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Compute $\begin{pmatrix} 2 & - 1 \\ - 3 & 4 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ - 1 \end{pmatrix}.$
Level 2
Precalculus
We have that \[\begin{pmatrix} 2 & - 1 \\ - 3 & 4 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ - 1 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} (2)(3) + (-1)(-1) \\ (-3)(3) + (4)(-1) \end{pmatrix} = \boxed{\begin{pmatrix} 7 \\ -13 \end{pmatrix}}.\]
The vectors $\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 1 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\mathbf{b} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 2 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}.$ There exist scalars $p,$ $q,$ and $r$ such that \[\begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix} = p \mathbf{a} + q \mathbf{b} + r (\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}).\]Find $r.$
Level 3
Precalculus
We can compute that $\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 3 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix}.$ From the given equation, \[(\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}) \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix} = p ((\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}) \cdot \mathbf{a}) + q ((\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}) \cdot \mathbf{b}) + r ((...
For real numbers $t \neq 0,$ the point \[(x,y) = \left( \frac{t + 1}{t}, \frac{t - 1}{t} \right)\]is plotted. All the plotted points lie on what kind of curve? (A) Line (B) Circle (C) Parabola (D) Ellipse (E) Hyperbola Enter the letter of the correct option.
Level 2
Precalculus
For $x = \frac{t + 1}{t}$ and $y = \frac{t - 1}{t},$ \[x + y = \frac{t + 1}{t} + \frac{t - 1}{t} = \frac{2t}{t} = 2.\]Thus, all the plotted points lie on a line. The answer is $\boxed{\text{(A)}}.$
If $\cos \theta = \frac{1}{4},$ then find $\cos 3 \theta.$
Level 2
Precalculus
From the triple angle formula, \[\cos 3 \theta = 4 \cos^3 \theta - 3 \cos \theta = 4 \left( \frac{1}{4} \right)^3 - 3 \cdot \frac{1}{4} = \boxed{-\frac{11}{16}}.\]
Let $P$ be the plane passing through the origin with normal vector $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find the matrix $\mathbf{P}$ such that for any vector $\mathbf{v},$ $\mathbf{P} \mathbf{v}$ is the projection of $\mathbf{v}$ onto plane $P.$
Level 5
Precalculus
Let $\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix},$ and let $\mathbf{p}$ be the projection of $\mathbf{p}$ onto plane $P.$ Then $\mathbf{v} - \mathbf{p}$ is the projection of $\mathbf{v}$ onto the normal vector $\mathbf{n} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}.$ [asy] import three; size(160); curren...
What is the range of the function $y=\log_2 (\sqrt{\cos x})$ for $-90^\circ< x < 90^\circ$?
Level 3
Precalculus
Since $-90^\circ < x < 90^\circ$, we have that $0 < \cos x \le 1$. Thus, $0 < \sqrt{\cos x} \le 1$. Since the range of $\log_2 x$ for $0<x\le1$ is all non-positive numbers, the range of the entire function is all non-positive numbers, or $\boxed{(-\infty,0]}.$
If $\sin x,$ $\cos x,$ $\tan x$ form a geometric sequence, in this order, then find $\cot^6 x - \cot^2 x.$
Level 2
Precalculus
Since $\sin x,$ $\cos x,$ $\tan x$ is a geometric sequence, \[\cos^2 x = \sin x \tan x.\]Then \[\cot^2 x = \frac{\cos^2 x}{\sin ^2 x} = \frac{\sin x \tan x}{\sin^2 x} = \frac{1}{\cos x},\]so \[\cot^4 x = \frac{1}{\cos^2 x} = \frac{\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x}{\cos^2 x} = \tan^2 x + 1.\]Therefore, \begin{align*} \cot^6 x - \cot...
