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in collaboration with
The
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
1
Time: 2 hours © 2000 Canadian Mathematical Society
2
PART A
This part of the paper consists of 8 questions, each worth 5 marks. You can earn full value for each
question by entering the correct answer in the space provided. Any work you do in obtaining an answer
will be considered for part marks if you do not have the correct answer, provided that it is done in the
space allocated to that question in your answer booklet.
PART B
This part of the paper consists of 4 questions, each worth 10 marks. Finished solutions must be written
in the appropriate location in the answer booklet. Rough work should be done separately. If you require
extra pages for your finished solutions, foolscap will be provided by your supervising teacher. Any extra
papers should be placed inside your answer booklet.
Marks are awarded for completeness, clarity, and style of presentation. A correct solution poorly
presented will not earn full marks.
NOTE: At the completion of the contest, insert the information sheet inside the answer booklet.
Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge
NOTE: 1. Please read the instructions on the front cover of this booklet.
2. Write solutions in the answer booklet provided.
3. It is expected that all calculations and answers will be expressed as exact numbers such
as 4 p, 2 + 7 , etc.
4. Calculators are not allowed.
PART A
a
1. An operation “ D ” is defined by a D b = 1 – , b π 0.
b
What is the value of (1 D 2)D(3 D 4) ?
2. The sequence 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, … consists of successive multiples of 9. This sequence is then
altered by multiplying every other term by –1, starting with the first term, to produce the new
sequence – 9, 18, – 27, 36, – 45, 54,... . If the sum of the first n terms of this new sequence is 180,
determine n.
4. The symbol Î x û means the greatest integer less than or equal to x. For example,
Î5.7û = 5 , Îp û = 3 and Î4 û = 4 .
Calculate the value of the sum
Î 1û + Î 2 û + Î 3 û + Î 4 û + L + Î 48 û + Î 49 û + Î 50 û .
5. How many five-digit positive integers have the property that the product of their digits is 2000?
A B
PART B
1. Triangle ABC has vertices A(0, 0) , B(9, 0) and C(0, 6) . The points P and Q lie on side AB such
that AP = PQ = QB . Similarly, the points R and S lie on side AC so that AR = RS = SC .
The vertex C is joined to each of the points P and Q. In the same way, B is joined to R and S.
(a) Determine the equation of the line through the points R and B.
(b) Determine the equation of the line through the points P and C.
(c) The line segments PC and RB intersect at X, and the line segments QC and SB intersect at Y.
Prove that the points A, X and Y lie on the same straight line.
B D C
3. (a) Alphonse and Beryl are playing a game, starting with the
geometric shape shown in Figure 1. Alphonse begins the
game by cutting the original shape into two pieces along
one of the lines. He then passes the piece containing the Figure 1
black triangle to Beryl, and discards the other piece.
Beryl repeats these steps with the piece she receives; that is to say, she cuts along the length of
a line, passes the piece containing the black triangle back to Alphonse, and discards the other
piece. This process continues, with the winner being the player who, at the beginning of his or
her turn, receives only the black triangle. Show, with justification, that there is always a
winning strategy for Beryl.
(b) Alphonse and Beryl now play a game with the same rules
as in (a), except this time they use the shape in Figure 2
and Beryl goes first. As in (a), cuts may only be made
along the whole length of a line in the figure. Is there a
strategy that Beryl can use to be guaranteed that she will
win? (Provide justification for your answer.)
Figure 2
The
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Wednesday, November 28, 2001
PART A
This part of the paper consists of 8 questions, each worth 5 marks. You can earn full value for each
question by entering the correct answer in the space provided. Any work you do in obtaining an answer
will be considered for part marks if you do not have the correct answer, provided that it is done in the
space allocated to that question in your answer booklet.
PART B
This part of the paper consists of 4 questions, each worth 10 marks. Finished solutions must be written
in the appropriate location in the answer booklet. Rough work should be done separately. If you require
extra pages for your finished solutions, paper will be provided by your supervising teacher. Any extra
papers should be placed inside your answer booklet.
Marks are awarded for completeness, clarity, and style of presentation. A correct solution poorly
presented will not earn full marks.
NOTE: At the completion of the contest, insert the information sheet inside the answer booklet.
Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge
NOTE: 1. Please read the instructions on the front cover of this booklet.
2. Write solutions in the answer booklet provided.
3. It is expected that all calculations and answers will be expressed as exact numbers such
as 4 p, 2 + 7 , etc.
4. Calculators are not allowed.
1. An operation “ —” is defined by a — b = a + 3 .
2 b
3. A regular hexagon is a six-sided figure which has all of its angles equal and all of its side lengths equal.
If P and Q are points on a regular hexagon which has a side length of 1, what is the maximum possible
length of the line segment PQ?
4. Solve for x:
( )
2 2 2 x = 4 x + 64 .
Q R
tn – 1
6. The sequence of numbers t1, t2 , t3 , ... is defined by t1 = 2 and tn +1 = , for every positive integer n.
tn + 1
Determine the numerical value of t999 .
x
–4 –2 0 2 4
–2
–4
PART B
1. The triangular region T has its vertices determined by the intersections of the three lines x + 2y = 12,
x = 2 and y = 1.
(a) Determine the coordinates of the vertices of T, and show this region on the grid provided.
(b) The line x + y = 8 divides the triangular region T into a quadrilateral Q and a triangle R.
Determine the coordinates of the vertices of the quadrilateral Q.
(c) Determine the area of the quadrilateral Q.
2. (a) Alphonse and Beryl are playing a game, starting with a pack of 7 cards. Alphonse begins by
discarding at least one but not more than half of the cards in the pack. He then passes the remaining
cards in the pack to Beryl. Beryl continues the game by discarding at least one but not more than half
of the remaining cards in the pack. The game continues in this way with the pack being passed back
and forth between the two players. The loser is the player who, at the beginning of his or her turn,
receives only one card. Show, with justification, that there is always a winning strategy for Beryl.
(b) Alphonse and Beryl now play a game with the same rules as in (a), except this time they start with
a pack of 52 cards, and Alphonse goes first again. As in (a), a player on his or her turn must discard
at least one and not more than half of the remaining cards from the pack. Is there a strategy that
Alphonse can use to be guaranteed that he will win? (Provide justification for your answer.)
(b) Let g( x ) = x 3 + px 2 + qx + r , where p, q and r are integers. Prove that if g(0) and g( –1) are both odd,
then the equation g( x ) = 0 cannot have three integer roots.
B C
The Canadian Mathematical Society
in collaboration with
The
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
PART A
This part of the paper consists of 8 questions, each worth 5 marks. You can earn full value for each
question by entering the correct answer in the space provided. Any work you do in obtaining an answer
will be considered for part marks if you do not have the correct answer, provided that it is done in the
space allocated to that question in your answer booklet.
PART B
This part of the paper consists of 4 questions, each worth 10 marks. Finished solutions must be written
in the appropriate location in the answer booklet. Rough work should be done separately. If you require
extra pages for your finished solutions, paper will be provided by your supervising teacher. Any extra
papers should be placed inside your answer booklet.
Marks are awarded for completeness, clarity, and style of presentation. A correct solution poorly
presented will not earn full marks.
NOTE: At the completion of the contest, insert the information sheet inside the answer booklet.
Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge
NOTE: 1. Please read the instructions on the front cover of this booklet.
2. Write solutions in the answer booklet provided.
3. It is expected that all calculations and answers will be expressed as exact numbers such
as 4 π, 2 + 7 , etc.
4. Calculators are not allowed.
PART A
1. In triangle PQR, F is the point on QR so that PF is perpendicular P
to QR. If PR = 13, RF = 5 , and FQ = 9 , what is the perimeter
of ∆PQR ?
13
Q 9 F 5 R
O N
D
4. In a sequence of numbers, the sum of the first n terms is equal to 5 n 2 + 6 n . What is the sum of the
3rd, 4th and 5th terms in the original sequence?
5. If m and n are non-negative integers with m < n , we define m∇n to be the sum of the integers from
m to n, including m and n. For example, 5∇8 = 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 = 26 .
PART B
1. Square ABCD has vertices A(0, 0) , B(0, 8) , C (8, 8) , and D(8, 0) . The points P (0, 5) and Q(0, 3) are on
side AB , and the point F (8,1) is on side CD.
(a) What is the equation of the line through Q parallel to the line through P and F?
(b) If the line from part (a) intersects AD at the point G, what is the equation of the line through F
and G?
(c) The centre of the square is the point H ( 4, 4 ) . Determine the equation of the line through H
perpendicular to FG.
(d) A circle is drawn with centre H that is tangent to the four sides of the square. Does this circle
intersect the line through F and G? Justify your answer. (A sketch is not sufficient justification.)
2. (a) Let A and B be digits (that is, A and B are integers between 0 and 9 inclusive). If the product of
the three-digit integers 2 A5 and 13B is divisible by 36, determine with justification the four
possible ordered pairs ( A, B) .
(b) An integer n is said to be a multiple of 7 if n = 7 k for some integer k.
(i) If a and b are integers and 10 a + b = 7 m for some integer m, prove that a − 2b is a multiple
of 7.
(ii) If c and d are integers and 5c + 4 d is a multiple of 7, prove that 4c − d is also a multiple
of 7.
3. There are some marbles in a bowl. Alphonse, Beryl and Colleen each take turns removing one or two
marbles from the bowl, with Alphonse going first, then Beryl, then Colleen, then Alphonse again, and
so on. The player who takes the last marble from the bowl is the loser, and the other two players are
the winners.
(a) If the game starts with 5 marbles in the bowl, can Beryl and Colleen work together and force
Alphonse to lose?
(b) The game is played again, this time starting with N marbles in the bowl. For what values of N
can Beryl and Colleen work together and force Alphonse to lose?
The
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
PART A
This part of the paper consists of 8 questions, each worth 5. You can earn full value for each question
by entering the correct answer in the space provided. Any work you do in obtaining an answer will be
considered for part marks if you do not have the correct answer, provided that it is done in the space
allocated to that question in your answer booklet.
PART B
This part of the paper consists of 4 questions, each worth 10. Finished solutions must be written in the
appropriate location in the answer booklet. Rough work should be done separately. If you require extra
pages for your finished solutions, paper will be provided by your supervising teacher. Any extra papers
should be placed inside your answer booklet.
Marks are awarded for completeness, clarity, and style of presentation. A correct solution poorly
presented will not earn full marks.
NOTE: At the completion of the contest, insert the information sheet inside the answer booklet.
Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge
NOTE: 1. Please read the instructions on the front cover of this booklet.
2. Write solutions in the answer booklet provided.
3. It is expected that all calculations and answers will be expressed as exact numbers such
as 4 π, 2 + 7 , etc.
4. Calculators are not allowed.
PART A
1. Jeff, Gareth and Ina all share the same birthday. Gareth is one year older than Jeff, and Ina is two years
older than Gareth. This year the sum of their ages is 118. How old is Gareth?
x
(4, – 2)
4. Two different numbers are chosen at random from the set {0, 1, 2, 3, 4} . What is the probability that
their sum is greater than their product?
D C
PART B
1. In the diagram shown, whole numbers are to be k
placed in the ten circles so that the sum of the
numbers in the circles along any of the ten straight
lines is 15. For example, a + g + k = 15 and i
e + i = 15 .
(a) If k = 2 and e = 5 , fill in the whole numbers g h e
that go in all of the circles in the diagram. f
(b) Suppose that k = 2 and the value of e is d
unknown.
(i) Find a formula for each of b and c in terms a b c
of e. A clearly labelled diagram is sufficient
explanation.
(ii) Show that e must be equal to 5.
(c) Suppose now that k = x , where x is unknown. Prove that e must still be equal to 5.
Y
(b) Two circles C3 and C4 have a common chord GH. Point Q is chosen on C3 so that it is outside
C4 . Lines QG and QH are extended to cut C4 at V and W, respectively. Show that, no matter
where Q is chosen, the length of VW is constant.
over ...
Canadian Open
Mathematics
Challenge
(English)
2003
4. The polynomial equation x 3 − 6 x 2 + 5 x − 1 = 0 has three real roots a, b and c.
(a) Determine the value of a 5 + b 5 + c 5 .
(b) If a < b < c , show that c 2004 is closer to its nearest integer than c 2003 is to its nearest integer.
The Canadian Mathematical Society
in collaboration with
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
PART A
This part of the paper consists of 8 questions, each worth 5 marks. You can earn full value for each
question by entering the correct answer in the space provided. Any work you do in obtaining an answer
will be considered for part marks if you do not have the correct answer, provided that it is done in the
space allocated to that question in your answer booklet.
PART B
This part of the paper consists of 4 questions, each worth 10 marks. Finished solutions must be written
in the appropriate location in the answer booklet. Rough work should be done separately. If you require
extra pages for your finished solutions, paper will be provided by your supervising teacher. Any extra
papers should be placed inside your answer booklet.
Marks are awarded for completeness, clarity, and style of presentation. A correct solution poorly
presented will not earn full marks.
NOTE: At the completion of the contest, insert the information sheet inside the answer
booklet.
Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge
NOTE: 1. Please read the instructions on the front cover of this booklet.
2. Write solutions in the answer booklet provided.
3. It is expected that all calculations
√ and answers will be expressed as
exact numbers such as 4π, 2 + 7, etc.
4. Calculators are not allowed.
PART A
1. If x + 2y = 84 = 2x + y, what is the value of x + y?
2. Let S be the set of all three-digit positive integers whose digits are 3, 5 and 7, with no digit
repeated in the same integer. Calculate the remainder when the sum of all of the integers in
S is divided by 9.
x
O B C
4. A function f (x) has the following properties:
i) f (1) = 1
ii) f (2x) = 4f (x) + 6
iii) f (x + 2) = f (x) + 12x + 12
Calculate f (6).
5. The Rice Tent Company sells tents in two different sizes, large and small. Last year, the
Company sold 200 tents, of which one quarter were large. The sale of the large tents pro-
duced one third of the company’s income. What was the ratio of the price of a large tent to
the price of a small tent?
PART B
1. The points A(−8, 6) and B(−6, −8) lie on the circle x2 + y 2 = 100.
3. A map shows all Beryl’s Llamaburgers restaurant locations in North America. On this map,
a line segment is drawn from each restaurant to the restaurant that is closest to it. Every
restaurant has a unique closest neighbour. (Note that if A and B are two of the restaurants,
then A may be the closest to B without B being closest to A.)
(a) Prove that no three line segments on the map can form a triangle.
(b) Prove that no restaurant can be connected to more than five other restaurants.
(a) Find the positive integer B so that the sumac sequence 150, B, . . . has the maximum
possible number of terms.
(b) Let m be a positive integer with m ≥ 5. Determine the number of sumac sequences
of length m with tm ≤ 2000 and with no term divisible by 5.
2004
Canadian Open
Mathematics
Challenge
(English)
The Canadian Mathematical Society
in collaboration with
presents the
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
PART A
This part of the paper consists of 8 questions, each worth 5 marks. You can earn full value
for each question by entering the correct answer in the space provided. If you do not have the
correct answer, any work you do in obtaining an answer will be considered for part marks,
provided that it is done in the space allocated to that question in your answer booklet.
PART B
This part of the paper consists of 4 questions, each worth 10 marks. Finished solutions must
be written in the appropriate location in the answer booklet. Rough work should be done
separately. If you require extra pages for your finished solutions, paper will be provided by
your supervising teacher. Any extra papers should be placed inside your answer booklet. Be
sure to write your name and school name on any inserted pages.
Marks are awarded for completeness, clarity, and style of presentation. A correct solution
poorly presented will not earn full marks.
NOTE: At the completion of the contest, insert the information sheet inside the
answer booklet.
Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge
NOTE: 1. Please read the instructions on the front cover of this booklet.
2. Write solutions in the answer booklet provided.
3. It is expected that all calculations
√ and answers will be expressed as
exact numbers such as 4π, 2 + 7, etc.
4. Calculators are not allowed.
PART A
1. Determine the value of 102 − 92 + 82 − 72 + 62 − 52 + 42 − 32 + 22 − 12 .
2. A bug in the xy-plane starts at the point (1, 9). It moves first to the point (2, 10) and
then to the point (3, 11), and so on. It continues to move in this way until it reaches
a point whose y-coordinate is twice its x-coordinate. What are the coordinates of
this point?
A B
P O
8. The number 18 is not the sum of any 2 consecutive positive integers, but is the sum
of consecutive positive integers in at least 2 different ways, since 5 + 6 + 7 = 18 and
3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 18. Determine a positive integer less than 400 that is not the sum of
any 11 consecutive positive integers, but is the sum of consecutive positive integers
in at least 11 different ways.
PART B
1. A line with slope −3 intersects the positive x-axis at A and the positive y-axis at B.
A second line intersects the x-axis at C(7, 0) and the y-axis at D. The lines intersect
at E(3, 4).
(a) Find the slope of the line through C and E.
y
x
O A C (7, 0)
2. (a) Determine all possible ordered pairs (a, b) such that
a−b = 1
2 2
2a + ab − 3b = 22
(a) If the outer square has area (a + b)2 , show that the area of the inner square
is (a − b)2 .
(b) Determine the smallest integer value of N for which there are prime numbers
a and b such that the ratio of the area of the inner square to the area of the
outer square is 1 : N .
(c) Determine, with justification, all positive integers N for which there are odd
integers a > b > 0 such that the ratio of the area of the inner square to the
area of the outer square is 1 : N .
Mathematics
Challenge
Canadian
(English)
Open
2005
4. Triangle ABC has its base on line segment P N and vertex A on line P M . Circles
with centres O and Q, having radii r1 and r2 , respectively, are tangent to the triangle
ABC externally and to each of P M and P N .
E
A
D Q
O L
K
P F B C G N
(a) Prove that the line through K and L cuts the perimeter of triangle ABC into
two equal pieces.
(b) Let T be the point of contact of BC with the circle inscribed in triangle ABC.
Prove that (T C)(r1 ) + (T B)(r2 ) is equal to the area of triangle ABC.
The Canadian Mathematical Society
in collaboration with
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Supported by:
PART A
This part of the paper consists of 8 questions, each worth 5 marks. You can earn full value
for each question by entering the correct answer in the space provided. If you do not have
the correct answer, any work you do in obtaining an answer will be considered for part marks,
provided that it is done in the space allocated to that question in your answer booklet.
PART B
This part of the paper consists of 4 questions, each worth 10 marks. Finished solutions must
be written in the appropriate location in the answer booklet. Rough work should be done
separately. If you require extra pages for your finished solutions, paper will be provided by
your supervising teacher. Any extra papers should be placed inside your answer booklet. Be
sure to write your name and school name on any inserted pages.
Marks are awarded for completeness, clarity, and style of presentation. A correct solution poorly
presented will not earn full marks.
NOTES:
At the completion of the contest, insert the information sheet inside the answer
booklet.
The names of top scoring competitors will be published on the Web sites of the
CMS and CEMC.
Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge
NOTE: 1. Please read the instructions on the front cover of this booklet.
2. Write solutions in the answer booklet provided.
3. It is expected that all calculations
√ and answers will be expressed as
exact numbers such as 4π, 2 + 7, etc.
4. Calculators are not allowed.
PART A
1 1 1 1
1. What is the value of 1 + 2 1+ 3 1+ 4 1+ 5 ?
B M C
x+8
5. In 4ABC, BC = 4, AB = x, AC = x + 2, and cos(∠BAC) = .
2x + 4
Determine all possible values of x.
6. Determine the number of integers n that satisfy all three of the conditions below:
• each digit of n is either 1 or 0,
• n is divisible by 6, and
• 0 < n < 107 .
Q P
Mathematics
Challenge
Canadian
(English)
Open
2006
p
4. (a) Determine, with justification, the fraction , where p and q are positive integers
q
and q < 100, that is closest to, but not equal to, 73 .
a c a+c
(b) The baseball sum of two rational numbers and is defined to be .
b d b+d
(A rational number is a fraction whose numerator and denominator are both
integers and whose denominator is not equal to 0.) Starting with the rational
numbers 01 and 11 as Stage 0, the baseball sum of each consecutive pair of
rational numbers in a stage is inserted between the pair to arrive at the next
stage. The first few stages of this process are shown below:
0 1
STAGE 0: 1 1
0 1 1
STAGE 1: 1 2 1
0 1 1 2 1
STAGE 2: 1 3 2 3 1
0 1 1 2 1 3 2 3 1
STAGE 3: 1 4 3 5 2 5 3 4 1
Prove that
(i) no rational number will be inserted more than once,
(ii) no inserted fraction is reducible, and
(iii) every rational number between 0 and 1 will be inserted in the pattern at
some stage.
The Canadian Mathematical Society
in collaboration with
PART A
1. If a = 15 and b = −9, what is the value of a2 + 2ab + b2 ?
A B
x
D C
4. In June, the ratio of boys to girls in a school was 3 : 2. In September, there were
80 fewer boys and 20 fewer girls in the school and the ratio of boys to girls was 7 : 5.
What was the total number of students at the school in June?
5. The numbers 1, 2, 3, . . . , 9 are placed in a square array. The sum of the three rows,
the sum of the three columns, and the sum of the two diagonals are added together
to form a “grand sum”, S.
For example, if the numbers are placed as shown, the grand sum is
A N
7. Determine all ordered triples of real numbers, (x, y, z), that satisfy the system of
equations
xy = z 2
x+y+z = 7
x + y 2 + z 2 = 133 .
2
8. In the diagram, there are 28 line segments of length 1 arranged as shown to form
9 squares. There are various routes from A to B travelling along the segments so
that no segment is travelled more than once. Of these possible routes, determine
A
B
PART B
1. An arithmetic sequence a, a + d, a + 2d, . . . is a sequence in which successive terms
have a common difference d. For example, 2, 5, 8, . . . is an arithmetic sequence with
common difference d = 3 because 5 − 2 = 8 − 5 = 3.
C 18 D
Canadian Open
Mathematics
Challenge
Financial
(English)
Sun Life
2007
3. Alphonse and Beryl are back! They are playing a two person game with the following
rules:
(a) Determine who should win the game when N = 7, and explain the winning
strategy.
(b) Determine who should win the game when N = 8, and explain the winning
strategy.
(c) Determine all values of N for which Beryl has a winning strategy. Explain this
strategy.
Part A
a
1. An operation “ ∆ ” is defined by a ∆b = 1– , b ≠ 0.
b
What is the value of (1∆ 2)∆(3 ∆ 4) ?
Solution
By the definition of “ ∆ ”
1∆ 2 = 1 – 1 = 1
2 2
3 1
3∆ 4 = 1– =
4 4
1
and so (1∆ 2)∆(3∆ 4) = ∆ = 1– = 1– 2 = –1
1 1 2
2 4 1
4
ANSWER: –1
2. The sequence 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, … consists of successive multiples of 9. This sequence is then altered by multiplying
every other term by –1, starting with the first term, to produce the new sequence –9, 18, – 27, 36, – 45, 54,... . If the sum
of the first n terms of this new sequence is 180, determine n.
Solution
The terms in the sequence are paired, by combining each odd-numbered term with the next term
(that is, we combine terms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, etc).
4. The symbol x means the greatest integer less than or equal to x. For example,
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
… + 48 + 49 + 50 .
Solution
We note that for k a positive integer and k ≤ n < (k + 1) , then k ≤ n < k +1 and so n = k .
2 2
Thus for 1 ≤ n ≤ 3, n = 1
4 ≤ n ≤ 8, n = 2
9 ≤ n ≤ 15, n = 3
etc.
