problem stringlengths 16 1.47k | solution stringlengths 29 4.47k | type stringclasses 7
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Let $A,$ $B,$ $C$ be the angles of a non-right triangle. Compute \[\begin{vmatrix} \tan A & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & \tan B & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & \tan C \end{vmatrix}.\] | Expanding the determinant, we get
\begin{align*}
\begin{vmatrix} \tan 1 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & \tan B & 1 \\ 1 & 1 & \tan C \end{vmatrix} &= \tan A \begin{vmatrix} \tan B & 1 \\ 1 & \tan C \end{vmatrix} - \begin{vmatrix} 1 & 1 \\ 1 & \tan C \end{vmatrix} + \begin{vmatrix} 1 & \tan B \\ 1 & 1 \end{vmatrix} \\
&= \tan A(\tan B... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Let $\mathcal{C}$ be the hyperbola $y^2 - x^2 = 1$. Given a point $P_0$ on the $x$-axis, a sequence of points $(P_n)$ on the $x$-axis is constructed in the following manner: let $\ell_n$ be the line with slope 1 passing passing through $P_n$, then $P_{n+1}$ is the orthogonal projection of the point of intersection of ... | Let $P_n = (x_n, 0)$. Then the $\ell_n$ meet $\mathcal{C}$ at $(x_{n+1}, x_{n+1} - x_n)$. Since this point lies on the hyperbola, we have $(x_{n+1} - x_n)^2 - x_{n+1}^2 = 1$. Rearranging this equation gives \[
x_{n+1} = \frac{x_n^2 - 1}{2x_n}.
\]Choose a $\theta_0 \in (0, \pi)$ with $\cot\theta_0 = x_0$, and define $\t... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Compute $\begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ 7 & -1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & -5 \\ 0 & 4 \end{pmatrix}.$ | We have that
\[\begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ 7 & -1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & -5 \\ 0 & 4 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} (2)(1) + (3)(0) & (2)(-5) + (3)(4) \\ (7)(1) + (-1)(0) & (7)(-5) + (-1)(4) \end{pmatrix} = \boxed{\begin{pmatrix} 2 & 2 \\ 7 & -39 \end{pmatrix}}.\] | Precalculus | Level 1 | precalculus |
Find the integer $n,$ $0 \le n \le 180,$ such that $\cos n^\circ = \cos 758^\circ.$ | Since the cosine function has period $360^\circ,$
\[\cos 758^\circ = \cos (758^\circ - 2 \cdot 360^\circ) = \cos 38^\circ,\]so $n = \boxed{38}.$ | Precalculus | Level 1 | precalculus |
A line is parameterized by \[\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}.\]A second line is parameterized by \[\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} -8 \\ 12 \end{pmatrix} + u \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}.\]If $\theta$ is... | The direction vectors of the lines are $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}.$ The cosine of the angle between these direction vectors is
\[\frac{\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}}{\left\| \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix} \rig... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Let $x$, $y$, and $z$ be real numbers such that \[\cos x + \cos y + \cos z = \sin x + \sin y + \sin z = 0.\]Find the sum of all possible values of $\cos 2x + \cos 2y + \cos 2z.$ | Let $a = e^{ix}$, $b = e^{iy}$, and $c = e^{iz}$. Then
\begin{align*}
a + b + c &= e^{ix} + e^{iy} + e^{iz} \\
&= (\cos x + \cos y + \cos z) + i (\sin x + \sin y + \sin z) \\
&= 0.
\end{align*}Also,
\begin{align*}
\frac{1}{a} + \frac{1}{b} + \frac{1}{c} &= \frac{1}{e^{ix}} + \frac{1}{e^{iy}} + \frac{1}{e^{iz}} \\
&= e... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Let $z_1$ and $z_2$ be the complex roots of $z^2 + az + b = 0,$ where $a$ and $b$ are complex numbers. In the complex plane, 0, $z_1,$ and $z_2$ form the vertices of an equilateral triangle. Find $\frac{a^2}{b}.$ | Let $z_2 = \omega z_1,$ where $\omega = e^{\pi i/3}.$ Then by Vieta's formulas,
\begin{align*}
-a &= z_1 + z_2 = (1 + \omega) z_1, \\
b &= z_1 z_2 = \omega z_1^2.
\end{align*}Hence,
\begin{align*}
\frac{a^2}{b} &= \frac{(1 + \omega)^2 z_1^2}{\omega z_1^2} \\
&= \frac{\omega^2 + 2 \omega + 1}{\omega} \\
&= \omega + 2 +... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Find the matrix $\mathbf{M}$ such that \[\mathbf{M} \mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 2 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix} \times \mathbf{v}\]for all vectors $\mathbf{v}.$ | Let $\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix}.$ Then
\[\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 2 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix} \times \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 8y + 2z \\ -8x - 5z \\ -2x + 5y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 8 & 2 \\ -8 & 0 & -5 \\ -2 & 5 & 0 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
If the matrix $\mathbf{A}$ has an inverse and $(\mathbf{A} - 2 \mathbf{I})(\mathbf{A} - 4 \mathbf{I}) = \mathbf{0},$ then find \[\mathbf{A} + 8 \mathbf{A}^{-1}.\] | Expanding $(\mathbf{A} - 2 \mathbf{I})(\mathbf{A} - 4 \mathbf{I}) = \mathbf{0},$ we get
\[\mathbf{A}^2 - 6 \mathbf{A} + 8 \mathbf{I} = \mathbf{0}.\]Multiplying both sides by $\mathbf{A}^{-1},$ we get
\[\mathbf{A} - 6 \mathbf{I} + 8 \mathbf{A}^{-1} = \mathbf{0}.\]Then
\[\mathbf{A} + 8 \mathbf{A}^{-1} = 6 \mathbf{I} = \b... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Find the unit vector $\mathbf{v},$ lying in the $xz$-plane, which makes an angle of $45^\circ$ with $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 2 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix},$ and an angle of $60^\circ$ with $\begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 1 \\ - 1 \end{pmatrix}.$ | Since $\mathbf{v}$ is a unit vector lying in the $xz$-plane, it is of the form $\begin{pmatrix} x \\ 0 \\ z \end{pmatrix},$ where $x^2 + z^2 = 1.$
Since it makes an angle of $45^\circ$ with $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 2 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix},$
\[\frac{\begin{pmatrix} x \\ 0 \\ z \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 2 \\ -... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Find the inverse of the matrix \[\begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ -1 & 7 \end{pmatrix}.\]If the inverse does not exist, then enter the zero matrix. | From the formula,
\[\begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ -1 & 7 \end{pmatrix}^{-1} = \frac{1}{(2)(7) - (3)(-1)} \begin{pmatrix} 7 & -3 \\ 1 & 2 \end{pmatrix} = \boxed{\begin{pmatrix} 7/17 & -3/17 \\ 1/17 & 2/17 \end{pmatrix}}.\] | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
A line is expressed in the form \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \left( \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} - \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 8 \end{pmatrix} \right) = 0.\]The equation of the line can be expressed in the form $y = mx + b.$ Enter the ordered pair $(m,b).$ | Expanding, we get
\[\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \left( \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} - \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 8 \end{pmatrix} \right) = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} x + 2 \\ y - 8 \end{pmatrix} = (x + 2) + 3(y - 8) = 0.\]Solving for $y,$ we find
\[y = -\frac{1}{3} x + ... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Find the equation of the plane which passes through the point $(1,4,-2),$ and which is parallel to the plane $-2x + y - 3z = 7.$ Enter your answer in the form \[Ax + By + Cz + D = 0,\]where $A,$ $B,$ $C,$ $D$ are integers such that $A > 0$ and $\gcd(|A|,|B|,|C|,|D|) = 1.$ | The plane $-2x + y - 3z = 7$ has normal vector $\begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 1 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix},$ so the plane we seek will also have this normal vector. In other words, the plane will have an equation of the form
\[-2x + y - 3z + D = 0.\]Since we want the coefficient of $x$ to be positive, we can multiply by $-1$ to get
... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Find the matrix $\mathbf{M},$ with real entries, such that \[\mathbf{M}^3 - 4 \mathbf{M}^2 + 5 \mathbf{M} = \begin{pmatrix} 10 & 20 \\ 5 & 10 \end{pmatrix}.\] | Let $\mathbf{M} = \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix}.$ Note that
\[\mathbf{M} (\mathbf{M}^3 - 4 \mathbf{M}^2 + 5 \mathbf{M}) = \mathbf{M}^4 - 4 \mathbf{M}^3 + 5 \mathbf{M}^2 = (\mathbf{M}^3 - 4 \mathbf{M}^2 + 5 \mathbf{M}) \mathbf{M},\]so
\[\begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 10 & 20... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
If $e^{i \alpha} + e^{i \beta} = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{3}{7} i,$ then find $e^{-i \alpha} + e^{-i \beta}.$ | We can write
\[\cos \alpha + i \sin \alpha + \cos \beta + i \sin \beta = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{3}{7} i,\]so $\cos \alpha + \cos \beta = \frac{1}{4}$ and $\sin \alpha + \sin \beta = \frac{3}{7}.$ Therefore,
\begin{align*}
e^{-i \alpha} + e^{-i \beta} &= \cos (-\alpha) + i \sin (-\alpha) + \cos (-\beta) + i \sin (-\beta) ... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Find the equation of the plane passing through the point $(0,7,-7)$ and containing the line \[\frac{x + 1}{-3} = \frac{y - 3}{2} = \frac{z + 2}{1}.\]Enter your answer in the form \[Ax + By + Cz + D = 0,\]where $A,$ $B,$ $C,$ $D$ are integers such that $A > 0$ and $\gcd(|A|,|B|,|C|,|D|) = 1.$ | From the equation, $\frac{x + 1}{-3} = \frac{y - 3}{2},$
\[2x + 3y - 7 = 0.\]From the equation $\frac{y - 3}{2} = \frac{z + 2}{1},$
\[y - 2z - 7 = 0.\]So, any point on the line given in the problem will satisfy $2x + 3y - 7 = 0$ and $y - 2z - 7 = 0,$ which means it will also satisfy any equation of the form
\[a(2x + 3y... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
If \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 & a \\ 0 & 1 & 4 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}^n = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 18 & 2007 \\ 0 & 1 & 36 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix},\]then find $a + n.$ | Let $\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 & a \\ 0 & 1 & 4 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}.$ Then we can write $\mathbf{A} = \mathbf{I} + \mathbf{B},$ where
\[\mathbf{B} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 2 & a \\ 0 & 0 & 4 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}.\]Note that
\[\mathbf{B}^2 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 2 & a \\ 0 & 0 & 4 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \end{pm... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Given that $\cos x - 4 \sin x = 1,$ find all possible values of $\sin x + 4 \cos x.$ | From the equation $\cos x - 4 \sin x = 1,$
\[\cos x - 1 = 4 \sin x.\]Squaring both sides, we get
\[\cos^2 x - 2 \cos x + 1 = 16 \sin^2 x = 16 - 16 \cos^2 x.\]This simplifies to $17 \cos^2 x - 2 \cos x - 15 = 0,$ which factors as
\[(\cos x - 1)(17 \cos x + 15) = 0.\]Hence, $\cos x = 1$ or $\cos x = -\frac{15}{17}.$
If ... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Let $x$ and $y$ be distinct real numbers such that \[ \begin{vmatrix} 1 & 4 & 9 \\ 3 & x & y \\ 3 & y & x \end{vmatrix} = 0.\]Find $x + y.$ | Expanding the determinant, we obtain
\begin{align*}
\begin{vmatrix} 1 & 4 & 9 \\ 3 & x & y \\ 3 & y & x \end{vmatrix} &= \begin{vmatrix} x & y \\ y & x \end{vmatrix} - 4 \begin{vmatrix} 3 & y \\ 3 & x \end{vmatrix} + 9 \begin{vmatrix} 3 & x \\ 3 & y \end{vmatrix} \\
&= (x^2 - y^2) - 4(3x - 3y) + 9(3y - 3x) \\
&= x^2 - ... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Let $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ and $\mathbf{c}$ be unit vectors such that \[\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b} + \sqrt{3} \mathbf{c} = \mathbf{0}.\]Find the angle between $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b},$ in degrees. Note: A unit vector is a vector of magnitude 1. | From the given equation,
\[\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b} = -\sqrt{3} \mathbf{c}.\]Then $(\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}) \cdot (\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}) = 3 \mathbf{c} \cdot \mathbf{c} = 3.$ Expanding, we get
\[\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{a} + 2 \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} + \mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{b} = 3.\]Then $2 \mathbf{a} \cdot ... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
The matrices \[\begin{pmatrix} a & 2 \\ 1 & 4 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \begin{pmatrix} -\frac{2}{7} & \frac{1}{7} \\ b & \frac{3}{14} \end{pmatrix}\]are inverses. Enter the ordered pair $(a,b).$ | The product of the matrices is
\[\begin{pmatrix} a & 2 \\ 1 & 4 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} -\frac{2}{7} & \frac{1}{7} \\ b & \frac{3}{14} \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 2b - \frac{2a}{7} & \frac{a + 3}{7} \\ 4b - \frac{2}{7} & 1 \end{pmatrix}.\]We want this to be the identity matrix, so $2b - \frac{2a}{7} = 1,$ $\f... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
The quantity \[\frac{\tan \frac{\pi}{5} + i}{\tan \frac{\pi}{5} - i}\]is a tenth root of unity. In other words, it is equal to $\cos \frac{2n \pi}{10} + i \sin \frac{2n \pi}{10}$ for some integer $n$ between 0 and 9 inclusive. Which value of $n$? | We have that
\begin{align*}
\frac{\tan \frac{\pi}{5} + i}{\tan \frac{\pi}{5} - i} &= \frac{\frac{\sin \frac{\pi}{5}}{\cos \frac{\pi}{5}} + i}{\frac{\sin \frac{\pi}{5}}{\cos \frac{\pi}{5}} - i} \\
&= \frac{\sin \frac{\pi}{5} + i \cos \frac{\pi}{5}}{\sin \frac{\pi}{5} - i \cos \frac{\pi}{5}} \\
&= \frac{i \sin \frac{\pi}... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Let $\alpha$ and $\beta$ be real numbers. Find the minimum value of \[(2 \cos \alpha + 5 \sin \beta - 8)^2 + (2 \sin \alpha + 5 \cos \beta - 15)^2.\] | Let $x = 2 \cos \alpha + 5 \sin \beta$ and $y = 2 \sin \alpha + 5 \cos \beta.$ Then
\begin{align*}
x^2 + y^2 &= (2 \cos \alpha + 5 \sin \beta)^2 + (2 \sin \alpha + 5 \cos \beta)^2 \\
&= 4 \cos^2 \alpha + 20 \cos \alpha \sin \beta + 25 \sin^2 \beta + 4 \sin^2 \alpha + 20 \sin \alpha \cos \beta + 25 \cos^2 \beta \\
&= ... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Let \[\mathbf{A} = \renewcommand{\arraystretch}{1.5} \begin{pmatrix} \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} & 0 & -\frac{1}{2} \\ 0 & -1 & 0 \\ \frac{1}{2} & 0 & \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \end{pmatrix} \renewcommand{\arraystretch}{1}.\]Compute $\mathbf{A}^{2018}.$ | We compute the first few powers of $\mathbf{A}$:
\begin{align*}
\mathbf{A}^2 &= \renewcommand{\arraystretch}{1.5} \begin{pmatrix} \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} & 0 & -\frac{1}{2} \\ 0 & -1 & 0 \\ \frac{1}{2} & 0 & \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \end{pmatrix} \renewcommand{\arraystretch}{1} \renewcommand{\arraystretch}{1.5} \begin{pmatrix} \f... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
The matrix for projecting onto a certain line $\ell,$ which passes through the origin, is given by \[\renewcommand{\arraystretch}{1.5} \begin{pmatrix} \frac{2}{15} & -\frac{1}{15} & -\frac{1}{3} \\ -\frac{1}{15} & \frac{1}{30} & \frac{1}{6} \\ -\frac{1}{3} & \frac{1}{6} & \frac{5}{6} \end{pmatrix} \renewcommand{\arrays... | Let $\mathbf{P}$ denote the given matrix, so $\mathbf{P} \mathbf{v}$ is the projection of $\mathbf{v}$ onto $\ell.$ In particular, $\mathbf{P} \mathbf{v}$ lies on $\ell$ for any vector $\mathbf{v}.$ So, we can take $\mathbf{v} = \mathbf{i}.$ Then
\[\mathbf{P} \mathbf{i} = \begin{pmatrix} \frac{2}{15} \\ -\frac{1}{15... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Convert the point $( -2, -2 \sqrt{3}, -1)$ in rectangular coordinates to cylindrical coordinates. Enter your answer in the form $(r,\theta,z),$ where $r > 0$ and $0 \le \theta < 2 \pi.$ | We have that $r = \sqrt{(-2)^2 + (-2 \sqrt{3})^2} = 4.$ We want $\theta$ to satisfy
\begin{align*}
-2 &= 4 \cos \theta, \\
-2 \sqrt{3} &= 4 \sin \theta.