Find $\csc 225^\circ.$
Level 1
Precalculus
We have that \[\csc 225^\circ = \frac{1}{\sin 225^\circ}.\]Then $\sin 225^\circ = -\sin (225^\circ - 180^\circ) = -\sin 45^\circ = -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}},$ so \[\frac{1}{\sin 225^\circ} = \boxed{-\sqrt{2}}.\]
In spherical coordinates, the point $\left( 3, \frac{2 \pi}{7}, \frac{8 \pi}{5} \right)$ is equivalent to what other point, in the standard spherical coordinate representation? Enter your answer in the form $(\rho,\theta,\phi),$ where $\rho > 0,$ $0 \le \theta < 2 \pi,$ and $0 \le \phi \le \pi.$
Level 5
Precalculus
To find the spherical coordinates of a point $P,$ we measure the angle that $\overline{OP}$ makes with the positive $x$-axis, which is $\theta,$ and the angle that $\overline{OP}$ makes with the positive $z$-axis, which is $\phi,$ where $O$ is the origin. [asy] import three; size(250); currentprojection = perspective...
If $e^{i \alpha} = \frac{3}{5} +\frac{4}{5} i$ and $e^{i \beta} = -\frac{12}{13} + \frac{5}{13} i,$ then find $\sin (\alpha + \beta).$
Level 3
Precalculus
Multiplying the given equations, we obtain \[e^{i (\alpha + \beta)} = \left( \frac{3}{5} +\frac{4}{5} i \right) \left( -\frac{12}{13} + \frac{5}{13} i \right) = -\frac{56}{65} - \frac{33}{65} i.\]But $e^{i (\alpha + \beta)} = \cos (\alpha + \beta) + i \sin (\alpha + \beta),$ so $\sin (\alpha + \beta) = \boxed{-\frac{3...
Let $\mathbf{R}$ be the matrix for reflecting over the vector $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find $\mathbf{R}^2.$
Level 4
Precalculus
Let $\mathbf{v}$ be an arbitrary vector, and let $\mathbf{r}$ be the reflection of $\mathbf{v}$ over $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix},$ so $\mathbf{r} = \mathbf{R} \mathbf{v}.$ [asy] unitsize(1 cm); pair D, P, R, V; D = (3,1); V = (1.5,2); R = reflect((0,0),D)*(V); P = (V + R)/2; draw((-1,0)--(4,0)); draw((0,-...
The sides of an isosceles triangle are $\cos x,$ $\cos x,$ and $\cos 7x,$ and its vertex angle is $2x.$ (All angle measurements are in degrees.) Enter all possible values of $x,$ separated by commas.
Level 5
Precalculus
Note that angle $x$ must be acute. If we drop an altitude from the vertex of the isosceles triangle, then we obtain two right triangles, where one of the angles is $x,$ the opposite side is $\frac{\cos 7x}{2},$ and the hypotenuse is $\cos x.$ Hence, \[\sin x = \frac{\frac{\cos 7x}{2}}{\cos x} = \frac{\cos 7x}{2 \cos ...
If $\sin x + \sin y = \frac{96}{65}$ and $\cos x + \cos y = \frac{72}{65}$, then what is the value of $\tan x + \tan y$?
Level 5
Precalculus
From the angle addition formula, \begin{align*} \tan x + \tan y &= \frac{\sin x}{\cos x} + \frac{\sin y}{\cos y} \\ &= \frac{\sin x \cos y + \cos x \sin y}{\cos x \cos y} \\ &= \frac{\sin (x + y)}{\cos x \cos y} \\ &= \frac{2 \sin (x + y)}{\cos (x + y) + \cos (x - y)}. \end{align*}Squaring the given equations and addin...
For each integer $n$ greater than 1, let $F(n)$ be the number of solutions of the equation $\sin x = \sin nx$ on the interval $[0, \pi]$. What is $\sum_{n=2}^{2007} F(n)$?
Level 5
Precalculus
Note that $F(n)$ is the number of points at which the graphs of $y=\sin x$ and $y=\sin nx$ intersect on $[0,\pi]$. For each $n$, $\sin nx \geq 0$ on each interval $\left[ \frac{(2k-2) \pi}{n}, \frac{(2k-1) \pi}{n} \right]$ where $k $ is a positive integer and $2k-1 \leq n$. The number of such intervals is $\frac{n}{2...