So the sum equals
(1+1+ 1) + (2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2) + (3 + … + 3) + … + (6 + … + 6) + (7 + 7)
= 3(1) + 5(2) + 7(3) + 9(4 ) +11(5) +13(6) + 2 (7)
= 3 +10 + 21+ 36 + 55 + 78+ 14
= 217
ANSWER: 217
5. How many five-digit positive integers have the property that the product of their digits is 2000?
Solution
Let a five-digit number have the form a b c d e where 0 ≤ a, b, c, d, e ≤ 9, a ≠ 0 .
Since the product of the digits is 2000, we must have the product abcde = 2000 = 24 53 .
Since the product of the digits is 2000, then 3 of the digits have to be 5. The remaining 2 digits must have a product of
4
16 or 2 .
Thus the two remaining digits must be 4 and 4, or 2 and 8.
Possibility 1
5!
Case 1 Using the numbers 5, 5, 5, 4, 4 there are = 10 possible numbers.
3!2!
5!
Case 2 Using the numbers 5, 5, 5, 2, 8 there are = 20 possible numbers.
3!
There are 30 possible such numbers.
OR
Possibility 2
5
We choose 3 of the 5 positions for the “5s” in ways; there are 3 possibilities for the remaining two digits (including
3
order): 2, 8; 4, 4; 8, 2.
5
So there are 3× = 3 ×10 = 30 possible such 5 digit numbers.
3
ANSWER: 30
Solution
We write all factors as powers of 2. Thus
(
4 16 sin
2
x
)= 2 6 sin x
2 (2 )= 2
2 4 sin2 x 6 sin x
2
x +2
2 4sin = 26 sin x (*)
Equating exponents (which we can do by taking base 2 logarithms),
4 sin 2 x + 2 = 6 sin x
2 sin 2 x – 3 sin x + 1 = 0
(2 sin x – 1)(sin x – 1) = 0
1
Therefore, sin x = or sin x = 1 .
2
π 5π π
Since 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 π , x = , or .
6 6 2
π 5π π
ANSWER: , ,
6 6 2
The sequence of numbers …, a –3 , a– 2 , a–1 , a0 , a1 , a2 , a3 , … is defined by an – (n + 1)a2– n = (n + 3) , for all integers n.
2
7.
Calculate a0 .
Solution
Using the given general equation, we note that there are only two choices of n which yield equations containing a2 ,
n = 0 or 2.
i.e. a0 – a2 = 9 from n = 0
a2 – 3a0 = 25 from n = 2
Adding the first equation to the second, we obtain –2a0 = 34 , so a0 = –17 .
ANSWER: –17
Solution
First, we calculate the side length of the equilateral triangle ABC . C
Let O be the centre of the smaller circle and P the point of tangency of
the circle to the side AB .
O 30°
Join OP and OB . Then ∠OPB = 90° by tangency and ∠OBP = 30°
by symmetry since ∠CBA = 60° . A P B
Since OP = 1 and ∆ BOP is 30°-60°-90°, then OB = 2 and BP = 3 . Thus AB = 2 3 .
Also by symmetry, CO = OB = 2 , so CP = 3 .
( )
2
=3 + 2 3
2 A B
2 3
= 21
The diameter is 21 .
ANSWER: 21
Part B
1. Triangle ABC has vertices A(0, 0) , B(9, 0 ) and C (0, 6) . The points P and Q lie on side AB such that AP = PQ = QB .
Similarly, the points R and S lie on side AC so that AR = RS = SC . The vertex C is joined to each of the points P and Q.
In the same way, B is joined to R and S.
(a) Determine the equation of the line through the points R and B.
(b) Determine the equation of the line through the points P and C.
(c) The line segments PC and RB intersect at X, and the line segments QC and SB intersect at Y. Prove that the
points A, X and Y lie on the same straight line.
Solution
Since A(0, 0) , B(9, 0 ) and AP = PQ = QB , then P has coordinates (3, 0 ) and Q has coordinates (6, 0) .
Similarly, R is the point (0, 2) and S is the point (0, 4).
2–0 2
(a) Since R is (0, 2) and B is (9, 0), then the slope of RB is m = = – and so the equation of the line is
0–9 9
2
y – 2 = – (x – 0)
9
2
y = – x+ 2
9
0–6
(b) Since P is (3, 0) and C is (0, 6), then the slope of PC is m = = – 2 and so the equation of the line is
3–0
y – 0 = –2(x – 3)
y = –2x + 6
C(0, 6)
(c) First, we determine the coordinates of X.
Equating the lines from (a) and (b), we have S(0, 4)
2 Y
– x + 2 = – 2x + 6
9 R(0, 2)
16 X
x=4
9
9 A(0, 1) P(3, 0)
x= Q(6, 0) B(9, 0)
4
Solution
(a) Let ∠ AFE = ∠ BFD = x A
∠BDF = ∠CDE = y z E
∠CED = ∠AEF = z F x z
x
Thus ∠ FAE = 180° – x – z
∠FBD = 180° – x – y y y
∠ECD = 180° – y – z B D C
and these 3 angles add to 180° , so
540° – 2(x + y + z) = 180°
x + y + z = 180°
Since ∠ FAE + ∠ AFE + ∠ AEF = 180° (from ∆ AEF )
∠FAE + x + z = x + y + z
∠FAE = y
Therefore ∠ BDF = ∠ BAC .
Solution
We first consider Alphonse’s possible moves to begin the game. We can assume, without loss of generality, that he cuts
on the left side of the black triangle.
Case 1
Alphonse removes two white triangles, leaving .
In this case, Beryl removes only one white triangle, and passes the shape back to Alphonse, forcing him to
remove the last white triangle and lose.
Case 2
Figure 2
Solution
We show that, again, Beryl always has a winning strategy.
The strategy is to reduce the shape in Figure 2 to the shape in Figure 1, and to have Alphonse make the first cut at this
stage. Beryl also knows that if she is forced into a position of being the first to cut when Figure 2 is reduced to Figure 1,
then Alphonse can force her to lose.
We number the lines on the diagram for convenience. (9)
(1)
(8)
(2)
(7)
(3)
If Alphonse now cuts (2) or (3), Beryl cuts the other of these two and passes the shape in Figure 1 back to Alphonse, and
so he loses.
If Alphonse cuts (8) or (9), Beryl cuts the opposite and passes the shape in Figure 1 to Alphonse, and so he loses.
(Similarly, if he cuts (5) or (6)).
So assume that Alphonse cuts (4) or (7), say (4) by symmetry.
If Beryl now cuts any of (2), (3), (5), (6), (8), or (9), then Alphonse can force Beryl to lose, in the same way as she could
have forced him to lose, as above. So Beryl cuts (7).
Now Alphonse is forced to cut one of (2), (3), (5), (6), (8), or (9), and so Beryl makes the appropriate cut, passing the
shape in Figure 1 back to Alphonse, and so he must lose.
Therefore Beryl always can have a winning strategy.
4. A sequence t1, t2 , t3 , ..., tn of n terms is defined as follows:
t1 = 1 , t2 = 4 , and tk = tk –1 + tk –2 for k = 3, 4, ..., n .
Let T be the set of all terms in this sequence; that is, T = {t1 , t2 , t3 , ..., tn }.
(a) How many positive integers can be expressed as the sum of exactly two distinct elements of the set T ?
Summary
Part (a) 4✓
Part (b) 6✓
Solution
tk > 0 for all k, 1 ≤ k ≤ n .
Also tk < tk+1 for all k ≤ n – 1 since tk +1 = tk + tk –1 .
Hence the sequence is monotone increasing.
n
The sum of any pair of terms is an integer and there are pairs.
2
Can any two pairs produce the same integer?
Consider ta + tb and tc + td . Clearly if tb = td then ta = tc and vice versa, implying the same pair.
Hence none of the four terms is equal, so we can assume one term, say td to be the largest.
Then td = td –1 + td –2 ≥ ta + tb , since the maximum values of ta and tb are td –1 and td –2 and they cannot be alike.
n
But since tc > 0 , tc + td > ta + td and there are no two pairs that add to the same integer, so there are exactly integers
2
possible.
(b) How many positive integers can be expressed as the sum of exactly three distinct elements of the set T ?
Solution
Consider ta + tb + tc and td + te + t f . If any of the first three equals any of the second three we are left with pair
sums of the remaining ones being equal, which is impossible from part (a). Hence there are six unlike terms, and
again we can assume one, say t f , to be the greatest.
It is clearly possible for equality by setting ta and tb equal to t f –1 and t f –2 and then td and te equal to tc –1 and
tc –2 .
In how many ways can this be done for given f. Clearly,6 ≤ f ≤ n , and since 2 < c < f – 2 , for any given f there
n
n – 4
are f – 5 choices for c and the number of ways possible is ∑
( f – 5) = 1 + 2 + 3 + + (n – 5) =
2
.
f =6
n n – 4
There are a maximum of – possible integers.
3 2
Of these, are any two of like sum?
In ta + tb + tc , the maximal values are t f +1 , t f –3 , and t f –4 , since if one is t f –1 and one t f –2 we revert to the
discussed state. Hence
ta + tb + tc ≤ t f –1 + t f –3 + t f –4
= t f –1 + t f –2
= tf .
But td + te + t f > t f .
Hence there are no other triples for which equality of sums exist, and the number of possible integers is
n n – 4
– .
3 2
Comments on the Paper Commentaires sur l'épreuve
PART A PARTIE A
1. Solution 1. Solution
By the definition, 2∇0 = 2 2 + 30 = 4 + 1 = 5 D’après la définition, on a : 2∇0 = 2 2 + 30 = 4 + 1 = 5
0∇1 = 0 2 + 31 = 0 + 3 = 3 0∇1 = 0 2 + 31 = 0 + 3 = 3
and so (2∇0)∇(0∇1) = 5∇3 Donc : (2∇0)∇(0∇1) = 5∇3
= 52 + 33 = 52 + 33
= 25 + 27 = 25 + 27
= 52 = 52
Commentaires
Comments
Les élèves ont bien réussi cette question. La plupart des
This question was quite well done. Most students correctly
élèves ont correctement interprété les opérations données
interpreted the given operation to do the required calcula-
nécessaires aux calculs requis.
tions. Moyenne: 3,6
Average: 3.6
2. Solution D
2. Solution D D’après le diagramme, 180° – 7x°
5x°
180° – 8x°
∠FEG = 180o − 8 x o .
6x°
Donc ∠DCE = 180o − 7 x o F
F 4x°
interior angles is bisected, and so each FC, EB et DA sont des bissectrices des
E D angles. L’hexagone est donc décomposé E D
part is 60o . Thus the hexagon is decom-
en 6 triangles équilatéraux.
posed into 6 equilateral triangles, as shown. La distance maximale possible entre deux points sur
The maximum distance between any two points on the l’hexagone est celle entre deux sommets opposés. Puisque
hexagon is the distance between two opposite vertices. chaque triangle équilatéral a des côtés de longueur 1, la
Since each of the triangles is equilateral with a side length longueur maximale possible du segment est égale à 2.
of 1, the diagonal distance is 2, ie. the maximum possible
length of PQ is 2. Version abrégée de la solution 1
Comme l’indique le diagramme, l’hexagone régulier peut
Brief version of Solution 1 être divisé en 6 triangles équilatéraux ayant des côtés de
A regular hexagon with side length 1 can be decomposed longueur 1. La distance maximale possible entre deux
into 6 equilateral triangles with a side length of 1, as shown. points sur l’hexagone est celle entre deux sommets opposés.
Elle est égale à 2.
The maximum distance between any two points is between
opposite vertices, and this distance is 2. 6
Comments on the Paper Commentaires sur l'épreuve
Solution 2 Solution 2
A B Par symétrie, la distance maximale A B
The maximum distance is between
two opposite vertices, say F and C entre deux points sur l’hexagone est
celle entre deux sommets opposés,
by symmetry. 60° 60° 60° 60°
F R S C disons F et C. Aux points A et B, on F R S C
Drop perpendiculars from A and B abaisse des perpendiculaires AR et AS au segment FC.
to meet FC at R and S respectively. Puisque AB = 1 et que AB est parallèle à RS, alors RS = 1.
Since AB = 1 and AB is parallel to RS, then RS = 1.
Par symétrie, FR = CS . Or FR = AF cos60o = 1( 12 ) = 12 .
By symmetry, FR = CS . But
Donc CF = 2 et la longueur maximale possible est donc
FR = AF cos60o = 1( 12 ) = 12 . Therefore, CF = 2, and so égale à 2.
the maximum possible distance is 2.
Commentaires
Comments Une grande partie des difficultés de cette question résidait
The key problems here were to interpret the question and dans son interprétation. Les élèves devaient par la suite
to then figure out that the longest distance between any two déduire que la distance entre deux sommets opposés
points is the distance between opposite vertices. The représentait la distance maximale entre deux points. La façon
easiest way to calculate this length was to break the la plus rapide de la calculer consistait à diviser l’hexagone en
hexagon up into 6 equilateral triangles each of side length six triangles équilatéraux dont chacune des arêtes équivalait
one. If you didn’t notice this, have a look at this idea. à un. Nous invitons les élèves qui n’ont pas envisagé cette
Average: 3.6 approche de résolution de l’examiner de plus près.
Moyenne: 3,6
4. Solution
Solving the equation, 4. Solution
( )
2 2 2 x = 4 x + 64 or ( )
2 2 2 x = 4 x + 64
On a :
( )
2 2 2 x = 4 x + 64 ou ( )
2 2 2 x = 4 x + 64
2( 4 ) = 4
x x
+ 64 2( 2 ) = 2
2x 2x
+ 64
2( 4 ) = 4
x x
+ 64 2( 2 ) = 2
2x 2x
+ 64
4 = 64
x 2x
2 = 64
x=3 4 x = 64 2 2 x = 64
2x = 6
x=3 2x = 6
x=3
x=3
Comments
This question was reasonably well done. Students who are Commentaires
comfortable dealing with exponents had a great deal of Les élèves ont généralement bien réussi cette question, tout
success on this question. Many students continue to have particulièrement ceux qui maîtrisaient bien le concept
difficulty with exponents. d’exposant (qui d’ailleurs pose encore des difficultés pour
Average: 3.8 bon nombre d’élèves).
Moyenne: 3,8
5. Solution 1
5. Solution 1
Join M to Q. P P
On joint M et Q.
M M
Through M, draw a line parallel F Au point M, on trace un segment F
to QR meeting PQ at F. parallèle au côté QR . Ce segment
Q R Q R
Therefore, PF = FQ = 7 and MF = 24 . coupe le côté PQ en F.
By Pythagoras, MQ = 25, and so Donc PF = FQ = 7 et MF = 24 .
D’après le théorème de Pythagore dans le triangle MFQ,
cos( ∠MQP ) = cos( ∠MQF ) MQ = 25, d’où :
FQ cos( ∠MQP ) = cos( ∠MQF )
=
MQ FQ
=
7 MQ
=
25 7
=
7 25
Comments on the Paper Commentaires sur l'épreuve
Solution 2 Solution 2
P On joint M et Q.
Join M to Q. By Pythagoras, P
M D’après le théorème de M
14
PR = 14 2 + 482 = 50 . Pythagore dans le triangle
14
Thus, the sequence repeats every four terms. What a nice De la même manière,
solution! 1
t n −1 = −
Average: 2.7 tn− 3
On peut conclure que
1
7. Solution t n +1 = − 1 = t n − 3
−t
We treat a as a constant and solve for x, y, z in terms of n −3
x 0 x
8. Solution 1 (Graphique)
–4 –2 0 2 4 –4 –2 2 4 y y
–2 –2
y = g( x ) y = g( x ) – 1 4 4
y 2 2
so the number of solutions
x 0 x
of g( x ) − 1 = 1
2 is 8, –4 –2 0 2 4 –4 –2 2 4
4 –2 –2
from the third graph.
2
1 y = g( x ) y = g( x ) – 1
y=2
x
–4 –2 0 2 4
y
–2
Selon le troisième graphique,
l’équation g( x ) − 1 = 1
2
y = g( x ) –1 4
admet 8 solutions.
2
1
y=2
x
–4 –2 0 2 4
–2
9 y = g( x ) –1
Comments on the Paper Commentaires sur l'épreuve
(c) g( x ) = 1
has 3 solutions, d) g( x ) = − 12 admet 3 solutions.
2
(d) g( x ) = − 12 has 3 solutions. Donc g( x ) − 1 = 1
2 admet 8 solutions.
Therefore, g( x ) − 1 = 1
2 has 8 solutions. Commentaires
Cette question a permis aux élèves de mettre à l’épreuve
Comments
leurs connaissances de la valeur absolue dans le contexte
This question was a good test of the concept of absolute
d’une représentation graphique. Certains élèves ont choisi
value from a graphical perspective. Some students used a
une approche graphique pour déterminer le graphique
graphical approach to convert the original graph to the
requis à partir de la transposition du premier graphique. En
desired one. Quite a few students used the graphical ap-
fait, plusieurs élèves ont eu recours à cette méthode de
proach to determine the potential values for either g( x ) or
résolution pour trouver les valeurs possibles de g( x ) ou
g( x ) and then read the appropriate number of solutions off
g( x ) ; ils ont ensuite déterminer le nombre de solutions
the graph. Students who tried to determine the actual
appropriées à partir des informations du graphique. Les
equation of the curve tended to get bogged down in their
élèves qui ont tenté de déterminer l’équation de la courbe
calculations.
ont en général éprouvé des difficultés au niveau des calculs.
Average: 2.0 Moyenne: 2,0
Part B
1. Solution Partie B
y
(a) The lines x = 2 and 1. Solution
y = 1 intersect at (2,1) .
x=2
a) Les droites définies y
The lines x = 2 and (2, 5) par x = 2 et y = 1 se x=2
x + 2 y = 12 intersect x + 2y = 12
coupent au point (2,1) .
at (2, 5) , since
(2, 5)
(2, 1)
(10, 1)
y=1 Les droites définies
x
x = 2 ⇒ 2 + 2 y = 12 ⇒ y = 5. par x = 2 et x + 2 y = 12 x + 2y = 12
(10, 1)
se coupent au point y=1
The lines y = 1 and x + 2 y = 12 intersect at (10,1) , (2, 1)
x
(2, 5) , car en reportant
since y = 1 ⇒ x + 2 = 12 ⇒ x = 10 .
x = 2 dans x + 2 y = 12 , on obtient 2 + 2y = 12, d’où y
(b) x + y = 8 intersects y
= 5. Les droites définies par y = 1 et x + 2 y = 12 se
x = 2 at (2, 6) , which x=2
R
x + 2 y = 12 , subtract the first equation from the sec- droites d’équations (2, 1) (7, 1)
(10, 1)
y=1
x
ond to obtain y = 4 , so x = 4. x = 2 et x + 2 y = 12 .
10
Comments on the Paper Commentaires sur l'épreuve
Therefore, the vertices of Q are (2,1) , (2, 5) , ( 4, 4) , Les droites d’équations x + y = 8 ett y = 1 se coupent au
(7,1). point (7,1).
(c) Area of Q = Area of T − Area of R Pour déterminer le point d’intersection des droites
définies par x + y = 8 et x + 2 y = 12 , on soustrait la
= 1
2
( 8)( 4 ) − 12 ( 3)( 3) première équation de la deuxième, membre par membre,
= 16 − 29 pour obtenir y = 4 , d’où x = 4.
Les coordonnées du quadrilatère Q sont (2,1) , (2, 5) ,
= 23
2
(4, 4) et (7,1).
Comments c) Aire de Q = Aire de T – Aire de R
This question was exceptionally well done. Students = 1
2
( 8)( 4 ) − 12 ( 3)( 3)
either approached this strictly graphically or with a com-
bination of graphical and analytic approaches. In either = 16 − 29
case, they tended to do very well. Part (c) was quite well = 23
2
done. Students managed to determine one of the many
Commentaires
ways to calculate the area of Q, either by subtracting the
Les élèves ont exceptionnellement bien réussi cette question
area of R from the area of T, by breaking Q up into two
peu importe la méthode de résolution utilisée. Des élèves ont
triangles, or by breaking Q up into one rectangle and two ainsi choisi la méthode de résolution graphique tandis que
triangles. d’autres ont opté pour un agencement des méthodes graphique
Average: 8.4 et analytique. Ils ont tout particulièrement bien réussi la partie
(c). Ils ont trouvé l’une des nombreuses façons de déterminer
2. (a) Solution 1 l’aire de Q, soit en soustrayant l’aire de R de celle de T, ou en
We define a “losing position” to be a number of divisant Q en deux triangles ou encore en un rectangle et deux
cards, such that if a player receives this number of triangles.
Moyenne: 8,4
cards at the beginning of his or her turn, he or she is
guaranteed to lose assuming best play by both play- 2. a) Solution 1
ers. A “winning position” is defined similarly. On définit une « position perdante » comme étant un
nombre de cartes qu’un joueur ou une joueuse reçoit au
Clearly, by the rules of the game, 1 is a losing début de son tour et qui lui assure une défaite si les deux
position. adversaires jouent à leur meilleur. On définit une « position
For a player to receive 1 card at the beginning of a gagnante » de façon semblable.
turn, the previous player must start with 2 cards. Selon les règles du jeu, 1 est une position perdante.
(This is true since a player can never remove more Pour qu’un joueur reçoive 1 carte au début de son tour, le
than half of the deck, so the number of cards at the joueur précédent doit commencer avec 2 cartes. (Un joueur
beginning of the previous turn can never be more ne peut retirer plus de la moitié des cartes, donc le nombre
than double that of the current turn.) Therefore, 2 is de cartes qu’il reçoit ne peut être supérieur au double du
nombre de cartes remises au joueur suivant.)
a winning position, since a player starting with 2
Donc 2 est une position gagnante, puisqu’un joueur qui
cards can only remove 1, and so passes 1 card to the reçoit 2 cartes peut seulement en enlever une et il remet 1
other player, who loses. carte à l’adversaire qui perd.
Is 3 a winning position or a losing position? Est-ce que 3 est une position gagnante ou perdante?
Given a pack of 3 cards, the rules of the game say that Si on reçoit 3 cartes, on peut seulement retirer une carte du
a player can only remove 1 card, and so pass a pack jeu et on remet 2 cartes à l’adversaire qui reçoit une position
gagnante. Donc 3 est une position perdante.
of 2 cards (a winning position) to the other player.
Therefore, 3 is a losing position. On peut constater que 4, 5 et 6 sont des positions gagnantes,
car on peut retirer respectivement 1, 2 ou 3 cartes et
We can then see that 4, 5 and 6 are all winning remettre 3 cartes à l’adversaire qui reçoit alors une position
positions, as given 4, 5 or 6 cards, a player can perdante. On constate que 7 est une position perdante, car
remove 1, 2 or 3 cards respectively to pass the other on doit retirer 1, 2 ou 3 cartes et on remet respectivement
player 3 cards, a losing position. 6, 5 ou 4 cartes à l’adversaire qui reçoit à chaque fois une
11
position gagnante.
Comments on the Paper Commentaires sur l'épreuve
Therefore, 7 is a losing position, since a player remov- Si Alain reçoit 7 cartes, Brigitte peut donc toujours
gagner.
ing 7 cards must remove 1, 2 or 3 cards, thus giving the
other player 6, 5 or 4 cards respectively, any of which Résumé de la stratégie de Brigitte
is a winning position. So if Alphonse starts with 7 • Elle recevra 4, 5 ou 6 cartes d’Alain.
cards, Beryl can always win. • Elle retirera 1, 2 ou 3 cartes de manière à remettre 3
cartes à Alain.
Summary of Beryl’s Strategy • Alain est forcé à retirer 1 carte et à remettre 2 cartes à
• She will receive 4, 5 or 6 cards from Alphonse. Brigitte.