\end{align*}Thus, $\theta = \frac{4 \pi}{3},$ so the cylindrical coordinates are $\boxed{\left( 4, \frac{4 \pi}{3}, -1 \right)}.$ | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Let $a,$ $b,$ $c$ be integers such that \[\mathbf{A} = \frac{1}{5} \begin{pmatrix} -3 & a \\ b & c \end{pmatrix}\]and $\mathbf{A}^2 = \mathbf{I}.$ Find the largest possible value of $a + b + c.$ | We have that
\begin{align*}
\mathbf{A}^2 &= \frac{1}{25} \begin{pmatrix} -3 & a \\ b & c \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} -3 & a \\ b & c \end{pmatrix} \\
&= \frac{1}{25} \begin{pmatrix} 9 + ab & -3a + ac \\ -3b + bc & ab + c^2 \end{pmatrix}.
\end{align*}Thus, $9 + ab = ab + c^2 = 25$ and $-3a + ac = -3b + bc = 0.$
From ... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
One line is described by \[\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 1 \\ -k \end{pmatrix}.\]Another line is described by \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 4 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix} + u \begin{pmatrix} k \\ 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}.\]If the lines are coplanar (i.e. there is a plane that contains both lines), then ... | The direction vectors of the lines are $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 1 \\ -k \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} k \\ 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}.$ Suppose these vectors are proportional. Then comparing $y$-coordinates, we can get the second vector by multiplying the first vector by 2. But then $2 = k$ and $-2k = 1,$ which is not ... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Express $\sin (a + b) - \sin (a - b)$ as the product of trigonometric functions. | By sum-to-product,
\[\sin (a + b) - \sin (a - b) = \boxed{2 \sin b \cos a}.\] | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
In coordinate space, a particle starts at the point $(2,3,4)$ and ends at the point $(-1,-3,-3),$ along the line connecting the two points. Along the way, the particle intersects the unit sphere centered at the origin at two points. Then the distance between these two points can be expressed in the form $\frac{a}{\sq... | The line can be parameterized by
\[\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix} + t \left( \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ -3 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix} - \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix} \right) = \begin{pmatrix} 2 - 3t \\ 3 - 6t \\ 4 - 7t \end{pmatrix}.\]Then the particle intersects the sphere when
\[(2 - 3t)^2 + (3 - 6t)^2 + (... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Find the cross product of $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 0 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix}.$ | The cross product of $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 0 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix}$ is
\[\begin{pmatrix} (0)(7) - (-1)(3) \\ (3)(5) - (7)(2) \\ (2)(-1) - (5)(0) \end{pmatrix} = \boxed{\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 1 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}}.\] | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
If $\det \mathbf{A} = 5,$ then find $\det (\mathbf{A^3}).$ | We have that $\det (\mathbf{A}^3) = (\det \mathbf{A})^3 = \boxed{125}.$ | Precalculus | Level 1 | precalculus |
Let $D$ be the determinant of the matrix whose column vectors are $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ and $\mathbf{c}.$ Find the determinant of the matrix whose column vectors are $\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b},$ $\mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c},$ and $\mathbf{c} + \mathbf{a},$ in terms of $D.$ | The determinant $D$ is given by $\mathbf{a} \cdot (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c}).$
Then the determinant of the matrix whose column vectors are $\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b},$ $\mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c},$ and $\mathbf{c} + \mathbf{a}$ is given by
\[(\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}) \cdot ((\mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c}) \times (\mathbf{c} ... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
It can be shown that for any positive integer $n,$ \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix}^n = \begin{pmatrix} F_{n + 1} & F_n \\ F_n & F_{n - 1} \end{pmatrix},\]where $F_n$ denotes the $n$th Fibonacci number. Compute $F_{784} F_{786} - F_{785}^2.$ | Since $\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix}^n = \begin{pmatrix} F_{n + 1} & F_n \\ F_n & F_{n - 1} \end{pmatrix},$
\[\det \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix}^n = \det \begin{pmatrix} F_{n + 1} & F_n \\ F_n & F_{n - 1} \end{pmatrix}.\]Now,
\[\det \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix}^n = \left( \... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Compute $\arccos \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}.$ Express your answer in radians. | Since $\cos \frac{\pi}{6} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2},$ $\arccos \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = \boxed{\frac{\pi}{6}}.$ | Precalculus | Level 1 | precalculus |
Let $\mathbf{u},$ $\mathbf{v},$ and $\mathbf{w}$ be vectors such that $\|\mathbf{u}\| = 3,$ $\|\mathbf{v}\| = 4,$ and $\|\mathbf{w}\| = 5,$ and \[\mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w} = \mathbf{0}.\]Compute $\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{w} + \mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{w}.$ | From $\mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w} = \mathbf{0},$ we have $(\mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w}) \cdot (\mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w}) = 0.$ Expanding, we get
\[\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w} \cdot \mathbf{w} + 2 (\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{u} \cdot \m... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
As $t$ takes on all real values, the set of points $(x,y)$ defined by \begin{align*} x &= t^2 - 2, \\ y &= t^3 - 9t + 5 \end{align*}forms a curve that crosses itself. Compute the ordered pair $(x,y)$ where this crossing occurs. | Suppose the curve intersects itself when $t = a$ and $t = b,$ so $a^2 - 2 = b^2 - 2$ and $a^3 - 9a + 5 = b^3 - 9b + 5.$ Then $a^2 = b^2,$ so $a = \pm b.$ We assume that $a \neq b,$ so $a = -b,$ or $b = -a.$ Then
\[a^3 - 9a + 5 = (-a)^3 - 9(-a) + 5 = -a^3 + 9a + 5,\]or $2a^3 - 18a = 0.$ This factors as $2a (a - 3)(a... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
The set of vectors $\mathbf{v}$ such that \[\mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{v} = \mathbf{v} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 10 \\ -40 \\ 8 \end{pmatrix}\]forms a solid in space. Find the volume of this solid. | Let $\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix}.$ Then from the given equation,
\[x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 10x - 40y + 8z.\]Completing the square in $x,$ $y,$ and $z,$ we get
\[(x - 5)^2 + (y + 20)^2 + (z - 4)^2 = 441.\]This represents the equation of a sphere with radius 21, and its volume is
\[\frac{4}{3} \pi \... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Find the equation of the plane passing through $(-1,1,1)$ and $(1,-1,1),$ and which is perpendicular to the plane $x + 2y + 3z = 5.$ Enter your answer in the form \[Ax + By + Cz + D = 0,\]where $A,$ $B,$ $C,$ $D$ are integers such that $A > 0$ and $\gcd(|A|,|B|,|C|,|D|) = 1.$ | The vector pointing from $(-1,1,1)$ to $(1,-1,1)$ is $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -2 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}.$ Since the plane we are interested in is perpendicular to the plane $x + 2y + 3z = 5,$ its normal vector must be orthogonal to $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}.$ But the normal vector of the plane is also ortho... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Simplify \[\frac{\sin x + \sin 2x}{1 + \cos x + \cos 2x}.\] | We can write
\begin{align*}
\frac{\sin x + \sin 2x}{1 + \cos x + \cos 2x} &= \frac{\sin x + 2 \sin x \cos x}{1 + \cos x + 2 \cos^2 x - 1} \\
&= \frac{\sin x + 2 \sin x \cos x}{\cos x + 2 \cos^2 x} \\
&= \frac{\sin x (1 + 2 \cos x)}{\cos x (1 + 2 \cos x)} \\
&= \frac{\sin x}{\cos x} = \boxed{\tan x}.
