problem stringlengths 16 4.31k | level stringclasses 6
values | type stringclasses 7
values | solution stringlengths 29 5.51k |
|---|---|---|---|
In triangle $ABC,$ angle bisectors $\overline{AD}$ and $\overline{BE}$ intersect at $P.$ If $AB = 7,$ $AC = 5,$ and $BC = 3,$ find $\frac{BP}{PE}.$ | Level 3 | Precalculus | Let $\mathbf{a}$ denote $\overrightarrow{A},$ etc.
Since $\overline{BE}$ is the angle bisector, by the Angle Bisector Theorem,
\[\frac{BD}{CD} = \frac{AB}{AC} = \frac{7}{5},\]so $\mathbf{d} = \frac{5}{12} \mathbf{b} + \frac{7}{12} \mathbf{c}.$
Similarly,
\[\frac{AE}{CE} = \frac{AB}{BC} = \frac{7}{3},\]so $\mathbf{e} ... |
If $\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b} = \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 4 \\ -7 \end{pmatrix},$ then compute $\mathbf{a} \times (3 \mathbf{b}).$ | Level 1 | Precalculus | Since the cross product is distributive,
\[\mathbf{a} \times (3 \mathbf{b}) = 3 (\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}) = \boxed{\begin{pmatrix} 15 \\ 12 \\ -21 \end{pmatrix}}.\] |
Find the matrix that corresponds to reflecting over the vector $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.$ | Level 4 | Precalculus | Let $\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix},$ let $\mathbf{r}$ be the reflection of $\mathbf{v}$ over $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix},$ and let $\mathbf{p}$ be the projection of $\mathbf{v}$ onto $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.$
Note that $\mathbf{p}$ is the midpoint of $\mathbf{v}$ and $\mathb... |
If $\tan x = 2,$ then find $\tan \left( x + \frac{\pi}{4} \right).$ | Level 2 | Precalculus | From the angle addition formula,
\begin{align*}
\tan \left( x + \frac{\pi}{4} \right) &= \frac{\tan x + \tan \frac{\pi}{4}}{1 - \tan x \tan \frac{\pi}{4}} \\
&= \frac{1 + 2}{1 - 2 \cdot 1} \\
&= \boxed{-3}.
\end{align*} |
Find $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -7 \end{pmatrix} + \begin{pmatrix} -6 \\ 11 \end{pmatrix}.$ | Level 1 | Precalculus | We have that
\[\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -7 \end{pmatrix} + \begin{pmatrix} -6 \\ 11 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 + (-6) \\ (-7) + 11 \end{pmatrix} = \boxed{\begin{pmatrix} -3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}}.\] |
In triangle $ABC$, $3 \sin A + 4 \cos B = 6$ and $4 \sin B + 3 \cos A = 1$. Find all possible values of $\angle C,$ in degrees. Enter all the possible values, separated by commas. | Level 5 | Precalculus | Squaring both equations, we get
\begin{align*}
9 \sin^2 A + 24 \sin A \cos B + 16 \cos^2 B &= 36, \\
9 \cos^2 A + 24 \cos A \sin B + 16 \sin^2 B &= 1.
\end{align*}Adding these equations, and using the identity $\cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta = 1,$ we get
\[24 \sin A \cos B + 24 \cos A \sin B = 12,\]so
\[\sin A \cos B + ... |
The line $y = \frac{5}{3} x - \frac{17}{3}$ is to be parameterized using vectors. Which of the following options are valid parameterizations?
