce the national debt. An equally patriotic billionaire decided to match the gifts. If
eachmillionairesnetworthisexactly1million dollarsandthebillionairesworthisexactly1
billion dollars, what percentage of her net worth did the billionaire need to give to match the gifts?
(February 23, 2012)
Solved by Flora Wang:
1 millionaire = 1,000,000
1 billionaire = 1,000,000,000

Answer: 0.3 or 30%
Question 8: Kiri folded a paper square twice. Then she made a single straight cut through all
thickness. When she unfolded the square, she saw that she had cut out a square. How might Kiri
have folded and cut the paper? (September 8, 2011)

1) Square piece of paper: 2) Fold in half horizontally:

3) Fold in half vertically: 4) Cut across the crease:

Answer:

Problem 9: When Jason arranges his toy soldiers in rows of 6, he has one left over. When he
arranges them in rows of 8, he has 3 left over. When he arranges them in rows of 10, he has 5 left
over. What is the smallest possible number of toy soldiers that Jason plays with? (March 2, 2012)
Solved by ZacharyKahookele:
Rows of 6 r 1: 1, 7, 13, 19, 25, 31, 37, 43, 49, 55, 61, 67, 73, 79, 85, 91, 97, 103, 109,
Rows of 8 r 3: 3, 11, 19, 27, 35, 43, 51, 59, 67, 75, 83, 91, 99, 107,
Rows of 10 r 5: 5,15, 25, 35 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105,
Answer: 115
1,000,000 * 0.15 = 150,000
2000(150000) = 300,000,000
= 0.3 or 30%


4

5
7
8
4
9
11 12
13 6
10
Problem 10: Use each integer from 4 to 13, Solved by Joyce Zhang:
inclusive, exactly once to fill the circles so
that each side of the kite has a sum of 29. (February 1, 2012)

Problem 11: The harmonic mean of two integers is 1 less than there arithmetic mean. The larger
integer is twice the smaller integer. What are the two numbers? (January 31, 2009)

Solved by Megan August:
By definition, the harmonic mean is the reciprocal of the average of the reciprocals. Let a, b be the two
integers, where a > b. and a = 2b.
The harmonic mean of a and b =
|
.
|
\
|
+
=
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
b a b a
1 1
2
2
1 1
1
, which is 1 less than the arithmetic mean

Harmonic Mean:

Arithmetic Mean:

8 = 9 - 1, satisfying the conditions. Therefore, the numbers are 6 & 12.
Answer: 6 and 12
.
2
b a +
( )
12
6 2
2
=
=
=
a
a
b a
1
2
2
1
2
1
2
+
=
+
b b
b b
1
2
1 1
2
+
=
+
b a
b a
( ) 2
2
2 3
1
2
1
2
) 2 (
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
|
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
b
b b
2
2
2
3
1
2
1
2
=
+
b
b b
2 3
)
2
3
(
4
= b
b
2 3
3
2
4 = b
b
( )( ) 3 2 3
3
8
) 3 ( =
|
.
|
\
|
b
b
6
6
6 9 8
=
=
=
b
b
b b
. 8
3
12
2
12
3
2
6
1
12
1
2
=
|
.
|
\
|
= =
+
. 9
2
18
2
6 12
= =
+
Answer:


5

1
3
2 75 2
75 3
751
l
a
b
b - y
y y
a - x x
Y
X
Q(x, y)
B(0, b)
A(a, 0)
R
P
O
Problem 12: The surface area of a cube is 450. Find the length of an interior diagonal of the cube.
(December 19, 2011)

Solution by Devin Rettke:

6squaresarea=450
1squaresarea=
450
6
= 75
1 square side = 75

In a cube with side length = 1,
the ratio of side: face diagonal: space diagonal is 1: 2 : 3 .
In a cube with side length = 75 ,
the ratio of side: face diagonal: space diagonal is 75 1: 75 2 : 75 3 .
Therefore, the space diagonal in a cube with surface area= 450 is 75 3 = 225 = 15

Answer: 15

Problem 13: Line l intersects the positive x- and - and y-axes at A( a, 0) and B (0, b), respectively.
Lines parallel to the x- and y-axes are drawn through a point Q on l, intersecting the x-axis at R and
the y-axis at P. Rectangle OPQR and the triangle QAR have the same area. Find the coordinates of Q
in terms of a and b. (Point O is the origin.) (December 2, 2011)

Solution by Rikuro Fukusato:
Let (x, y) be the coordinate for Q.

~
Answer: Q: ( a , b)
Area
BO A
= Area
OPQRR
+ Area
QAR
+ Area
BQP

ab = xy + y (a x) + x (b y)
ab = 2xy + ay xy + by xy
ab = ay + bx

Area OPQR = (x) y
AQAR = (a - x) y
xy = (a x) y
x = (a x)
2x = a x
3x = a
x = a


6

70%
30%
Problem 14: The treadmill display indicated that Meg had completed 30% of her workout with 35
minutes remaining. How much time had she already spent on the treadmill? (January 13, 2009)

Solved by Wensi Paull:

Answer: 15 minutes

Also solved by Priscilla Luu:

Answer: 15 minutes

Problem 15: September 8 Problem offered the challenge of cutting out a square from the center of
a folded paper square with a single straight cut. Modify the folding procedure so that you can cut
out a rectangle that is not a square with a single straight cut. (September 16, 2011)

Stage 1: Stage 2: Fold as shown. Stage 3 and 4: Two folds.

Stage 5: Cut as shown. Stage 6: Then unfold the two corners. Stage 7: Unfold again.

Answer:
Problem 16: The sum of two prime numbers is the prime number 89,563. Find the smaller of the
two addends. (May 3, 2011)
Solved by Rikuro Fukusato: Since 89,563 is odd, it is the sum of an even number and an odd
number. Since 2 is the only even prime number, one of the addend must be a 2, leaving the other
addend to be (89,563 - 2) = 89,561. The smaller addend is 2.
Answer: 2
100% - 30% = 70% to go = 35 minutes
10% = 5 minutes
100% = 50 minutes
50 minutes 35 minutes = 15 minutes completed

7 . 0
35
3 . 0
=
x
0.7x = 10.5
x = 15


7

b
c
d
a
5 4
3
2 1
Since , , and a=6
Let the length of the mid-size rectangle be c, and its width d.
Let the length of the smallest rectangle be b, and its width e.
. Since and b and c are positive integers,
b = 1 and c = 2.