\end{align*} | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
If \[\frac{\sin^4 \theta}{a} + \frac{\cos^4 \theta}{b} = \frac{1}{a + b},\]then find the value of \[\frac{\sin^8 \theta}{a^3} + \frac{\cos^8 \theta}{b^3}\]in terms of $a$ and $b.$ | Let $x = \sin^2 \theta$ and $y = \cos^2 \theta,$ so $x + y = 1.$ Also,
\[\frac{x^2}{a} + \frac{y^2}{b} = \frac{1}{a + b}.\]Substituting $y = 1 - x,$ we get
\[\frac{x^2}{a} + \frac{(1 - x)^2}{b} = \frac{1}{a + b}.\]This simplifies to
\[(a^2 + 2ab + b^2) x^2 - (2a^2 + 2ab) x + a^2 = 0,\]which nicely factors as $((a + b)... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Let $z = \cos \frac{4 \pi}{7} + i \sin \frac{4 \pi}{7}.$ Compute \[\frac{z}{1 + z^2} + \frac{z^2}{1 + z^4} + \frac{z^3}{1 + z^6}.\] | Note $z^7 - 1 = \cos 4 \pi + i \sin 4 \pi - 1 = 0,$ so
\[(z - 1)(z^6 + z^5 + z^4 + z^3 + z^2 + z + 1) = 0.\]Since $z \neq 1,$ $z^6 + z^5 + z^4 + z^3 + z^2 + z + 1 = 0.$
Then
\begin{align*}
\frac{z}{1 + z^2} + \frac{z^2}{1 + z^4} + \frac{z^3}{1 + z^6} &= \frac{z}{1 + z^2} + \frac{z^2}{1 + z^4} + \frac{z^3}{(1 + z^2)(1 ... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Compute \[\cos^6 0^\circ + \cos^6 1^\circ + \cos^6 2^\circ + \dots + \cos^6 90^\circ.\] | Let $S = \cos^6 0^\circ + \cos^6 1^\circ + \cos^6 2^\circ + \dots + \cos^6 90^\circ.$ Then
\begin{align*}
S &= \cos^6 0^\circ + \cos^6 1^\circ + \cos^6 2^\circ + \dots + \cos^6 90^\circ \\
&= \cos^6 90^\circ + \cos^6 89^\circ + \cos^6 88^\circ + \dots + \cos^6 0^\circ \\
&= \sin^6 0^\circ + \sin^6 1^\circ + \sin^6 2^\... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Let $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $d$ be nonzero integers such that \[\begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix}^2 = \begin{pmatrix} 7 & 0 \\ 0 & 7 \end{pmatrix}.\]Find the smallest possible value of $|a| + |b| + |c| + |d|.$ | We have that
\[\begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix}^2 = \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} a^2 + bc & ab + bd \\ ac + cd & bc + d^2 \end{pmatrix},\]so $a^2 + bc = bc + d^2 = 7$ and $ab + bd = ac + cd = 0.$ Then $b(a + d) = c(a + d) = 0.$ ... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
A line is parameterized by a parameter $t,$ so that the vector on the line at $t = -1$ is $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \\ 8 \end{pmatrix},$ and the vector on the line at $t = 2$ is $\begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ -2 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find the vector on the line at $t = 3.$ | Let the line be
\[\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix} = \mathbf{a} + t \mathbf{d}.\]Then from the given information,
\begin{align*}
\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \\ 8 \end{pmatrix} = \mathbf{a} - \mathbf{d}, \\
\begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ -2 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix} = \mathbf{a} + 2 \mathbf{d}.
\end{align*}We can treat this system ... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Compute $\begin{pmatrix} \sqrt{3} & -1 \\ 1 & \sqrt{3} \end{pmatrix}^6.$ | We see that
\[\begin{pmatrix} \sqrt{3} & -1 \\ 1 & \sqrt{3} \end{pmatrix} = 2 \begin{pmatrix} \sqrt{3}/2 & -1/2 \\ 1/2 & \sqrt{3}/2 \end{pmatrix} = 2 \begin{pmatrix} \cos \frac{\pi}{6} & -\sin \frac{\pi}{6} \\ \sin \frac{\pi}{6} & \cos \frac{\pi}{6} \end{pmatrix}.\]Note that $\begin{pmatrix} \cos \frac{\pi}{6} & -\sin ... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Compute \[\left( 1 + \cos \frac {\pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {3 \pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {5 \pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {7 \pi}{8} \right).\] | First, we have that $\cos \frac{7 \pi}{8} = -\cos \frac{\pi}{8}$ and $\cos \frac{5 \pi}{8} = -\cos \frac{3 \pi}{8},$ so
\begin{align*}
\left( 1 + \cos \frac {\pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {3 \pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {5 \pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {7 \pi}{8} \right) &= \left( 1 + \cos \fra... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Let $O$ be the origin, and let $(a,b,c)$ be a fixed point. A plane passes through $(a,b,c)$ and intersects the $x$-axis, $y$-axis, and $z$-axis at $A,$ $B,$ and $C,$ respectively, all distinct from $O.$ Let $(p,q,r)$ be the center of the sphere passing through $A,$ $B,$ $C,$ and $O.$ Find \[\frac{a}{p} + \frac{b}{q}... | Let $A = (\alpha,0,0),$ $B = (0,\beta,0),$ and $C = (0,0,\gamma).$ Since $(p,q,r)$ is equidistant from $O,$ $A,$ $B,$ and $C,$
\begin{align*}
p^2 + q^2 + r^2 &= (p - \alpha)^2 + q^2 + r^2, \\
p^2 + q^2 + r^2 &= p^2 + (q - \beta)^2 + r^2, \\
p^2 + q^2 + r^2 &= p^2 + q^2 + (r - \gamma)^2.