(A) $\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} -3 \\ -5 \end{pmatrix}$
(B) $\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin... | Level 3 | Precalculus | Note that $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}$ are two points on this line, so a possible direction vector is
\[\begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} - \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}.\]Then any nonzero scalar multiple of $\begin{... |
Let $\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 4 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\mathbf{B} = \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix}$ be two matrices such that $\mathbf{A} \mathbf{B} = \mathbf{B} \mathbf{A}.$ Assuming $3b \neq c,$ find $\frac{a - d}{c - 3b}.$ | Level 2 | Precalculus | Since $\mathbf{A} \mathbf{B} = \mathbf{B} \mathbf{A},$
\[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 4 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 4 \end{pmatrix}.\]Expanding, we get
\[\begin{pmatrix} a + 2c & b + 2d \\ 3a + 4c & 3b + 4d \end{p... |
For some constants $a$ and $c,$
\[\begin{pmatrix} a \\ -1 \\ c \end{pmatrix} \times \begin{pmatrix} 7 \\ 3 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} -11 \\ -16 \\ 25 \end{pmatrix}.\]Enter the ordered pair $(a,c).$ | Level 4 | Precalculus | We have that
\[\begin{pmatrix} a \\ -1 \\ c \end{pmatrix} \times \begin{pmatrix} 7 \\ 3 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} -3c - 5 \\ -5a + 7c \\ 3a + 7 \end{pmatrix}.\]Comparing entries, we get $-3c - 5 = -11,$ $-5a + 7c = -16,$ and $3a + 7 = 25.$ Solving, we find $(a,c) = \boxed{(6,2)}.$ |
Find the value of $x$ for which the matrix
\[\begin{pmatrix} 1 + x & 7 \\ 3 - x & 8 \end{pmatrix}\]is not invertible. | Level 2 | Precalculus | A matrix is not invertible if and only its determinant is 0. This gives us the equation
\[(1 + x)(8) - (7)(3 - x) = 0.\]Solving, we find $x = \boxed{\frac{13}{15}}.$ |
Compute the number of degrees in the smallest positive angle $x$ such that
\[8 \sin x \cos^5 x - 8 \sin^5 x \cos x = 1.\] | Level 3 | Precalculus | Using the double angle formula, we can write
\begin{align*}
8 \sin x \cos^5 x - 8 \sin^5 x \cos x &= 8 \sin x \cos x (\cos^4 x - \sin^4 x) \\
&= 8 \sin x \cos x (\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x)(\cos^2 x - \sin^2 x) \\
&= 4 \sin 2x \cos 2x \\
&= 2 \sin 4x,
\end{align*}so $\sin 4x = \frac{1}{2}.$ Since $\sin 30^\circ = \frac{1}{2}... |
Simplify
\[\frac{\sin{10^\circ}+\sin{20^\circ}}{\cos{10^\circ}+\cos{20^\circ}}.\]Enter your answer is a trigonometric function evaluated at an integer, such as "sin 7". (The angle should be positive and as small as possible.) | Level 3 | Precalculus | From the product-to-sum identities,
\[\frac{\sin{10^\circ}+\sin{20^\circ}}{\cos{10^\circ}+\cos{20^\circ}} = \frac{2 \sin 15^\circ \cos (-5^\circ)}{2 \cos 15^\circ \cos(-5^\circ)} = \frac{\sin 15^\circ}{\cos 15^\circ} = \boxed{\tan 15^\circ}.\] |
Let $ABC$ be a triangle. There exists a positive real number $k$, such that if the altitudes of triangle $ABC$ are extended past $A$, $B$, and $C$, to $A'$, $B'$, and $C'$, as shown, such that $AA' = kBC$, $BB' = kAC$, and $CC' = kAB$, then triangle $A'B'C'$ is equilateral.
[asy]
unitsize(0.6 cm);
pair[] A, B, C;
pa... | Level 5 | Precalculus | We place the diagram in the complex plane, so that the vertices $A$, $A'$, $B$, $B'$, $C$, and $C'$ go to the complex numbers $a$, $a'$, $b$, $b'$, $c$, and $c'$, respectively.