The perimeter is

The sum of the digits is 2+6=8.
Problem 17: On the square geoboard shown below, the distance between adjacent horizontal and
vertical pegs is 1 in. What is the area of the 16-gon? (December 16, 2011)
Solution by Dawson Zimmermann:
Area of one square = bh = 1 1 = 1 in
Area of five squares = 5 in
Area of one triangle = (b*h)2 = (11)/2 = 0.5 in
2

Area of four triangles = 0.5+0.5+0.5+0.5 = 2 in
2

So Area of total = Area of square+
Area of triangle= 7 in
Answer: 7 in

Problem 18: Fill in the cells of the 4X4 magic square with the digits in the number 2011 so that
each row, column, and diagonal contains one 2, one 0, and two 1s. The sum of each row, column,
and diagonal will be 4. (March 24,

2011)
Solution by Joyce Zhang:

Answer:

Problem 19: Three similar rectangles with integral widths and lengths in the ratio 1: 2 form a non-
convex hexagon, as shown. The width of the largest rectangle is 3. Find the sum of the digits of the
hexagonsperimeter.(October12
th
, 2011)


Answer: 8

0 1 1 2
1 2 0 1
2 1 1 0
1 0 2 1


8

C
D A
B
M
N
3
2
1
Y
X
N
M
B
A D
C
Problem 20: The area of the rectangle shown is 48. The midpoint of
is M, and N is 1/3 the

distance from C to B. Compute the area of DNM. (October 20, 2011)

Solved by Brent Hironaga:

Let x = AB and y = CB.

xy = 48

AreaofRectangle=Area1+Area2+Area3+AreaDMN
So, xy =
2
1
(
2
1
x
3
2
y) +
2
1
(
3
1
yx)+
2
1
(y
2
1
x) + DMN
xy =
6
1
xy +
6
1
xy +
4
1
xy + DMN
xy =
12
7
xy + DMN

12
5
xy = DMN

12
5
(48) = DMN
Therefore,DMN = 20 Answer: DMN has an area of 20 units
2

Problem 21: A 1964 algebra book included the following problem, which
had appeared in anAmericanalgebratextbookinusenearlyacenturyago:

A pole is one third in the mud, one half in the water, and three feet out of
the water. What is the length of the pole? (January 7, 2009)


6
1
x = 3

x = 18

Answer: 18 feet

3 feet
x
x


9

Problem 22: Two pegs on a 2X2 geoboard are connected by a geoband, as shown. Two different
pegs are selected at random and connected by another geoband. If the second band is parallel to the
first, what is the probability that the 4 pegs are vertices of a parallelogram? (December 12, 2011)
Solution by Deion Law:
4 bands are parallel.
bands will not be a
parallelogram
Therefore, will be a parallelogram. Answer: that 4 pegs are vertices of parallelogram
Problem 23: Suppose that f(x) = 1/ (1 + x). Determine all values of x that are not in the domain of
f(f( f(x))). (December 20, 2011)
Solution by Devin Rettke: f(f( f(x))) =
1
1+(
1
1+[
1
1+x
)
Find the domain of f(f( f(x)).
x -2:
1
1 +_
1
1 +[
1
1 + 2
_
=
1
1 +_
1
1 +[
1
1
_
=
1
1 +[
1
1 1

=
1
1+(
1
0
)
=
1
1+undc]ncd
. Therefore, 2.
:
1
1+(
1
1+[
1
1+ -1
)
=
1
1+_
1
1+
1
0
_
=
1
1+[
1
1+undc]incd
. Therefore, 1
. :
1
1 +_
1
1 +[
1
1 + 1.S
_
=
1
1 +_
1
1 +[
1
u.S
_
=
1
1 +[
1
1 + 2
=
1
1 +[
1
1
=
1
1 1
=
1
u
=

Therefore, 1.5
Answer: , . ,

Problem 24: If it takes 12 minutes to cut a log into 4 pieces, how many minutes will it take to cut a
log into 3 pieces? (May 22, 2011) 3 Cuts
Since cutting a log into 4 pieces take 3 cuts, it takes 4
3
12
= minutes for each
cut. Cutting a log into 3 pieces requires 2 cuts, so it would take 42=8
minutes.
Answer: 8 minutes


10

AN
RI NI TA
MA HU

x
x
2x
2x
x 2
2x 2
X
Z
Y
W
B
D C
A
Problem 25: The six squares in the diagram are to be folded into
a cube. A humanitarian wants to know which side will be opposite the
side labeled AN. Can you help him determine the answer?
(October 1, 2011)

Solved by Nikka Sonido:
Across of AN is MA when actually applying it and making the box.
It would be MA.

Answer: MA

Problem 26: Compute the digit in the thousands place when calculating the following sum:
6 + 66 + 666 + 6666 ++6,666,666,666. (October 10, 2011)
610 = 60
69 + 6 = 60
68 + 6 = 54
67 + 5 = 47

Answer: 7 is in the thousands place.

Problem 27: Square ABCD has points W, X, Y, and Z that are trisection points of the sides of the
square. W, X, Y, and Z are connected to form a rectangle. Find the ratio of the perimeter of WXYZ to
the perimeter of ABCD. (February 26, 2012)
Solution by Nathan Goo:

6
66
666
6666
66666
666666
6666666
66666666
666666666
+ 6666666666
7400
=
Answer:


11

d
C = circumference
C
2
= 8
5
10
exterior
glass interior
13-3
3
5
13
13
Problem 28: An ant on the outside of a glass, 3 in. from the bottom, sees a drop of honey inside the
glass, 5 in. from the top and exactly half way around the glass. The glass is 13 in. high and has a
circumference of 16 in. Compute the length of the shortest path for the ant to reach honey.
(October 25, 2011)


If we unroll the cylinder and reflect the inside against the rim, the shortest distance between ant and
honey is the hypotenuse d of a triangle with legs C/2=16/2=8 and 13-3+5=15.
By Pythagoras Theorem, d
2
= 8
2
+ 15
2
. The shortest distance is 17 in.

Answer: 17 in

Problem 29: A bicycle store owner asks one of his employees to count the number of bicycles and
tricycles in his store. The employee knows that the owner likes puzzles, so he tells him that there
are a total of 169 wheels but only 152 pedals. How many more bicycles than tricycles are in the
store? (October 30, 2011)

Solved by Kristin Yamasaki:
152 pedals / 2 pedals per vehicle = 76 vehicles. Solve for a system of equations:
Let a = number of bicycles and b = number of tricycles
a + b = 76

-3(a+b = 76)
-3a 3b = -228

2a + 3b = 169 2a + 3b = 169 2a + 3b = 169
-1a = -59
a = 59
Given a=59, substitute it back into the original equation: 2(59) + 3b = 169
118 + 3b = 169
3b = 51
b = 17
There are 59 bicycles, 17 tricycles. Thus, there are 59-17 = 42 more bicycles than tricycles.
Answer: 42 more bicycles


12

X-axis
Y-axis
y=0
y=mc
x=c x=9 x=3
Problem 30: Let m> 0. Find the value of c such that the area bounded by y=mx, x=3, x=9, and y=0 is
bisected by x=c. (December 5, 2011)
Solution by Deion Law:
Using Calculus,
= _ =
2
2

9
3

9
S

= [
9
2
2

3
2
2

= _
81
2

9
2
] = (4u.S 4.S) = S6.
Bisected by x = c, so
2
1
Area = 18m.

mx
2
2
c
3
=
m
2
(
2
9) = 18

2
9 = S6
C = 45 = 3 5
Answer: 3S
Problem 31: A teacher bought 100 puzzles for $82.90 to give out to the members of her math
team. She bought three different types of puzzles. Type A cost $0.40 each, type B cost $0.70 each,
and type C cost $1 each. How many more type C puzzles than type A puzzles did she buy?
(October 24, 2011)

Let A = Type A puzzle @ $ 0.40; B = Type B puzzle @ $ 0.70; and C = Type C puzzle @ $ 1.00.
A + B + C = 100
0.4A + 0.7B + C = 82.90
0.4A + 0.7 (100 C A) + C = 82.90
- 0.3A + .03C = 82.90 70
- 0.3A + 0.3C = 12.9
C = 12.9 (
10
3
) + A
C = 43 + A

Problem 32: How many terms are in the expansion of (a+b+c)
5
after like terms have been
combined? (May 30, 2011)
Degree Number of Terms
0 1
1 3
2 6

n
2
1
x
2
+
2
1
x, for x = n + 1
5
2
1
(6)
2
+
2
1
6) =
2
42
2
6
2
36
= + = 21 terms
Answer: 21
Answer: 43 more Type C than As.