• Remove 1, 2 or 3 cards in order to pass 3 cards back • Brigitte retire 1 carte et remet 1 carte à Alain qui perd.
to Alphonse.
• Alphonse is forced to remove 1 only, and pass back Solution 2 (suffisante pour recevoir le maximum de points)
2 to Beryl. Alain reçoit 7 cartes et il peut retirer 1, 2 ou 3 cartes pour
remettre 6, 5 ou 4 cartes à Brigitte.
• Beryl removes 1 and passes 1 back, so Alphonse
Brigitte doit retirer 3, 2 ou 1 carte de manière à remettre 3
loses. cartes à Alain.
Solution 2 (Sufficient for full marks) Alain est forcé à retirer 1 carte et à remettre 2 cartes à
Alphonse starts with 7 cards, and so can remove 1, 2 or Brigitte.
Brigitte retire 1 carte, (elle n’a pas d’autre choix) et elle
3 cards, passing 6, 5 or 4 cards to Beryl.
remet 1 carte à Alain qui perd.
Beryl should remove 3, 2 or 1 cards respectively, Brigitte a donc une stratégie gagnante.
leaving 3 cards only, and pass these 3 cards back to
Alphonse. b) Solution 1
Alphonse now is forced to remove 1 card only, and On doit déterminer si 52 est une position gagnante ou
pass 2 back to Beryl. perdante.
Beryl removes 1 card (her only option) and passes 1 Comme dans la partie précédente, on peut démontrer que 8,
9, 10, …, 14 sont des positions gagnantes, puisqu’on peut
back to Alphonse, who thus loses.
retirer suffisamment de cartes pour remettre 7 cartes à
Therefore, Beryl is guaranteed to win. l’adversaire qui reçoit alors une position perdante.
(b) Solution 1 Donc 15 est une position perdante, puisqu’en recevant 15
We must determine if 52 is a winning position or a cartes, on doit remettre de 8 à 14 cartes à l’adversaire qui
reçoit alors des positions gagnantes.
losing position. By a similar argument to above, since
7 is a losing position, 8 through 14 are all winning De la même manière, les nombres de 16 à 30 sont des
positions, since they can all be reduced to 7 in one turn. positions gagnantes, 31 est une position perdante et les
nombres de 32 à 62 sont des positions gagnantes.
Therefore, 15 is a losing position, since given 15 cards,
a player is forced to reduce to some number between Donc 52 est une position gagnante. Alain peut donc utiliser
8 and 14, since no more than 7 cards can be removed. une stratégie gagnante.
If a is odd, then a 3 , qa, and r are all odd, and is even (since Si a est impair, alors a 3 , pa 2 et qa sont tous pairs, et
Since tan θ = 23 , the line from B to D has equation Pour déterminer le rapport de AD à DC, on utilise un repère
y = 23 x . Also, the line from A to C has equation cartésien.
Soit (0, 0) les coordonnées du point B et (6, 0) les coordonnées
y = − 43 ( x − 6) . To find D, we find the intersection of
du point C. Les coordonnées du point A sont (3, 4), puisque
these two lines:
la hauteur de A à BC a une longueur de 4. Puisque tan θ = 23 ,
15
Comments on the Paper Commentaires sur l'épreuve
=
6 sin θ ( o
sin 180 − θ − ∠DCB )
sin(θ + ∠DCB) 6 sin θ
=
6 sin θ sin(θ + ∠DCB)
=
sin θ cos(∠DCB) + cosθ sin(∠DCB) 6 sin θ
=
=
6 sin θ cos(∠DCB) + cosθ sin(∠DCB)
cos(∠DCB) + cot θ sin(∠DCB) 6
=
=
6 cos(∠DCB) + cot θ sin(∠DCB)
3
5 + 3 4
2 5() 6
=
=
10 3
5 + 3 4
2 5()
3 10
=
3
which yields also that AD = 5 − 103 = 5
and so
3 Donc AD = 5 − 103 = 5
3 , d’où AD : DC = 1 : 2 .
AD : DC = 1 : 2 .
16
Comments on the Paper Commentaires sur l'épreuve
17
The Canadian Mathematical Society
in collaboration with
The
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
Solutions
Part A
2. Solution 1
x 2 + 5 xy + y 2 = x 2 + 2 xy + y 2 + 3 xy
= ( x + y ) + 3 xy
2
= 4 2 + 3(−12)
= −20
Solution 2
Examining the two given equations, we see that x = 6 and y = −2 is a solution.
Therefore, x 2 + 5 xy + y 2 = 6 2 + 5(6)(−2) + (−2) = 36 − 60 + 4 = −20 .
2
Solution 3
We solve the first equation for x and substitute into the second equation.
From the first equation, x = 4 − y .
Substituting into the second equation, ( 4 − y ) y = −12 or 0 = y 2 − 4 y − 12 .
Factoring, 0 = ( y − 6)( y + 2) , i.e. y = 6 or y = −2 . The corresponding values of x are
x = −2 and x = 6 , which give the same answer as in Solution 2, i.e. x 2 + 5 xy + y 2 = −20 .
Therefore,
∠AER = 360o − ∠REN − ∠NEP − ∠PEA
= 360o − 108o − 90o − 60o
= 102o
Now since PEA is an equilateral triangle, OPEN is a square, and TREND is a regular
pentagon, then their side lengths must all be the same, since OPEN and TREND share a
side, and since OPEN and PEA share a side. In particular, AE = ER .
Therefore, ∆ARE is an isosceles triangle, and so
( ) ( )
∠ARE = 12 180o − ∠AER = 12 180o − 102o = 39o .
4. Solution 1
The sum of the 3rd, 4th and 5th terms of the sequence is equal to the sum of the first five
terms of the sequence minus the sum of the first two terms of the sequence.
[ ][ ]
Thus, the sum is 5(5) + 6(5) − 5(2) + 6(2) = 155 − 32 = 123.
2 2
Solution 2
We determine the first 5 terms in the sequence and then add up the 3rd, 4th and 5th terms.
From the formula given, the sum of the first 1 terms is 11.
This tells us that the first term is 11.
From the formula given, the sum of the first 2 terms is 32. Since the first term is 11, then
the second term is 21.
Next, the sum of the first 3 terms is 63, and so the third term is 31, since the first two terms
are 11 and 21. (We could use the fact that the sum of the first two terms is 32, instead.)
Next, the sum of the first 4 terms is 104, and so the fourth term is 41.
Lastly, the sum of the first 5 terms is 155, and so the fifth term is 51.
Therefore, the sum of the 3rd, 4th and 5th terms is 31 + 41 + 51 = 123 .
Solution 3
Since the sum of the first n terms has a quadratic formula, then the terms in the sequence
have a common difference, i.e. The sequence is an arithmetic sequence.
Therefore, the sum of the 3rd, 4th and 5th terms is equal to three times the 4th term.
The 4th term is the sum of the first four terms minus the sum of the first three terms, i.e.
104 − 63 = 41.
Thus, the sum of the 3rd, 4th and 5th terms is 3( 41) = 123.
2002 COMC Solutions 4
5. Solution 1
Since the value of this expression is the same for every positive integer a, then we can find
the value by substituting in a = 1.
Thus,
[(2a − 1)∇(2a + 1)] = [1∇3] = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 = 2
[(a − 1)∇(a + 1)] [0∇2] 0 + 1 + 2 3
Therefore, the value required is 2.
Solution 2
If a is a positive integer, the only integer between 2 a − 1 and 2 a + 1 is 2a . Similarly, the
only integer between a − 1 and a + 1 is a.
Thus,
[(2a − 1)∇(2a + 1)] = (2a − 1) + 2a + (2a + 1) = 6a = 2
[(a − 1)∇(a + 1)] (a − 1) + a + (a + 1) 3a
Therefore, the value required is 2.
Let B be the point on the mirror WV that the light next strikes.
Since ∠VAB = ∠AVB = 30o , then the angle of incidence, ∠ABW , is equal to 60o , because
it is an external angle of ∆ABV . ( ∠ABW could also have been calculated using the facts
that ∠SAB = 120o and SA is parallel to WV.)
Therefore, the angle of reflection is also 60o .
Let C be the point on the mirror UV where the light next U
o o
strikes. Since ∠CVB = 30 and ∠VBC = 60 , then S 30° A 1
∠BCV = 90o . This tells us that the light is reflected 1 2
30° C 1
straight back along its path from C back to S. 2
Therefore, the required distance is 2( SA + AB + BC ) . W
60° 60° 30°
B V
Since we are given that SA = AV = 1, then since ∆ABV is isosceles with BC an altitude,
then AC = CV = 12 , and so BC = 1 ( AC ) = 1 and AB = 2 ( AC ) = 1 .
3 2 3 3 3
Therefore, the required distance is
(
2( SA + AB + BC ) = 2 1 + 1
3
+ 1
2 3 )=2+ 3
3
=2+ 3
( )
Thus, the total distance travelled by the beam is 2 + 3 m, or about 3.73 m.
2002 COMC Solutions 5
7. Solution 1
Since P is formed by adding a 1 at the end of N, then P = 10 N + 1.
Since Q is formed by adding a 1 in front of the 5 digits of N, then Q = 100000 + N .
Since P = 3Q ,
10 N + 1 = 3(100000 + N )
10 N + 1 = 300000 + 3N
7 N = 299999
N = 42857
Therefore, N is 42857.
Solution 2
Suppose N has digits abcde. Then since P = 3Q , we have abcde1 = 3(1abcde) .
Since the units digit on the left side is 1, then the units digit on the right is also 1, which
means that e = 7 .
Thus, abcd 71 = 3(1abcd 7) . Since the tens digit on the left side is 7 and we get a “carry” of
2 from multiplying the last digit on the right side by 3, then 3 × d has a units digit of 5, i.e.
d = 5.
Thus, abc 571 = 3(1abc 57) . Since the hundreds digit on the left side is 5 and we get a carry
of 1 from multiplying the last two digits on the right side by 3, then the units digit of 3 × c
must be a 4, i.e. c = 8 .
Thus, ab8571 = 3(1ab857) . In a similar fashion, we see that b = 2 and a = 4 .
Therefore, N = 42857 .
8. We are not told that M must be a positive integer, but it makes sense to look for a positive
integer M that satisfies these conditions, since we want the maximum possible value of M.
Since there are 1000 numbers in the set {1, 2, 3,K, 999,1000} and the probability that an x
1
chosen randomly from this set is a divisor of M is 100 , then M must have 10 divisors
between 1 and 1000.
Since we are told that M ≤ 1000 , then M must have exactly 10 positive divisors.
Therefore, M must be of the form p 9 where p is a prime number, or p 4 q where p and q are
both primes.
(Recall that to find the number of positive divisors of M, we find the prime factorization of
M and then take each of the exponents, add 1, and find the product of these numbers. For
example, if M = 48 = 2 4 3, then the number of positive divisors is ( 4 + 1)(1 + 1) = 10 .)
Now, we want to determine the maximum M in each of these two forms.
Case 1 M = p 9
Since M ≤ 1000 , then we must have p = 2 , i.e. M = 512 .
(If p = 3 , then p 9 = 19683 is too large.)
2002 COMC Solutions 6
Case 2 M = p 4 q
Since M ≤ 1000 and 5 4 = 625 , then we must have p = 2 or p = 3 .
If p = 2 , then the largest q can be so that q is prime and M ≤ 1000 is 61, i.e.
M = (16)(61) = 976 .
If p = 3 , then the largest q can be so that q is prime and M ≤ 1000 is 11, i.e.
M = (81)(11) = 891.
Therefore, the maximum possible value of M is 976.
Part B
all four sides of the square, and so its radius must C(8, 8)
B(0, 8)
be 4, since the distance from the centre to each of
the four sides is 4.
P(0, 5)
Does this circle intersect the line y = 12 x − 3, i.e. H(4, 4)
the line through F and G? Q(0, 3)
F(8, 1)
x
A(0, 0) G(6, 0) D(8, 0)
We must find the shortest distance between the centre of the circle and the line, i.e. the
perpendicular distance. We already have the equation of a line through H that is
perpendicular to the line through F and G, the line y = −2 x + 12 . Where do these lines
intersect? Setting y-coordinates equal,
1
2
x − 3 = −2 x + 12
5
2
x = 15
x=6
i.e. the lines intersect at the point G(6, 0) ! Therefore, the shortest distance from H
to the line through F and G is the distance from H to G, which is
(6 − 4) 2 + (4 − 0) 2 = 20
i.e. is greater than than 4 = 16 , the radius of the circle.
Therefore, the circle does not intersect the line.
2. (a) For the product (2 A5)(13B) to be divisible by 36, we need it to be divisible by both 4
and 9. Since 2A5 is odd, it does not contain a factor of 2.
Therefore, 13B must be divisible by 4.
For a positive integer to be divisible by 4, the number formed by its last two digits must
be divisible by 4, i.e. 3B is divisible by 4, i.e. B = 2 or B = 6 .
Case 1 B = 2
In this case, 132 is divisible by 3, but not by 9. Therefore, for the original product to be
divisible by 9, we need 2A5 to be divisible by 3.
For a positive integer to be divisible by 3, the sum of its digits is divisible by 3, i.e.
2 + A + 5 = A + 7 is divisible by 3.
Therefore, A = 2 or 5 or 8 .
Case 2 B = 6
In this case, 136 contains no factors of 3, so for the original product to be divisible by 9,
we need 2A5 to be divisible by 9.
2002 COMC Solutions 8
For a positive integer to be divisible by 9, the sum of its digits is divisible by 9, i.e.
2 + A + 5 = A + 7 is divisible by 9. Therefore, A = 2 .
Therefore, the four possible ordered pairs are ( A, B) = (2, 2), (8, 2), (5, 2), (2, 6) .
(ii) Solution 1
If 5c + 4 d is divisible by 7, then 5c + 4 d = 7 k for some integer k.
Therefore, d = 41 ( 7 k − 5c ) .
7( 3c − k )
So 4 c − d = 4 c − 41 ( 7 k − 5c ) = 41 (21c − 7 k ) = .
4
Since 4c − d is an integer, then 7( 3c − k ) must be divisible by 4. But 4 has no
3c − k
common factors with 7, so 4 must divide into 3c − k , i.e. is an integer.
4
3c − k
Therefore, 4 c − d = 7 , i.e. 4c − d is divisible by 7.
4
Solution 2
We note that 4 c − d = (14 c + 7 d ) − 2(5c + 4 d ) .
Since both terms on the right side are divisible by 7, then 4c − d is divisible by 7.
Solution 3
Multiplying the expression 4c − d by 5 does not affect its divisibility by 7.
Thus, we can consider whether or not 20c − 5 d is divisible by 7, and this will be
equivalent to considering 4c − d .
Since we are told that 5c + 4 d = 7 t for some integer t, then we know that
4 (5c + 4 d ) = 20c + 16 d = 28 t or 20c = 28 t − 16 d .
If we now consider 20c − 5 d , we see
20c − 5 d = (28 t − 16 d ) − 5 d
= 28 t − 21d
= 7( 4 t − 3d )
Since 20c − 5 d is divisible by 7 by definition, then 4c − d is divisible by 7.
2002 COMC Solutions 9
3. (a) We consider the possible cases. On his first turn, Alphonse can take either 1 marble or
2 marbles.
If Alphonse takes 1 marble, Beryl can take 2 marbles and then Colleen 1 marble, to
leave Alphonse with 1 marble left in the bowl. Therefore, Alphonse loses. (Note that
Beryl and Colleen can agree on their strategy before the game starts.)
If Alphonse takes 2 marbles, Beryl can take 1 marble and then Colleen 1 marble, to
leave Alphonse again with 1 marble left in the bowl. Therefore, Alphonse loses.
In either case, Beryl and Colleen can work together and force Alphonse to lose.
(b) Solution 1
On their two consecutive turns, Beryl and Colleen remove in total 2, 3 or 4 marbles.
On his turn, Alphonse removes either 1 marble or 2 marbles. Therefore, by working
together, Beryl and Colleen can ensure that the total number of marbles removed on
any three consecutive turns beginning with Alphonse’s turn is 4 or 5. (Totals of 3 and 6
cannot be guaranteed because of Alphonse’s choice.)
From (a), we know that 5 is a losing position for Alphonse. Also, 1 is a losing position
for Alphonse. (Since 1 is a losing position, then 5 and 6 are both losing positions,
based on our earlier comment.)
Since 5 and 6 are losing positions, then we can determine that 9, 10 and 11 are also
losing positions, as are 13, 14, 15, and 16. If we add 4 to each of these repeatedly, we
see that N is a losing position for every N ≥ 13 .
Next, we notice that if Alphonse chooses 1 marble, then the total number of marbles
chosen by the three players will be 3, 4 or 5, and if Alphonse chooses 2 marbles, then
the total number chosen will be 4, 5 or 6.
So if N = 7 , then Alphonse can choose 1 marble and ensure that he receives 2, 3 or 4
marbles on his next turn. So 7 is a winning position for Alphonse.
2002 COMC Solutions 10
Lastly, we consider N = 12 .
If Alphonse chooses 1 marble, Beryl and Colleen can choose 1 each and return 9
marbles to Alphonse. As we have shown, this is a losing position for Alphonse.
If Alphonse chooses 2 marbles, Beryl and Colleen can choose 2 each and return 6
marbles to Alphonse. This is a losing position for Alphonse.
Therefore, the values of N for which Beryl and Colleen can force Alphonse to lose are
1, 5, 6, and all N for which N ≥ 9 .
Solution 2
First, we notice that if Alphonse chooses 1 marble, then the total number of marbles
chosen by the three players will be 3, 4 or 5, and if Alphonse chooses 2 marbles, then
the total number chosen will be 4, 5 or 6.
From (a), we know that 5 is a losing position for Alphonse. Also, 1 is a losing position
for Alphonse.
For N = 2 or N = 3, if Alphonse chooses 1 marble, then either Beryl or Colleen is
forced to take the last marble, so these are not losing positions (ie. they are winning
positions) for Alphonse.
For N = 4 , if Alphonse chooses 2 marbles, then either Beryl or Colleen is forced to
take the last marble, so this is a winning position for Alphonse.
Using these two criteria for checking whether a position is a losing position or not a
losing position, we can see
2002 COMC Solutions 11
And so we have obtained 4 consecutive losing positions, which guarantees us that any
N ≥ 13 will also be a losing position, since N − 4 will be a losing position in both
groups of 3.
Therefore, the values of N for which Beryl and Colleen can force Alphonse to lose are
1, 5, 6, and all N for which N ≥ 9 .
But among the first eight possibilities, there are now no more sets of three consecutive
non-losing positions. This tells us that every position for N ≥ 9 is a losing position,
since we cannot find three consecutive non-losing positions as described above.
Therefore, the values of N for which Beryl and Colleen can force Alphonse to lose are
1, 5, 6, and all N for which N ≥ 9 .
4. Solution 1
Join E to P, Y and R, and join F to Q, Z and S. D
Let O be the point of intersection of EY and FZ. R
Since EY and FZ are altitudes in ∆DEF , then the S
third altitude, DX say, passes through O. Y
Z O
If we look at altitude DX, we see that ∠DXE = 90o .
Since circle C2 has DE as its diameter, then point X P Q
must lie on circle C2 , since a right angle is subtended E X F
by the diameter at point X.
SO ⋅ OQ = DO ⋅ OX (from circle C2 )
RO ⋅ OP = DO ⋅ OX (from circle C1 )
From this we can conclude that SO ⋅ OQ = RO ⋅ OP .
Why does this allow us to conclude that P, Q, R, and S lie on the same circle?
SO RO
From the equation, we obtain = , which tells us that ∆SOP is similar to ∆ROQ ,
OP OQ
and so ∠PSQ = ∠PSO = ∠ORQ = ∠PRQ .
Since the chord PQ subtends the equal angles ∠PSQ and ∠PRQ (in an undrawn circle),
then the points P, Q, R, and S are concyclic.
Solution 2
In order to show that the four points lie on a circle, we will show that the points are
equidistant from a fifth point, which will thus be the centre of the circle on which the four
points lie.
Consider first the points Q and S. Any point equidistant from Q and S lies on the
perpendicular bisector of the line joining these points. Since Q and S both lie on circle C2 ,
DE is a diameter of C2 , and QS is perpendicular to DE (since they lie on an altitude of the
triangle), then DE is the perpendicular bisector of QS.
Similarly, DF is the perpendicular bisector of PR.
Therefore, any point that is equidistant from all four of the given points must lie on both
DE and DF. Thus, the only possible candidate is point D. (And we already know that
DS = DQ and DP = DR from our discussion of perpendicular bisectors.)
Thus, if we can show that DS = DR , then we will have shown what we need to show.
Method 1
Let SZ = c , DZ = a and EZ = b . D
Then DS 2 = DZ 2 + SZ 2 = c 2 + a 2 (Pythagoras). R
Now if we extract ∆DSE , we see that ∠DSE = 90o , S a
Z Y
since DE is a diameter of circle C2 . Therefore, c O
DZ SZ b
∆DSZ is similar to ∆SEZ , or = or c 2 = ab .
SZ EZ P Q
Thus, DS 2 = a 2 + ab = a( a + b) = DZ ⋅ DE . E F
Similarly, DR 2 = DY ⋅ DF , looking at ∆DRF .
Now consider the points E, Z, Y, and F. Since ∠EZF = ∠EYF = 90o , then EF must be the
diameter of the circle containing points Y and Z (and points E and F).
Therefore, DE and DF are secants of the circle which intersect the circle at Z and Y,
respectively. By the “Secant-Secant Theorem”, DZ ⋅ DE = DY ⋅ DF .
2002 COMC Solutions 13
Method 2
As above, we can obtain that DS 2 = a 2 + ab = a( a + b) = DZ ⋅ DE .
Since ∠DZF = 90o , then DZ = DF cos(∠ZDF ) = DF cos(∠EDF ) , and so
DS 2 = DZ ⋅ DE = DE ⋅ DF cos(∠EDF ) .
Repeating the process on the other side of the triangle gives us that
DR 2 = DY ⋅ DF = DF ⋅ DE cos(∠EDF ) , or DR 2 = DS 2 .
Therefore, DP = DQ = DR = DS .
Therefore, we can conclude that the points P, Q, R, and S are concyclic.
The Canadian Mathematical Society
in collaboration with
The
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Solutions
Part A
2. When the point (4,−2 ) is reflected in the x-axis, its image is (4,2) .
When the point (4,2) is reflected in the line y = x , its image is (2,4) .
Therefore, the coordinates of the final point are (2,4) .
3. The particle which moves clockwise is moving three times as fast as the particle moving
counterclockwise. Therefore, the particle moving clockwise moves three times as far as the
particle moving counterclockwise in the same amount of time.
x
(1, 0)
4. Solution 1
In choosing a pair of numbers from the five given numbers, there are 10 different ways of choosing
these numbers. These pairs are {(0,1), (0,2),(0,3),(0,4), (1,2), (1,3),(1,4),(2,3), (2,4 ), (3,4 )} . The only
pairs in which the sum is greater than the product are those containing a 0 or a 1. Since there are 7
of these, the required probability is 107 .
Solution 2
The most straightforward way to approach this problem is to make a chart:
Numbers chosen Sum Product
0,1 1 0
0,2 2 0
0,3 3 0
0,4 4 0
1,2 3 2
1,3 4 3
1,4 5 4
2,3 5 6
2,4 6 8
3,4 7 12
So there are 10 possible ways that two different numbers can be chosen, and for 7 of these
possibilities, the sum of the two numbers is greater than the product.
7
Therefore, the probability is 10 .
5. Join A to C.
This line divides the shaded region into two identical pieces. A B
D C
Consider the shaded region above AC.
This piece of the region is formed by taking the sector DAC of A
the circle, centre D and radius 6, and then removing ∆ADC .