To get to $a'$, we rotate the line segment joining $b$ to $c$ by $90^\circ$ (which we achieve by multiplying $c - b$ by $i$). Also, we want $... |
Find the minimum value of
\[(\sin x + \csc x)^2 + (\cos x + \sec x)^2\]for $0 < x < \frac{\pi}{2}.$ | Level 3 | Precalculus | We can write
\begin{align*}
(\sin x + \csc x)^2 + (\cos x + \sec x)^2 &= \sin^2 x + 2 + \csc^2 x + \cos^2 x + 2 + \sec^2 x \\
&= \csc^2 x + \sec^2 x + 5 \\
&= \frac{1}{\sin^2 x} + \frac{1}{\cos^2 x} + 5 \\
&= \frac{\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x}{\sin^2 x} + \frac{\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x}{\cos^2 x} + 5 \\
&= \frac{\cos^2 x}{\sin^2 x}... |
If
\[\frac{\cos^4 \alpha}{\cos^2 \beta} + \frac{\sin^4 \alpha}{\sin^2 \beta} = 1,\]then find the sum of all possible values of
\[\frac{\sin^4 \beta}{\sin^2 \alpha} + \frac{\cos^4 \beta}{\cos^2 \alpha}.\] | Level 2 | Precalculus | We can write the first equation as
\[\frac{\cos^4 \alpha}{\cos^2 \beta} + \frac{\sin^4 \alpha}{\sin^2 \beta} = \cos^2 \alpha + \sin^2 \alpha.\]Then
\[\cos^4 \alpha \sin^2 \beta + \sin^4 \alpha \cos^2 \beta = \cos^2 \alpha \cos^2 \beta \sin^2 \beta + \sin^2 \alpha \cos^2 \beta \sin^2 \beta,\]so
\[\cos^4 \alpha \sin^2 \b... |
The line segment connecting $(-2,7)$ and $(3,11)$ can be parameterized by the equations
\begin{align*}
x &= at + b, \\
y &= ct + d,
\end{align*}where $0 \le t \le 1,$ and $t = 0$ corresponds to the point $(-2,7).$ Find $a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2.$ | Level 2 | Precalculus | Taking $t = 0,$ we get $(x,y) = (b,d) = (-2,7),$ so $b = -2$ and $d = 7.$
Taking $t = 1,$ we get $(x,y) = (a + b, c + d) = (3,11),$ so $a + b = 3$ and $c + d = 11.$ Hence, $a = 5$ and $c = 4.$
Then $a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2 = 5^2 + (-2)^2 + 4^2 + 7^2 = \boxed{94}.$ |
Find the smallest positive angle $\theta,$ in degrees, for which
\[\cos \theta = \sin 60^\circ + \cos 42^\circ - \sin 12^\circ - \cos 6^\circ.\] | Level 3 | Precalculus | We have that
\begin{align*}
\sin 60^\circ &= \cos 30^\circ, \\
\cos 42^\circ &= \cos (360^\circ - 42^\circ) = \cos 318^\circ, \\
-\sin 12^\circ &= -\cos (90^\circ - 12^\circ) = -\cos 78^\circ = \cos (180^\circ - 78^\circ) = \cos 102^\circ, \\
-\cos 6^\circ &= \cos (180^\circ - 6^\circ) = \cos 174^\circ,
\end{align*}so
... |
Let $\mathbf{P}$ be the matrix for projecting onto the vector $\begin{pmatrix} -3 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find $\mathbf{P}^{-1}.$
If the inverse does not exist, then enter the zero matrix. | Level 2 | Precalculus | A projection matrix is always of the form
\[\begin{pmatrix} \cos^2 \theta & \cos \theta \sin \theta \\ \cos \theta \sin \theta & \sin^2 \theta \end{pmatrix},\]where the vector being projected onto has direction vector $\begin{pmatrix} \cos \theta \\ \sin \theta \end{pmatrix}.$ The determinant of this matrix is then
\[... |
In a polar coordinate system, the midpoint of the line segment whose endpoints are $\left( 8, \frac{5 \pi}{12} \right)$ and $\left( 8, -\frac{3 \pi}{12} \right)$ is the point $(r, \theta).$ Enter $(r, \theta),$ where $r > 0$ and $0 \le \theta < 2 \pi.$ | Level 4 | Precalculus | Let $A = \left( 8, \frac{5 \pi}{12} \right)$ and $B = \left( 8, -\frac{3 \pi}{12}\right).$ Note that both $A$ and $B$ lie on the circle with radius 8. Also, $\angle AOB = \frac{2 \pi}{3},$ where $O$ is the origin.