Notes
1 term since (a + b + c)
0
= 1
3 terms since (a + b + c)
1
= a + b + c
6 terms since (a + b + c)
2
= (a + b + c)(a + b + c), which has
six like terms as a
2
+ ab + ac + b
2
+ bc + c
2
+
x
2
+ x, where x = n +1,isfortriangularnumbers:1,3,6,


13

Problem 33: In a group of 50 girls, each girl is either blonde or brunette, and each has either blue
or brown eyes. Find the number of brown-eyed blondes if 14 girls are blue-eyed blondes, 31 are
brunettes, and 18 have brown eyes. (October 9, 2011)

Solved by Mitchell Garcia:
50 girls 31 brunettes = 19 blondes
19 blondes 14 blue-eyed blondes = 5 brown-eyed blondes
Answer: 5

Also, solved by Rikuro Fukusato:
Since a + 31 =50
a = 9
Also, 14 + x = 19
x = 5
Answer: 5

Problem 34: The equation

x
2
+ px +q = 0,

q = 0, has two unequal roots such that the squares
of the roots are the same as the two roots. Calculate the product

p-q. (October 13, 2011)


Let r
1
and r
2
be the two roots. r
1
2
and r
2
2
are also equivalent.
Since

x
2
+ px +q =(x r
1
)(x r
2
) =0, foiling gives us:

x
2
r
1
x r
2
x +r
1
r
2
=0, or

x
2
+ x(r
1
r
2
) +r
1
r
2
=0.

r
1
r
2
= q, and by substituting r
1
2
and r
2
2
, we have:

r
1
r
2
= r
1
2
r
2
2
, and

r
1
r
2
r
1
2
r
2
2
= 0
.

r
1
r
2
=(1r
1
r
2
) =0
.
Thus,

r
1
r
2
= 0 or

r
1
r
2
=1
.

Since q=

r
1
r
2
= 0, r
1
r
2
must equal 1.

p = (r
1
+r
2
) = (r
1
2
+r
2
2
)
.

r
1
+ r
2
= r
1
2
+ r
2
2
.

r
1
+r
2
+2r
1
r
2
= r
1
2
+2r
1
r
2
+r
2
2

(r
1
+r
2
) +2(1) =(r
1
+r
2
)(r
1
+r
2
)

(r
1
+r
2
) +2 =(r
1
+r
2
)
2

0 =(r
1
+r
2
)
2
(r
1
+r
2
) 2

0 =((r
1
+r
2
) 2)((r
1
+r
2
) +1)
.

(r
1
+r
2
) = p =2 or

(r
1
+r
2
) = p = 1
.
p = 1 or -2.

If p = -2,

x
2
+ px +q = x
2
2x +1=0 has only one root, so p =1. P = 1 and q = 1.
So, pq = 1(1) = 1.
Answer: 1

Blue Brown Total
Blonde 14 x a
Brunette b c 31
Total d 18 50


14

Problem 35: If 121! were written as the product of primes, how many times would 11 appear as a
factor? (September 11, 2011)
Solved by Joyce Zhang: By definition, 121! =1234119120121.Amongthefactorsare:
11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77, 88, 99, 110, 121. Decompose these factors:
1 x 11, 2 x 11, 3 x 11, 4 x 11, 5 x 11, 6 x 11, 7 x 11, 8 x 11, 9 x 11, 10 x 11, 11 x 11
Therefore, 11 would appear 12 times in 121!
Answer: 12 times

Problem 36: Three metal spheres with radii in the ratio 3:4:5 are melted and recast into a single
sphere. What is the change (as a percentage) in surface area? (January 24, 2009)

Let A, B, C be spheres with radii 3 ,4 ,5 respectively. Let V = Volume and S = Surface Area.

It follows that the new volume V n = V A + V B + VC = . 288
3
864
t t =
72 . 0
200
144
= =
+ + t
t
C B A
n
S S S
S
V n = t
3
4
(rn)
3
Sn =4rn
2
288
4
3
=(rn)
3
=4(36) Therefore, the Surface Area

=
3
216 rn =144 decreased (1-0.72) = 28%.
6 = rn
Answer: 28% decrease

B
C
n
A

V
A
=
4
3
tr
A
3
V
A
=
4
3
(27)t
V
A
= 36t
V
B
=
4
3
tr
B
3
V
B
=
4
3
(64)t
V
B
=
256
3
t
V
C
=
4
3
tr
C
3
V
C
=
4
3
(125)t
V
C
=
500
3
t
t 200 = + +
C B A
S S S


15

h
10
4
5
6
10
4
5
VolumeofWater=456=
120
410h=120
h =
Roundtointegers:4y6
y = 4 or 5 or 6
If y = 4, x = 2.
If y = 5, x = 1.
If y = 6, x is not an integer.

So, the positive difference between the
two numbers is

= 9

Answer: 9

Problem 37: A container in the shape of a rectangular solid with dimensions 4 x 5 x 10 is placed
so that its height is 10. Water fills the container to a height of 6. The container is then turned so that
the base dimensions are 4 x 10. Determine the height of the water in the container. (May 7, 2011)


Answer: 3
Problem 38: Find all values of x such that the mean of 77, 137, and x is 1 more than their median.
(December 27, 2011)
Solved by Chloe Fortuna:
Suppose the median is 77. Then,
3
137 77 x + +
= 78 x = 20

Suppose the median is 137. Then,
3
137 77 x + +
= 138
x = 200
Suppose the median is x. Then,
3
137 77 x + +
= x + 1. 77 +1S7 + = S +S

= 1uS.S
Answer: x = 20, 105.5, or 200

Problem 39: Only 2 two-digit integers are equal to three times the product of their digits. Find the
absolute value of the difference of these 2 integers. (October 5
th
, 2011)


For a two-digit number xy, for positive integers x and y

10x + y = 3(x)y
x(10 - 3y) = -y

x =
y
3y 10

13y 109
113y 1019

11
3
s y s
19
3


16

Problem 40: The product of three positive, consecutive integers is 15 times their sum. Find the
three integers. (March 19, 2012)

Solved by ZacharyKahookele:
Product Sum
135=15 1 + 3 + 5 = 9
91113=12879+11+13=33
357=105 3 + 5 + 7 = 15
579=315 5 + 7 + 9 = 21 315/21 = 15
Answer: 5, 7, 9
Also solved by Calvin Chang:
Odd integers can always be expressed in the form 2n + 1, where n is any integer.
Let 2n + 1, 2n + 3, and 2n + 5 be the three positive, consecutive integer.
(2n + 1)(2n + 3)(2n + 5) = 15((2n + 1) + (2n + 3) + (2n + 5))
(4n
2
+ 8n + 3)(2n + 5) 15(6n + 9)
8n
3
+ 16n
2
+ 6n + 20n
2
+ 40n + 15 90n + 135
8n
3
+ 36n
2
+ 46n + 15 = 90n + 135
8n
3
+ 36n
2
44n120=0 2n
3
+ 9n
2
11n30=0
By Rational Root Theorem, the possible zeros are:
1,
2
1
, 2, 3,
2
3
, 5,
2
5
, 6, 10, 15,
2
15
, 30
Testing n = 2 by synthetic division, 2 | 2 9 -11 -30
4 26 30
2 13 15 | 0 n = 2 is a zero, and a solution.
2n + 1 = 2(2) + 1 = 5; 2n + 3 = 2(2) + 3 = 7; 2n + 5 = 2(2) + 5 = 9.
Checking: (579)=315 15(5 + 7 + 9)= 315 Thus,(579)=15(5+7+9).
Answer: 5, 7, 9