6
D 6 C
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 4
o
Since ∠ADC = 90 , then the sector is one quarter of the whole circle, and has area
2
( )
2
4 π r = 4 π 6 = 9π .
1 1
Also, ∆ADC is right-angled with base DC of length 6 and height DA of length 6, and so has area
2 bh = 2 (6)(6) = 18.
1 1
Therefore, the area of the region above the line is 9π − 18 , and so the area of the entire shaded
region is 2(9π − 18) = 18π − 36 square units.
< , so ⎢⎢ ⎥⎥ ≤ ⎢⎢ ⎥⎥ .
3 4 3 4
When x > 0 , we have
x x ⎣x⎦ ⎣ x⎦
⎢ ⎥
3 ⎢ ⎥
4
Since each of ⎢ ⎥ and ⎢ ⎥ is an integer, then there are three possibilities:
⎣x⎦ ⎣x⎦
i) ⎢⎢ ⎥⎥ = 0 and ⎢⎢ ⎥⎥ = 5
3 4
⎣x⎦ ⎣x⎦
ii) ⎢⎢ ⎥⎥ = 1 and ⎢⎢ ⎥⎥ = 4
3 4
⎣x⎦ ⎣x⎦
iii) ⎢⎢ ⎥⎥ = 2 and ⎢⎢ ⎥⎥ = 3
3 4
⎣x⎦ ⎣x⎦
7. Solution 1
Let the radius of circle C be r.
1 1
r
Since P, Q and R are given as midpoints of the radius of the 2 2
r
large circle, they themselves lie on a circle with the same centre P(4, 1) R(10, 1)
1 1
as the given circle, but with half its radius. 2
r
2
r
1
r
2
1
r
Q(7, – 8)
2
⎛ 11, 7 ⎞
⎝ 2 2⎠
Q(7, – 8)
Consider next side PQ. Since P has coordinates (4,1) and Q has coordinates (7,−8 ) , then PQ
has slope –3 and has midpoint ( 112 ,− 72) . Therefore, the perpendicular bisector of PQ has slope
3 and has equation y + 2 = 3 (x − 2 ) .
1 7 1 11
Method 2 – Geometric
As in Method 1, we proceed by trying to find the centre of P(4, 1) (7, 1) R(10, 1)
the circle. Also, we again know that the centre is the 1
r (7, b)
2
intersection of the perpendicular bisectors of the sides of the 1
r
∆PQR . One perpendicular bisector is very easy to find – 2
8. The first thing that we must notice in this problem is because we are looking for positive integers k,
l and m such that
4k 5l 6m
+ + = 82
5 6 7
then k must be divisible by 5, l must be divisible by 6, and m must be divisible by 7.
So we make the substitution k = 5K , l = 6L and m = 7M , where K, L and M are positive integers.
Therefore, we obtain, by substitution
5K + 6L + 7M = 97
4K + 5L + 6M = 82
Subtracting the second equation from the first, we get
K + L + M = 15
4K + 5L + 6M = 82
Subtracting six times the first equation from the second equation, we get
K + L + M = 15
−2K − L = −8
or
K + L + M = 15
2K + L = 8
Since K, L and M are all positive integers, we obtain from the second equation the following
possibilities for K and L which give us M from the first equation, and thus k, l and m:
K L M k l m
1 6 8 5 36 56
2 4 9 10 24 63
3 2 10 15 12 70
Therefore, there are three triples (k,l,m) of positive integers which are solutions to the system of
equations.
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 7
Part B
1. (a) We will proceed systematically to fill in the circles based on the initial knowledge that
k = 2 and e = 5 :
i = 10 (5, i)
[Throughout the solution to this problem, we have used notation such as (5, 7, c) to indicate
that there is a straight line joining the circles containing 5, 7 and c. Thus, 5 + 7 + c = 15 or
c = 3.]
b=8 (2, 5, b) k 2
d=7 (8, d)
c=3 (5, 7, c)
a= 4 (a, 8, 3) i 10
g= 9 (4, g, 2)
1
f =6 (4, f, 5)
9 g h e 5
h =1 (9, h, 5) f 6
d 7
4 a b c 3
8
We can verify that the numbers along each of the ten straight lines add to 15.
a b c
13 – e e–2
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 8
Solution 2
We start with knowing that k = 2 and e is k 2
unknown.
Then
i = 15 − e (e, i) i 15 – e
c = 15 − 2 − (15 − e) = e − 2 (2, 15 − e , c)
d = 15 − e − (e − 2) = 17 − 2e (e, d, e − 2 ) g h e
b = 15 − (17 − 2e) = 2e − 2 (b, 17 − 2e ) f 17 – 2e
Therefore, b = 2e − 2 and c = e − 2 . d
a b c
2e – 2 e–2
(ii) Solution
We know from (i) that k = 2 , b = 13 − e , k 2
and c = e − 2 .
Therefore, d = 15 − b = 15 − (13− e ) = 2 + e .
But we also know that i 15 – e
e + d + c = 15
e + (2 + e ) + (e − 2) = 15 g h e
3e = 15 f 2+e
e=5 d
Therefore, e = 5 .
a b c
13 – e e–2
(c) Solution
We can model our approach from (b). k x
Starting with e being unknown and k = x , we
express some of the circles in terms of x and e:
i = 15 − e (e, i) i 15 – e
c = 15 − x − (15 − e) = e − x (x, 15 − e , c)
b = 15 − x − e (x, e, b) g h e
d = 15 − (15 − x − e) = x + e (15 − x − e , d) f x+e
But we know that d
e + d + c = 15
e + ( x + e ) + (e − x ) = 15 a b c
15 – x – e e–x
3e = 15
e=5
Therefore, e must still be equal to 5.
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 9
2. (a) Solution 1
Drop perpendiculars from D and A to BC, meeting BC at E and F respectively.
Since DA is parallel to CB, then DE and AF are also perpendicular to DA.
Since DAFE is a rectangle, then EF = 6 .
Since DC = AB , DE = AF and ∆DEC and ∆AFB are right- D 6 A
angled, then they are congruent triangles, and so CE = BF ,
6 6
and so both of these lengths must be equal to 3.
C 3E 6 F 3 B
2 2 2 2
By the Pythagorean Theorem, DE = DC − CE = 6 − 3 = 27 = 3 3 .
Therefore, the sides of ∆DEC are in the ratio 1 to 3 to 2, so DEC is a 30-60-90 triangle, with
o o
∠DCE = 60 and ∠CDE = 30 .
o
Therefore, since we have congruent triangles, ∠DCB = ∠ABC = ∠DCE = 60 and
o o
∠CDA = ∠DAB = 90 + ∠CDE = 120 .
Solution 2
Join D to the midpoint M of CB.
Then CM = MB = 6 .
Since DM and MB are parallel and of equal length, then AB D 6 A
and DM will also be parallel and equal length.
6 6
Thus, DM = 6 , and so ∆DCM is equilateral.
C 6 M 6 B
o o
Therefore, ∠DCB = ∠DCM = 60 . By symmetry, ∠ABC = ∠DCB = 60 .
o
Since DA and CB are parallel, ∠CDA = ∠DAB = 120 .
(b) (i) If Chuck was attached to a point P and there were no obstructions, he would be able to
reach a circle of radius 8 m. (If Chuck stays at the end of his chain, he could trace out a
circle of radius 8 m, but Chuck can move everywhere inside this circle, since his chain does
not have to be tight.) However, here we have an obstruction – the trapezoidal barn.
o
Since the interior angle of the barn at point A is 120 , then the exterior angle of the barn is
o o
240 . So Chuck can certainly reach the area which is a 240 sector of radius 8 m, centred
at A. (If Chuck extends the chain as far as possible in a straight line in the direction of D
from A, can then walk in a clockwise direction, keeping the chain at its full length until the
o
chain lies along AB. He will have moved through 240 , and the region is the sector of a
circle.)
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 10
When the chain is fully extended in the direction of B, Chuck will be 2 m past point B. He
will thus be free to move towards side BC of the barn. If he does this and keeps the chain
tight, he will trace out part of a circle of radius 2 m centred at B. (Point B now serves as a
o
“pivot” point for the chain.) Since the exterior angle of the barn at point B is 300 (the
o o
interior angle at B is 60 ), then the angle between AB extended and BC is 120 . Therefore,
o
Chuck can reach a 120 sector of a circle of radius 2 m, centred at B.
o θ
The area of a sector of angle θ of a circle of radius r is πr 2 .
360
o
Regardless of the value of x, Chuck can certainly reach a 180 sector of a circle of radius 15
centred at P.
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 11
o
If 0 ≤ x ≤ 3, then 9 − x ≥ 6 , so Chuck can reach past point C, and so can reach a 120 sector
of a circle of radius 3− x = (9 − x ) − 6 centred at C (using C as the new pivot point for the
chain).
Next, we consider the clockwise direction.
o
Regardless of the value of x, Chuck can reach a 120 sector of a circle of radius
9 + x = 15 − (6 − x ) (the distance from B to P is 6 − x ) centred at B (using B as the new
pivot point for the chain).
If 0 ≤ x ≤ 3, then 9 + x ≤ 12 , so Chuck cannot reach past point C.
o
If 3 ≤ x ≤ 6 , then 9 + x ≥ 12 , so Chuck can reach past point C, and so can reach a 120
sector of a circle of radius x − 3 = (9 + x ) − 12 centred at C (using C as the new pivot point
for the chain).
(Notice that the one term between these two initial expressions that seems to be different is
actually the same!)
Therefore, no matter what the value of x is, the area that Chuck can reach is
387
πx 2 − 4πx + π . This is a parabola opening upwards, so the vertex of the parabola gives
2
−4π
us the minimum of the parabola. This vertex is at x = − = 2 . Since x = 2 is between
2(π )
the endpoints of the allowable interval (0 and 6), then this will give the minimum.
Therefore, the location of P which minimizes the area that Chuck can reach is 2 m along the
wall from A towards B.
3. (a) Solution 1
Let ∠PAB = θ . P
A 5
o
Then ∠XAB = 180 − θ , and so ∠XYB = θ since XYBA is 16 θ C1
0° –θ 7
a cyclic quadrilateral, and so opposite angles sum to X 18 6
o
180 .
B
Therefore, ∆PAB is similar to ∆PYX (common angle at C2
θ
P, equal angle θ ).
XY PX BA ⋅ PX 6(5 + 16) Y
So, = or XY = = = 18 .
BA PB PB 7
Solution 2
By the cosine law in ∆APB ,
AB2 = PA 2 + PB 2 − 2(PA)( PB) cos(∠APB)
36 = 25 + 49 − 2(5)(7) cos(∠APB)
cos(∠APB) = 38
70
= 19
35
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 13
Now in ∆PXY we know the lengths of sides PX (length 21), PY (length 15) and the cosine of
∠XPY = ∠APB , so we can use the cosine law to calculate the length of XY.
XY 2 = PX 2 + PY 2 − 2(PX )(PY ) cos(∠XPY )
XY 2 = 441+ 225 − 2(21)(15) ( 1935 )
XY 2 = 441+ 225 − 2( 3)( 3)(19)
2
XY = 441+ 225 − 342
XY 2 = 324
XY = 18
Therefore, the length of XY is 18.
(b) Solution 1
Since the circle C4 is fixed, the length VW will be fixed if the angle it subtends on the circle is
fixed, ie. if the angle ∠VHW does not depend on the position of Q.
Now Q
o
G
∠VHW = 180 − ∠VHQ C 3
o
( o
= 180 − 180 − ∠GVH − ∠GQH ) V
= ∠GVH + ∠GQH H
C4
W
But since chord GH is a chord of fixed length in both circles (ie. it doesn’t change as Q moves),
then the angles that it subtends in both circles are constant. In particular, ∠GVH and ∠GQH
are both fixed (that is, they do not depend on the position of Q).
Since both of these angles are fixed, then ∠VHW = ∠GVH + ∠GQH is also fixed.
Therefore, the length of VW is fixed.
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 14
Solution 2
We start by noting that chord GH has a constant length, Q
G
ie. does not depend on the the position of Q. Thus, GH is C3
a constant chord in both C3 and C4 .
V
In C3 , let ∠GQH = α .
H
In C4 , let ∠GVH = ∠GWH = β . C4
These angles are constant since GH is of constant length.
W
Therefore, ∠VHQ = ∠QGW = 180 − (α + β ) , and so ∠VGW = ∠WHV = α + β .
o
Since these last two angles are constant for all position of Q, then VW is a chord of constant
length.
Solution 3
We proceed by considering two different positions for the point Q, which we call Q1 and Q2 .
These points will create two different positions for the line segment VW, which we call V1 W1
and V2 W2 .
To show that the length of VW is constant, we must show that V1 W1 and V2 W2 have the same
length. We do know that the points G and H are fixed, so the length of GH does not vary.
Q1 V2
G
G Q2
H
H
V1
W1
W2
As in part (a) Solution 1, ∆Q1 HG and ∆Q1V1W1 are similar triangles, as are ∆Q2 HG and
∆Q2V2W2 . (The two positions for Q play the same role as P, points G and H play the same role
as A and B, and the points V and W play the same role as X and Y.)
VW QV QV
Therefore, by similar triangles, 1 1 = 1 1 or V1 W1 = HG ⋅ 1 1 .
HG Q1 H Q1 H
VW QV QV
Also, by similar triangles, 2 2 = 2 2 or V2 W2 = HG ⋅ 2 2 .
HG Q2 H Q2 H
Since the length of HG (or GH) does not change, to show that V1 W1 and V2 W2 have the same
QV Q V
length, we must show that 1 1 = 2 2 .
Q1 H Q2 H
4. (a) Solution 1
3 2
Since a, b and c are the roots of the equation x − 6x + 5x − 1 = 0 , then using the properties of
the coefficients of a cubic equation,
a +b+c =6
ab + ac + bc = 5
abc = 1
Since we know that each of a, b and c is a roots of the equation, then
a 3 − 6a2 + 5a − 1 = 0
b3 − 6b2 + 5b − 1 = 0
c3 − 6c 2 + 5c − 1 = 0
or after rearranging
a 3 = 6a2 − 5a + 1
b 3 = 6b2 − 5b + 1 (*)
3 2
c = 6c − 5c + 1
Adding these three equations, we obtain
a 3 + b3 + c3 = 6a2 + 6b 2 + 6c 2 − 5a − 5b − 5c + 3
( )
= 6 a 2 + b 2 + c 2 − 5( a + b + c ) + 3
2 2 2
We already know that a + b + c = 6, so if we could determine the value of a + b + c , then
3 3 3
we would know the value of a + b + c .
But
(a + b + c) 2 = a2 + b2 + c 2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ac
6 2 = a2 + b2 + c 2 + 2( ab + bc + ac)
a 2 + b 2 + c 2 = 36 − 2(5)
a 2 + b 2 + c 2 = 26
and so
( )
a 3 + b3 + c3 = 6 a 2 + b 2 + c 2 − 5( a + b + c ) + 3 = 6(26) − 5(6) + 3 = 129
If we know take the equations in (*) and multiply both sides in the first, second and third
equations by a, b and c, respectively, we get
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 16
a 4 = 6a 3 − 5a2 + a
b 4 = 6b 3 − 5b 2 + b (**)
4 3 2
c = 6c − 5c + c
which we then can add to obtain
4 3
(3 3 2 2
) (
a + b + c = 6 a + b + c − 5 a + b + c + (a + b + c )
4 4 2
)
= 6(129) − 5(26) + 6
= 650
Repeating the process one more time by multiplying the first, second and third equations in
(**) by a, b and c, respectively, and adding, we obtain
5 5 5 4
( 4 4
) ( 3
a +b +c = 6 a +b +c −5 a +b +c + a +b +c
3 3 2
) (
2 2
)
= 6(650) − 5(129) + 26
= 3281
5 5 5
Therefore, the value of a + b + c is 3281.
Solution 2
3 2
Since a, b and c are the roots of the equation x − 6x + 5x − 1 = 0 , then using the properties of
the coefficients of a cubic equation,
s= a +b+ c =6
t = ab + ac + bc = 5
p = abc = 1
5 5 5
We will attempt to express a + b + c in terms of s, t and p, which will thus allow us to
5 5 5
calculate the value of a + b + c .
First,
(a + b + c) 2 = a2 + b2 + c 2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ac
a 2 + b 2 + c 2 = s2 − 2t
Next,
( )
a 2 + b2 + c2 (a + b + c) = a3 + b3 + c 3 + a2 b + a 2 c + b2 a + b2 c + c 2 a + c 2b
3 3 3 2
( 2
) [ 2 2 2 2 2
a + b + c = s s − 2t − a b + a c + b a + b c + c a + c b ]
= s( s2 − 2t ) − [(ab + ac + bc )( a + b + c ) − 3abc]
= s( s2 − 2t ) − [ts − 3p ]
= s3 − 3st + 3p
5 5 5
We can now attempt to express a + b + c as
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 17
a 5 + b5 + c 5
( )( ) [
= a 2 + b2 + c 2 a3 + b 3 + c3 − a2 b3 + a 2 c3 + b 2 a3 + b2 c 3 + c 2 a3 + c 2 b3 ]
= (a 2 + b2 + c 2 )(a3 + b 3 + c3 ) − [(a 2 b2 + a2 c 2 + b 2c 2 )(a + b + c ) − (a 2 b2 c + a 2 bc 2 + ab2 c 2 )]
= (26)(129) − [[13](6 ) − 5]
= 3354 − [73]
= 3281
5 5 5
Therefore, the value of a + b + c is 3281.
This tells us that f ( x ) = 0 cannot have any negative roots. It is also clear that 0 is not a
root of f ( x ) = 0 , so each of a, b and c is positive.
If we calculate a few values of f ( x ) = x 3 − 6x 2 + 5x − 1, we obtain f (0) = −1 , f (1) = −1 ,
f (2) = −7 , f ( 3) = −13 , f ( 4) = −13 , f (5) = −1 , and f (6) = 29 .
Therefore, one of the roots is between 5 and 6.
However, we know from part (a) that a + b + c = 6 , so since all three roots are positive, then
we must have 5 < c < 6 and 0 < a,b < 1 . (Since one root is bigger than 5, each root is
positive, and the sum of the three roots is 6, then neither a nor b is bigger than 1.)
Since 5 < c < 6 and a + b + c = 6 , then 0 < a + b < 1.
We also know from part (a) that abc = 1. Since 5 < c < 6 , then 16 < ab < 15 and since each
1
of a and b is less than 1, then each of a and b must be bigger than 6.
Since a and b are each bigger than 1
6 and 0 < a + b < 1, then 1
6 < a,b < 56 .
(We could have proceeded less formally by doing some quick calculations to see that
f (0.1) = −0.559 , f (0.2) = −0.232 , f (0.3) = −0.013 , f (0.4 ) = 0.104 , f (0.5) = 0.125 ,
2004 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge Solutions 18
f (0.6) = 0.056 , f (0.7) = −0.097 , and so a must be between 0.3 and 0.4, and b must be
between 0.6 and 0.7.)
n n n
Step 2: Show that a + b + c is an integer for every positive integer n
n n n
In part (a), we saw that a + b + c is definitely an integer for n equal to 1, 2 and 3.
If we return to the set of equations (*) in Solution 1 of part (a) and multiply the three
n −3 n− 3 n− 3
equations by a , b and c , respectively, we obtain
n −3
a = 6a
n n− 1
− 5a n− 2
+a
bn = 6bn −1 − 5b n− 2 + b n− 3 (***)
n n −1
c = 6c − 5c n− 2 + c n− 3
and adding, we get
n n n
a +b +c =6 a (
n− 1
+b
n− 1
+c
n− 1
−5 a ) (
n− 2
+b
n− 2
+c
n− 2
) (
+ a
n −3
+b
n −3
+c
n −3
) (****)
for every n greater than or equal to 4.
k k k
If we set n equal to 4, then since a + b + c is an integer for k equal to 1, 2 and 3, then by
4 4 4
(****), a + b + c is also an integer.
k k k
If we set n equal to 5, then since a + b + c is an integer for k equal to 2, 3 and 4, then by
5 5 5
(****), a + b + c is also an integer.
k k k
It is now clear than we can continue this process inductively, since if a + b + c is an
n n n
integer for k equal to n − 3, n − 2 , and n − 1, then a + b + c will also be an integer, by
(****).
2003
In particular, we can conclude that a + b2003 + c 2003 and a2004 + b 2004 + c 2004 are both
2003
integers, say a + b2003 + c 2003 = M and a2004 + b 2004 + c 2004 = N .
16
Similarly, since b is less than 56 , then b < 0.25 .
16 16
Therefore, a + b < 0.5 , and since each of a and b is less than 1, then
a2004 + b 2004 < a2003 + b2003 < a16 + b16 < 0.5 .
Therefore, since c
2003
( )
= M − a2003 + b2003 and a2003 + b2003 < 0.5 , then the closest
2003 2003 2003
integer to c is M and the distance between them is a +b . Similarly, the closest
2004 2004 2004
integer to c is N and the distance between them is a +b .
2004 2004 2003 2003 2004 2003
But a +b <a +b , so c is closer to N than c is to M, as required.
The Canadian Mathematical Society
in collaboration with
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Solutions
2004
c Canadian Mathematical Society
2004 COMC Solutions Page 2 of 19
Part A
Solution 1
Since x + 2y = 84 and 2x + y = 84, then adding these two equations together, we obtain
3x + 3y = 168 or x + y = 56.
Solution 2
Since x + 2y = 84, then x = 84 − 2y.
Substituting into the second equation, we get
2(84 − 2y) + y = 84
168 − 3y = 84
84 = 3y
y = 28
Solution 3
Since 2x + y = 84, then y = 84 − 2x.
Substituting into the first equation, we get
x + 2(84 − 2x) = 84
168 − 3x = 84
84 = 3x
x = 28
Solution 4
SInce these two expressions are identical when x is replaced by y and y is replaced by x, then
x = y.
Therefore, 3x = 84 or x = 28 and so y = 28.
Thus, x + y = 56.
Answer: 56
2004 COMC Solutions Page 3 of 19
2. Let S be the set of all three-digit positive integers whose digits are 3, 5 and 7, with no digit
repeated in the same integer. Calculate the remainder when the sum of all of the integers in S
is divided by 9.
Solution 1
We can write down the elements of S: 357, 375, 537, 573, 735, 753.
The sum of these elements is 357 + 375 + 537 + 573 + 735 + 753 = 3330.
Since 3330 is divisible by 9 (because the sum of its digits is divisible by 9), the remainder when
we divide by 9 is 0.
Solution 2
There are six numbers formed with the three given numbers.
Two of these numbers have a 3 in the 100s position, two have a 5 in the 100s position, and two
have a 7 in the 100s position.
The same can be said about the distribution of numbers in the 10s and units positions.
Therefore, the sum of the six numbers is
Answer: 0
quadrant such that ∠CBD = 30◦ and ∠BCD = 90◦ , what is the
length of ED? D
x
O B C
Solution
In order to find the length of ED, we will try to find the coordinates of D. Let the coordinates
of B be (b, 0).
√
Since BE = 7 and the coordinates of E are (0, 2), then
p √
(b − 0)2 + (0 − 2)2 = 7
b2 + 4 = 7
b2 = 3
√ √
Since the point B lies on the positive x-axis, then b = 3 (not − 3), so B has coordinates
√
( 3, 0).
2004 COMC Solutions Page 4 of 19
(Note that it would have also been possible to find the coordinates of B by using Pythagoras
√ √
– OE 2 + OB 2 = EB 2 so OB 2 = 7 − 4 = 3 so OB = 3 and so B has coordinates ( 3, 0).)