[asy]
unitsize (0.3 cm);
pair A, B, M, O;
A = 8*dir(75);
B = 8*dir(-45);
O = (0,0);
M = (A + B)/2;
d... |
Let $P$ be a point inside triangle $ABC$ such that
\[\overrightarrow{PA} + 2 \overrightarrow{PB} + 3 \overrightarrow{PC} = \mathbf{0}.\]Find the ratio of the area of triangle $ABC$ to the area of triangle $APC.$ | Level 4 | Precalculus | We let $\mathbf{a} = \overrightarrow{A},$ etc. Then the equation $\overrightarrow{PA} + 2 \overrightarrow{PB} + 3 \overrightarrow{PC} = \mathbf{0}$ becomes
\[\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{p} + 2 (\mathbf{b} - \mathbf{p}) + 3 (\mathbf{c} - \mathbf{p}) = \mathbf{0}.\]Solving for $\mathbf{p},$ we find
\[\mathbf{p} = \frac{\mathbf... |
Find the area of the parallelogram generated by $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 1 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}.$
[asy]
unitsize(0.4 cm);
pair A, B, C, D;
A = (0,0);
B = (7,2);
C = (1,3);
D = B + C;
draw(A--B,Arrow(6));
draw(A--C,Arrow(6));
draw(B--D--C);
[/asy] | Level 3 | Precalculus | In general, the area of the parallelogram generated by two vectors $\mathbf{v}$ and $\mathbf{w}$ is
\[\|\mathbf{v}\| \|\mathbf{w}\| \sin \theta,\]where $\theta$ is the angle between $\mathbf{v}$ and $\mathbf{w}.$ This is precisely the magnitude of $\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{w}.$
Thus, the area of the parallelogram is... |
If $\det \mathbf{A} = 2$ and $\det \mathbf{B} = 12,$ then find $\det (\mathbf{A} \mathbf{B}).$ | Level 1 | Precalculus | We have that $\det (\mathbf{A} \mathbf{B}) = (\det \mathbf{A})(\det \mathbf{B}) = (2)(12) = \boxed{24}.$ |
Convert $\sqrt{2} e^{11 \pi i/4}$ to rectangular form. | Level 2 | Precalculus | We have that $\sqrt{2} e^{11 \pi i/4} = \sqrt{2} \cos \frac{11 \pi}{4} + i \sqrt{2} \sin \frac{11 \pi}{4} = \boxed{-1 + i}$. |
Given that $z$ is a complex number such that $z+\frac 1z=2\cos 3^\circ$, find $z^{2000}+\frac 1{z^{2000}}$. | Level 4 | Precalculus | From the given equation, $z^2 + 1 = 2z \cos 3^\circ,$ or $z^2 - 2z \cos 3^\circ + 1 = 0.$ Then by the quadratic formula,
\[z = \frac{2 \cos 3^\circ \pm \sqrt{4 \cos^2 3^\circ - 4}}{2} = \cos 3^\circ \pm i \sin 3^\circ.\]Then by DeMoivre's Theorem,
\[z^{2000} = \cos 6000^\circ \pm i \sin 6000^\circ = \cos 240^\circ \pm... |
Convert the point $(\rho,\theta,\phi) = \left( 4, \frac{5 \pi}{3}, \frac{\pi}{2} \right)$ in spherical coordinates to rectangular coordinates. | Level 3 | Precalculus | We have that $\rho = 4,$ $\theta = \frac{5 \pi}{3},$ and $\phi = \frac{\pi}{2},$ so
\begin{align*}
x &= \rho \sin \phi \cos \theta = 4 \sin \frac{\pi}{2} \cos \frac{5 \pi}{3} = 2, \\
y &= \rho \sin \phi \sin \theta = 4 \sin \frac{\pi}{2} \sin \frac{5 \pi}{3} = -2 \sqrt{3}, \\
z &= \rho \cos \phi = 4 \cos \frac{\pi}{2} ... |
The projection of $\begin{pmatrix} -8 \\ b \end{pmatrix}$ onto $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}$ is
\[-\frac{13}{5} \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}.\]Find $b.$ | Level 2 | Precalculus | The projection of $\begin{pmatrix} -8 \\ b \end{pmatrix}$ onto $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}$ is given by
\[\frac{\begin{pmatrix} -8 \\ b \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}}{\left\| \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \right\|^2} \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} = \frac{b - 16}{5} \be... |
Find the curve defined by the equation
\[r = 4 \tan \theta \sec \theta.\](A) Line
(B) Circle
(C) Parabola
(D) Ellipse
(E) Hyperbola
Enter the letter of the correct option. | Level 2 | Precalculus | From $r = 4 \tan \theta \sec \theta,$
\[r = 4 \cdot \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} \cdot \frac{1}{\cos \theta}.\]Then $r \cos^2 \theta = 4 \sin \theta,$ so
\[r^2 \cos^2 \theta = 4r \sin \theta.\]Hence, $x^2 = 4y.$ This is the equation of a parabola, so the answer is $\boxed{\text{(C)}}.$
[asy]
unitsize(0.15 cm);
pa... |
Equilateral triangle $ABC$ has been creased and folded so that vertex $A$ now rests at $A'$ on $\overline{BC}$ as shown. If $BA' = 1$ and $A'C = 2,$ then find the length of crease $\overline{PQ}.$
[asy]
unitsize(1 cm);
pair A, Ap, B, C, P, Q;
A = 3*dir(60);
B = (0,0);
C = (3,0);
Ap = (1,0);
P = 8/5*dir(60);
Q = C +... | Level 3 | Precalculus | The side length of equilateral triangle $ABC$ is 3.