Problem 41: Fivefossilhunterscountedtheirindividualfindsattheendofadayspursuit.The
best mathematician among them noted that the mean number of fossils found was 13, the mode
was 9, and the range was 14. What are all possibilities for the greatest number of fossils found by
one of the five hunters? (September 1, 2011)

Total number of fossils = 13 x 5 = 65
65 (n + 2(9) + (n + 14)) = Remainder
65 (7 + 18 + 21) = 19
65 (8 + 18 + 22) = 17
65 (9 + 18 + 23) = 15
Answer: 21, 22, 23


17

1
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
B
A
Area of square = 1
Area of region A = (1)(1/2)=1/4
Area of region B = (1)(1/2)=1/4
Area of common region
= Area of square Area of Region A& B
= 1 (1/4+1/4) = .

U
C
D
E
R
L
O
H P
6 6
20
4
12
12
20
6 6
P H
O
L
R
E
D
C
U
Since E is a single digit, A*4 cannot equal a two digit number.
A = 1, 2 and E 1,2,3.
E*4 must end in 2. E = 3, 8.
However, E 3, so E = 8 and A = 2.
B = 1, 2 but B 2 so B = 1.
4D+3 ends in 1 so D = 2, 7. Since D 2, so D = 7.
4C+3 ends in C with 3 in tens digit. C = 9.
Therefore, A+B+C+D+E = 2+1+9+7+8 = 27.
Answer: 27
Problem 42: Both the horizontal and vertical distances between adjacent pegs on the square
geoboard equal 1. Find the area of the region that is common to both triangles. (December 1, 2011)

Solved by Joyce Zhang: Zooming in

Answer:
2
1

Problem 43: In trapezoid CPHL with median OU, CL = 20 and PH =12. Of the many segments in the
figure, which one must have length 4? (October 15, 2011)


ER must equal 4 because there is a ratio of 1:2 of corresponding sides in HCL and HEO, and PCL
and PUR. Therefore, EO = (20) = 10 and ER= 10-6 = 4.
Answer: ER
Problem 44: In the equation: 4 * ABCDE = EDCBA, each letter represents a different nonzero digit.
Determine the sum: A+B+C+D+E. (May 24, 2011)

Solved by Rikuro Fukusato

ABCDE
4
EDCBA


18

2
2
2
2
2
Problem 45: A puppy weighs of his weight plus lb. How many pounds does the puppy weigh?
(October 8, 2011)

Solved by Layne Fujimoto: 1 =
of the puppy weighs lb.
Let x = weight of puppy.
x =
4(x) = ()4
x = 3 pounds
Answer: 3 pounds

Problem 46: A sound barrier along a highway consists of 148 panels. Every 5
th
panel beginning
with the 4
th
panel is sand colored. Every 3
rd
panel beginning with the 5
th
panel has an oleander
shrub plated in front of it. How many of the 148 panels are sand colored but do not have an
oleander bush in front? (September 5, 2011)
From the pattern, count the number of sand colored panels
but exclude those with oleander bush in front, there are a
total of twenty panels that fit that description.

Answer: 20

Problem 47: The quadratic equation 2ax
2
4ax + a + 1 =0 has two rational roots. If one root is
three times the second root, what is the value of a? (February 24, 2012)
2
2
4 + +1 = u
2 _
2
2 +
+1
2
] = u
Let the 2 roots be d and e.
d = 3e
(x - d)(x - e) = 0
2
+ = u
2
+( ) + =
2
2 +
+1
2

Answer: 2
+1
2
= =
S
4

-d e = -2
-3e e = -2
=
1
2
=
3
2

a=2


19

4
2
2
4
5 5
1
5
-4
-3
5
4
3
b 2a 28 = 0; a + 2 = 0
a = -2

b 2(-2) 28 = 0
b = 28 4
b = 24

a + b = -2 + 24
= 22

Problem 48: How many integers satisfy the following inequality? (December 18, 2011)

3
1
<
12
n
<
5
4

Solution by Jerry Su:
60
20
<
60
5n
<
60
48

20 < 5n < 48
4 < n < 9.6
For integers, n = 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Answer: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Problem 49: Compute the maximum value for the following function:
f(x) = 3sin(3x) + 4cos(3x) (October 22, 2011)
f(x) = 3sin(3x) + 4cos(3x)
Taking the derivative, f (x) = 9cos(3x) - 12sin(3x)
0 = 9cos(3x) - 12sin(3x)
Let 3x = u. 12sinu = 9cosu
tanu = 3/4
f(u) = 3sinu + 4cosu
f(u) = 3(3/5) + 4(4/5) or f(u) = 3(-3/5) + 4(-4/5)
= (9/5) + (16/5) = (-9/5) - (16/5)
= 25/5 = -25/5
= 5 = -5
5 > -5, so 5 is the maximum value. Answer: 5

Problem 50: If (x + 2) and (x 3) are factors of the polynomial p(x) = x
5
5x
4
x
3
+ 19x
2
+ ax + b,
find a + b. (December 22, 2011)

Solution by Rikuro Fukusato: Use Synthetic Division.

2 1 -5 -1 19 a b
-2 14 -26 14 -2a -28

1 -7 13 -7 a +14 b-2a-28

3 1 -7 13 -7 (a + 14)
3 -12 3 -12

1 -4 1 -4 a + 2
Answer: 22


20

(0,0)
2
1
y
x
1
r
r
r
435 * 2 = 870
9 * 28 = 252
870 + 252 = 1,122
Problem 51: Consider the following sequence, which consists of 2s and 9s only:
2,9,2,2,9,2,2,2,9,2,2,2,2,9,
A single 9 separates each group of 2s, and each group of 2s contains one more 2 than the previous
group of 2s. What is the sum of the terms that precede the 29
th
9? (February 8,

2012)
Solved by Taylor Komagome:

Answer: The sum of terms is 1,122

Problem 52: The area of a circle inscribed in the triangle formed by the line with equation
x+y=1andthetwocoordinateaxescanbewrittenintheform
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
d
c b a
. Compute the value of
a + b + c + d. (May 18, 2011)
Solved by Rikuro Fukusato: Areaofthegiventriangle=(1/2)baseheight=(1/2)(1)(1)=0.5.
Formed by the equation x + y = 1, this triangle with (0,0), (1,0), and
(0,1) is a 45-45-90. Hence, the hypotenuse of this triangle is 2 .
Since a radius bisects the hypotenuse, the smaller triangle has a base
and height of r and 2 /2.Thearea,thus,is(1/2)baseheight
or(1/2)r( 2 /2) = r 2 /4. Since there are four such triangles in the
largetriangle,sothetotalareais4(r 2 /4) = r 2 .
Area of the large triangle = area of square + area of four triangles
= r
2
+ r 2 .
Therefore, r
2
+ r 2 = 0.5, which implies r
2
+ r 2 - 0.5 = 0.
By quadratic formula, r =
) 1 ( 2
) 5 . 0 )( 1 ( 4 ) 2 ( 2
2