The matrices \[\begin{pmatrix} 3 & -8 \\ a & 11 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \begin{pmatrix} 11 & b \\ 4 & 3 \end{pmatrix}\]are inverses. Enter the ordered pair $(a,b).$
Level 2
Precalculus
The product of the matrices is \[\begin{pmatrix} 3 & -8 \\ a & 11 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 11 & b \\ 4 & 3 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 3b - 24 \\ 11a + 44 & ab + 33 \end{pmatrix}.\]We want this to be the identity matrix, so $3b - 24 = 0,$ $11a + 44 = 0,$ and $ab + 33 = 1.$ Solving, we find $(a,b) = \boxed...
Given that $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b}$ are nonzero vectors such that $\|\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}\| = \|\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}\|,$ find the angle between $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b},$ in degrees.
Level 2
Precalculus
From $\|\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}\| = \|\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}\|,$ $\|\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}\|^2 = \|\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}\|^2.$ Then \[(\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}) \cdot (\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}) = (\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}) \cdot (\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}).\]We can expand this as \[\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{a} + 2 \math...
In triangle $ABC,$ the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$ is $(1,5,-1),$ the midpoint of $\overline{AC}$ is $(0,4,-2),$ and the midpoint of $\overline{AB}$ is $(2,3,4).$ Find the coordinates of vertex $A.$
Level 4
Precalculus
Let $D,$ $E,$ $F$ be the midpoints of $\overline{BC},$ $\overline{AC},$ $\overline{AB},$ respectively. Then geometrically, $AEDF$ is a parallelogram. This means the midpoints of $\overline{AD}$ and $\overline{EF}$ coincide. [asy] unitsize(0.5 cm); pair A, B, C, D, E, F; A = (2,5); B = (0,0); C = (9,0); D = (B + C)...
Let $\mathbf{D}$ be a matrix representing a dilation with scale factor $k > 0,$ and let $\mathbf{R}$ be a matrix representing a rotation about the origin by an angle of $\theta$ counter-clockwise. If \[\mathbf{R} \mathbf{D} = \begin{pmatrix} 8 & -4 \\ 4 & 8 \end{pmatrix},\]then find $\tan \theta.$
Level 3
Precalculus
We have that $\mathbf{D} = \begin{pmatrix} k & 0 \\ 0 & k \end{pmatrix}$ and $\mathbf{R} = \begin{pmatrix} \cos \theta & -\sin \theta \\ \sin \theta & \cos \theta \end{pmatrix},$ so \[\mathbf{R} \mathbf{D} = \begin{pmatrix} \cos \theta & -\sin \theta \\ \sin \theta & \cos \theta \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} k & 0 \\ 0...
For a certain value of $k,$ the system \begin{align*} x + ky + 3z &= 0, \\ 3x + ky - 2z &= 0, \\ 2x + 4y - 3z &= 0 \end{align*}has a solution where $x,$ $y,$ and $z$ are all nonzero. Find $\frac{xz}{y^2}.$
Level 3
Precalculus
We can write the system as \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & k & 3 \\ 3 & k & -2 \\ 2 & 4 & -3 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}.\]This system has a nontrivial system exactly when the determinant of the matrix is 0. This determinant is \begin{align*} \begin{vmatrix...
Find all $a,$ $0^\circ < a < 360^\circ,$ such that $\cos a,$ $\cos 2a,$ and $\cos 3a$ form an arithmetic sequence, in that order. Enter the solutions, separated by commas, in degrees.
Level 4
Precalculus
We want $a$ to satisfy \[\cos a + \cos 3a = 2 \cos 2a.\]By the double-angle and triple-angle formula, this becomes \[\cos a + (4 \cos^3 a - 3 \cos a) = 2 \cdot (2 \cos^2 a - 1).\]This simplifies to \[4 \cos^3 a - 4 \cos^2 a - 2 \cos a + 2 = 0,\]which factors as $2 (\cos a - 1)(2 \cos^2 a - 1) = 0.$ Hence, $\cos a = 1,...