Let $x = BP.$ Then $AP = A'P = 3 - x,$ so by the Law of Cosines on triangle $PBA',$
\[(3 - x)^2 = x^2 + 3^2 - 2 \cdot x \cdot 3 \cdot \cos 60^\circ = x^2 - 3x + 9.\]Solving, we find $x = \frac{8}{5}.$
Let $y = CQ.$ Then $AQ = A'Q = 3 - y,$ so by the Law of Cosines... |
Find the matrix $\mathbf{M}$ such that
\[\mathbf{M} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & -4 \\ 3 & -2 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} -16 & -6 \\ 7 & 2 \end{pmatrix}.\] | Level 2 | Precalculus | The inverse of $\begin{pmatrix} 1 & -4 \\ 3 & -2 \end{pmatrix}$ is
\[\frac{1}{(1)(-2) - (-4)(3)} \begin{pmatrix} -2 & 4 \\ -3 & 1 \end{pmatrix} = \frac{1}{10} \begin{pmatrix} -2 & 4 \\ -3 & 1 \end{pmatrix}.\]So, multiplying by this inverse on the right, we get
\[\mathbf{M} = \begin{pmatrix} -16 & -6 \\ 7 & 2 \end{pmatr... |
$ABCD$ is a square and $M$ and $N$ are the midpoints of $\overline{BC}$ and $\overline{CD},$ respectively. Find $\sin \theta.$
[asy]
unitsize(1.5 cm);
draw((0,0)--(2,0)--(2,2)--(0,2)--cycle);
draw((0,0)--(2,1));
draw((0,0)--(1,2));
label("$A$", (0,0), SW);
label("$B$", (0,2), NW);
label("$C$", (2,2), NE);
label("$D$... | Level 2 | Precalculus | We can assume that the side length of the square is 2. Then by Pythagoras, $AM = AN = \sqrt{5},$ and $MN = \sqrt{2},$ so by the Law of Cosines on triangle $AMN,$
\[\cos \theta = \frac{AM^2 + AN^2 - MN^2}{2 \cdot AM \cdot AN} = \frac{5 + 5 - 2}{10} = \frac{8}{10} = \frac{4}{5}.\]Then
\[\sin^2 \theta = 1 - \cos^2 \theta... |
Find the smallest positive integer $n$ such that
\[\begin{pmatrix} \frac{1}{2} & \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \\ -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} & \frac{1}{2} \end{pmatrix}^n = \mathbf{I}.\] | Level 2 | Precalculus | Note that
\[\begin{pmatrix} \frac{1}{2} & \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \\ -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} & \frac{1}{2} \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} \cos 300^\circ & -\sin 300^\circ \\ \sin 300^\circ & \cos 300^\circ \end{pmatrix},\]which is the matrix corresponding to rotating about the origin by an angle of $300^\circ$ counter-clockwis... |
Let $H$ be the orthocenter of triangle $ABC.$ For all points $P$ on the circumcircle of triangle $ABC,$
\[PA^2 + PB^2 + PC^2 - PH^2\]is a constant. Express this constant in terms of the side lengths $a,$ $b,$ $c$ and circumradius $R$ of triangle $ABC.$ | Level 5 | Precalculus | Let the circumcenter $O$ of triangle $ABC$ be the origin, so $\|\overrightarrow{P}\| = R.$ Also, $\overrightarrow{H} = \overrightarrow{A} + \overrightarrow{B} + \overrightarrow{C}.$ Then
\begin{align*}
PA^2 &= \|\overrightarrow{P} - \overrightarrow{A}\|^2 \\
&= (\overrightarrow{P} - \overrightarrow{A}) \cdot (\overri... |
For real numbers $t,$ the point
\[(x,y) = (2^t - 3, 4^t - 5 \cdot 2^t - 1)\]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 1 | Precalculus | Let $x = 2^t - 3.$ Then $2^t = x + 3,$ and
\begin{align*}
y &= 4^t - 5 \cdot 2^t - 1 \\
&= (2^t)^2 - 5 \cdot 2^t - 1 \\
&= (x + 3)^2 - 5(x + 3) - 1 \\
&= x^2 + x - 7.