\end{align*}The first equation ... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
If $\sqrt2 \sin 10^\circ$ can be written as $\cos \theta - \sin\theta$ for some acute angle $\theta,$ what is $\theta?$ (Give your answer in degrees, not radians.) | We have $\sin\theta = \cos(90^\circ - \theta),$ so
$$\cos \theta - \sin\theta = \cos\theta -\cos(90^\circ-\theta).$$Applying the difference of cosines formula gives
\begin{align*}
\cos \theta - \cos(90^\circ - \theta) &= 2\sin\frac{\theta + (90^\circ - \theta)}{2}\sin\frac{(90^\circ-\theta) - \theta}{2} \\
&= 2\sin45^\... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Find the matrix that corresponds to a dilation centered at the origin with scale factor $-3.$ | The dilation centered at the origin with scale factor $-3$ takes $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}$ to $\begin{pmatrix} -3 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix},$ and $\begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}$ to $\begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix},$ so the matrix is
\[\boxed{\begin{pmatrix} -3 & 0 \\ 0 & -3 \end{pmatrix}}.\] | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Given that \[2^{-\frac{3}{2} + 2 \cos \theta} + 1 = 2^{\frac{1}{4} + \cos \theta},\]compute $\cos 2 \theta.$ | Let $x = 2^{\cos \theta}.$ Then the given equation becomes
\[2^{-\frac{3}{2}} x^2 + 1 = 2^{\frac{1}{4}} x.\]We can re-write this as
\[2^{-\frac{3}{2}} x^2 - 2^{\frac{1}{4}} x + 1 = 0.\]Since $2^{-\frac{3}{2}} = (2^{-\frac{3}{4}})^2$ and $2^{\frac{1}{4}} = 2 \cdot 2^{-\frac{3}{4}},$ this quadratic factors as
\[(2^{-\fr... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
If $\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix},$ then its transpose is given by \[\mathbf{A}^T = \begin{pmatrix} a & c \\ b & d \end{pmatrix}.\]Given that $\mathbf{A}^T = \mathbf{A}^{-1},$ find $a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2.$ | From $\mathbf{A}^T = \mathbf{A}^{-1},$ $\mathbf{A}^T \mathbf{A} = \mathbf{I}.$ Hence,
\[\begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} a & c \\ b & d \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}.\]Then $a^2 + b^2 = 1$ and $c^2 + d^2 = 1,$ so $a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2 = \boxed{2}.$ | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Find $x$ so that the vectors $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} x \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}$ are orthogonal. | For the vectors $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} x \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}$ to be orthogonal, their dot product should be 0:
\[(2)(x) + (5)(-3) = 0.\]Solving, we find $x = \boxed{\frac{15}{2}}.$ | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Let $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ and $\mathbf{c}$ be nonzero vectors, no two of which are parallel, such that \[(\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}) \times \mathbf{c} = \frac{1}{3} \|\mathbf{b}\| \|\mathbf{c}\| \mathbf{a}.\]Let $\theta$ be the angle between $\mathbf{b}$ and $\mathbf{c}.$ Find $\sin \theta.$ | By the vector triple product, for any vectors $\mathbf{p},$ $\mathbf{q},$ and $\mathbf{r},$
\[\mathbf{p} \times (\mathbf{q} \times \mathbf{r}) = (\mathbf{p} \cdot \mathbf{r}) \mathbf{q} - (\mathbf{p} \cdot \mathbf{q}) \mathbf{r}.\]Thus, $(\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}) \times \mathbf{c} = -\mathbf{c} \times (\mathbf{a} ... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
If $\begin{vmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{vmatrix} = 4,$ then find \[\begin{vmatrix} a & 7a + 3b \\ c & 7c +3d \end{vmatrix}.\] | Since $\begin{vmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{vmatrix} = 4,$ $ad - bc = 4.$ Then
\[\begin{vmatrix} a & 7a + 3b \\ c & 7c +3d \end{vmatrix} = a(7c + 3d) - (7a + 3b)c = 3ad - 3bc = 3(ad - bc) = \boxed{12}.\] | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Find the matrix $\mathbf{M}$ such that \[\mathbf{M} \begin{pmatrix} -3 & 4 & 0 \\ 5 & -7 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} = \mathbf{I}.\] | Let $\mathbf{M} = \begin{pmatrix} a & b & c \\ d & e & f \\ g & h & i \end{pmatrix}.$ Then
\[\begin{pmatrix} a & b & c \\ d & e & f \\ g & h & i \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} -3 & 4 & 0 \\ 5 & -7 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 5b - 3a & 4a - 7b & c \\ 5e - 3d & 4d - 7e & f \\ 5h - 3g & 4g - 7h & i \e... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Compute \[\cos^2 0^\circ + \cos^2 1^\circ + \cos^2 2^\circ + \dots + \cos^2 90^\circ.\] | Let $S = \cos^2 0^\circ + \cos^2 1^\circ + \cos^2 2^\circ + \dots + \cos^2 90^\circ.$ Then
\begin{align*}
S &= \cos^2 0^\circ + \cos^2 1^\circ + \cos^2 2^\circ + \dots + \cos^2 90^\circ \\
&= \cos^2 90^\circ + \cos^2 89^\circ + \cos^2 88^\circ + \dots + \cos^2 0^\circ \\
&= \sin^2 0^\circ + \sin^2 1^\circ + \sin^2 2^\... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
The transformation $T,$ taking vectors to vectors, has the following properties: (i) $T(a \mathbf{v} + b \mathbf{w}) = a T(\mathbf{v}) + b T(\mathbf{w})$ for all vectors $\mathbf{v}$ and $\mathbf{w},$ and for all scalars $a$ and $b.$ (ii) $T(\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{w}) = T(\mathbf{v}) \times T(\mathbf{w})$ for all ve... | From (ii), (iii), and (iv),
\[T \left( \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ 6 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} \times \begin{pmatrix} -6 \\ 3 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix} \right) = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ -1 \\ 8 \end{pmatrix} \times \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 8 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}.\]This reduces to
\[T \begin{pmatrix} 27 \\ -54 \\ 54 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} ... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
A line passes through $(2,2,1)$ and $(5,1,-2).$ A point on this line has an $x$-coordinate of 4. Find the $z$-coordinate of the point. | The direction vector of the line is given by
\[\begin{pmatrix} 5 - 2 \\ 1 - 2 \\ -2 - 1 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -1 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix},\]so the line is parameterized by
\[\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -1 \\ - 3 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 + 3t \\ 2 - t \\ 1 - 3t ... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
A point has rectangular coordinates $(x,y,z)$ and spherical coordinates $\left(2, \frac{8 \pi}{7}, \frac{2 \pi}{9} \right).$ Find the spherical coordinates of the point with rectangular coordinates $(x,y,-z).$ Enter your answer in the form $(\rho,\theta,\phi),$ where $\rho > 0,$ $0 \le \theta < 2 \pi,$ and $0 \le \ph... | We have that
\begin{align*}
x &= \rho \sin \frac{2 \pi}{9} \cos \frac{8 \pi}{7}, \\
y &= \rho \sin \frac{2 \pi}{9} \sin \frac{8 \pi}{7}, \\
z &= \rho \cos \frac{2 \pi}{9}.