The set of vectors $\mathbf{v}$ such that \[\operatorname{proj}_{\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}} \mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} -\frac{5}{2} \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}\]lie on a line. Enter the equation of this line in the form "$y = mx + b$".
Level 4
Precalculus
Let $\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix}.$ From the formula of a projection, \begin{align*} \operatorname{proj}_{\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}} \mathbf{v} &= \frac{\mathbf{v} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}}{\left\| \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix} \right\|^2} \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 2...
If $\mathbf{A}^{-1} = \begin{pmatrix} -4 & 1 \\ 0 & 2 \end{pmatrix},$ then find the inverse of $\mathbf{A}^2.$
Level 2
Precalculus
Note that $(\mathbf{A}^{-1})^2 \mathbf{A}^2 = \mathbf{A}^{-1} \mathbf{A}^{-1} \mathbf{A} \mathbf{A} = \mathbf{I},$ so the inverse of $\mathbf{A}^2$ is \[(\mathbf{A}^{-1})^2 = \begin{pmatrix} -4 & 1 \\ 0 & 2 \end{pmatrix}^2 = \boxed{\begin{pmatrix}16 & -2 \\ 0 & 4 \end{pmatrix}}.\]
Points $A,$ $B,$ $C,$ and $D$ are equally spaced along a line such that $AB = BC = CD.$ A point $P$ is located so that $\cos \angle APC = \frac{4}{5}$ and $\cos \angle BPD = \frac{3}{5}.$ Determine $\sin (2 \angle BPC).$
Level 5
Precalculus
Let $a = AP,$ $b = BP,$ $c = CP,$ and $d = DP.$ Let $\alpha = \angle APC,$ $\beta = \angle BPD,$ $\gamma = \angle BPC,$ and $\delta = \angle APD.$ Then $\cos \alpha = \frac{4}{5}$ and $\cos \beta = \frac{3}{5}.$ Since \[\cos^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \beta = 1,\]and $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are acute, these angles must satisfy ...
In triangle $ABC,$ $AB = 9,$ $BC = 10,$ and $AC = 11.$ If $D$ and $E$ are chosen on $\overline{AB}$ and $\overline{AC}$ so that $AD = 4$ and $AE = 7,$ then find the area of triangle $ADE.$ [asy] unitsize (1 cm); pair A, B, C, D, E; A = (2,3); B = (0,0); C = (6,0); D = interp(A,B,0.4); E = interp(A,C,3/5); draw(A--...
Level 3
Precalculus
By Heron's formula, the area of triangle $ABC$ is $30 \sqrt{2}.$ Then \[\frac{1}{2} \cdot 10 \cdot 11 \sin A = 30 \sqrt{2},\]so $\sin A = \frac{20 \sqrt{2}}{33}.$ Therefore, \[[ADE] = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 4 \cdot 7 \cdot \frac{20 \sqrt{2}}{33} = \boxed{\frac{280 \sqrt{2}}{33}}.\]
Two lines are perpendicular. One line has a direction vector of $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -7 \end{pmatrix}.$ The other line has a direction vector of $\begin{pmatrix} a \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find $a.$
Level 2
Precalculus
Since the two lines are perpendicular, their direction vectors are orthogonal. This means that the dot product of the direction vectors is 0: \[\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -7 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} a \\ 2 \end{pmatrix} = 0.\]Then $3a - 14 = 0,$ so $a = \boxed{\frac{14}{3}}.$
Find the smallest positive integer $n$ such that \[\begin{pmatrix} \cos 170^\circ & -\sin 170^\circ \\ \sin 170^\circ & \cos 170^\circ \end{pmatrix}^n = \mathbf{I}.\]
Level 3
Precalculus
The matrix \[\begin{pmatrix} \cos 170^\circ & -\sin 170^\circ \\ \sin 170^\circ & \cos 170^\circ \end{pmatrix}\]corresponds to rotating the origin by an angle of $170^\circ$ counter-clockwise. [asy] unitsize(2 cm); draw((-1,0)--(1,0)); draw((0,-1)--(0,1)); draw(arc((0,0),0.8,40,210),red,Arrow(6)); draw((0,0)--dir(40)...