=
2
2 2
. We know r =
2
2 2 +
, not
r =
2
2 2
sincerispositive.Therefore,areaofthecircle=r
2
= (
2
2 2 +
)
2
=(
2
2 2 3
).
It is given that the area of the circle =
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
d
c b a
. Therefore,
|
|
.
|
\
|
+
d
c b a
=(
2
2 2 3
). This implies
a = 3, b = -2, c = 2, and d = 2. Hence, a + b + c + d = 3 2 + 2 + 2 = 5.
Answer: 5
Problem 53: The Complex Cookie Store sells cookies for $(1- i) each. How much will 3 + 3i cookies
cost? (September 27, 2011)
Solved by Joyce Zhang: Totalcost=ratequantity
= (1- i)( 3 + 3i)
= 3 + 3i - 3i 3i
2

= 3 3i
2

= 3 3(-1) (since i
2
= -1)
= 6
Answer: 3 + 3i cookies costs $6.00
Note: Assume i is the
imaginary number


21

5
8
3
24
18
40
6
30
-d e = -2
-3e e = -2
=
1
2
=
3
2

a=2

+1
2
= =
S
4

Problem 54: A large rectangle is divided into 4 non-overlapping smaller rectangles by two lines.
One line is parallel to the base, and the other line is parallel to the high. If the areas of the small
rectangles are 18, 24, and 40, compute the only possible integer solution for the area of the fourth
small rectangle. (May 28, 2011)

Area = (6)(5) = 30
Answer: 30

Problem 55: Alice, Beth, and Charlene start climbing a staircase, each with her
left foot on step 1 and then her right foot on the next consecutive step. Alice
climbs one step at a time, Beth two steps at a time, and Charlene three steps at
a time. Each lands on the top step with her left foot. Compute the minimum
number of stairs in the staircase. (May 23, 2011)


Alice steps with her left foot every 2.
Beth steps with her left foot every 4.
Charlene steps with her left foot every 6.

Answer: 13 steps

Problem 56: The quadratic equation 2ax
2
4ax + a + 1 =0 has two rational roots. If one root is
three times the second root, what is the value of a? (February 24, 2012)

2
2
4 + +1 = u
2 _
2
2 +
+1
2
] = u
Let the 2 roots be d and e.
d = 3e
(x - d)(x - e) = 0
2
+ = u
2
+( ) + =
2
2 +
+1
2

Answer: 2

Area Length Width
18 6 3
24 8 3
40 8 5
? 6 5
Area = 18 = 2(3)(3)
Area = 24 = 2(2)(2)(3)
Area = 40 = 2(2)(2)(5)
LCM = 12
Including the original step, 12+1=13


22

3
60
30
60
2
r
r
1
1
Answer: r = 3
Problem 57: A circle with radius 1 is tangent to both sides of a 60 angle. A second circle, larger
than the first, is tangent to the first circle and to both sides of the angle. Find the radius r of the
second circle. (February 25, 2012)
Solution by Nathan Goo:

Problem 58: Michael plays several rounds of a game in which he begins with n dollars. When he
wins, he gains half of what he has; when he loses, he loses half of what he has. He wins on all the
odd rounds and loses on all the even rounds. After the tenth round, he has $121.50. Find n.
(December 23, 2011)


( )
( )
( )( )
( )
( ) ( )
512
2
2 2
2
2
1
3
1
2 5 . 0 3
3
1
2 50 . 121
50 . 121
2
1
3
50 . 121
2
1
2
3
50 . 121
2
1
2
3
2
1
2
3
2
1
2
3
2
1
2
3
2
1
2
3
9
10 1
10
5
10 5
5
10
10
5
5 5
=
=
=
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
.
|
\
|
=
|
.
|
\
|
=
= |
.
|
\
|
= |
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
= |
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
|
.
|
\
|
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

Answer: n = 512


23

Y
X
Problem 59: A 10-foot piece of wire is cut into two pieces. One piece is bent to form a square. The
other forms a circle inscribed in the square. How long is each piece? (January 29, 2009)
Let the diameter of the circle = d and one side of the square = s. d = s
Then,perimeterofthesquare=4sandcircumferenceofthecircle=d.
4s+d=10
4d+d=10
d(4+)=10

d =
t + 4
10
4s = 4d =
t + 4
40
~5.6 and
d=
t
t
+ 4
10
~4.4

Answer: The square piece is 5.6 ft. and the circle piece is 4.4 ft.

Also solved by Rikuro Fukusato:

Length of circle piece: Length of square piece:

Answer: The square piece is 5.6 ft. and the circle piece is 4.4 ft.

Problem 60: The sum of the lengths of the diagonals of a rhombus is 10, and the positive
difference of their lengths is 4. Find the area of this rhombus. (September 17, 2011)

Solved by Nathan Goo: Let x and y be the lengths of the diagonals.

x + y = 10
xy=4

2x = 14
x = 7, y = 3
Area of rhombus = (
2
1
)(d1d2) = (
2
1
)(73)=10.5
Answer: 10.5 units
2

d
s
6 . 5
4
40
4
5
8 8
~
+
=
|
.
|
\
|
+
=
t
t
r
4 . 4
4
10
4
5
2 2
~
+
=
|
.
|
\
|
+
=
t
t
t
t tr
10 = Pcircle + Psquare
10=2r+8r
10=r(2+8)


24

5
5
10
15
10 10
Y
X
-
k
6
-7x - 6y = k
14x + 3y = 9
9x - 2y = 49
r
r
Problem 61: Find the values of k such that the graphs of the lines defined by three equations
14x + 3y = 9,
9x 2y = 49, and
-7x 6y = k are concurrent. (October 19, 2011)

Solved by Isaiah Smith:

Answer: k = 45

Problem 62: How many digits are in the smallest positive number divisible by the first ten
numbers in the Fibonacci sequence? The Fibonacci sequence is defined recursively by

a
1
= a
2
=1
and

a
n+2
= a
n+1
+a
n
for n 1. (May 15, 2011)
The first ten Fibonnacci numbers are 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55.
We can eliminate extraneous repeating factors: Eliminate: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, and left with: 8, 13, 21, 34, 55.
Theprimefactorsare222,13,37,217,511.Theleastcommon multiple is:
(222)(13)(37)(17)(511)= 2,042,040
Answer: 7 digits

Problem 63: The perimeter of a sector of a circle is 40. Find the radius of the sector that
maximizes its area. (October 23, 2011)

p = 2 + 2 [
0
2n

p = 2r + ru
40 = 2r + ru
ru = 40 2r
u =
40-2

14x + 3y = 9
14(3) + 3y = 9
42 + 3y = 9
3y = -33
y = -11
-7x 6y = k
-7(3) 6(-11) = k
45 = k

(3) (9x 2y = 49)
(2) (14x + 3y = 9) .
27x 6y = 147
+ 28x + 6y = 18 .
55x = 165
x = 3
Answer: r = 10
A =
2
[
2

A =
2

A =
2
2
(
4u2
)
A = r (20 r)
A = 20r -
2

A = 20 2r
0 = 20 2r
10 = r


25

A' (2 + k, 2 + k) B' (7 + k, 2 +k)
C' (7 + k, 14 + k)
k
C(-14, -7) B(-2, -7)
A(-2, -2)
k
Problem 64: Given a + b + c + d = 45 and a + 2 = b 2 = 2c = d/2, compute a + b + c d.
(May 11, 2011)


Answer: 5

Problem 65: Triangle ABC with coordinates A (-2, -2), B (-2, -7), and C (-14, -7)is reflected in the
line x + y = k. Let

AA' B'C' be the image of

AABC. If the sum of the x- and - and y-coordinates of A,
B,and Cis58,findthevalueofk. (December 4, 2011)


For a point on

AABC with coordinates (x,y), the translation
on

AA' B'C'becomes( -y + k, -x + k).