√
Since BC = OB, then C has coordinates (2 3, 0).
√
Since ∠BCD = 90◦ and D lies in the first quadrant, then D has coordinates (2 3, d), with
d > 0.
Since 4DBC has ∠BCD = 90◦ and ∠CBD = 30◦ , then it is a 30◦ − 60◦ − 90◦ triangle. Since
√
CB = 3 (and CB is opposite the 60◦ angle), then DC (which is opposite the 30◦ angle) has
length 1.
√
Therefore, D has coordinates (2 3, 1).
E (0,2 )
(
D 2 3, 1 )
x
O
(
C 2 3, 0 )
B ( 3, 0 )
q √ √ √
Thus, ED = (2 3 − 0)2 + (1 − 2)2 = 12 + 1 = 13.
√
Answer: 13
i) f (1) = 1
ii) f (2x) = 4f (x) + 6
iii) f (x + 2) = f (x) + 12x + 12
Calculate f (6).
Solution 1
Using property ii) with x = 1,
Solution 2
Using property iii) with x = 1,
Solution 3
Working backwards,
5. The Rice Tent Company sells tents in two different sizes, large and small. Last year, the Com-
pany sold 200 tents, of which one quarter were large. The sale of the large tents produced one
third of the company’s income. What was the ratio of the price of a large tent to the price of
a small tent?
Solution
Since the Rice Tent Company sold 200 tents, of which one quarter were large, then they sold
50 large tents and 150 small tents last year.
Let L be the price of a large tent and S the price of a small tent.
Then their income from large tents was 50L and from small tents was 150S.
Their total income last year was 50L + 150S.
2004 COMC Solutions Page 6 of 19
Answer: 3 : 2
Solution
Label the four vertices of the square as W , X, Y , Z, in clockwise order.
Label the four midpoints of the sides of the square (that is, the centres of the four semicircles)
as M , N , O, P , in clockwise order, starting with M being the midpoint of W X.
In each semicircle, join the centre to the two points on that semicircle where the band just
starts (or stops) to contact the circle. Label these eight points as A, B, C, D, E, F , G, and H
in clockwise order, starting with A and B on the semicircle with centre M .
A B
H W M X C
P N
G Z O Y D
F E
By symmetry, the four straight parts of the band will be equal in length (that is, BC =
DE = F G = HA) and the four arc segments of the band will be equal in length (that is,
AB = CD = EF = GH).
Therefore, the total length of the band is 4(Length of arc AB) + 4(Length of BC).
Now, BC will actually be tangent to the two semicircles (with centres M and N ) where it
initially just touches them.
Thus, M B and N C are both perpendicular to BC.
2004 COMC Solutions Page 7 of 19
Since M B = N C = 1 (because they are radii of the semicircles and each semicircle has diame-
ter 2), then M BCN must actually be rectangle, so BC is equal and parallel to M N .
Since M and N are the midpoints of the sides of the square of side length 2, then M Y = Y N =
√ √
1, so M N = 2, so BC = 2.
Next, we determine the length of AB. Previously, we saw that M BCN is a rectangle, so
BC was parallel to M N . Similarly, HA is parallel to P M .
But P M is perpendicular to M N , so HA is perpendicular to BC.
Therefore, ∠AM B = 90◦ , ie. AB is one-quarter of the circumference of a circle with radius 1
or 41 (2π(1)) = 12 π.
√ √
Therefore, the total length of the band is 4( 21 π) + 4( 2) = 2π + 4 2.
√
Answer: 2π + 4 2
Solution 1
a
Since ab = ab and = a3b , then multiplying these two equations together, we get
b
a2 = ab · a3b = a4b .
Solution 2
Since ab = ab , then, dividing both sides by a which is not equal to 0, we get b = ab−1 .
a
Since = a3b , then a = ba3b = ab−1 a3b = a4b−1 .
b
Comparing exponents, we get 1 = 4b − 1 or b = 21 .
Substituting b = 12 into ab = ab , we have 21 a = a1/2 or a1/2 = 2 or a = 4. So a = 4.
Solution 3
Since a > 1 and b > 0, we can take logarithms of both sides of both equations.
In the first equation, using log rules on log(ab) = log ab gives log(a) + log(b) = b log(a).
In the first equation, using log rules on log ab = log a3b gives log(a) − log(b) = 3b log(a).
Adding these two new equations gives 2 log(a) = 4b log(a) or (4b − 2) log(a) = 0.
Since a > 1, then log(a) > 0, so we must have 4b − 2 = 0 or b = 12 .
2004 COMC Solutions Page 8 of 19
Substituting this back into the first log equation gives log(a) + log 12 = 21 log(a) or
1
log(a) = − log 12 = log(2) or log(a) = 2 log(2) = log(4), so a = 4.
2
Answer: 4
8. A rectangular sheet of paper, ABCD, has AD = 1 and AB = r, where 1 < r < 2. The paper is
folded along a line through A so that the edge AD falls onto the edge AB. Without unfolding,
the paper is folded again along a line through B so that the edge CB also lies on AB. The
result is a triangular piece of paper. A region of this triangle is four sheets thick. In terms of
r, what is the area of this region?
Solution
Start with the rectangular sheet of paper, ABCD, with A in the top left and B in the bottom
left.
Fold AD across so that AD lies along AB. Let D0 be the point were D touches AB and let E
be the point on DC where the fold hits DC.
Since AD0 is the old AD, then AD0 = 1.
Since D0 E is perpendicular to D0 A (since DC was perpendicular to AD) then D0 E is parallel
to BC, so D0 E = 1 as well.
A D
1
D′ E
r −1
B C
Next, we fold the paper so that BC lies along AB. Unfold this paper and lay it flat so
that we can see the crease.
Since BC is folded onto AB, then the crease bisects ∠ABC, that is the crease makes an angle
of 45◦ with both AB and BC.
Suppose that the crease crosses D0 E at X and AE at Y .
2004 COMC Solutions Page 9 of 19
D′ E
X
B C
Now when the paper had been folded the second time (before we unfolded it!), the only way to
obtain a region four sheets thick was to fold a region two sheets thick on top of a region which
is also two sheets thick.
Since 4XY E is the only part of the paper “below” the second crease which is two sheets thick,
and, when the second fold is made, it lies entirely over another region which is two sheets thick,
then the desired area is the area of 4XY E.
s s
X 2−r E
√
Suppose XY = s. Then 2s = XE = 2 − r or 2s2 = (2 − r)2 .
The area of 4XY E is 21 s2 or 14 (2 − r)2 .
Therefore, the area of the desired region is 41 (2 − r)2 .
Answer: 14 (2 − r)2
2004 COMC Solutions Page 10 of 19
Part B
1. The points A(−8, 6) and B(−6, −8) lie on the circle x2 + y 2 = 100.
Solution
6 − (−8)
First, we determine the slope of the line segment AB. The slope is = −7.
−8 − (−6)
We could now proceed to find the equation of the line in several different ways.
Using the point-slope form, we obtain y − 6 = −7(x − (−8)) or y = −7x − 50.
Solution
Since the slope of AB is −7, then the slope of the perpendicular bisector of AB is 71 .
Also, the perpendicular bisector passes through the midpoint of AB, which is
1 1
((−8) + (−6)), (6 + (−8)) = (−7, −1).
2 2
(c) The perpendicular bisector of AB cuts the circle at two points, P in the first quadrant
and Q in the third quadrant. Determine the coordinates of P and Q.
Solution 1
y
A
P
x
Q
We want to find the points of intersection of the circle x2 + y 2 = 100 and the line y = 17 x.
From the equation of the line, x = 7y. Substituting this into the equation of the circle we
2004 COMC Solutions Page 11 of 19
obtain
(7y)2 + y 2 = 100
49y 2 + y 2 = 100
50y 2 = 100
y2 = 2
√
y = ± 2
√ √ √ √
Since x = 7y, then if y = 2, then x = 7 2, and if y = − 2, then x = −7 2.
√ √
Since P is in the first quadrant, then P has coordinates (7 2, 2).
√ √
Since Q is in the third quadrant, then Q has coordinates (−7 2, − 2).
Solution 2
We want to find the points of intersection of the circle x2 + y 2 = 100 and the line y = 17 x.
Substituting y = 71 x into the equation of the circle we obtain
2
2 1
x + x = 100
7
1
x2 + x2 = 100
49
50 2
x = 100
49
x2 = 98
√ √
x = ± 98 = ±7 2
√ √ √ √
Since y = 17 x, then if x = 7 2, then y = 2, and if x = −7 2, then y = − 2.
√ √
Since P is in the first quadrant, then P has coordinates (7 2, 2).
√ √
Since Q is in the third quadrant, then Q has coordinates (−7 2, − 2).
Solution 1
The points P and Q are joined by the line y = 71 x, which passes through the origin.
Since the origin is the centre of the circle, then P Q must be a diameter of the circle.
Since the circle has equation x2 + y 2 = 100 = 102 , then its radius is 10, so its diameter is
20.
Therefore, P Q = 20.
Solution 2
√ √ √ √
Since we know that P (7 2, 2) and Q(−7 2, − 2), then we can determine the distance
2004 COMC Solutions Page 12 of 19
P Q by direct calculation:
r
√ √ 2 √ √ 2
PQ = 7 2 − −7 2 + 2− − 2
r
√ 2 √ 2
= 14 2 + 2 2
r
√ 2
= 2 [142 + 22 ]
p
= 2[196 + 4]
√
= 400
= 20
Solution
Factoring the given equation x2 − 4x − 12 = 0, we obtain (x − 6)(x + 2) = 0.
Therefore, the two solutions are x = 6 and x = −2.
√
(b) Determine the one value of x such that x − 4x + 12 = 0. Justify your answer.
Solution
We first eliminate the square root by isolating it on one side and squaring:
√
x− 4x + 12 = 0
√
x = 4x + 12
x2 = 4x + 12
x2 − 4x − 12 = 0
(x − 6)(x + 2) = 0
Therefore, the two possible solutions are x = 6 and x = −2. (Since we have squared both
sides, it is possible that we have introduced an extraneous root, so we should verify both
of these.)
p √
If x = 6, then 6 − 4(6) + 12 = 6 − 36 = 0.
p √
If x = −2, then (−2) − 4(−2) + 12 = −2 − 4 = −4 6= 0.
Therefore, the one value of x that solves the equation is x = 6.
2004 COMC Solutions Page 13 of 19
Solution
We start by attempting to solve this equation and then seeing what conditions on c arise.
Since 8x2 − 32x − 8c = 8(x2 − 4x − c), we let T = x2 − 4x − c.
Then the equation is
√
T − 8T = 0 (∗)
√
T = 8T
T 2 = 8T
T (T − 8) = 0
3. A map shows all Beryl’s Llamaburgers restaurant locations in North America. On this map,
a line segment is drawn from each restaurant to the restaurant that is closest to it. Every
restaurant has a unique closest neighbour. (Note that if A and B are two of the restaurants,
then A may be the closest to B without B being closest to A.)
(a) Prove that no three line segments on the map can form a triangle.
Solution 1
We start by assuming that three line segments on the map do form a triangle, and show
that this is in fact impossible.
Notice that if restaurants X and Y are joined by a line segment, then either X is the
closest restaurant to Y or Y is the closest restaurant to X (or both).
Assume that A, B and C are the three points on the map connect by segments.
B
A C
To begin, we focus on the segment joining A to B. Let’s assume that A is the closest
restaurant to B. (It doesn’t matter which direction we assume here.) This means that C
is not the closest restaurant to B, so BA < BC.
But B and C are connected and C is not the closest restaurant to B. Therefore, B is the
closest restaurant to C, which means CB < CA.
But C and A are also connected and A is not the closest restaurant to C. Therefore, C is
the closest restaurant to A, which means AC < AB.
But this means that BA < BC, BC < AC and AC < BA. This cannot be the case.
Therefore, it is impossible for three line segments to form a triangle.
Solution 2
We prove this by showing that constructing a triangle is impossible.
We start by considering two locations A and B and the line segment AB.
Since A and B are connected, we can assume without loss of generality that A is closest
to B. (The case B closest to A involves interchanging A and B, and the case of A and B
closest to each other is included in the case of A closest to B.)
(b) Prove that no restaurant can be connected to more than five other restaurants.
Solution
We start by assuming that one restaurant can be connected to six others and show that
this is impossible. From this we can conclude that no restaurant can be connected to
more than five other restaurants (for if it could be joined to 8 others, say, then we could
consider six of them only and reach a contradiction).
H B
A C
F
D
E
But we can reapply this reasoning to conclude that ∠CAD, ∠DAE, ∠EAF , ∠F AH,
and ∠HAB are each greater than 60◦ . But the sum of these six angles is 360◦ , since they
will form a full circle around A, and six angles, each greater than 60◦ , cannot add to 360◦ .
So we have a contradiction.
Therefore, it is impossible for a restaurant to be connected to more than five other restau-
rants.
(a) Find the positive integer B so that the sumac sequence 150, B, . . . has the maximum
possible number of terms.
Solution
Suppose that we have a sumac sequence with t1 = 150 and t2 = B. Let’s write out the
next several terms (assuming that they exist) in terms of B:
When we set B = 93, we obtain the sumac sequence 150, 93, 57, 36, 21, 15, 6, 9.
2004 COMC Solutions Page 17 of 19
(b) Let m be a positive integer with m ≥ 5. Determine the number of sumac sequences of
length m with tm ≤ 2000 and with no term divisible by 5.
Solution
We begin our solution by making some observations about sumac sequences.
• A sumac sequence is completely determined by its first two terms. This is true since
the first two terms give us the third, the second and third give us the fourth, and so
on. The sequence will terminate when the “next term” would be negative.
• In a sumac sequence, since for every (valid) n we have tn+2 = tn − tn+1 , then tn =
tn+1 + tn+2 . This means that we can “reverse engineer” a sumac sequence – if we know
terms (n + 1) and (n + 2), then we can determine term n. Thus, if we know the final
two terms in a sumac sequence, then we can determine all of the previous terms.
• From the first observation, the first two terms of a sumac sequence completely de-
termines the sequence. Is the same true of the last two terms? No. When we start
looking at a sumac sequence from the back, every new term as we proceed towards
the front will always be non-negative (since we are adding non-negative terms). Thus,
there is no “stopping condition” as there is when we work forwards. (For example, 3,
1, 2 is a sumac sequence ending with 1, 2, as is 4, 3, 1, 2.)
• However, if we know the final two terms and the length of the sequence, this completely
determines the sumac sequence (and we will always be able to find such a sequence).
Now we proceed. Let m be a fixed positive integer with m ≥ 5.
Suppose that t1 , t2 , . . . , tm−1 , tm is a sumac sequence of length m.
Because we are given a condition on the final term of the sequence, we will examine the
sequence from the back.
Let x = tm and y = tm−1 . Note that x, y and m determine the sequence.
Since x and y are the last two terms in the sumac sequence, then tm−1 − tm = y − x < 0
or x > y.
Since we have m fixed, we would like to determine how many sumac sequences we can
form with tm = x ≤ 2000, tm−1 = y < x and no term divisible by 5.
Let’s write out the last five terms of the sequence (in reverse order): x, y, x + y, x + 2y,
2x + 3y. (Since m ≥ 5, we know that there are at least five terms in the sequence.)
Since we want no term divisible by 5, let us consider x and y modulo 5 to see what hap-
pens. (There are 25 possible pairs for (x, y) modulo 5.)
Since no term is divisible by 5, then we don’t want x ≡ 0 (mod 5) or y ≡ 0 (mod 5). This
cuts us down to 16 possibilities for (x, y).
We make a table of these possibilities to determine which pairs can be eliminated simply
by looking at the last five terms. (All entries in the table are modulo 5. In any given row,
we stop if we reach a 0, since this possibility can then be discarded.)
2004 COMC Solutions Page 18 of 19
x y x+y x + 2y 2x + 3y
1 1 2 3 0
1 2 3 0
1 3 4 2 1
1 4 0
2 1 3 4 2
2 2 4 1 0
2 3 0
2 4 1 0
3 1 4 0
3 2 0
3 3 1 4 0
3 4 2 1 3
4 1 0
4 2 1 3 4
4 3 2 0
4 4 3 2 0
So the only possible pairs for (x, y) modulo 5 are (1, 3), (2, 1), (3, 4) and (4, 2).
If we start with (x, y) = (1, 3) modulo 5, then the terms in the sequence modulo 5 are 1,
3, 4, 2, 1, 3, 4, 2, 1, . . ., ie. the terms cycle modulo 5 with no terms divisible by 5.
This similar cycling will happen with each of the other 3 pairs, so each of these 4 pairs
give no terms divisible by 5.
So for each of these pairs, we need to determine the number of pairs of non-negative
integers (x, y) with x ≤ 2000, y < x and congruent to the appropriate things modulo
5. Each such pair will give a sumac sequence of length m ≥ 5 with no term divisible by
5. (Since the divisibility of the terms is independent of length, this also means that the
number of such sequences will be independent of m!)
possibilities. Therefore, there are exactly 320 000 sumac sequences of length m with no
term divisible by 5 and with tm ≤ 2000.
The Canadian Mathematical Society
in collaboration with
presents the
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Solutions
2005
c Canadian Mathematical Society
2005 COMC Solutions Page 2 of 26
Part A
Solution 1
Using differences of squares,
102 − 92 + 82 − 72 + 62 − 52 + 42 − 32 + 22 − 12
= (10 − 9)(10 + 9) + (8 − 7)(8 + 7) + (6 − 5)(6 + 5) + (4 − 3)(4 + 3) + (2 − 1)(2 + 1)
= 1(10 + 9) + 1(8 + 7) + 1(6 + 5) + 1(4 + 3) + 1(2 + 1)
= 10 + 9 + 8 + 7 + 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1
= 55
(We can get the answer 55 either by computing the sum directly, or by using the fact that
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 = 21 (10)(11) = 55.)
Solution 2
Computing directly,
102 − 92 + 82 − 72 + 62 − 52 + 42 − 32 + 22 − 12
= 100 − 81 + 64 − 49 + 36 − 25 + 16 − 9 + 4 − 1
= 19 + 15 + 11 + 7 + 3 (computing difference of each pair)
= 55
Answer: 55
2. A bug in the xy-plane starts at the point (1, 9). It moves first to the point (2, 10) and then to
the point (3, 11), and so on. It continues to move in this way until it reaches a point whose
y-coordinate is twice its x-coordinate. What are the coordinates of this point?
Solution 1
The bug starts at (1, 9) and each time moves 1 unit to the right and 1 unit up.
Thus, after k moves, the bug will be at the point (1 + k, 9 + k).
When its y-coordinate is twice its x-coordinate, we have 9 + k = 2(1 + k) or 9 + k = 2 + 2k
or k = 7.
When k = 7, the bug is at point (1 + 7, 9 + 7) = (8, 16), and the bug stops here.
Solution 2
The bug starts at (1, 9) and each time moves 1 unit to the right and 1 unit up.
Thus, at any point to which the bug moves, the y-coordinate will be 8 more than
2005 COMC Solutions Page 3 of 26
Solution 3
We write out the sequence of points to which the bug moves and stop when we get to a point
where the y-coordinate is twice the x-coordinate:
(1, 9), (2, 10), (3, 11), (4, 12), (5, 13), (6, 14), (7, 15), (8, 16)
Solution 1
We use the fact that a + b + c + d = a(13 ) + b(12 ) + c(1) + d, so a + b + c + d must be equal to
the right side of the given equation with x set equal to 1.
Thus,
Solution 2
We simplify the right side of the given equation by factoring the two quadratic polynomials:
Therefore, ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0 for all values of x. (In other words, ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0 is
the zero polynomial, so all of its coefficients are equal to 0.)
Therefore, a = b = c = d = 0, so a + b + c + d = 0.
Solution 3
We expand and simplify the right side:
thus a + b + c + d = 0.
Answer: 0
p
4. A fractionis in lowest terms if p and q have no common factor larger than 1.
q
1 2 70 71
How many of the 71 fractions , ,..., , are in lowest terms?
72 72 72 72
Solution 1
First, we note that 72 = 23 × 32 .
a
For one of the fractions to be in lowest terms, then a and 72 have no common factors.
72
In other words, a cannot be divisible by 2 or 3 (since 2 and 3 are the only prime numbers which
are divisors of 72).
How many of the positive integers from 1 to 71 are not divisible by 2 or 3?
Of these integers, 35 of the them are divisible by 2 (namely, 2, 4, 6, . . ., 70).
Also, 23 of them (namely, 3, 6, . . ., 69) are divisible by 3.
But some numbers are counted twice in these lists: all of the multiples of both 2 and 3 (ie. the
multiples of 6). These are 6, 12, . . ., 66 – that is, 11 numbers in total.
So the number of positive integers from 1 to 71 which are divisible by 2 or 3 is 35 + 23 − 11 = 47
(11 is subtracted to remove the double-counted numbers).
So the number of positive integers from 1 to 71 which are not divisible by 2 or 3 is 71 − 47 = 24.
1 2 70 71
Therefore, 24 of the 71 fractions , ,··· , , are irreducible.
72 72 72 72
Solution 2
First, we note that 72 = 23 × 32 .
a
For one of the fractions to be in lowest terms, then a and 72 have no common factors.
72
Since the only primes which are divisors of 72 are 2 and 3, then a and 72 have no common
factors when a is not divisible by 2 or 3.
Look at the first few fractions in the list:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
, , , , , , , , , , ,
72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72
From this list, the ones which are in lowest terms are
1 5 7 11
, , ,
72 72 72 72
So the 1st and 5th of each of the two sets of 6 fractions above are in lowest terms.
72
This pattern will continue, so if we include the fraction (which we know is not in lowest
72
terms) at the end of the list, we obtain 12 sets of 6 fractions, and 2 fractions out of each set
will be in lowest terms, giving 12 × 2 = 24 fractions in lowest terms.
2005 COMC Solutions Page 5 of 26
(Why does this pattern continue? Each of the fractions in the list can be written in one
of the following forms:
6k + 1 6k + 2 6k + 3 6k + 4 6k + 5 6k + 6
, , , , ,
72 72 72 72 72 72
Since the numerators 6k + 2, 6k + 4 and 6k + 6 are divisible by 2 and the numerator 6k + 3 is
divisible by 3, then none of the fractions with these as numerators is in lowest terms.
Also, 6k + 1 and 6k + 5 are never divisible by 2 or 3, so these corresponding fractions are always
in lowest terms.
Thus, 2 out of each set of 6 fractions is in lowest terms.)
Answer: 24
5. An office building has 50 storeys, 25 of which are painted black and the other 25 of which are
painted gold. If the number of gold storeys in the top half of the building is added to the
number of black storeys in the bottom half of the building, the sum is 28. How many gold
storeys are there in the top half of the building?
Solution 1
Let G be the number of gold storeys in the top half of the building.
Then there are 25 − G black storeys in the top half of the building.
Since there are 25 black storeys in total, then the number of black storeys in the bottom half
of the building is 25 − (25 − G) = G.
Since the sum of the number of gold storeys in the top half of the building and the number of
black storeys in the bottom half of the building is 28, then G + G = 28, or G = 14.
Thus, there are 14 gold storeys in the top half of the building.
Solution 2
Let G and g be the number of gold storeys in the top and bottom halfs of the building, and
B and b the number of black storeys in the top and bottom halfs of the building.
Then G + B = 25 and g + b = 25, looking at the top and bottom halfs of the building.
Also, G + g = 25 and B + b = 25, since 25 of the storeys are painted in each colour.
Also, G + b = 28 from the given information, or b = 28 − G.
Since B + b = 25, then B + 28 − G = 25, so B = G − 3.