\end{align*}We want to negate the $z$-coordinate. We can accomplish this by replacing $\frac{2 \pi}{9}$ with $\pi - \frac{2 \pi}{9} = \frac{7 \pi}{... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
If $\mathbf{A}^{-1} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 5 \\ -1 & -3 \end{pmatrix},$ then find the inverse of $\mathbf{A}^2.$ | 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
\[(\mathbf{A}^{-1})^2 = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 5 \\ -1 & -3 \end{pmatrix}^2 = \boxed{\begin{pmatrix} -1 & -5 \\ 1 & 4 \end{pmatrix}}.\] | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Solve \[\arccos 2x - \arccos x = \frac{\pi}{3}.\]Enter all the solutions, separated by commas. | From the given equation,
\[\arccos 2x = \arccos x + \frac{\pi}{3}.\]Then
\[\cos (\arccos 2x) = \cos \left( \arccos x + \frac{\pi}{3} \right).\]Hence, from the angle addition formula,
\begin{align*}
2x &= \cos (\arccos x) \cos \frac{\pi}{3} - \sin (\arccos x) \sin \frac{\pi}{3} \\
&= \frac{x}{2} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \sq... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Compute \[\frac{\tan^2 20^\circ - \sin^2 20^\circ}{\tan^2 20^\circ \sin^2 20^\circ}.\] | We have that
\begin{align*}
\frac{\tan^2 20^\circ - \sin^2 20^\circ}{\tan^2 20^\circ \sin^2 20^\circ} &= \frac{\frac{\sin^2 20^\circ}{\cos^2 20^\circ} - \sin^2 20^\circ}{\frac{\sin^2 20^\circ}{\cos^2 20^\circ} \cdot \sin^2 20^\circ} \\
&= \frac{\sin^2 20^\circ - \cos^2 20^\circ \sin^2 20^\circ}{\sin^4 20^\circ} \\
&= \... | Precalculus | Level 1 | precalculus |
Let $x$ be an angle such that $\tan x = \frac{a}{b}$ and $\tan 2x = \frac{b}{a + b}.$ Then the least positive value of $x$ equals $\tan^{-1} k.$ Compute $k.$ | We have that
\[\tan 2x = \frac{b}{a + b} = \frac{1}{\frac{a}{b} + 1} = \frac{1}{\tan x + 1},\]so $(\tan x + 1) \tan 2x = 1.$ Then from the double angle formula,
\[(\tan x + 1) \cdot \frac{2 \tan x}{1 - \tan^2 x} = 1,\]so $2 \tan x (\tan x + 1) = 1 - \tan^2 x,$ or
\[2 \tan x (\tan x + 1) + \tan^2 x - 1 = 0.\]We can fac... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Let $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ $\mathbf{c}$ be vectors such that $\|\mathbf{a}\| = \|\mathbf{b}\| = 1,$ $\|\mathbf{c}\| = 2,$ and \[\mathbf{a} \times (\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{c}) + \mathbf{b} = \mathbf{0}.\]Find the smallest possible angle between $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{c},$ in degrees. | By the vector triple product, for any vectors $\mathbf{u},$ $\mathbf{v},$ and $\mathbf{w},$
\[\mathbf{u} \times (\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{w}) = (\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{w}) \mathbf{v} - (\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v}) \mathbf{w}.\]Thus,
\[(\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{c}) \mathbf{a} - (\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{a}) \mathbf{... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
On the complex plane, the parallelogram formed by the points 0, $z,$ $\frac{1}{z},$ and $z + \frac{1}{z}$ has area $\frac{35}{37}.$ If the real part of $z$ is positive, let $d$ be the smallest possible value of $\left| z + \frac{1}{z} \right|.$ Compute $d^2.$ | Let $z = r (\cos \theta + i \sin \theta).$ Then
\[\frac{1}{z} = \frac{1}{r (\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)} = \frac{1}{r} (\cos (-\theta) + i \sin (-\theta)) = \frac{1}{r} (\cos \theta - i \sin \theta).\]By the shoelace formula, the area of the triangle formed by 0, $z = r \cos \theta + ir \sin \theta$ and $\frac{1}{z} ... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Let $G$ be the centroid of a triangle. If $GA^2 + GB^2 + GC^2 = 58,$ then find $AB^2 + AC^2 + BC^2.$ | Let $\mathbf{a}$ denote $\overrightarrow{A},$ etc. Then
\[\mathbf{g} = \frac{\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c}}{3},\]so
\begin{align*}
GA^2 &= \|\mathbf{g} - \mathbf{a}\|^2 \\
&= \left\| \frac{\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c}}{3} - \mathbf{a} \right\|^2 \\
&= \frac{1}{9} \|\mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c} - 2 \mathbf{a}... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
For real numbers $t,$ the point \[(x,y) = \left( e^t + e^{-t}, 3 (e^t - e^{-t}) \right)\]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. Note: $e$ is a mathematical constant that is approximately $2.71828.$ | We have that
\[x^2 = (e^t + e^{-t})^2 = e^{2t} + 2 + e^{-2t},\]and
\begin{align*}
\frac{y^2}{9} &= (e^t - e^{-t})^2 \\
&= e^{2t} - 2 + e^{-2t}.
\end{align*}Then
\[x^2 - \frac{y^2}{9} = 4,\]so
\[\frac{x^2}{4} - \frac{y^2}{36} = 1.\]Thus, all plotted points lie on a hyperbola. The answer is $\boxed{\text{(E)}}.$ | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Let $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ and $\mathbf{c}$ be three mutually orthogonal unit vectors, such that \[\mathbf{a} = p (\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}) + q (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c}) + r (\mathbf{c} \times \mathbf{a})\]for some scalars $p,$ $q,$ and $r,$ and $\mathbf{a} \cdot (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c}) = 1.$ Fin... | Taking the dot product of the given equation with $\mathbf{a},$ we get
\[\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{a} = p (\mathbf{a} \cdot (\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b})) + q (\mathbf{a} \cdot (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c})) + r (\mathbf{a} \cdot (\mathbf{c} \times \mathbf{a})).\]Since $\mathbf{a}$ is orthogonal to both $\mathbf{a} \t... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
If $x + \frac{1}{x} = \sqrt{3}$, then find $x^{18}$. | Solution 1: We can rewrite the given equation as $x^2 - \sqrt{3} x + 1 = 0$, so by the quadratic formula,
\[x = \frac{\sqrt{3} \pm \sqrt{3 - 4}}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{3} \pm i}{2},\]which means $x = e^{\pi i/6}$ or $x = e^{11 \pi i/6}$.
If $x = e^{\pi i/6}$, then
\[x^{18} = e^{3 \pi i} = -1,\]and if $x = e^{11 \pi i/6}$, t... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Let $\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find $\mathbf{A}^{20} - 2 \mathbf{A}^{19}.$ | First, we can write $\mathbf{A}^{20} - 2 \mathbf{A}^{19} = \mathbf{A}^{19} (\mathbf{A} - 2 \mathbf{I}).$ We can compute that
\[\mathbf{A} - 2 \mathbf{I} =
\begin{pmatrix} 2 & 3 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}
- 2
\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}
=
\begin{pmatrix} 0 & 3 \\ 0 & -1 \end{pmatrix}
.\]Then
\[\mathbf{A} (... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Compute $\arccos (\cos 7).$ All functions are in radians. | Since $\cos (7 - 2 \pi) = \cos 7$ and $0 \le 7 - 2 \pi \le \pi,$ $\arccos (\cos 7) = \boxed{7 - 2 \pi}.$ | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Find the $2 \times 2$ matrix $\mathbf{M}$ such that $\mathbf{M} \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ 21 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\mathbf{M} \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -17 \end{pmatrix}.$ | Dividing both sides of $\mathbf{M} \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ 21 \end{pmatrix}$ by 3, we get
\[\mathbf{M} \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix}.\]This tells us that the first column of $\mathbf{M}$ is $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix}.$
Since $... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