Answer: k = 4

5 20 5 12 8 = + + = + + d c b a
a + b + c + d = 45
(a + b + c d = x)
2d = 45 x
45 2d = x

a + 2 = b 2 = 2c = d/2
2a + 4 = 2b 4 = 4c = d
a = b 4, d = 2a + 4 = 2b 4

a + b + c + d = 45
+ (a + b + c d = x)
2a + 2b + 2c = x + 45

(2b 8) + (2b) + (b 2) = x + 45
5b 10 = x + 45
5b 55 = x
45 2d = 5b 55
100 2d = 5b
100 4b + 8 = 5b
108 = 9b
12 = b

a = b 4
a = 8

d = 2b 4
d = 20
c = d/4 = 5

(-2, -2)
(-2, -7)
(-14, -7)

(2 + k, 2 + k)
(7 + k, 2 + k)
(7 +k, 14 + k)

34 + 6k = 58
6k = 24
k = 4


26

15
16 B
D
C
A
Problem 66: Tamir drives 21 miles to work each day. When he leaves home 10 min. late, his travel
time increased by 40%. If leaving late decreased his average rate by 12mph, how long does his
commute take when he leaves on time? (February 22, 2012)
Let Tamir travels at the speed of x mph.

21
x
(1 +4u) =
21
x-12

21
x
(1.4) =
21
x-12

1.4
x
=
1
x-12

21 mIcs
42 mph
= u.S = Su
Answer: 30 minutes
Problem 67: Examine this triangular array of odd integers:
What is the value of the median of the 18
th
row?
(September 2, 2011)
The 18
th
row will have 18 odd numbers.
Also, the values in the 18
th
rowwillbeginwiththeoddafterthe(1+2+3++17)
th
odd integer.
Since1+2+3++17=153,thefirstoddinthe18
th
row is the 154
th
odd integer, which is 307.
Therefore, The 18
th
rowcontains{307,309,,341}.Themedianvaluemustbe324
Answer: 324
Problem 68: Triangle ABC is inscribed in a circle such that A and B are the endpoints of a
diameter.
is the altitude drawn to
. If AC = 15 and BD = 16, compute the value of

CD
BC AD*
3.(May 4, 2011)


Answer: 12
1
3 5
7 9 11
13 15 17 19
21 23 25 27 29
31 33 35 37 39 41

9 2u
12
S = 12
Since ~ ,
AC
AB
=
A
AC

15
16+A
=
A
15
,
Which yields : 22S = 16 +
2

Solving for AD yields: AD = 9 or -25 but has to be
triangle length has to be positive so AD = 9.
Then, use Pythagorean Theorem to solve for CD
and CB: = 1S
2
9
2
= 12
= 16
2
+12
2
= 2u By substitution,
Cross Multiply: 1.4x 16.8 = x
0.4x = 16.8
x = 42 mph


27

Problem 69: The horizontal and vertical distances between pegs on the square-array geoboard
shown here are equal. If the outlined figures have a total area of 17 units
2
, how far apart are
consecutive horizontal pegs? (December 17, 2011)
Solved by Rikuro Fukusato: Let the horizontal distance between pegs be d.
Area A = d(4d) + d(2d) + d(3d)
A = 4d
2
+ 2d
2
+ 3d
2

A = 9d
2

9d
2
= 17
d =
9
17

d =
3
17
Answer: d =

17
3

Problem 70: P pennies are lying on a table. Of them, 1/5 show heads. If Penelope flips over 3 of
the pennies showing tails, 1/4 of the pennies will show heads. How many pennies are lying on the
table? (September 23, 2011)

Solved by Nathan Goo: Let P = number of pennies; H = number of heads; and T = number of tails.

P = H + T
0.2 P = H
0.25P = H+3
0.25P = 0.2P + 3 0.05P=3 P=60
Answer: 60 pennies

Problem 71: Given that the three quantities

Log 2 (log 3(log 4 (a))),
Log 3 (log 4 (log 2 (b))), and
Log 4 (log 2 (log 3 (c)))
are all equal to 0, find c
b
a
+ . (October 26, 2011)
Log 2 (log 3(log 4 (a))) = 0 Log 3 (log 4 (log 2 (b))) = 0 Log 4 (log 2 (log 3 (c))) = 0
2
0
= log 3(log 4 (a)) 3
0
= log 4 (log 2 (b)) 4
0
= log 2 (log 3 (c))
3
1
= log 4 (a) 4
1
= log 2 (b) 2
1
= log 3 (c)
64=a 16 = b 9 = c
Therefore, c
b
a
+ = 9
16
64
+ = 4+ 9 = 13.
Answer: 13


28

y = 2x
y = 2
y =
x
2
2
3
1
4 1 0 2
45
45
0 1
1
2
2
2
2
2
r
r
r
Problem 72: Each letter of the alphabet is assigned an integer, starting with A=0, B=1, and so on.
The numbers repeat after every seven letters, so that G=6, H=0, and I=1, continuing on to Z. What
two letter word is represented by the digits 16? (October 3, 2011)

16 BG, BN, BU, IG, IN Answer: IN is the only two-letter word that represents 16.

Problem 73: Find the area of the region bounded by the lines
y =
2
x
, y = 2x, and y = 2. (September 15, 2011)

Problem 74: The area of a circle inscribed in the triangle formed by the line with equation x + y = 1
andthetwocoordinateaxescanbewrittenintheform(
a+bc
d
). Compute the value of a + b + c + d.
(May 18, 2011)

Answer: 5
2 +
2
=
1
2

2
= _
2 + 2
2
__
2 + 2
2
_
Compute the Area of the in two ways:
Area= 11=
1
2

Area=4*(
1
2

2
2
) + r
2
2
+ 2
1
2
= u
=
-2_2
2
+ 2
2

=
-2+ 2
2
(reject the negative)
2
=
4-42+ 2
4

2
=
6-42
4

2
=
3-42
2
=
u+bc
d
a = 3, b = -4, c = 2, d = 2
a + b + c + d = 3 2 + 2 + 2 = 5
Area =

= 0.75 + 2.25 = 3 units
2
Answer: 3 units
2

(Editorsnote: This problem could be solved
with geometry instead of calculus.)