Since G + B = 25, then G + G − 3 = 25 or 2G = 28 or G = 14.
Thus, there are 14 gold storeys in the top half of the building.
Answer: 14
2005 COMC Solutions Page 6 of 26
Solution 2
First, we label the values assigned to the five columns A, B, C, D, E and the values assigned to
the five rows a, b, c, d, e.
Suppose that we try A = 0.
Looking at the “3” in the first row and first column, A + a = 3, so a = 3.
Since a = 3 and the entry in the first row and second column is 0, then a + B = 0, or B = −3.
Similarly, C = 2, D = 3 and E = −5.
Since A = 0 and the entry in the second row and first column is −2, then b + A = 0, then
b = −2.
Since y = b + E, then y = −2 + (−5) = −7.
Since A = 0 and the entry in the third row and first column is 5, then c + A = 5, so c = 5.
Since x = c + C, then x = 5 + 2 = 7.
Thus, x = 7 and y = −7.
Solution 3
First, we label the values assigned to the five columns A, B, C, D, E and the values assigned to
the five rows a, b, c, d, e.
If we choose five entries from the table which include one from each row and one from each
2005 COMC Solutions Page 7 of 26
column, then the sum of these entries is constant no matter how we choose the entries, as it is
always equal to A + B + C + D + E + a + b + c + d + e.
Here are three ways in which this can be done (looking at the bolded numbers):
3 0 5 6 −2 3 0 5 6 −2 3 0 5 6 −2
−2 −5 0 1 y −2 −5 0 1 y −2 −5 0 1 y
5 2 x 8 0 5 2 x 8 0 5 2 x 8 0
0 −3 2 3 −5 0 −3 2 3 −5 0 −3 2 3 −5
−4 −7 −2 −1 −9 −4 −7 −2 −1 −9 −4 −7 −2 −1 −9
Solution 4
First, we label the values assigned to the five columns A, B, C, D, E and the values assigned to
the five rows a, b, c, d, e.
Consider the first two entries in row 1.
We have 3 = A + a and 0 = B + a.
Subtracting these, we obtain 3 = 3 − 0 = (A + a) − (B + a) = A − B.
Notice that whenever we take entries in columns 1 and 2 from the same row, their difference
will always equal A − B, which is equal to 3.
Similarly, since the difference between the 0 and the 5 in the first row is 5, then every entry in
column 3 will be 5 greater than the entry in column 2 from the same row.
Thus, x = 2 + 5 = 7.
Also, since the difference between the 6 and the −2 in the first row is 8, then every entry in
column 5 will be 8 less than the entry in column 4 from the same row.
Thus, y = 1 − 8 = −7.
Therefore, x = 7 and y = −7.
Answer: x = 7 and y = −7
2005 COMC Solutions Page 8 of 26
7. In the diagram, the semi-circle has centre O and diameter AB. A ray of light leaves point P
in a direction perpendicular to AB. It bounces off the semi-circle at point D in such a way
that ∠P DO = ∠EDO. (In other words, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection
at D.) The ray DE then bounces off the circle in a similar way at E before finally hitting the
semicircle again at B. Determine ∠DOP .
A B
P O
Solution 1
Join D and E to O, and let ∠DOP = x.
Since DP ⊥ AB, then ∠P DO = 90◦ − x.
Since the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection at D, then ∠EDO = ∠P DO = 90◦ −x.
E
90 x
90 x
D 90 x
90 x
x 90 x
A B
P O
Since DO and EO are both radii, then DO = EO, so 4EDO is isosceles, and so
∠DEO = ∠EDO = 90◦ − x.
Since the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection at E, then ∠DEO = ∠BEO = 90◦ −x.
Since EO and BO are both radii, then EO = BO, so 4BEO is isosceles, and so
∠EBO = ∠BEO = 90◦ − x.
Consider quadrilateral P DEB.
We have ∠DP B = 90◦ , ∠P DE = (90◦ − x) + (90◦ − x) = 180◦ − 2x,
∠DEB = (90◦ − x) + (90◦ − x) = 180◦ − 2x, and ∠EBP = 90◦ − x.
Since the sum of the angles in the quadrilateral is 360◦ , then
90◦ + 180◦ − 2x + 180◦ − 2x + 90◦ − x = 360◦ or 540◦ − 5x = 360◦ or 5x = 180◦ or x = 36◦ .
Therefore, ∠DOP = x = 36◦ .
Solution 2
Join D and E to O, and let ∠DOP = x.
Since DP ⊥ AB, then ∠P DO = 90◦ − x.
Since the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection at D, then ∠EDO = ∠P DO = 90◦ −x.
2005 COMC Solutions Page 9 of 26
E
90 x
90 x
D 90 x
90 x
2x
x 2x 90 x
A B
P O
Since DO and EO are both radii, then DO = EO, so 4EDO is isosceles, and so
∠DEO = ∠EDO = 90◦ − x. Also, ∠DOE = 180◦ − 2(90◦ − x) = 2x.
Since the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection at E, then ∠DEO = ∠BEO = 90◦ −x.
Since EO and BO are both radii, then EO = BO, so 4BEO is isosceles, and so
∠EBO = ∠BEO = 90◦ − x. Also, ∠EOB = 180◦ − 2(90◦ − x) = 2x.
Since P OB is a straight line, then ∠P OD + ∠DOE + ∠EOB = 180◦ or x + 2x + 2x = 180◦ or
5x = 180◦ or x = 36◦ .
Therefore, ∠DOP = x = 36◦ .
Solution 3
Reflect the diagram across AB to complete the circle and form the pentagon DEBE 0 D0 . (Note
that DP D0 is a straight line since ∠DP O = ∠D0 P O = 90◦ .)
A O
B
Therefore, the triangles DOE, EOB, BOE 0 , E 0 OD0 and D0 OD are all congruent by side-angle-
side. Therefore, pentagon DEBE 0 D0 is a regular pentagon.
Thus, ∠DOD0 = 51 (360◦ ) = 72◦ since the central angles of each of the five sides of the pentagon
are equal.
Since 4DOD0 is isosceles and OP is perpendicular to DD0 , then ∠P OD = 12 ∠DOD0 = 36◦ .
Thus, ∠P OD = 36◦ .
8. The number 18 is not the sum of any 2 consecutive positive integers, but is the sum of consec-
utive positive integers in at least 2 different ways, since 5 + 6 + 7 = 18 and 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 18.
Determine a positive integer less than 400 that is not the sum of any 11 consecutive positive
integers, but is the sum of consecutive positive integers in at least 11 different ways.
Solution
Suppose that the positive integer N is the sum of an odd number of consecutive integers, say
2k + 1 consecutive integers. Then for some integer a,
We would like to find a positive integer N which is not the sum of 11 consecutive positive
integers (and so is not a multiple of 11) but is the sum of consecutive positive integers in 11
different ways.
Let’s consider the number of integers in each of the ways in which we write N as the sum
of consecutive integers. Note that if N is the sum of m consecutive positive integers, then N
is at least 1 + 2 + · · · + m. We make a table of what properties N must have for N to be the
sum of m consecutive integers for m = 2 to m = 10:
2005 COMC Solutions Page 11 of 26
m N at least Property of N
2 3 Divisible by 1, not by 2
3 6 Divisible by 3
4 10 Divisible by 2, not by 4
5 15 Divisible by 5
6 21 Divisible by 3, not by 6
(ie. divisible by 3, not by 2)
7 28 Divisible by 7
8 36 Divisible by 4, not by 8
9 45 Divisible by 9
10 55 Divisible by 5, not by 10
(ie. divisible by 5, not by 2)
How can we combine as many of these as possible? If we make N at least 55 and divisible
by 5, 7 and 9 and not divisible by 2, then N will be the sum of 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 con-
secutive positive integers (7 representations in total). In this case, N must be divisible by
5 × 7 × 9 = 315. So following this line of thought, if N is less than 400, then we must have
N = 315. Now, 315 is also
• the sum of 15 consecutive positive integers since 315 is divisible by 15 and is at least 120
(ie. 1 + 2 + 3 + · · · + 15),
• the sum of 14 consecutive positive integers since 315 is divisible by 7, not by 14, and is at
least 105 (ie. 1 + 2 + 3 + · · · + 14)
• the sum of 18 consecutive positive integers since 315 is divisible by 9, not by 18, and is at
least 171 (ie. 1 + 2 + 3 + · · · + 18)
• the sum of 21 consecutive positive integers since 315 is divisible by 21 and is at least 231
(ie. 1 + 2 + 3 + · · · + 21)
So 315 is the sum of consecutive positive integers in at least 11 ways, and is not the sum
of 11 consecutive positive integers. (In fact, 315 is the unique answer, but we are not asked to
justify this.)
(Note: A good way to write a solution to this problem would be to first figure out in rough
that 315 was the answer, and then begin the solution by claiming that 315 is the answer. We
could then demonstrate that 315 works by showing that it can be represented in the correct
number of ways. While this approach is perfectly correct, it would not give much of a clue as
to how the answer was obtained.)
Answer: 315
2005 COMC Solutions Page 12 of 26
Part B
1. A line with slope −3 intersects the positive x-axis at A and the positive y-axis at B. A second
line intersects the x-axis at C(7, 0) and the y-axis at D. The lines intersect at E(3, 4).
D
E (3, 4)
x
O A C (7, 0)
Solution
Since C has coordinates (7, 0) and E has coordinates (3, 4), then the slope of the line
through C and E is
0−4 −4
= = −1
7−3 4
(b) Find the equation of the line through C and E, and the coordinates of the point D.
Solution 1
Since the line through C and E has slope −1 and passes through the point (7, 0), then
the line has equation y − 0 = (−1)(x − 7) or y = −x + 7.
From the equation of the line, y = 7 is the y-intercept of the line.
Since D is the point where this line crosses the y-axis, then D has coordinates (0, 7).
Solution 2
Since the line through C and E has slope −1 and passes through the point (3, 4), then
the line has equation y − 4 = (−1)(x − 3) or y = −x + 7.
From the equation of the line, y = 7 is the y-intercept of the line.
Since D is the point where this line crosses the y-axis, then D has coordinates (0, 7).
(c) Find the equation of the line through A and B, and the coordinates of the point B.
Solution
Since the line through A and B has slope −3 and passes through the point E(3, 4), then
2005 COMC Solutions Page 13 of 26
Solution 1
The area of the shaded region is the sum of the areas of 4DOC and 4BDE.
4DOC is right-angled at O, so the area of 4DOC is 21 (DO)(OC) = 12 (7)(7) = 49
2
.
We can consider 4BDE as having base BD of length 13 − 7 = 6 and height equal to the
distance of E from the y-axis (a distance of 3).
Therefore, the area of 4BDE is 21 (6)(3) = 9.
Thus, the area of the shaded region is 49
2
+ 9 = 67
2
.
Solution 2
The area of the shaded region is the sum of the areas of 4BOA and 4AEC.
4BOA is right-angled at O, so the area of 4BOA is 21 (BO)(OA).
Point A is the point where the line y = −3x + 13 crosses the x-axis, so it has x-coordinate
which satisfies −3x + 13 = 0, ie. x = 13
3
.
Therefore, the area of 4BOA is 12 (13) 13
169
3
= 6 .
We can consider 4AEC as having base AC of length 7 − 13 3
= 83 and height equal to the
distance of E from the x-axis (a distance of 4).
Therefore, the area of 4AEC is 21 (4) 83 = 16
3
.
Thus, the area of the shaded region is 6 + 3 = 201
169 16
6
= 67
2
.
Solution 3
Drop perpendiculars from E to point X on the x-axis and to point Y on the y-axis.
y
D
E (3, 4)
Y
x
O X A C (7, 0)
Then Y has coordinates (0, 4), X has coordinates (3, 0), and OXEY is a rectangle.
The area of the shaded region is thus the sum of the areas of 4BY E, rectangle OXEY
and 4EXC.
2005 COMC Solutions Page 14 of 26
a−b = 1
2a2 + ab − 3b2 = 22
Solution 1
Factoring the left side of the second equation, we get 2a2 + ab − 3b2 = (a − b)(2a + 3b).
Since a − b = 1, we get (1)(2a + 3b) = 22 or 2a + 3b = 22.
So we now have a − b = 1 and 2a + 3b = 22.
Adding 3 times the first equation to the second equation, we get 5a = 25 or a = 5.
Substituting back into the first equation, we get b = 4.
Thus, the only solution is (a, b) = (5, 4).
Solution 2
From the first equation, a = b + 1.
Substituting into the second equation, we obtain
Substituting back into the first equation, we get a = 5, so the only solution is (a, b) = (5, 4).
Solution 3
From the first equation, b = a − 1.
Substituting into the second equation, we obtain
Substituting back into the first equation, we get b = 4, so the only solution is (a, b) = (5, 4).
2005 COMC Solutions Page 15 of 26
x2 − yz + xy + zx = 82
y 2 − zx + xy + yz = −18
z 2 − xy + zx + yz = 18
Solution 1
If we add the second equation to the third equation, we obtain
y 2 − zx + xy + yz + z 2 − xy + zx + yz = −18 + 18
y 2 + 2yz + z 2 = 0
(y + z)2 = 0
y+z = 0
z = −y
x2 + y 2 = 82
2xy = −18
−2xy = 18
If x+y = −8, then y = −8−x and so since xy = −9, then x(−8−x) = −9 or x2 +8x−9 = 0
or (x + 9)(x − 1) = 0 so x = −9 or x = 1.
Since x + y = −8, then if x = −9, we have y = 1 and z = −y = −1.
Since x + y = −8, then if x = 1, we have y = −9 and z = −y = 9.
Therefore, the four solutions are (x, y, z) = (9, −1, 1), (−1, 9, −9), (−9, 1, −1), (1, −9, 9).
2005 COMC Solutions Page 16 of 26
Solution 2
If we add the first equation to the second equation, we obtain
x2 − yz + xy + zx + y 2 − zx + xy + yz = 82 − 18
x2 + 2xy + y 2 = 64
(x + y)2 = 64
x + y = ±8
Similarly, adding the first equation to the third equation, we obtain x2 + 2xz + z 2 = 100
or x + z = ±10.
Also, adding the second equation to the third equation, we obtain y 2 + 2yz + z 2 = 0
or y + z = 0, and so z = −y.
Using x + z = ±10 and z = −y, we obtain x − y = ±10.
Thus, we have x + y = ±8 and x − y = ±10.
Therefore, the four solutions are (x, y, z) = (9, −1, 1), (−1, 9, −9), (−9, 1, −1), (1, −9, 9).
(a) If the outer square has area (a + b)2 , show that the area of the inner square
is (a − b)2 .
Solution 1
Each tile can be split into two right-angled triangles along a diagonal, each with legs of
lengths a and b.
The area of each of these triangles is 21 ab, so the area of each tile is ab.
2005 COMC Solutions Page 17 of 26
If the outer square has area (a + b)2 and this is partially covered with four tiles each of
area ab, then the area of the leftover portion (ie. the square hole) is
Solution 2
If the outer square has area (a + b)2 , then the side length of the outer square is a + b.
In order to get a side length of a + b, we need to line up the “a” side of a tile with the “b”
side of a second tile, as shown.
b a
b b
a
a b
(Note that the tiles do fit together in this way, since each is a quadrilateral with two right
angles, so the remaining two angles add to 180◦ , that is, a straight line.)
We can complete the square as follows:
b a
b b
a
b
a
b
b
a b
Now the inner hole is clearly a rectangle (as it has four right angles) and is in fact a square
as its four sides are all of length a − b (as each of its sides are the remaining portion of a
line segment of length a when a segment of length b is cut off from one end).
Since the inner square has side length a − b, then its area is (a − b)2 .
(b) Determine the smallest integer value of N for which there are prime numbers a and b such
that the ratio of the area of the inner square to the area of the outer square is 1 : N .
Solution
(a − b)2
From (a), the ratio of the area of the inner square to the area of the outer square is .
(a + b)2
We would like to find integers N for which there are prime numbers a and b such
(a − b)2 1
that 2
= (and in fact find the minimum such N ).
(a + b) N
a−b 1
Taking the positive square root of both sides, we obtain =√ .
a+b N
2005 COMC Solutions Page 18 of 26
√
Since the left side is a rational number (since a and b are integers), then N must be
rational, so N must be a perfect square.
Suppose N = k 2 , for some positive integer k.
a−b 1
Thus, we have = or a + b = k(a − b) or (k − 1)a = (k + 1)b.
a+b k
Since we would like to find the smallest value of N which works, then we try to find
the smallest value of k which works.
Does k = 1 work? Are there prime numbers a and b so that 0 = 2b? No, since this means
b = 0.
Does k = 2 work? Are there prime numbers a and b so that a = 3b? No, since here a is a
multiple of 3, so the only possible prime value of a is 3, which would make b = 1, which
is not a prime.
Does k = 3 work? Are there prime numbers a and b so that 2a = 4b (ie. a = 2b)? No,
since here a is a multiple of 2, so the only possible prime value of a is 2, which would make
b = 1, which is not a prime.
Does k = 4 work? Are there prime numbers a and b so that 3a = 5b?
Yes: a = 5 and b = 3.
Therefore, the smallest value of k which works is k = 4, so the smallest value of N which
works is N = 16.
(c) Determine, with justification, all positive integers N for which there are odd integers
a > b > 0 such that the ratio of the area of the inner square to the area of the outer
square is 1 : N .
Solution
Suppose that N is a positive integer for which there are odd integers a > b > 0 such that
(a − b)2 1
2
= .
(a + b) N
Then, as in (b), N must be a perfect square, say N = k 2 , for some positive integer k.
Since a and b are odd, then set a = 2A + 1 and b = 2B + 1, for some integers A and B.
(2A − 2B)2 1 A−B 1
Thus we have 2
= 2 or = or k(A − B) = A + B + 1.
(2A + 2B + 2) k A+B+1 k
If A and B have the same parity (ie. both even or both odd), then A − B is even so the
left side is even and A + B + 1 is odd, so the right side is odd. Since we cannot have an
odd number equal to an even number, then this cannot happen.
Thus, A and B must have opposite parity (ie. one even and the other odd). In this case,
A − B is odd and A + B + 1 is even. Since k(A − B) = A + B + 1, then k is even.
Therefore, N must be an even perfect square.
We must now check if every even perfect square is a possible value for N .
2005 COMC Solutions Page 19 of 26
Suppose N = (2m)2 .
Using our substitutions from above, can we find integers A and B so that
2m(A − B) = A + B + 1?
If A = m and B = m − 1, then A − B = 1 and A + B + 1 = 2m, so 2m(A − B) = A + B + 1.
(a − b)2 1 1
So if a = 2A + 1 = 2m + 1 and b = 2B + 1 = 2m − 1, then 2
= 2
= .
(a + b) (2m) N
Therefore, the positive integers N which have the required property are all even perfect
squares.
4. Triangle ABC has its base on line segment P N and vertex A on line P M . Circles with centres
O and Q, having radii r1 and r2 , respectively, are tangent to the triangle ABC externally and
to each of P M and P N .
M
E
A
D Q
O L
K
P F B C G N
(a) Prove that the line through K and L bisects the perimeter of triangle ABC.
Solution
We must show that KB + BC + CL = KA + AL.
Since BK and BF are tangents to the left circle from the same point B, then BK = BF .
Since CL and CG are tangents to the right circle from the same point C, then CL = CG.
Since AK and AD are tangents to the left circle from the same point A, then AK = AD.
Since AL and AE are tangents to the right circle from the same point A, then AL = AE.
Therefore, KB + BC + CL = F B + BC + CG = F G and KA + AL = DA + AE = DE.
Now F G = P G − P F and DE = P E − P D.
Since P E and P G are tangents to the right circle from the same point P , then P E = P G.
Since P D and P F are tangents to the left circle from the same point P , then P D = P F .
Therefore, F G = P G − P F = P E − P D = DE, so KB + BC + CL = KA + AL, ie. the
line through K and L bisects the perimeter of triangle ABC.
(b) Let T be the point of contact of BC with the circle inscribed in triangle ABC.
Prove that (T C)(r1 ) + (T B)(r2 ) is equal to the area of triangle ABC.
Solution 1
2005 COMC Solutions Page 20 of 26
Let I be the centre of the circle inscribed in 4ABC, T be the point of contact of this
circle with BC, and r the radius of this circle.
Join O to K and B, and I to B and T .
M
D Q
O L
K I
P N
F B T C G
(Note that the circle with centre I is not necessarily tangent to AB at K or AC at L.)
Note that OK is perpendicular to KB and IT is perpendicular to BC.
Now OB bisects ∠F BK and IB bisects ∠KBC, since the circles with centres O and I
are tangent to F B and BK, and BA and BC, respectively.
Now ∠KOB = 90◦ − ∠KBO = 90◦ − 21 ∠F BK = 12 (180◦ − ∠F BK) = 21 ∠KBC = ∠IBT ,
so 4OKB is similar to 4BT I.
BK IT BK r (T B)(BK)
Therefore, = or = or r1 = .
KO TB r1 TB r
(T C)(LC)
Similarly, r2 = .
r
Therefore,
Y
X I
B C
T
Solution 2
Join O to F and B and Q to C and G.
Since the circle with centre O is tangent to P B and AB at F and K, then OF is perpen-
dicular to P B and OB bisects ∠F BK.
Similarly, QG is perpendicular to CN and QC bisects ∠GCL.
Extend AB and AC through B and C, respectively, and construct the circle which is
tangent to AB extended, BC, and AC extended, and lies outside 4ABC. This circle is
called an excircle of 4ABC.
The centre of this excircle, which we label U , is on the angle bisector of the angle formed
by AB extended and BC, as the circle is tangent to these two lines, so U lies on OB
extended. Similarly, U lies on QC extended.
2005 COMC Solutions Page 22 of 26
D Q
O L
K
P V N
F B C G
Y
X
U
Now suppose that the excircle is tangent to AB extended and AC extended at X and Y ,
respectively.
Then AX = AY , and AX = AB + BX = AB + BV and AY = AC + CY = AC + CV (by
equal tangents from B and C), so AX +AY = AB+AC+BV +V C = AB+AC+BC = 2s,
ie. AX = AY = s.
Thus, V B = BX = AX − AB = s − c and similarly V C = s − b.
But T B = s − b = V C and T C = s − c = V B (see Solution 1), so
as required.
|4ABC|
(Why is rA = ?
s−a
2005 COMC Solutions Page 23 of 26
But, s − (s − c) − (s − b) = b + c − s = a + b + c − a − s = 2s − a − s = s − a, so
|4ABC| = rA (s − a), which is what we wanted to show.)
Solution 3
Let AB = c, AC = b, BC = a, and let s denote the semi-perimeter of 4ABC (that is,
half of its perimeter).
Then by (a), AK + AL = KB + BC + LC = s.
Since P M and P N are tangent to both circles, then the line through O and Q passes
through P .
Join O to D, F and K, and Q to L, E and G.
M
D Q
O L
K
P N
F B C G
In each case, the centre of a circle is being joined to a point where the circle is tangent to
a line, so creates a right angle.
PF PG
Therefore, 4P OF is similar to 4P QG, so = or r1 (P G) = r2 (P F ).
OF QG
Each of the shapes P DOF , ADOK, BF OK, AEQL, CGQL and P EQG has two right
angles and two pairs of equal sides (ie. each is a shape as in Problem 3).
The area of each of these shapes is the product of the lengths of two of the sides which
meet at a right angle.
We use |P EQG| to denote the area of the shape P EQG, and so on.
2005 COMC Solutions Page 24 of 26
Therefore,
As in Solution 1, T B = s − c and T C = s − b.
Therefore, |4ABC| = (T C)(r1 ) + (T B)(r2 ), as required.
