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1969 Canadian MO Problems

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Contents

Problem 1

Show that if a_1/b_1=a_2/b_2=a_3/b_3 and p_1,p_2,p_3 are not all zero, then \left(\frac{a_1}{b_1} \right)^n=\frac{p_1a_1^n+p_2a_2^n+p_3a_3^n}{p_1b_1^n+p_2b_2^n+p_3b_3^n} for every positive integer n.

Solution

Problem 2

Determine which of the two numbers \sqrt{c+1}-\sqrt{c}, \sqrt{c}-\sqrt{c-1} is greater for any c\ge 1.

Solution

Problem 3

Let c be the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle whose two other sides have lengths a and b. Prove that a+b\le c\sqrt{2}. When does the equality hold?

Solution

Problem 4

Let ABC be an equilateral triangle, and P be an arbitrary point within the triangle. Perpendiculars PD,PE,PF are drawn to the three sides of the triangle. Show that, no matter where P is chosen, \frac{PD+PE+PF}{AB+BC+CA}=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{3}}.

Solution

Problem 5

Let ABC be a triangle with sides of length a, b and c. Let the bisector of the \angle C cut AB at D. Prove that the length of CD is \frac{2ab\cos \frac{C}{2}}{a+b}.

Solution

Problem 6

Find the sum of 1\cdot 1!+2\cdot 2!+3\cdot 3!+\cdots+(n-1)(n-1)!+n\cdot n!, where n!=n(n-1)(n-2)\cdots2\cdot1.

Solution

Problem 7

Show that there are no integers a,b,c for which a^2+b^2-8c=6.

Solution

Problem 8

Let f be a function with the following properties:

1) f(n) is defined for every positive integer n;

2) f(n) is an integer;

3) f(2)=2;

4) f(mn)=f(m)f(n) for all m and n;

5) f(m)>f(n) whenever m>n.

Prove that f(n)=n.

Solution

Problem 9

Show that for any quadrilateral inscribed in a circle of radius 1, the length of the shortest side is less than or equal to \sqrt{2}.

Solution

Problem 10

Let ABC be the right-angled isosceles triangle whose equal sides have length 1. P is a point on the hypotenuse, and the feet of the perpendiculars from P to the other sides are Q and R. Consider the areas of the triangles APQ and PBR, and the area of the rectangle QCRP. Prove that regardless of how P is chosen, the largest of these three areas is at least 2/9.

Solution

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