29

k
1-2k
1-k
(+) ( ) (+)
1
1
2
< k <
1-2k
1-k
5
4
3
2
1
1
2 4 6 8 10
H
A
M
T
Y =
3.5
4.5
X or
Y =
7
9
X
3.5
4.5
Problem 75: For what values of k will the graphs of the following equations intersect in
quadrant III? Line l: y = kx + 14
Line m: y = x + 28 (February 28, 2012)

Answer:
2
1
< k < 1

Problem 76: Square MATH has vertices M (3,2), A (3,5), T (6,5), and H (6,2). Find an equation of
the line through the origin that divides the square into two regions of equal area. (September 4,
2012)
The line must divide the square in symmetry
and through the center (4.5, 3.5).
The equation is Y =
5 . 4
5 . 3
X, or Y =
9
7
X.
Answer: Y =
9
7
X

14(1 2)
1
< u
1 2
1
< u
Since points in the 3
rd
quadrant also have
negative y-values, y < 0:

1
2
< < 1
y = x +28 x = y 28
y = kx + 14

y = k(y - 28) + 14
y ky = 14 - 28k
y(1 - k) = 14 28k
y =
14-28k
1-k

y = kx + 14
y = x + 18

kx + 14 = x + 28
x(k-1) = 14
x =
14
k-1

Since a point in the 3
rd
quadrant
has a negative x value

14
k-1
< u
k - 1 < 0
k < 1


30

b-a b
b-a a
Problem 77: A box of Munchkins contains chocolate and glazed
donut holes. If Gloria ate 2 chocolate Munchkins, then 1/11 of the
remaining Munchkins would be chocolate. If Gloria added 4 glazed
Munchkins to the box, 1/7 of the Munchkins would be chocolate.
How many Munchkins are in the original box? (May 20, 2011)
Let c represent the number of chocolate donut holes and g represent the number of glazed donut holes.
We know that the number of donut holes is c + g.
11
1
2
2
=
+

g c
c
and
7
1
4
=
+ + g c
c
. By cross-multiplication:
and

By substituting for g, we get:
10c 20 = 6c 4
4c = 16
c = 4
Thetotalnumberofdonutholesis c + g = 20 + 4 = 24. Answer: 24

Problem 78: A square and four congruent rectangles are arranged in a larger square. The smaller
square and each of the rectangles have the same perimeter. Determine the ratio of the length of a
side of the larger square to the length of a side of the smaller square. (May 10, 2011)

Answer: 2

Let a side of the small square = a.
Let the length of a rectangle = b.

P small square = 4a
P rectangle = 2(b-a) + 2b
= 2b 2a + 2b
= 4b 2a
4a = 4b 2a
6a = 4b
3a = 2b
Ratio:
(b-u)+b
u
=
2b-u
u
=
3u-u
u
=
2u
u
= 2


31

2011
1006
|
\

|
.
|
2010
1005
|
\

|
.
|
=
2011
C
1006
2010
C
1005

n
C
k
=
n!
k!(n k)!
2011
C
1006
2010
C
1005
=
2011!
1006!(1005)!
2010!
1005!1005!
=
2011!1005!1005!
2010!1006!1005!
=
2011
1006
~ 2
Problem 79:
2
2
- 2
-1
- 2
c
2
0
+ 2
-2
- 2
3
= 2
-1
, find the value of a. (February 11, 2012)


2
2
- 2
-1
- 2
c
2
0
+ 2
-2
- 2
3
= 2
-1

4-0.5- 2
c
1+0.25-8
= u.S

4-0.5- 2
c
- 6.75
= u.S

Answer: -3

Problem 80: Evaluate to the nearest integer. (October 6, 2011)


Answer:2
Problem 81: The product of three consecutive odd integers reduced by 23 is 99 less than the cube
of the sum of the smallest number and 2. Compute the mean of the three integers. (May 31, 2011)
Solved by Rikuro Fukusato: Let x, x + 2, and x + 4 be the three consecutive odd integers.

Answer: 19
19 2
17
4 68
8 4 76
) 4 )( 2 ( 76
) 4 4 4 )( 2 ( 76
)) 4 )( ( ) 2 )(( 2 ( 76
) 2 ( 76 ) 4 )( 2 (
99 ) 2 ( 23 ) 4 )( 2 (
2 2
2
3
3
= + =
=
=
+ =
+ =
+ + + =
+ + + =
+ = + + +
+ = + +
x mean
x
x
x
x
x x x x x
x x x x
x x x x
x x x x
(-6.75)
4-0.5- 2
c
- 6.75
= u.S(-6.75)
3.5 2
u
= 3.375
-2
u
= -0.125
2
u
=
a = -3


32

Problem 82: A parabola with the equation y = ax
2
passes through three verticies of a square, as
shown. If the area of the square = 18, find the value of a. (January 25, 2009)


Also solved by Joyce Zhang: Let b = side of the square. Area of square = 18.
b
2
=18
b= 18
x 2 = 18
x =
2
18

x = 3
y = ax
2

3 = a(3
2
)
a =
3
1

Answer:
3
1

Problem 83: Therepeatingdecimal0.3333inbase10isthefraction1/3.Thesamerepeating
decimal in base 9 can be written in reduced form as a/b where a and b are in base 10. Find the sum
a + b. (October 17, 2011)
In base 9, 0.333 = + + + + )
9
1
( 3 ... )
9
1
( 3 )
9
1
( 3 )
9
1
( 3
3 2
.
This is an infinite series with t
0
=
3
1
9
3
= and r =
9
1
.
S =
r
t
1
1
=
3
1
9
8
=
3
1
-
8
9

=
8
3

3 + 8 = 11 Answer: 11
Area A = 18 = s
2
, where s is the length of one side of the square.
s =

The vertex in the 1
st
quadrant, x-intercept, and the origin forms
a right, isosceles triangle with hypotenuse . By Pythagorean
Theorem, the length of the legs is 3. We then know that (3,3) is a
point on the parabola. Substitute (3,3) into the equation,

y = ax
2

3 = a(3
2
)
a =

Answer:
y = ax
2
x
x
x 2
45
45 45
45
b= 18
x
x
b
(-3,3)
(0,0)
(3,3)
y = ax
2


33

Problem 84: Peg spends $7.50 a week for grapefruit. When grapefruit are out of season, she gets 1
fewer grapefruit than when they are in season. If the price decreases by $3 per dozen in season,
how many dollars will it cost to buy a dozen grapefruit out of season? (May 12, 2011)
Let n = number of grapefruits, and
c = cost of one grapefruit in cents(). =
[Note:Price decrease of $3 per dozen means a decrease of 25 for one grapefruit as 300 12 =25 .]

Answer: $18
Problem 85: A positive quantity is increased by 28%. Later, the new quantity is increased by 62%.
This total increase is equivalent to two equal sequential increases of p%. Find p. (September 14,
2011)
Solved by Nathan Goo: [100] 128% = 128
128 162% = 207.36
[100] (x
2
) = 207.36, where x is one of the two equal increases.
x = (20736)
1/2
= 1.44
Answer: p = 44
Problem 86: If pn is the nth prime, n 10,findn for which the ratio

p
n+1
p
n
is greatest.
(May 13, 2012)

Solved by Rikuro Fukusato: Pn is the nth prime.