Solution 4
Let ∠ABC = 2β, ∠ACB = 2γ and ∠M P N = 2θ.
Then ∠P AB = 2β − 2θ and ∠M AC = 2γ + 2θ, using external angles in 4P AB and
4P AC. Also, ∠ABP = 180◦ − 2β.
Since the circle with centre O is tangent to AP and AK, then O lies on the bisector of
∠P AK, so ∠KAO = β − θ. Similarly, ∠LAQ = γ + θ and ∠KBO = 90◦ − β.
Since 4OKB is right-angled at K (since AB is tangent to the circle with centre O at K),
then ∠KOB = β.
KO KB
Thus, tan(∠KAO) = tan(β − θ) = and tan(∠KOB) = tan(β) = .
AK KO
2005 COMC Solutions Page 25 of 26
Therefore,
AB = AK + KB
KO
AB = + KO tan(β)
tan(β − θ)
1 + tan(β) tan(θ)
AB = r1 + tan(β) (since KO = r1 )
tan(β) − tan(θ)
1 + tan(β) tan(θ) tan2 (β) − tan(β) tan(θ)
AB = r1 +
tan(β) − tan(θ) tan(β) − tan(θ)
2
1 + tan (β)
AB = r1
tan(β) − tan(θ)
AB(tan(β) − tan(θ))
r1 =
1 + tan2 (β)
AB(tan(β) − tan(θ))
r1 =
sec2 (β)
r1 = AB sin(β) cos(β) − AB cos2 (β) tan(θ)
1
r1 = 2
AB sin(2β) − AB cos2 (β) tan(θ)
Since the circle with centre I is tangent to AB and BC, then I lies on the angle bi-
IT
sector of ∠ABC, so ∠IBT = β, so tan(β) = .
TB
IT r
Thus, T B = = .
tan(β) tan(β)
r
Similarly, T C = .
tan(γ)
Therefore,
1
= 2
h(T C + T B) + tan(θ) [−T C · AB cos2 (β) + T B · AC cos2 (γ)] (∗)
The first term on the right side of (∗) equals 12 h(BC) which equals the area of 4ABC.
Considering the second factor of the second term, we obtain
But AC sin(2γ) = AB sin(2β) = h, so this second factor equals 0, so the second term of
the right side of (∗) equals 0.
Therefore, r1 (T C) + r2 (T B) equals the area of 4ABC, as required.
The Canadian Mathematical Society
in collaboration with
presents the
Canadian Open
Mathematics Challenge
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Supported by:
Solutions
2006
c Canadian Mathematical Society
2006 COMC Solutions Page 2
Part A
1 1 1 1
1. What is the value of 1 + 2
1+ 3
1+ 4
1+ 5
?
Solution 1
1 1 1 1 3 4 5 6
1+ 2
1+ 3
1+ 4
1+ 5
= 2 3 4 5
= 3 4 5 6
2 3 4 5
(simplifying numerators and denominators)
6
= 2
= 3
Solution 2
1 1 1 1 3 4 5 6
1+ 2
1+ 3
1+ 4
1+ 5
= 2 3 4 5
360
= 120
= 3
Solution 1
Since f (2x + 1) = (x − 12)(x + 13), then
Solution 2
w−1
If w = 2x + 1, then x = .
2
Since f (2x + 1) = (x − 12)(x + 13), then
w−1 w−1 w − 25 w + 25
f (w) = − 12 + 13 =
2 2 2 2
Therefore,
31 − 25 31 + 25
f (31) = = 3(28) = 84
2 2
2006 COMC Solutions Page 3
Solution
Since ∠AM C = 30◦ , then ∠AM B = 180◦ − ∠AM C = 150◦ .
Since ∠ABM = 15◦ and ∠AM B = 150◦ , then ∠BAM = 180◦ − ∠ABM − ∠AM B = 15◦ .
Since ∠ABM = ∠BAM , then BM = M A.
Since BM = M A and BM = M C, then M A = M C, so ∠M AC = ∠M CA.
Thus, ∠M CA = 21 (180◦ − ∠AM C) = 75◦ .
Therefore, ∠BCA = ∠M CA = 75◦ .
4 5 5
Substituting x = − 12 into the first equation, we obtain 1 + 2 = 12 or −8 + 2 = 12 or
−2 y y
5
= 20 or y 2 = 14 .
y2
Therefore, y = ± 12 .
Thus, the solutions are − 12 , 12 and − 12 , − 12 .
Solution 2
Subtracting 4 times the second equation from 3 times the first equation, we obtain
4 5 3 7
3 + −4 + = 3(12) − 4(22)
x y2 x y2
13
− 2 = −52
y
y 2 = 14
y = ± 12
4 5 4
Substituting y = ± 12 into the first equation, we obtain + 2 = 12 or + 20 = 12 or
x ± 12 x
4
= −8 or x = − 12 .
x
Thus, the solutions are − 21 , 12 and − 12 , − 12 .
x+8
5. In 4ABC, BC = 4, AB = x, AC = x + 2, and cos(∠BAC) = .
2x + 4
Determine all possible values of x.
Solution
Using the cosine law in 4ABC,
BC 2 = AB 2 + AC 2 − 2(AB)(AC) cos(∠BAC)
x+8
42 = x2 + (x + 2)2 − 2x(x + 2)
2x + 4
2 2
16 = x + x + 4x + 4 − x(x + 8)
0 = x2 − 4x − 12
0 = (x − 6)(x + 2)
Therefore, x = 6 or x = −2.
Since AB = x, then x must be positive, so x = 6.
6. Determine the number of integers n that satisfy all three of the conditions below:
Solution 1
Since 0 < n < 107 , then n is a positive integer with fewer than 8 digits.
2006 COMC Solutions Page 5
Since n is divisible by 6, then n is even. Since each digit of n is either 1 or 0, then n must end
with a 0.
Since n is divisible by 6, then n is divisible by 3, so n has the sum of its digits divisible by 3.
Since each digit of n is 0 or 1 and n has at most 6 non-zero digits, then the sum of the digits
of n must be 3 or 6 (that is, n contains either 3 or 6 digits equal to 1).
Since n has at most 7 digits, we can write n in terms of its digits as abcdef 0, where each
of a, b, c, d, e, f can be 0 or 1. (We allow n to begin with a 0 in this representation.)
If n contains 6 digits equal to 1, then there is no choice in where the 1’s are placed so
n = 1111110.
If n contains 3 digits equal to 1, then 3 of!the 6 digits a through f are 1 (and the other 3 are
6
0). The number of such possibilities is = 20.
3
Therefore, there are 20 + 1 = 21 such integers n.
Solution 2
Since 0 < n < 107 , then n is a positive integer with fewer than 8 digits.
Since n is divisible by 6, then n is even. Since each digit of n is either 1 or 0, then n ends with
a 0.
Since n is divisible by 6, then n is divisible by 3, so has the sum of its digits divisible by 3.
Since each digit of n is 0 or 1 and n has at most 6 non-zero digits, then the sum of the digits
of n must be 3 or 6 (that is, n contains either 3 or 6 digits equal to 1).
Solution
9D5
First, we note that 0.9D5 = since
999
1000(0.9D5) = 9D5.9D5
1000(0.9D5) − 0.9D5 = 9D5.9D5 − 0.9D5
999(0.9D5) = 9D5
9D5
0.9D5 =
999
Alternatively, we could derive this result by noticing that
0.9D5 = 0.9D59D59D5 . . .
9D5 9D5 9D5
= + + + ···
103 106 109
9D5
= 103 (summing the infinite geometric series)
1
1− 3
10
9D5
=
1000 − 1
9D5
=
999
Therefore,
n 9D5
=
810 999
999n = 810(9D5)
111n = 90(9D5)
37n = 30(9D5)
Thus, 30(9D5) is divisible by 37. Since 30 is not divisible by 37 and 37 is prime, then 9D5
must be divisible by 37.
The multiples of 37 between 900 and 1000 are 925, 962 and 999.
Thus, 9D5 must be 925, so D = 2.
So 37n = 30(925) or n = 30(25) = 750.
2006 COMC Solutions Page 7
8. What is the probability that 2 or more successive heads will occur at least once in 10 tosses of
a fair coin?
Solution 1
For a given toss, we use T to represent a result of tails and H for heads.
There are 210 = 1024 possible sequences of outcomes when a fair coin is tossed 10 times.
Let tn be the number of sequences of n tosses of a fair coin which do not contain 2 or more
successive heads.
(So the number of sequences of length 10 that contain 2 or more successive heads is 1024 − t10
1024 − t10
which means that the desired probability is .)
1024
Solution 2
For a given toss, we use T to represent a result of tails and H for heads.
There are 210 = 1024 possible sequences of outcomes when a fair coin is tossed 10 times.
Let us count the number of such sequences which do not contain 2 or more successive H’s, by
grouping them by the number of H’s that they contain. (Note that not containing 2 or more
successive H’s is equivalent to not containing the pair HH.)
2006 COMC Solutions Page 8
T T T T T T T T
Each of the two H’s must be placed in separate spaces. We can then eliminate any unused
spaces to obtain a sequence of 8 T ’s and!2 H’s containing no consecutive H’s (and we get all
9
such sequences this way). There are = 36 ways of positioning the H’s, and so 36 such
2
sequences.
!
8
In a similar way, with 3 H’s and 7 T ’s, there are = 56 such sequences.
3
!
7
With 4 H’s and 6 T ’s, there are = 35 such sequences.
4
!
6
With 5 H’s and 5 T ’s, there are = 6 such sequences.
5
Part B
1. Piotr places numbers on a 3 by 3 grid using the following rule, called “Piotr’s Principle”:
For any three adjacent numbers in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line, the
middle number is always the average (mean) of its two neighbours.
Solution
Since the average of 3 and 19 is 12 (3 + 19) = 11, then 11 goes between the 3 and 19.
The number which goes below 8 is the number whose average with 3 is 8, so 13 goes
below 8.
The average of 13 and 19, or 16, goes in the middle square.
The number which goes to the right of the 16 is the number whose average with 8 is 16,
or 24.
The number which goes below 24 is the number whose average with 19 is 24, or 29.
The number which goes between 13 and 29 is their average, which is 21.
3 11 19
Therefore, the completed grid is 8 16 24 .
13 21 29
(We can check that each line obeys Piotr’s Principle.)
Note
There are other orders in which the squares can be filled.
Note
When we have the three numbers a, X, b on a line, then X is the average of a and b, so
X = 12 (a + b).
When we have the three numbers a, b, X on a line, then b is the average of a and X, so
b = 12 (a + X) or 2b = a + X or X = 2b − a.
These facts will be useful as we solve (b) and (c).
2006 COMC Solutions Page 10
Solution 1
The average of 5 and 23 is 12 (5 + 23) = 14, which goes in the square between the 5 and 23.
Since the average of the numbers above and below the 5 equals 5, then their sum is
2(5) = 10. (Note that we do not need to know the actual numbers, only their sum.)
Similarly, the sum of the numbers above and below the 14 is 2(14) = 28 and the sum of
the numbers above and below the 23 is 2(23) = 46.
Therefore, the sum of the numbers in the whole grid is 5 + 10 + 14 + 28 + 23 + 46 = 126.
Solution 2
The average of 5 and 23 is 12 (5 + 23) = 14, which goes in the square between the 5 and 23.
Since the average of the x and the number below the 5 is 5, then the number below the 5
is 10 − x.
Since the average of the x and the bottom right number is 14, then the bottom right
number is 28 − x.
The average of 10 − x and 28 − x is 21 (10 − x + 28 − x) = 19 − x, which goes in the middle
square on the bottom row.
Since the average of 19 − x and the number above the 14 is 14, then the number above
the 14 is 2(14) − (19 − x) = 9 + x.
Since the average of 28 − x and the number above the 23 is 23, then the number above
the 23 is 2(23) − (28 − x) = 18 + x.
x 9 + x 18 + x
Thus, the completed grid is 5 14 23 and so the sum of the entries is
10 − x 19 − x 28 − x
x + 9 + x + 18 + x + 5 + 14 + 23 + 10 − x + 19 − x + 28 − x = 126.
Solution
The centre square is the average of 9 and y and is also the average of x and 20.
Comparing these facts, 21 (9 + y) = 21 (x + 20) or 9 + y = x + 20 or x − y = −11.
The number in the top right corner gives an average of 7 when combined with x (so equals
2(7) − x = 14 − x) and gives an average of y when combined with 20 (so equals 2y − 20).
Therefore, 14 − x = 2y − 20 or x + 2y = 34.
Subtracting the first equation from the second, we obtain 3y = 45 or y = 15.
Substituting back into the first equation, we obtain x = 4.
2006 COMC Solutions Page 11
4 7
We check by completing the grid. Starting with 9 15 gives, after some work,
20
4 7 10
9 12 15 , which does obey Piotr’s Principle.
14 17 20
Therefore, x = 4 and y = 15.
(a) Determine the coordinates of P when 4AQB has maximum area. Justify your answer.
Solution
Since the circle has equation x2 + y 2 = 25, then to find the coordinates of A and B, the
x-intercepts of the circle, we set y = 0 to obtain x2 = 25 or x = ±5. Therefore, A and B
have coordinates (−5, 0) and (5, 0), respectively.
Since 4AQB has a base AB of constant length and a variable height, then the area of
4AQB is maximized when the height of 4AQB is maximized (that is, when Q is furthest
from AB).
To maximize the height of 4AQB, we would like Q to have as large a y-coordinate as
possible. Thus, we would like Q to be at the “top” of the circle – that is, at the place
where the circle intersects the y-axis.
Since the circle has equation x2 + y 2 = 25, then setting x = 0, we obtain y 2 = 25 or
y = ±5, so Q has coordinates (0, 5) as Q lies above the x-axis.
Therefore, P lies on the line through A(−5, 0) and Q(0, 5). This line has slope 1 and
y-intercept 5, so has equation y = x + 5.
Since P has x-coordinate 11 and lies on the line with equation y = x + 5, then P has
coordinates (11, 16).
2006 COMC Solutions Page 12
(b) Determine the coordinates of P when Q is the midpoint of AP . Justify your answer.
Solution
Suppose the coordinates of P are (11, p).
We will determine p so that the midpoint of P A lies on the circle. (This is equivalent to
finding P so that the point on the circle is the midpoint of P and A.)
Since A has coordinates (−5, 0), then for Q to be the midpoint of AP , Q must have coor-
dinates 21 (−5 + 11), 12 (0 + p) = (3, 21 p).
1
(c) Determine the coordinates of P when the area of 4AQB is 4
of the area of 4AP C. Jus-
tify your answer.
Solution 1
Join Q to B.
y x = 11
P
Q
x
A B C
We also know that AC = 16 (since C has coordinates (11, 0) and A has coordinates
(−5, 0)).
√ √
Therefore, by the Pythagorean Theorem, P C = AP 2 − AC 2 = 202 − 162 = 12.
Thus, P has coordinates (11, 12).
Solution 2
Let the coordinates of P be (11, p), and the coordinates of Q be (a, b). Thus, the height
of 4AQB is b.
The area of 4AQB is 21 (AB)(b) = 5b since AB = 10.
The area of 4AP C is 21 (AC)(p) = 8p since AC = 16.
Since the area of 4AQB is 14 that of 4AP C, then 5b = 2p or b = 25 p.
This tells us that Q must be 52 of the way along from A to P .
Since A has x-coordinate −5 and P has x-coordinate 11, then Q has x-coordinate
−5 + 25 (11 − (−5)) = 75 . Therefore, Q has coordinates 57 , 25 p .
7 2
2
2
5
+ 5
p = 25
49 4 2 625
25
+ 25
p = 25
2
4p = 576
p2 = 144
A B
D C
Since AB = 12 DC, then the sides of 4P AB are 21 the length of the corresponding sides of
4P DC.
Therefore, P A = AD = 6 and P B = BC = 8.
Thus, the sides of 4P DC have lengths 12, 16 and 20. Since 122 + 162 = 202 , then 4P DC
is right-angled at P by the Pythagorean Theorem.
Thus, the area of 4P DC is 21 (12)(16) = 96.
Since 4P AB is right-angled at P , its area is 12 (6)(8) = 24.
Therefore, the area of trapezoid ABCD is 96 − 24 = 72.
Solution 2
Drop perpendiculars from A and B to P and Q on DC.
A B
D P Q C
Solution 3
Drop perpendiculars from A and B to P and Q on DC.
A B
D P Q C
Cut out rectangle ABQP and join the two remaining pieces along the cut line.
The remaining shape is a triangle DCX with side lengths DX = 6, XC = 8 and DC =
20 − 10 = 10. Since 62 + 82 = 102 , then 4DCX is right-angled by the Pythagorean
Theorem.
XC 8 4
Since sin(∠XDC) = = = , then the length of the altitude from X to DC is
DC 10 5
XD sin(∠XDC) = 6 45 = 24
5
2006 COMC Solutions Page 15
Solution 4
Draw BX from B to X on DC so that BX is parallel to AD.
A B
D X C
Solution 5
Let X be the midpoint of DC. Join X to A and B.
Then AB = DX = XC = 10.
Since AB = DX and AB is parallel to DX, then AD and BX are parallel and equal, so
BX = 6.
Since AB = XC and AB is parallel to XC, then AX and BC are parallel and equal, so
AX = 6.
Therefore, the trapezoid is divided into three triangles, each of which has side lengths 6,
8 and 10.
A triangle with side lengths 6, 8 and 10 is right-angled (since 62 + 82 = 102 ), so has area
1
2
(6)(8) = 24.
Therefore, the area of the trapezoid is 3 × 24 = 72.
2006 COMC Solutions Page 16
R B T S
A C
Y
D
O
Q Z P
We know that OY = OZ = 4.
Since T Z = b, then T O = b − 4.
Since QZ = a, then QY = a (equal tangents).
Since CA = CB = 3 and RACB is a rectangle (as it has three right angles), then RACB
is a square and RA = RB = 3.
Therefore, AQ = b − 3 and BT = a − 3.
By equal tangents, T D = BT = a − 3 and QD = QA = b − 3.
Now, T Y = QT − QY = QD + T D − QY = (b − 3) + (a − 3) − a = b − 6.
Therefore, 4T OY is right-angled at Y with sides of length T O = b − 4, T Y = b − 6 and
OY = 4.
By the Pythagorean Theorem, 42 + (b − 6)2 = (b − 4)2 or 4b = 36 or b = 9.
OY 4
Therefore, T Y = 9 − 6 = 3 and tan(∠OT Y ) = = .
TY 3
4 a
Also, 3 = tan(∠QT Z) = .
b
Since b = 9, a = 12.
2006 COMC Solutions Page 17
Solution 2
Let RT = a (so RS = 2a) and RQ = b.
Drop a perpendicular from T to Z on QP . By symmetry, Z is also the point of tangency
of the middle circle to QP , and QZ = a.
Since the incircle of 4QRT has radius 3, then so does the incircle of 4QZT .
Let O be the centre of the circle inscribed in 4QT P and C 0 the centre of the circle in-
scribed in 4QZT .
Since C 0 and O both lie on the angle bisector of ∠T QP , then tan(∠C 0 QP ) = tan(∠OQP ).
3 4
Since C 0 is 3 units from the line T Z, then tan(∠C 0 QP ) = and tan(∠OQP ) = so
a−3 a
3 4
= or 3a = 4a − 12 or a = 12.
a−3 a
We can calculate b = 9 as in Solution 1, to obtain that the rectangle is 24 by 9.
Solution 3
Let RT = a (so RS = 2a) and RQ = b.
We calculate the areas of each of 4QRT and 4QT P in two ways: once using the stan-
dard 12 bh formula and once using the less well-known Area = sr formula, where s is the
semi-perimeter of the triangle (that is, half of the perimeter) and r is the inradius (that
is, the radius of the inscribed circle).
√
In 4QRT , RT = a, RQ = b, QT = a2 + b2 and the inradius is 3, so
1
√
2
ab = 12 (a + b + a2 + b2 )(3)
√
In 4QT P , QT = T P = a2 + b2 , QP = 2a, the height is b, and the inradius is 4, so
1
√
2
(2a)b = 12 (2 a2 + b2 + 2a)(4)
Solution 3
We use the notation and diagram from Solution 1.
Since RS and QP are parallel, then ∠BT D = ∠Y QZ.
Since C and O are the centres of inscribed circles, then C lies on the angle bisector of
∠BT D and O lies on the angle bisector of ∠Y QZ.
Therefore, ∠BT C = 12 ∠BT D = 12 ∠Y QZ = ∠OQZ.
Therefore, 4BT C and 4ZQO are similar, as each is right-angled.
Thus, BT : QZ = BC : OZ = 3 : 4.
Suppose that BT = 3x and QZ = 4x.
Then RT = RB + BT = AC + 3x = 3 + 3x, since RBCA is a square.
But RT = QZ so 4x = 3 + 3x or x = 3.
Let QA = y.
Then QT = QD + DT = QA + BT by equal tangents, so QT = y + 3x = y + 9.
Since 4QRT is right-angled, then
QR2 + RT 2 = QT 2
(y + 3)2 + 122 = (y + 9)2
y 2 + 6y + 9 + 144 = y 2 + 18y + 81
12y = 72
y = 6
p
4. (a) Determine, with justification, the fraction , where p and q are positive integers and
q
q < 100, that is closest to, but not equal to, 37 .
Solution
We would like to find positive integers p and q with q < 100 which minimizes
p 3 7p − 3q |7p − 3q|
− =
q 7 7q =
7q
To minimize such a fraction, we would like to make the numerator small while making the
denominator large.
Since the two fractions pq and 73 are not equal, the numerator of their difference cannot be
0. Since the numerator is a positive integer, its minimum possible value is 1.
We consider the largest possible values of q (starting with 99) and determine if 7p − 3q
can possibly be equal to 1 or −1.
3 p 1
If p = 41 and q = 96, the difference between the fractions and is .
7 q 7(96)
|7p − 3q|
If q > 96, the numerator of is always at least 2, so the difference is at least
7q
2 1
> .
7(99) 7(96)
p 3 1 1
If q < 96, the difference between and is at least > .
q 7 7(95) 7(96)
41
So 96
minimizes the difference, so it is the closest fraction to 37 under the given conditions.
2006 COMC Solutions Page 20
a c a+c
(b) The baseball sum of two rational numbers and is defined to be . (A rational
b d b+d
number is a fraction whose numerator and denominator are both integers and whose de-
nominator is not equal to 0.) Starting with the rational numbers 01 and 11 as Stage 0, the
baseball sum of each consecutive pair of rational numbers in a stage is inserted between
the pair to arrive at the next stage. The first few stages of this process are shown below:
0 1
STAGE 0: 1 1
0 1 1
STAGE 1: 1 2 1
0 1 1 2 1
STAGE 2: 1 3 2 3 1
0 1 1 2 1 3 2 3 1
STAGE 3: 1 4 3 5 2 5 3 4 1
Prove that
(i) no rational number will be inserted more than once,
Solution
a c
Consider two rational numbers and which occur next to each other at a given
b d
a c
stage with < .
b d
Note that this means that ad < bc or bc − ad > 0.
a+c
The rational number that will be inserted between them at the next stage is .
b+d
Now
a a+c
< ⇔ a(b + d) < b(a + c) ⇔ 0 < bc − ad
b b+d
which we know to be true, and
a+c c
< ⇔ d(a + c) < c(b + d) ⇔ 0 < bc − ad
b+d d
which is again true.
a a+c c
Therefore, < < .
b b+d d
This tells us that every rational number which is inserted at any given stage is strictly
between the two rational numbers on either side.
Therefore, once a given rational number is inserted, every other rational number which
is inserted must be either strictly larger or strictly smaller, as the list at each stage
must be strictly increasing.