Find the point where the line passing through $(3,4,1)$ and $(5,1,6)$ intersects the $xy$-plane.
Level 3
Precalculus
The direction vector the line is $\begin{pmatrix} 5 - 3 \\ 1 - 4 \\ 6 - 1 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -3 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix},$ so the line is paramaterized by \[\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 4 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -3 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 + 2t \\ 4 - 3t \\ 1 + 5t \end{pmatrix}.\]W...
Let $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ $\mathbf{c}$ be unit vectors such that \[\mathbf{a} \times (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c}) = \frac{\mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c}}{\sqrt{2}},\]and such that $\{\mathbf{a}, \mathbf{b}, \mathbf{c}\}$ is a linearly independent set. Find the angle between $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b},$ in degrees.
Level 4
Precalculus
By the vector triple product identity, \[\mathbf{a} \times (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c}) = (\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{c}) \mathbf{b} - (\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}) \mathbf{c},\]so \[(\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{c}) \mathbf{b} - (\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}) \mathbf{c} = \frac{\mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c}}{\sqrt{2}}.\]Hence, \...
Define $\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 3 & 0 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find the vector $\mathbf{v}$ such that \[(\mathbf{A}^8 + \mathbf{A}^6 + \mathbf{A}^4 + \mathbf{A}^2 + \mathbf{I}) \mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 11 \end{pmatrix}.\]
Level 3
Precalculus
Note that \[\mathbf{A}^2 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 3 & 0 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 3 & 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 & 0 \\ 0 & 3 \end{pmatrix} = 3 \mathbf{I}.\]Then $\mathbf{A}^4 = 9 \mathbf{I},$ $\mathbf{A}^6 = 27 \mathbf{I},$ and $\mathbf{A}^8 = 81 \mathbf{I},$ so \[\mathbf{A}^8 + \mathbf{A}^6 + ...
Find $\tan \left( -\frac{3 \pi}{4} \right).$
Level 1
Precalculus
Converting to degrees, \[-\frac{3 \pi}{4} = \frac{180^\circ}{\pi} \cdot \left( -\frac{3 \pi}{4} \right) = -135^\circ.\]Since the tangent function has period $180^\circ,$ $\tan (-135^\circ) = \tan (-135^\circ + 180^\circ) = \tan 45^\circ = \boxed{1}.$
If $\det \mathbf{M} = -2,$ then find $ \det (\mathbf{M}^4).$
Level 1
Precalculus
We have that $\det (\mathbf{M}^4) = (\det \mathbf{M})^4 = \boxed{16}.$
Find the ordered pair $(a,b)$ of integers such that \[\sqrt{9 - 8 \sin 50^\circ} = a + b \csc 50^\circ.\]
Level 5
Precalculus
We write \[9 - 8 \sin 50^\circ = \frac{9 \sin^2 50^\circ - 8 \sin^3 50^\circ}{\sin^2 50^\circ} = \frac{9 \sin^2 50^\circ - 6 \sin 50^\circ + 6 \sin 50^\circ - 8 \sin^3 50^\circ}{\sin^2 50^\circ}.\]By the triple angle identity, \begin{align*} 6 \sin 50^\circ - 8 \sin^3 50^\circ &= 2 \sin (3 \cdot 50^\circ) \\ &= 2 \sin ...
Evaluate \[\begin{vmatrix} 1 & x & y \\ 1 & x + y & y \\ 1 & x & x + y \end{vmatrix}.\]
Level 4
Precalculus
We can expand the determinant as follows: \begin{align*} \begin{vmatrix} 1 & x & y \\ 1 & x + y & y \\ 1 & x & x + y \end{vmatrix} &= \begin{vmatrix} x + y & y \\ x & x + y \end{vmatrix} - x \begin{vmatrix} 1 & y \\ 1 & x + y \end{vmatrix} + y \begin{vmatrix} 1 & x + y \\ 1 & x \end{vmatrix} \\ &= ((x + y)^2 - xy) - x...