If $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b}$ are two unit vectors, with an angle of $\frac{\pi}{3}$ between them, then compute the volume of the parallelepiped generated by $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b} + \mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{a},$ and $\mathbf{b}.$ | The volume of the parallelepiped generated by $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b} + \mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{a},$ and $\mathbf{b}$ is given by
\[|\mathbf{a} \cdot ((\mathbf{b} + \mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{a}) \times \mathbf{b})|.\]In general, $\mathbf{u} \cdot (\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{w}) = \mathbf{v} \cdot (\mathbf{w} \times ... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
A line is parameterized by \[\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}.\]A second line is parameterized by \[\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix} + u \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}.\]Find the point ... | For the first line,
\[\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 - t \\ 3 + 5t \end{pmatrix}.\]For the second line,
\[\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix} + u \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 4 \en... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
The quantity $\tan 7.5^\circ$ can be expressed in the form \[\tan 7.5^\circ = \sqrt{a} - \sqrt{b} + \sqrt{c} - d,\]where $a \ge b \ge c \ge d$ are positive integers. Find $a + b + c + d.$ | From the half-angle formula,
\[\tan 7.5^\circ = \tan \frac{15^\circ}{2} = \frac{1 - \cos 15^\circ}{\sin 15^\circ}.\]Since $\cos 15^\circ = \frac{\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{6}}{4}$ and $\sin 15^\circ = \frac{\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{2}}{4},$
\begin{align*}
\tan 7.5^\circ &= \frac{1 - \frac{\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{6}}{4}}{\frac{\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Find all values of $x$ so that $\arccos x > \arcsin x.$ | We know that $\arccos x$ is a decreasing function, and $\arcsin x$ is an increasing function. Furthermore, they are equal at $x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}},$ when $\arccos \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} = \arcsin \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{\pi}{4}.$
Therefore, the solution to $\arccos x > \arcsin x$ is $x \in \boxed{\left[ -1, \frac{1}... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Evaluate \[\log_{10}(\tan 1^{\circ})+\log_{10}(\tan 2^{\circ})+\log_{10}(\tan 3^{\circ})+\cdots+\log_{10}(\tan 88^{\circ})+\log_{10}(\tan 89^{\circ}).\] | We have that
\[\tan (90^\circ - x) = \frac{\sin (90^\circ - x)}{\cos (90^\circ - x)} = \frac{\cos x}{\sin x} = \frac{1}{\tan x}.\]Then
\[\log_{10} \tan x + \log_{10} \tan (90^\circ - x) = \log_{10} (\tan x \tan (90^\circ - x)) = \log_{10} 1 = 0.\]Summing over $x = 1^\circ,$ $2^\circ,$ $\dots,$ $44^\circ,$ the sum reduc... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
If $\|\mathbf{v}\| = 4,$ then find $\mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{v}.$ | We have that $\mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{v} = \|\mathbf{v}\|^2 = \boxed{16}.$ | Precalculus | Level 1 | precalculus |
Find the sum of the solutions to \[\frac{1}{\sin x} + \frac{1}{\cos x} = 2 \sqrt{2}\]in the interval $0 \le x \le 2 \pi.$ | Let $a = \cos x$ and $b = \sin x,$ so
\[\frac{1}{a} + \frac{1}{b} = 2 \sqrt{2}.\]Then
\[a + b = 2ab \sqrt{2}.\]Squaring both sides, we get
\[a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = 8a^2 b^2.\]Since $a^2 + b^2 = \cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1,$ $2ab + 1 = 8a^2 b^2,$ or
\[8a^2 b^2 - 2ab - 1 = 0.\]This factors as $(2ab - 1)(4ab + 1) = 0,$ so $ab = \f... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Determine the number of solutions to \[2\sin^3 x - 5 \sin^2 x + 2 \sin x = 0\]in the range $0 \le x \le 2 \pi.$ | The given equation factors as
\[\sin x (2 \sin x - 1)(\sin x - 2) = 0,\]so $\sin x = 0,$ $\sin x = \frac{1}{2},$ or $\sin x = 2.$
The solutions to $\sin x = 0$ are $x = 0,$ $x = \pi,$ and $x = 2 \pi.$
The solutions to $\sin x = \frac{1}{2}$ are $x = \frac{\pi}{6}$ and $x = \frac{5 \pi}{6}.$
The equation $\sin x = 2$... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
In triangle $ABC,$ $\angle C = \frac{\pi}{2}.$ Find \[\arctan \left( \frac{a}{b + c} \right) + \arctan \left( \frac{b}{a + c} \right).\] | From the addition formula for tangent,
\begin{align*}
\tan \left( \arctan \left( \frac{a}{b + c} \right) + \arctan \left( \frac{b}{a + c} \right) \right) &= \frac{\frac{a}{b + c} + \frac{b}{a + c}}{1 - \frac{a}{b + c} \cdot \frac{b}{a + c}} \\
&= \frac{a(a + c) + b(b + c)}{(a + c)(b + c) - ab} \\
&= \frac{a^2 + ac + b^... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Given $\|\mathbf{v}\| = 4,$ find $\|-3 \mathbf{v}\|.$ | Let $\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix},$ so
\[\left\| \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} \right\| = 4.\]Then $x^2 + y^2 = 16.$ Hence,
\[\|-3 \mathbf{v} \| = \left\| -3 \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} \right\| = \left\| \begin{pmatrix} -3x \\ -3y \end{pmatrix} \right\| = \sqrt{(-3x)^2 + (-3y)^2} ... | Precalculus | Level 1 | precalculus |
If $\sum_{n = 0}^{\infty}\cos^{2n}\theta = 5$, what is the value of $\cos{2\theta}$? | From the formula for an infinite geometric series,
\[\sum_{n = 0}^\infty \cos^{2n} \theta = 1 + \cos^2 \theta + \cos^4 \theta + \dotsb = \frac{1}{1 - \cos^2 \theta} = 5.\]Hence, $\cos^2 \theta = \frac{4}{5}.$ Then
\[\cos 2 \theta = 2 \cos^2 \theta - 1 = \boxed{\frac{3}{5}}.\] | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Let $O$ be the origin. There exists a scalar $k$ so that for any points $A,$ $B,$ $C,$ and $D$ such that \[3 \overrightarrow{OA} - 2 \overrightarrow{OB} + 5 \overrightarrow{OC} + k \overrightarrow{OD} = \mathbf{0},\]the four points $A,$ $B,$ $C,$ and $D$ are coplanar. Find $k.$ | From the given equation,
\[3 \overrightarrow{OA} - 2 \overrightarrow{OB} = -5 \overrightarrow{OC} - k \overrightarrow{OD}.\]Let $P$ be the point such that
\[\overrightarrow{OP} = 3 \overrightarrow{OA} - 2 \overrightarrow{OB} = -5 \overrightarrow{OC} - k \overrightarrow{OD}.\]Since $3 + (-2) = 1,$ $P$ lies on line $AB.$... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Compute \[\begin{vmatrix} 1 & \cos (a - b) & \cos a \\ \cos(a - b) & 1 & \cos b \\ \cos a & \cos b & 1 \end{vmatrix}.\] | We can expand the determinant as follows:
\begin{align*}
\begin{vmatrix} 1 & \cos (a - b) & \cos a \\ \cos(a - b) & 1 & \cos b \\ \cos a & \cos b & 1 \end{vmatrix} &= \begin{vmatrix} 1 & \cos b \\ \cos b & 1 \end{vmatrix} - \cos (a - b) \begin{vmatrix} \cos (a - b) & \cos b \\ \cos a & 1 \end{vmatrix} + \cos a \begin{... | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
The side of a triangle are 2, 2, and $\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{2}.$ Enter the angles of the triangle in degrees, separated by commas. | By the Law of Cosines, the cosine of one of the angles is
\[\frac{2^2 + 2^2 - (\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{2})^2}{2 \cdot 2 \cdot 2} = \frac{4 \sqrt{3}}{8} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2},\]so this angle is $\boxed{30^\circ}.$ The other two angles must be equal, so they are $\boxed{75^\circ, 75^\circ}.$ | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Let \[\mathbf{M} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 & 2 \\ 2 & 1 & -2 \\ a & 2 & b \end{pmatrix}.\]If $\mathbf{M} \mathbf{M}^T = 9 \mathbf{I},$ then enter the ordered pair $(a,b).$ Note: For a matrix $\mathbf{A},$ $\mathbf{A}^T$ is the transpose of $\mathbf{A},$ which is generated by reflecting the matrix $\mathbf{A}$ over the ma... | We have that