Therefore, no rational number will be inserted more than once.
2006 COMC Solutions Page 21
Solution
First, we prove a lemma.
Lemma
a c
If < are consecutive rational numbers in a given stage, then bc − ad = 1.
b d
Proof
At Stage 0, the two fractions obey this property.
Assume that the property holds for all fractions in Stage k.
a c
Consider two consecutive fractions < at Stage k.
b d
a c a+c
The fraction that will be inserted between and at Stage k + 1 is ,
b d b+d
a a+c c
giving < < .
b b+d d
Note that b(a + c) − a(b + d) = bc − ad = 1 and c(b + d) − d(a + c) = bc − ad = 1.
This tells us that each pair of consecutive fraction at Stage k + 1 obeys this property.
Therefore, by induction, the required property holds.
kp a c
Suppose then that a fraction (k, p, q ∈ Z+ ) is inserted between and .
kq b d
By the Lemma, we must have b(kp) − a(kq) = 1 or k(bp − aq) = 1.
Therefore, k divides 1, so k = 1.
Thus, any inserted fraction can only have a common factor of 1 between its numerator
and denominator, so is irreducible. Thus, no inserted fraction is reducible.
(iii) every rational number between 0 and 1 will be inserted in the pattern at some stage.
Solution 1
1 n−1
We note first that every rational number of the forms and for n ≥ 2 do enter
n n
the pattern as the first and last new entry in Stage n − 1. (These rational numbers
0 1 n−2 1
enter between and , and and , respectively.)
1 n−1 n−1 1
Assume that there are rational numbers between 0 and 1 which are not inserted
in the pattern at the some stage.
p
Suppose that with p, q ∈ Z+ and gcd(p, q) = 1 is such a rational number with
q
minimal denominator. (Note that all irreducible fractions with denominators 1, 2, 3
are inserted already.)
2006 COMC Solutions Page 22
a p−a
Since each of and has a denominator less than q, it appears in the pat-
b q−b
p
tern as has the smallest denominator among those fractions which do not appear.
q
a 0
Note next that cannot be .
b 1
(If it was, a = 0 so bp − aq = 1 gives bp = 1 so p = 1.
We know that every fraction with p = 1 enters the pattern, so p 6= 1.)
p−a 1
Also, cannot be .
q−b 1
(If it was, then p − a = q − b so b(p − a) − a(q − b) = 1 gives (b − a)(q − b) = 1 so
b − a = 1.
Since p − a = q − b then q − p = b − a = 1.
n−1
But every fraction of the form enters the pattern, so q − p 6= 1.)
n
a p−a
This tells us that each of and actually entered the pattern at some stage.
b q−b
m p−a
Since < are consecutive fractions at this stage, we must also have
n q−b
(p − a)n − (q − b)m = 1.
m a
Since < are consecutive fractions at this stage, we must also have
n b
an − bm = 1.
• Assume that q − b = b.
In this case, q = 2b.
But bp − aq = 1 so b(p − 2a) = 1, and so b = 1 giving q = 2.
But we know that every irreducible fraction with denominator 2 does enter.
(Namely, the fraction 12 .)
So this case cannot occur.
2006 COMC Solutions Page 24
Thus, every rational number between 0 and 1 will be inserted in the pattern at some
stage.
Solution 2
a c
Suppose and are consecutive (irreducible) fractions at some stage.
b a c d
Define S , = a + b + c + d, the sum of the numerators and denominators of the
b d
consecutive fractions.
We consider the minimum value of S at a given stage.
a+c a a+c c
When is inserted with < < , the two new sums are
b+d b b+d d
a a+c
S , = a + b + a + c + b + d = 2a + 2b + c + d
b b+d
and
a+c c
S , = a + c + b + d + c + d = a + b + 2c + 2d
b+d d
a c
each of which is larger than S , .
b d
So the minimum value of these sums must increase from one stage to the next.
a
Suppose that the fraction between 0 and 1 with a, b ∈ Z+ and gcd(a, b) = 1 is
b
never inserted into the pattern.
a
At any given Stage, since the fraction does not occur, it must be strictly between
b
m1 a m2 a
two consecutive fractions, say < < . (Since never occurs, we must be able
n1 b n2 b
to find such a pair of fractions at every Stage.)
(We know that m2 n1 − n2 m1 = 1 from (b).)
Thus, m1 b < n1 a and n2 a < m2 b. Since each of these quantities is a positive integer,
n1 a − m1 b ≥ 1 and m2 b − n2 a ≥ 1.
Now
m2 + n2 + m1 + n1
= (m2 + n2 )(1) + (m1 + n1 )(1)
≤ (m2 + n2 )(n1 a − m1 b) + (m1 + n1 )(m2 b − n2 a)
= m2 n1 a + n1 n2 a − m1 m2 b − m1 n2 b + m1 m2 b + m2 n1 b − m1 n2 a − n1 n2 a
= a(m2 n1 − m1 n2 ) + b(m2 n1 − m1 n2 )
= a+b
a
But for a fixed fraction , a + b is fixed and the minimum possible value of
b
m2 + n2 + m1 + n1
2006 COMC Solutions Page 25
presents the
Solutions
2007
c Canadian Mathematical Society
2007 COMC Solutions Page 2
Part A
1. Solution 1
If a = 15 and b = −9, then
Solution 2
If a = 15 and b = −9, then
Answer: 36
30 1
2. Since there are 60 seconds in a minute, the wind power generator turns = of a revolution
60 2
each second.
Since a full revolution is 360◦ , then the generator turns 21 (360◦ ) = 180◦ each second.
(Alternatively, the generator turns through 30×360◦ in one minute, so through 30×360◦ ÷60 =
180◦ in one second.)
Answer: 180
Answer: 36
4. Solution 1
Suppose that there were 3k boys and 2k girls in the school in June, for some positive integer k.
2007 COMC Solutions Page 3
In September, there were thus 3k − 80 boys and 2k − 20 girls in the school. Since the new ratio
is 7 : 5, then
3k − 80 7
=
2k − 20 5
5(3k − 80) = 7(2k − 20)
15k − 400 = 14k − 140
k = 260
Therefore, the total number of the students in the school in June was 3k + 2k = 5k = 5(260),
or 1300 students.
Solution 2
Suppose that there were b boys and g girls in the school in June.
In September, there were thus b − 80 boys and g − 20 girls in the school.
b 3 b − 80 7
From the given information, we know that = and = .
g 2 g − 20 5
Eliminating fractions gives the equations 2b = 3g and 5(b−80) = 7(g−20) or 5b−400 = 7g−140
or 5b − 7g = 260.
Multiplying the second equation by 2 gives 10b − 14g = 520, and substituting 10b = 15g gives
g = 520.
Therefore, b = 32 (520) = 780, so there were b + g = 780 + 520 = 1300 students in the school in
June.
Answer: 1300
5. Solution 1
When the nine numbers are placed in the array in any arrangement, the sum of the row sums
is always 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 45, because each of the nine numbers appears in
exactly one row.
Similarly, the sum of the column sums is also always 45, as again each of the nine numbers
appears in exactly one column.
Therefore, the grand sum S equals 90 plus the sum of the diagonal sums, and so depends only
on the diagonal entries, labelled in the array below:
a c
e
g k
Since a, c, e, g, k can be any of the numbers from 1 to 9, then S is largest when e = 9 and
a, c, g, k are 5, 6, 7, 8 in some order, for example in the configuration below:
5 1 6
2 9 3
7 4 8
Solution 2
Suppose that a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, k represent the numbers 1 to 9 in some order, and are entered
in the array as shown:
a b c
d e f
g h k
S = (a + b + c) + (d + e + f ) + (g + h + k) + (a + d + g) + (b + e + h) + (c + f + k) +
(a + e + k) + (c + e + g)
= 4e + 3a + 3c + 3g + 3k + 2b + 2d + 2f + 2h
Answer: 134
O
Q P
A N
2007 COMC Solutions Page 5
OP 2 = OQ2 + QP 2
r2 = (r − 9)2 + 152
r2 = r2 − 18r + 81 + 225
18r = 306
r = 17
Answer: 17
From the third equation, x2 + y 2 = 133 − z 2 , so using this and the first equation to substitute
into (∗), we get
Substituting this value for z back into the first two equations, we get xy = (−6)2 = 36 and
x + y = 7 − (−6) = 13.
Therefore, y = 13 − x and so x(13 − x) = 36 or 0 = x2 − 13x + 36.
This tells us that 0 = (x − 4)(x − 9) so x = 4 or x = 9.
If x = 4, then y = 13 − x tells us that y = 9.
If x = 9, then y = 13 − x tells us that y = 4.
Therefore, the solutions are (x, y, z) = (4, 9, −6), (9, 4, −6).
8. In order to travel from A to B along the segments without travelling along any segment more
than once, we must always move up, down or to the right. (In other words, we can never
travel to the left without retracing our steps.) To see this, we note that if we do travel along
2007 COMC Solutions Page 6
a segment to the left, then we must have travelled along the other horizontal segment in this
square to the right at an earlier stage. We would then need to travel back along one of these
segments to get to B, thus retracing our steps.
Any route from A to B involves exactly 9 moves to the right and some number of moves up
and down.
Any route from A to B involves exactly one more move down than moves up, as we start at the
top of the grid and end up at the bottom. Therefore, the total number of up and down moves
must be odd, as it equals (x + 1) + x = 2x + 1, where x is the total number of up moves.
There are 10 vertical segments. Any choice of an odd number of these vertical segments uniquely
determines a route from A to B, as we must start at A, travel to the top of the leftmost of
these segments, travel down the segment, travel to the right to the bottom of the next segment,
travel up it, and so on.
Therefore, the routes from A to B are in exact correspondence with choices of an odd number
of the 10 vertical segments.
We compute the number of routes using n of these segments, for n = 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. In each case,
the length of the route will be 9 + n. ! !
10 10
For n = 1 and n = 9, the number of routes is = = 10.
1 9
! !
10 10 10(9)(8)
For n = 3 and n = 7, the number of routes is = = = 120.
3 7 3(2)(1)
!
10 10(9)(8)(7)(6) 10(9)(8)(7)
For n = 5, the number of routes is = = = 2(9)(2)(7) = 252.
5 5(4)(3)(2)(1) 5(4)
Therefore, the route length with the maximum number of routes is when n = 5. In this case,
the route length is 14 and the number of routes is 252.
(Instead of going !through all of the above calculations, we could have remarked that among
10
the numbers , the largest occurs when n is exactly half of 10.)
n
Part B
so x = 1.
(b) Solution 1
Since x = 1, the first term of the sequence is 0.
Since the last term is 72, the sequence is arithmetic, and we are told that there is a middle
0 + 72
term, then this middle term is equal to = 36.
2
(Note that if there was an even number of terms, there would not necessarily be a middle
term. Since we are asked to find the middle term, we can safely assume that there is one!)
Solution 2
Since x = 1, the first three terms of the sequence are 0, 4, 8.
Since the common difference is 4 and the first term is 0, the number of times that the
72 − 0
difference needs to be added to get to the final term of 72 is = 18.
4
Therefore, 72 is the 19th term.
The middle term is thus the 10th term, or 0 + 4(10 − 1) = 36.
(c) Since y − 1, 2y + 2, and 7y + 1 form a geometric sequence, then
2y + 2 7y + 1
=
y−1 2y + 2
2
(2y + 2) = (y − 1)(7y + 1)
4y 2 + 8y + 4 = 7y 2 − 6y − 1
0 = 3y 2 − 14y − 5
0 = (3y + 1)(y − 5)
Therefore, y = − 13 or y = 5.
(d) If y = − 13 , the first three terms of the sequence are − 34 , 43 , − 34 .
4
3
In this case, the common ratio between successive terms is = −1.
− 34
Therefore, the 6th term in this sequence is − 34 (−1)5 = 43 .
12
In this case, the common ratio between successive terms is = 3.
4
Therefore, the 6th term in this sequence is 4(35 ) = 4(243) = 972.
2. (a) Solution 1
Since ∠ABC = ∠BCD = 90◦ , then BA and CD are parallel, so ABCD is a trapezoid.
Thus, the area of ABCD is 12 (24)(9 + 18) = 12(27) = 324.
Solution 2
Since ∠ABC = 90◦ , then the area of 4ABC is 12 (9)(24) = 9(12) = 108.
Also, since ∠BCD = 90◦ , then 4ACD has height 24.
Therefore, the area of 4ACD is 12 (18)(24) = 9(24) = 216.
Thus, the area of quadrilateral ABCD is 108 + 216 = 324.
(b) Solution 1
Since BA is parallel to CD, then ∠ABD = ∠BDC.
Since ∠BEA = ∠DEC as well, then 4ABE is similar to 4CDE.
DE CD 18
Therefore, = = = 2, so DE : EB = 2 : 1, as required.
BE AB 9
Solution 2
As suggested by the diagram, we coordinatize the diagram.
Put C at the origin, D on the positive x-axis (with coordinates (18, 0)) and B on the
positive y-axis (with coordinates (0, 24)).
Since ∠ABC = 90◦ , then A has coordinates (9, 24).
Therefore, the line through C and A has slope 24 9
= 83 so has equation y = 83 x.
Also, the line through B and D has slope −24 18
= − 43 , so has equation y = − 34 x + 24.
Point E lies at the point of intersection of these lines, so we combine the equations to find
the coordinates of E, getting 38 x = − 43 x + 24 or 4x = 24 or x = 6.
Therefore, E has y-coordinate 38 (6) = 16, so E has coordinates (6, 16).
To show that DE : EB = 2 : 1, we can note that E lies one-third of the way along from B
to D since the x-coordinate of E is one-third that of D (and the x-coordinate of B is 0),
or since the y-coordinate of E is two-thirds that of B (and the y-coordinate of D is 0).
Alternatively, we could calculate the length BE (which is 10) and the length of ED (which
is 20).
Using any of these methods, DE : EB = 2 : 1.
(c) Solution 1
From (b), 4ABE is similar to 4CDE and their sides are in the ratio 1 : 2.
This also tells us that the height of 4CDE is twice that of 4ABE.
Since the sum of the heights of the two triangles is 24, then the height of 4CDE is
2
3
(24) = 16.
2007 COMC Solutions Page 9
Solution 2
From (b), the coordinates of E are (6, 16).
Therefore, the height of 4DEC is 16.
Therefore, the area of 4DEC is 12 (18)(16) = 144.
(d) Solution 1
From (c), the area of 4DEC is 144.
From Solution 2 of (a), the area of 4ACD is 216.
The area of 4DAE is the difference in these areas, or 216 − 144 = 72.
Solution 2
Using the coordinatization from (b), the coordinates of A are (9, 24), the coordinates of
E are (6, 16), and the coordinates of D are (18, 0).
Using the “up products and down products” method, the area of the triangle is
9 24
1 6 16 1
= |9(16) + 6(0) + 18(24) − 24(6) − 16(18) − 0(9)|
2 18 0
2
1
9 24
= |144 + 0 + 432 − 144 − 288 − 0|
2
= 72
A1 B1 A2 B2 A3 B3 A4 B4 Winner
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 B
2 2 1 1 1 1 B
2 2 2 2 B
2 2 3 1 B
3 5 B
4 4 B
5 3 B
6 2 B
7 1 B
Thus, no matter what number of stones Alphonse removes initially, there is a move that
Beryl can make which allows her to win. (There are possible combinations of moves where
Alphonse wins that are not listed in this chart.) Therefore, Beryl should win when N = 8.
Her strategy is:
• If Alphonse removes 3 or more stones, then he can remove the remaining stones in
the pile and win.
• If Alphonse removes 1 or 2 stones, then he can win by using the table above, choosing
a row for which she wins. In effect, Beryl repeats Alphonse’s move on her first turn.
This ensures that Alphonse receives a pile with an even number of stones and that he
can remove no more than 3 stones on his next turn. Thus, she can win, as the table
shows.
(c) Solution 1
We show that Beryl has a winning strategy if and only if N = 2m , with m a positive
integer.
First, if N is odd, we know that Alphonse has a winning strategy as in (a) (Alphonse
removes 1 stone, forcing Beryl to remove 1 stone, and so on).
Second, if N = 2, then Beryl wins as Alphonse must remove 1 stone to begin, so Beryl
removes the remaining stone.
Next, we show that if N = 2k, then the player who has the winning strategy for N = k
also has a winning strategy for N = 2k. This will tell us that Beryl has a winning strategy
for N = 2, 4, 8, 16, . . . (in general, for N = 2m ) and that Alphonse has a winning strategy
if N = 2m q where q is an odd integer (since Alphonse wins for N = q, 2q, 4q, . . .). Since
every even integer can be written in one of these two forms, this will complete our proof.
So consider N = 2k.
• If either player removes an odd number of stones from an even-sized pile (leaving an
2007 COMC Solutions Page 11
odd-sized pile), then they can be forced to lose, as the other player can then remove
1 stone from an odd-sized pile and force a win as in (a). So if Alphonse removes
an even number of stones to start, then Beryl should next remove an even number
of stones (so that Alphonse can’t immediately force her to lose), so the pile size will
always remain even and each player’s move will always be to remove an even number
of stones.
• Suppose that Alphonse has a winning strategy for N = k of the form a1 , b1 , a2 , b2 , . . . , aj .
Here, we mean that Alphonse removes a1 stones on his first turn and responds to
Beryl’s first move b1 by removing a2 and so on. (Of course, a2 will depend on b1
which could take a number of values, and so on.) Since these are valid moves, then
1 ≤ a1 < k, and b1 < 2a1 , and a2 < 2b1 , and so on.
Then 2a1 , 2b1 , 2a2 , 2b2 , . . . , 2aj will be a winning strategy for Alphonse for N = 2k
since 1 < 2a1 < 2k, and 2b1 < 2(2a1 ), and 2a2 < 2(2b1 ), and so on, so this is a valid
sequence of moves and they exhaust the pile with Alphonse taking the last stone.
In other words, to win when N = 2k, Alphonse consults his winning strategy for
N = k. He removes twice his initial winning move for N = k. If Beryl removes 2b
stones next, Alphonse then removes 2a stones, where a is his winning response to
Beryl removing b stones in the N = k game. This guarantees that he will win.
• Suppose that Beryl has a winning strategy for N = k.
By an analogous argument, Beryl has a winning strategy for N = 2k, for if Alphonse
removes 2a stones, then she removes 2b stones, where b is her winning responding
move to Alphonse removing a stones in the N = k game.
Therefore, Beryl wins if and only if N = 2m , with m a positive integer.
Solution 2
We show that Beryl has a winning strategy if and only if N = 2m , with m a positive
integer.
On her first turn, Beryl thus receives a pile with 2k1 + 2k2 + · · · + 2kj−1 stones. By rule #3,
she must remove fewer than 2(2kj ) = 2kj +1 stones. Since kj−1 > kj , then kj−1 ≥ kj + 1, so
Beryl must remove fewer than 2kj−1 stones.
When she removes these stones, the 2kj−1 will be removed from the representation of the
number of remaining stones, but will be replaced by at least one (if not more) smaller
powers of 2.
Thus, Beryl cannot reduce the number of powers of 2 in the representation.
Suppose that Alphonse thus receives a pile with 2k1 + 2k2 + · · · + 2kj−2 + 2d1 + 2d2 + · · · + 2dh
stones, with k1 > k2 > · · · > kj−2 > d1 > d2 > · · · > dh and h ≥ 1.
This means that Beryl removed B = 2kj−1 − (2d1 + 2d2 + · · · + 2dh ) stones.
But B > 0 and B is divisible by 2dh (since B = 2dh 2kj−1 −dh − (2d1 −dh + 2d2 −dh + · · · + 20
If N is a power of 2, then Alphonse on his first turn cannot decrease the number of
powers of 2 in the representation of N . (This is a similar argument to the one above for
Beryl’s first turn.) On Beryl’s first turn, though, she can reduce the number of powers of
2 (as in Alphonse’s second turn above).
Therefore, the roles are reversed, and Beryl can always reduce the number of powers of 2,
while Alphonse cannot. Therefore, Beryl has a winning strategy when N is a power of 2.
4. (a) Solution 1
In t seconds, the mouse runs 7t metres and the cat runs 13t metres.
Using this, we get a triangle with the cat and mouse meeting at point P .
P
13t
7t
120
C 60 M
2007 COMC Solutions Page 13
Therefore, t = 15
2
or t = −4.
15
Since t represents a time, then t > 0, so t = 2
.
Solution 2
In t seconds, the mouse runs 7t metres and the cat runs 13t metres.
Using this, we get a triangle with the cat and mouse meeting at point P . Drop a perpen-
dicular from P to N on CM extended.
P
13t
7t
60
C 60 M N
CP 2 = CN 2 + N P 2
√ 2
2 7 2
(13t) = 60 + 2 t + 7 2 3 t
Therefore, t = 15
2
or t = −4.
15
Since t represents a time, then t > 0, so t = 2
.
2007 COMC Solutions Page 14
(b) Solution 1
We coordinatize the situation, as suggested in the diagram with C having coordinates
(−60, 0) and M having coordinates (0, 0).
Suppose that the cat intercepts the mouse at point P (x, y).
CP 13
Since the cat runs at 13 m/s and the mouse at 7 m/s, then = . Thus,
MP 7
p
(x + 60)2 + y 2 13
p =
x2 + y 2 7
(x + 60)2 + y 2 169
2 2
=
x +y 49
49((x + 60) + y ) = 169(x2 + y 2 )
2 2
Solution 2
We coordinatize the situation, as suggested in the diagram, with C having coordinates
(−60, 0) and M having coordinates (0, 0).
Suppose that the cat intercepts the mouse at point P (x, y).
Suppose that the cat intercepts the mouse after t seconds and that the mouse runs in the
direction θ East of North. (θ here could be negative. We can assume that −90◦ ≤ θ ≤ 90◦
to keep the situation in the upper half of the plane. If θ did not lie in this range, then
P would be in the lower half plane and we could reflect it in the x-axis and use this
argument.)
P(x, y)
13t
7t
C 60 m M
2007 COMC Solutions Page 15
As in (a),
x2 + y 2
− x = 30
49
x2 − 49x − 49(30) + y 2 = 0
Solution 3
We coordinatize the situation, as suggested in the diagram with C having coordinates
(−60, 0) and M having coordinates (0, 0).
Suppose that the cat intercepts the mouse at point P (x, y).
Suppose that the cat intercepts the mouse after t seconds and that the mouse runs in the
direction θ East of North. (θ here could be negative. We can assume that −90◦ ≤ θ ≤ 90◦
to keep the situation in the upper half of the plane. If θ did not lie in this range, then
P would be in the lower half plane and we could reflect it in the x-axis and use this
argument.)
P(x, y)
13t
7t
C 60 m M
If the mouse decides to run due East, then it will be caught when −60+13t = 7t or t = 10,
so will be caught at B(70, 0).
If the mouse decides to run due West, then it will be caught when −60 + 13t = −7t or
t = 3, so will be caught at A(−21, 0).
The positions above the x-axis where the mouse will be caught should be exactly symmetric
with the positions below the x-axis where the mouse will be caught. Therefore, if these
positions lie on a circle, then a diameter of this circle should lie on the x-axis.
Since the only positions on the x-axis where the mouse will be caught are A(−21, 0) and
2007 COMC Solutions Page 16
so P E = 91
2
, as required.
Therefore, all points of intersection lie on a circle.
(c) From (b), we know that the points of intersection lie on the circle with diameter AB,
where A has coordinates (−21, 0) and B has coordinates (70, 0).
Suppose that the mouse is intercepted at point P1 after running d1 metres and at point
P2 after running d2 metres.
P1
d1
21 70
A B
M
d2
P2