Compute $\cos 72^\circ.$
Level 2
Precalculus
Let $a = \cos 36^\circ$ and $b = \cos 72^\circ.$ Then by the double angle formula, \[b = 2a^2 - 1.\]Also, $\cos (2 \cdot 72^\circ) = \cos 144^\circ = -\cos 36^\circ,$ so \[-a = 2b^2 - 1.\]Subtracting these equations, we get \[a + b = 2a^2 - 2b^2 = 2(a - b)(a + b).\]Since $a$ and $b$ are positive, $a + b$ is nonzero. ...
The matrix $\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ 5 & d \end{pmatrix}$ satisfies \[\mathbf{A}^{-1} = k \mathbf{A}\]for some constant $k.$ Enter the ordered pair $(d,k).$
Level 4
Precalculus
For $\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ 5 & d \end{pmatrix},$ \[\mathbf{A}^{-1} = \frac{1}{2d - 15} \begin{pmatrix} d & -3 \\ -5 & 2 \end{pmatrix}\]Comparing entries to $k \mathbf{A},$ we get \begin{align*} \frac{d}{2d - 15} &= 2k, \\ \frac{-3}{2d - 15} &= 3k, \\ \frac{-5}{2d - 15} &= 5k, \\ \frac{2}{2d - 15} &= dk....
The projection of $\begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}$ onto a certain vector $\mathbf{w}$ is $\begin{pmatrix} -9/10 \\ 3/10 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find the projection of $\begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}$ onto $\mathbf{w}.$
Level 4
Precalculus
Since the projection of $\begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}$ onto $\mathbf{w}$ is $\begin{pmatrix} -9/10 \\ 3/10 \end{pmatrix},$ $\mathbf{w}$ must be a scalar multiple of $\begin{pmatrix} -9/10 \\ 3/10 \end{pmatrix}.$ Furthermore, the projection of a vector onto $\mathbf{w}$ is the same as the projection of the same...
A plane is expressed parametrically by \[\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 + s - t \\ 2 - s \\ 3 - 2s + 2t \end{pmatrix}.\]Find the equation of the plane. Enter your answer in the form \[Ax + By + Cz + D = 0,\]where $A,$ $B,$ $C,$ $D$ are integers such that $A > 0$ and $\gcd(|A|,|B|,|C|,|D|) = 1.$
Level 4
Precalculus
We can express the vector as \[\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} + s \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -1 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 0 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.\]Thus, the plane is generated by $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -1 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 0 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix},$ so we can...
Find the smallest positive integer $k$ such that $ z^{10} + z^9 + z^6+z^5+z^4+z+1 $ divides $z^k-1$.
Level 5
Precalculus
First, we factor the given polynomial. The polynomial has almost all the powers of $z$ from 1 to $z^6,$ which we can fill in by adding and subtracting $z^2$ and $z^3.$ This allows us to factor as follows: \begin{align*} z^{10} + z^9 + z^6 + z^5 + z^4 + z + 1 &= (z^{10} - z^3) + (z^9 - z^2) + (z^6 + z^5 + z^4 + z^3 + ...
If \[\sin x + \cos x + \tan x + \cot x + \sec x + \csc x = 7,\]then find $\sin 2x.$
Level 5
Precalculus
Expressing everything in terms of $\sin x$ and $\cos x,$ we get \[\sin x + \cos x + \frac{\sin x}{\cos x} + \frac{\cos x}{\sin x} + \frac{1}{\sin x} + \frac{1}{\cos x} = 7.\]Then \[\sin x + \cos x + \frac{\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x}{\sin x \cos x} + \frac{\sin x + \cos x}{\sin x \cos x} = 7,\]which becomes \[\sin x + \cos x +...
Find the phase shift of the graph of $y = \sin (3x - \pi).$
Level 2
Precalculus
Since the graph of $y = \sin (3x - \pi)$ is the same as the graph of $y = \sin 3x$ shifted $\frac{\pi}{3}$ units to the right, the phase shift is $\boxed{\frac{\pi}{3}}.$ [asy]import TrigMacros; size(400); real g(real x) { return sin(3*x - pi); } real f(real x) { return sin(3*x); } draw(graph(g,-2*pi,2*pi,n=700,...