Answer:

p
n+1
p
n
is greatest at
3
5
2
3
=
p
p
where n = 2.
In Season Out of Season
Number of grapefruits n n - 1
Cost of one grapefruit () c - 25 c
p
n
2 3 5 7 11 13 17 19 23 29 31
n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

p
n+1
p
n
=

2
3

3
5

5
7

7
11

11
13

13
17

17
19

19
23

23
29

29
31

p
n+1
p
n
~

1.5 1.67 1.4 1.57 1.18 1.31 1.12 1.21 1.26 1.07
n(c 25) = 750
n(25n 25) = 750.
25n
2
25n = 750
n(n 1) = 30
n
2
n 30 = 0
(n-6)(n+5) = 0
n = 6, reject n= -5.
(n 1)c = 750
(6-1)c = 750
5c = 750
c = 150
12(150) = 1800 = $ 18.

n(c 25) = 750 = (n 1)(c)
cn 25n = cn c
25n = c


34

Problem 87: John bought n objects, each costing n cents. The change he received from his $10 bill
was less than $1 and consisted of only two denominations of coins. What was the minimum number
of coins that John could have received? (May 19, 2011)
Cost = Quantity*Unit Price. The costs of n items @ n cents each =nnorn
2
cents.
Since $10 = 1000 cents, the change is 1000 n
2
and less than $ 1.
1000 -
2
< 100

2
> 900
But
2
< $ 10, therefore 900 <
2
< 1000
n = 31 since 31
2
= 961
Therefore, change = 1000 961 = 39 cents. The minimum number of coins requires pennies (4 coins)
and nickels (7 coins). The total number of coins is 4 + 7 = 11.
Answer: 11

Problem 88: The fraction
8 5 3
30
+ +
can be written as 30 8 5 3 s r q p + + + .
Find the value of the expression p + q + r + s. (October 27, 2011)


8 5 3
30
+ +
=
8 5 3
30
+ +

8 5 3
8 5 3
+
+

=
8 40 24 40 5 15 24 15 3
) 8 5 3 ( 30
+ + + + +
+

=
15 2
) 8 5 3 ( 30 +

= ) 8 5 3 (
15
15
+
= ) 8 5 3 ( 15 +
= 120 75 45 +
= 30 2 3 5 5 3 +

r = 0, p = 5, q = 3, s = -2.
Therefore, p + q + r + s = 6. Answer: 6


35

1
P
R
A
O
M
S
6
E
k
E
6
S
M
O
A
R
P
1
radius
diameter
O S
E
A
R
E
7
6
k
2 k
Problem 89 : Diameters

PM and

RE are perpendicular, and
chord

EA intersects

PM at S with ES = 6 and AS = 1.
If

kt is the area of the circle O, find k. (May 16, 2011)


Answer: k =21

Problem 90: The owners of a theater plan to reconfigure the seating. Adding 4 rows, they can
reduce the number of seats per row by 2 without changing the seating capacity. If, instead, they add
5 seats per row, they can reduce the number of rows by 7, thus decreasing capacity by 1 seat. What
isthetheaterscurrentcapacity?(Assumethateachrow has the same number of seats.) (January
30, 2009)
Let r be the number or rows. Let n be the number of seats in a row. The current capacity is rn.

Answer: 576 seats
A=k=r
2
k = r
2
= r

By AAA, OSE ~ ARE.

2k = 42
k = 21

( )( )
4 2
8 4 2
8 4 2
2 4
=
=
+ =
+ =
n r
n r
n r rn rn
n r rn
n
n
n n
n n
=
=
= +
= +
18
3 54
20 10 7 34
) 4 2 ( 5 7 34
r n
n r rn rn
n r rn
5 7 34
35 7 5 1
) 5 )( 7 ( 1
= +
+ =
+ =
32
4 36
4 ) 18 ( 2
=
=
=
r
r
r
)) 32 ( 8 ( = rn
= 576 seats


36

GA
C E
N
G
A
U
D I
Problem 91: If GUIDANCE is a regular octagon with center O. We define R1, R2, and R3 as counter-
clockwiserotationsof,respectively,45,90,and135aboutO.Whichdiagonalwillbemapped
onto CI if each rotation is applied exactly once? (October 7, 2011)

R1 + R2 + R3 =45+90+135=270counterclockwise.
Since270counterclockwise=90clockwise,andeachpie
oftheoctagonhasaninteriorangleof45,thediagonal
willbe90counterclockwiseof CI , which is GA.

Answer:

Problem 92: If the ratio of x + 2y to 5y - 3 is 3 to 5, what is the ratio of x to y? (May 27, 2012)


+2
S
=
S
S

Answer:

Problem 93: Let m > 0. Find the value of c such that the area bounded by y = mx, x = 3, x = 9, and
y = 0 is bisected by x = c. (December 5, 2012)
Solution by Rikuro Fukusato: Since 3 < c < 9,

}
c
mx
3
}
=
9
c
mx dx dx

2 2
81
2
9
2
2 2
m c m m c
=
2c
2
m = 81m + 9m
2c
2
m = 90m
c
2
= 45
c = 3 5
Answer: c=35

2
2
x
m c
3
2
2
x
m
=
9
c
5x + 10y = 15y - 3x 8x = 5y

x
y
=
S
8

8
5


37

Problem Solvers
Megan August, senior, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is Senior Class Secretary of
Communications and a member of the Maryknoll Math Team. She plans to major in
Civil Engineering at Santa Clara University in the fall.

Calvin Chang is a junior.

Chloe Fortuna, sophomore, joined the math team in freshmen year and grew to love
math and numbers.

Layne Fujimoto, sophomore, was born at Queens Medical Center. He likes to go
fishing and play baseball. He does not like to read but love to solve math problems.
Attending Maryknoll since 6
th
grade, he said,I love it.

Rikuro Fukusato, senior, has been the Co-Captain of the Maryknoll Math Team for his
junior and senior years. He likes coffee, cooking, and math.

Mitchell Garcia, sophomore, chose to solve a math problem and hope his solution will
be published in the Math Journal. He is thrilled to get the problem correct and received
extra credit from his math teacher.

Nathan Goo, senior, holds a lot of interest in food and the arts. He spends much of his
time reading, and writes every once in a while. He has two siblings and several pets at
home. He enjoys geometry the most out of all the math courses.


38

Problem Solvers
Brent Hironaga, sophomore, solved one of the math problems because he wanted to get
extra credit.

Zachary Kahookele is a freshman.

Taylor Komagome, junior, loves to play volleyball and math is one of her strong
subjects. She enjoys problem solving and is determined to find the right solution to the
problem.

Deion Law, junior, joined the Math Team in his sophomore year because he is interested
in mathematics. He is also on the Robotics Team to pursue his interest in engineering.
He enjoys math because of the logic involved.

Priscilla Luu, sophomore, loves math. It is her favorite subject. She also runs track.

Wensi Paull, sophomore, plays soccer and enjoys food a lot.

Devin Rettke, junior, was born in El Paso, Texas and attended Maryknoll since freshman
year. When he is not at school or doing homework, he spends his time training for Iron
Man Triathlon.


39

Problem Solvers
Isaiah Smith, sophomore, tried out for this Math Journal because math was very
challenging but he likes challenges. When he correctly solved the problem, he got extra
credit from his teacher.

Nikka Sonida is a sophomore.

Jerry Su, sophomore, enjoys solving math problems. Mathematics is his favorite subject
in the school, and feels honored to get his solution published on the Math Journal.

Flora Wang, senior, has been Co-Captain of the Maryknoll Math Team for the 2011-12
School Year. She enjoys sl eeping and lazing around the house when she is not at school.
Her favorite color is periwinkle and her favorite food is vegetables.

Kristin Yamasaki, junior, enjoys playing softball and wrestling on her free time. Her
favorite school subject is arts.

Joyce Zhang, senior, admires numbers over words. So, she does not have much to say.
She is proud to be on the Math Team and wants to encourage everyone to join the Math
Team.

Dawson Zimmermann is a sophomore.

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Editors-in-Chief

Rikuro Fukusato, Editor of Mathematics

is M, and N is 1/3 the

is the altitude drawn to

. If AC = 15 and BD = 16, compute the value of

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