\[\mathbf{M} \mathbf{M}^T = \mathbf{M} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 & 2 \\ 2 & 1 & -2 \\ a & 2 & b \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 & a \\ 2 & 1 & 2 \\ 2 & -2 & b \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 9 & 0 & a + 2b + 4 \\ 0 & 9 & 2a - 2b + 2 \\ a + 2b + 4 & 2a - 2b + 2 & a^2 + b^2 + 4 \end{pmatrix}.\]We want this... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
The domain of the function $f(x) = \arcsin(\log_{m}(nx))$ is a closed interval of length $\frac{1}{2013}$ , where $m$ and $n$ are positive integers and $m>1$. Find the the smallest possible value of $m+n.$ | The function $f(x) = \arcsin (\log_m (nx))$ is defined when
\[-1 \le \log_m (nx) \le 1.\]This is equivalent to
\[\frac{1}{m} \le nx \le m,\]or
\[\frac{1}{mn} \le x \le \frac{m}{n}.\]Thus, the length of the interval is $\frac{m}{n} - \frac{1}{mn} = \frac{m^2 - 1}{mn},$ giving us the equation
\[\frac{m^2 - 1}{mn} = \frac... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
The matrix \[\begin{pmatrix} a & 3 \\ -8 & d \end{pmatrix}\]is its own inverse, for some real numbers $a$ and $d.$ Find the number of possible pairs $(a,d).$ | Since $\begin{pmatrix} a & 3 \\ -8 & d \end{pmatrix}$ is its own inverse,
\[\begin{pmatrix} a & 3 \\ -8 & d \end{pmatrix}^2 = \begin{pmatrix} a & 3 \\ -8 & d \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} a & 3 \\ -8 & d \end{pmatrix} = \mathbf{I}.\]This gives us
\[\begin{pmatrix} a^2 - 24 & 3a + 3d \\ -8a - 8d & d^2 - 24 \end{pmatrix}... | Precalculus | Level 3 | precalculus |
Suppose that $wz = 12-8i$, and $|w| = \sqrt{13}$. What is $|z|$? | Since $wz = 12-8i$, we have \[|wz| = |12-8i| = |4(3-2i)| = 4|3-2i| = 4\sqrt{3^2 + (-2)^2} = 4\sqrt{13}.\]Since $|wz| = |w|\cdot |z|$, we have $|w|\cdot |z| = 4\sqrt{13}$. Finally, since we are given that $|w| = \sqrt{13}$, we have $|z| = \boxed{4}$. | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Let $\mathbf{A}$ be a matrix such that \[\mathbf{A} \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} -15 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix}.\]Find $\mathbf{A}^5 \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}.$ | Note that
\[\mathbf{A} \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} -15 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix} = -3 \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}.\]Then
\begin{align*}
\mathbf{A}^2 \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix} &= \mathbf{A} \mathbf{A} \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix} \\
&= \mathbf{A} \left( -3 \begin{pmatr... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
In triangle $ABC,$ $\sin A = \frac{3}{5}$ and $\cos B = \frac{5}{13}.$ Find $\cos C.$ | We have that
\[\cos^2 A = 1 - \sin^2 A = \frac{16}{25},\]so $\cos A = \pm \frac{4}{5}.$
Also,
\[\sin^2 B = 1 - \cos^2 B = \frac{144}{169}.\]Since $\sin B$ is positive, $\sin B = \frac{12}{13}.$
Then
\begin{align*}
\sin C &= \sin (180^\circ - A - B) \\
&= \sin (A + B) \\
&= \sin A \cos B + \cos A \sin B \\
&= \frac{3}... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
Let $\mathbf{A}$ be a $2 \times 2$ matrix, with real entries, such that $\mathbf{A}^3 = \mathbf{0}.$ Find the number of different possible matrices that $\mathbf{A}^2$ can be. If you think the answer is infinite, then enter "infinite". | Let $\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix}.$ Then
\begin{align*}
\mathbf{A}^3 &= \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} \\
&= \begin{pmatrix} a^2 + bc & ab + bd \\ ac + cd & bc + d^2 \end{pmatrix} \begin... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
The area of the parallelogram generated by the vectors $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b}$ is 8. Find the area of the parallelogram generated by the vectors $2 \mathbf{a} + 3 \mathbf{b}$ and $\mathbf{a} - 5 \mathbf{b}.$ | Since the area of the parallelogram generated by the vectors $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b}$ is 8,
\[\|\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}\| = 8.\]Then the area of the parallelogram generated by the vectors $2 \mathbf{a} + 3 \mathbf{b}$ and $\mathbf{a} - 5 \mathbf{b}$ is
\[\|(2 \mathbf{a} + 3 \mathbf{b}) \times (\mathbf{a} - 5 ... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
If $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ and $\mathbf{c}$ are vectors such that $\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} = -3,$ $\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{c} = 4,$ and $\mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{c} = 6,$ then find \[\mathbf{b} \cdot (7 \mathbf{c} - 2 \mathbf{a}).\] | Expanding the dot product, we get
\begin{align*}
\mathbf{b} \cdot (7 \mathbf{c} - 2 \mathbf{a}) &= 7 \mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{c} - 2 \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} \\
&= 7 \cdot 6 - 2 \cdot (-3) = \boxed{48}.
\end{align*} | Precalculus | Level 2 | precalculus |
Find the number of complex numbers $z$ satisfying $|z| = 1$ and \[\left| \frac{z}{\overline{z}} + \frac{\overline{z}}{z} \right| = 1.\] | Since $|z| = 1,$ $z = e^{i \theta}$ for some angle $\theta.$ Then
\begin{align*}
\left| \frac{z}{\overline{z}} + \frac{\overline{z}}{z} \right| &= \left| \frac{e^{i \theta}}{e^{-i \theta}} + \frac{e^{-i \theta}}{e^{i \theta}} \right| \\
&= |e^{2i \theta} + e^{-2i \theta}| \\
&= |\cos 2 \theta + i \sin 2 \theta + \cos ... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
Compute the smallest positive value of $x,$ in degrees, for which the function \[f(x) = \sin \frac{x}{3} + \sin \frac{x}{11}\]achieves its maximum value. | The function $f(x) = \sin \frac{x}{3} + \sin \frac{x}{11}$ achieves its maximum value when $\sin \frac{x}{3} = \sin \frac{x}{11} = 1,$ which means $\frac{x}{3} = 360^\circ a + 90^\circ$ and $\frac{x}{11} = 360^\circ b + 90^\circ$ for some integers $a$ and $b.$ Then
\[x = 1080^\circ a + 270^\circ = 3960^\circ b + 990^\... | Precalculus | Level 5 | precalculus |
There exists a scalar $k$ such that for any vectors $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ and $\mathbf{c}$ such that $\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c} = \mathbf{0},$ the equation \[k (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{a}) + \mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c} + \mathbf{c} \times \mathbf{a} = \mathbf{0}\]holds. Find $k.$ | Since $\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c} = \mathbf{0},$ $\mathbf{c} = -\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}.$ Substituting, we get
\[k (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{a}) + \mathbf{b} \times (-\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}) + (-\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}) \times \mathbf{a} = \mathbf{0}.\]Expanding, we get
\[k (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{a}) -... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
A curve is described parametrically by \[(x,y) = (2 \cos t - \sin t, 4 \sin t).\]The graph of the curve can be expressed in the form \[ax^2 + bxy + cy^2 = 1.\]Enter the ordered triple $(a,b,c).$ | Since $x = 2 \cos t - \sin t$ and $y = 4 \sin t,$
\begin{align*}
ax^2 + bxy + cy^2 &= a (2 \cos t - \sin t)^2 + b (2 \cos t - \sin t)(4 \sin t) + c (4 \sin t)^2 \\
&= a (4 \cos^2 t - 4 \cos t \sin t + \sin^2 t) + b (8 \cos t \sin t - 4 \sin^2 t) + c (16 \sin^2 t) \\
&= 4a \cos^2 t + (-4a + 8b) \cos t \sin t + (a - 4b +... | Precalculus | Level 4 | precalculus |
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