Define the sequence $a_1, a_2, a_3, \ldots$ by $a_n = \sum\limits_{k=1}^n \sin{k}$, where $k$ represents radian measure. Find the index of the 100th term for which $a_n < 0$.
Level 5
Precalculus
By the product-to-sum formula, \[\sin \frac{1}{2} \sin k = \frac{1}{2} \left[ \cos \left( k - \frac{1}{2} \right) - \cos \left( k + \frac{1}{2} \right) \right].\]Thus, we can make the sum in the problem telescope: \begin{align*} a_n &= \sum_{k = 1}^n \sin k \\ &= \sum_{k = 1}^n \frac{\sin \frac{1}{2} \sin k}{\sin \frac...
Find the number of real solutions of the equation \[\frac{x}{100} = \sin x.\]
Level 3
Precalculus
Since $-1 \le \sin x \le 1,$ all solutions must lie in the interval $[-100,100].$ [asy] unitsize (1 cm); real func (real x) { return (2*sin(pi*x)); } draw(graph(func,0,4.2),red); draw(graph(func,8.8,12),red); draw((0,0)--(4.5,2/11.8*4.5),blue); draw((8.8,2/11.8*8.8)--(11.8,2),blue); draw((0,-2)--(0,2)); draw((0,0)...
Let $A,$ $B,$ $C$ be the angles of a triangle. Evaluate \[\begin{vmatrix} \sin^2 A & \cot A & 1 \\ \sin^2 B & \cot B & 1 \\ \sin^2 C & \cot C & 1 \end{vmatrix}.\]
Level 2
Precalculus
We can expand the determinant as follows: \begin{align*} \begin{vmatrix} \sin^2 A & \cot A & 1 \\ \sin^2 B & \cot B & 1 \\ \sin^2 C & \cot C & 1 \end{vmatrix} &= \sin^2 A \begin{vmatrix} \cot B & 1 \\ \cot C & 1 \end{vmatrix} - \cot A \begin{vmatrix} \sin^2 B & 1 \\ \sin^2 C & 1 \end{vmatrix} + \begin{vmatrix} \sin^2 B...
Let $G$ be the centroid of triangle $ABC,$ and let $P$ be an arbitrary point. Then there exists a constant $k$ so that \[PA^2 + PB^2 + PC^2 = k \cdot PG^2 + GA^2 + GB^2 + GC^2.\]Find $k.$
Level 2
Precalculus
Let $\mathbf{a}$ denote $\overrightarrow{A},$ etc. Then \begin{align*} PA^2 &= \|\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{a}\|^2 = \mathbf{p} \cdot \mathbf{p} - 2 \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{p} + \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{a}, \\ PB^2 &= \mathbf{p} \cdot \mathbf{p} - 2 \mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{p} + \mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{b}, \\ PC^2 &= \ma...
If angle $A$ lies in the second quadrant and $\sin A = \frac{3}{4},$ find $\cos A.$
Level 2
Precalculus
Since angle $A$ lies in the second quadrant, $\cos A$ is negative. Also, \[\cos^2 A = 1 - \sin^2 A = 1 - \frac{9}{16} = \frac{7}{16},\]so $\cos A = \boxed{-\frac{\sqrt{7}}{4}}.$
The real numbers $a$ and $b$ satisfy \[\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ a \\ -7 \end{pmatrix} \times \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 4 \\ b \end{pmatrix} = \mathbf{0}.\]Enter the ordered pair $(a,b).$
Level 2
Precalculus
In general, $\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{w} = \mathbf{0}$ if and only if the vectors $\mathbf{v}$ and $\mathbf{w}$ are proportional. Thus, the vectors $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ a \\ -7 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 4 \\ b \end{pmatrix}$ are proportional. Thus, \[\frac{5}{2} = \frac{4}{a} = \frac{b}{-7}.\]Solving...