\end{align*}Thus, all the plotted points lie on a parabola. The answer is $\boxed{\text{(C)}}.$ |
Convert the point $\left( 5, \frac{3 \pi}{2}, 4 \right)$ in cylindrical coordinates to rectangular coordinates. | Level 2 | Precalculus | Given cylindrical coordinates $(r,\theta,z),$ the rectangular coordinates are given by
\[(r \cos \theta, r \sin \theta, z).\]So here, the rectangular coordinates are
\[\left( 5 \cos \frac{3 \pi}{2}, 5 \sin \frac{3 \pi}{2}, 4 \right) = \boxed{(0, -5, 4)}.\] |
Simplify $\cos 36^\circ - \cos 72^\circ.$ | Level 2 | Precalculus | Let $a = \cos 36^\circ$ and $b = \cos 72^\circ.$ Then
\[b = \cos 72^\circ = 2 \cos^2 36^\circ - 1 = 2a^2 - 1.\]Also,
\[a = \cos 36^\circ = 1 - 2 \sin^2 18^\circ = 1 - 2 \cos^2 72^\circ = 1 - 2b^2.\]Adding these equations, we get
\[a + b = 2a^2 - 2b^2 = 2(a + b)(a - b).\]Since $a$ and $b$ are positive, $a + b \neq 0.$ ... |
Find the point on the line defined by
\[\begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 6 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}\]that is closest to the point $(2,3,4).$ | Level 5 | Precalculus | A point on the line is given by
\[\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 6 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 - 2t \\ 6t \\ 1 - 3t \end{pmatrix}.\][asy]
unitsize (0.6 cm);
pair A, B, C, D, E, F, H;
A = (2,5);
B = (0,0);
C = (8,0);
D = (A + ... |
Let $a$, $b$, $c$ be the three sides of a triangle, and let $\alpha$, $\beta$, $\gamma$ be the angles opposite them. If $a^2+b^2=1989c^2$, find the value of
\[\frac{\cot \gamma}{\cot \alpha+\cot \beta}.\] | Level 4 | Precalculus | We can write
\begin{align*}
\frac{\cot \gamma}{\cot \alpha + \cot \beta} &= \frac{\frac{\cos \gamma}{\sin \gamma}}{\frac{\cos \alpha}{\sin \alpha} + \frac{\cos \beta}{\sin \beta}} \\
&= \frac{\sin \alpha \sin \beta \cos \gamma}{\sin \gamma (\cos \alpha \sin \beta + \sin \alpha \cos \beta)}
&= \frac{\sin \alpha \sin \be... |
Let $\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} 7 \\ -4 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\mathbf{c} = \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ -1 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find the vector $\mathbf{b}$ such that $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ and $\mathbf{c}$ are collinear, and $\mathbf{b}$ bisects the angle between $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{c}.$
[asy]
unitsize(0.5... | Level 5 | Precalculus | The line through $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{c}$ can be parameterized by
\[\begin{pmatrix} 7 - 9t \\ -4 + 3t \\ -4 + 6t \end{pmatrix}.\]Then $\mathbf{b}$ is of this form. Furthermore, the angle between $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b}$ is equal to the angle between $\mathbf{b}$ and $\mathbf{c}.$ Hence,
\[\frac{\mathbf{a} \... |
Compute
\[\csc \frac{\pi}{14} - 4 \cos \frac{2 \pi}{7}.\] | Level 2 | Precalculus | We can write
\begin{align*}
\csc \frac{\pi}{14} - 4 \cos \frac{2 \pi}{7} &= \frac{1}{\sin \frac{\pi}{14}} - 4 \cos \frac{2 \pi}{7} \\
&= \frac{2 \cos \frac{\pi}{14}}{2 \cos \frac{\pi}{14} \sin \frac{\pi}{14}} - 4 \cos \frac{2 \pi}{7}.
\end{align*}By double-angle formula,
\begin{align*}
\frac{2 \cos \frac{\pi}{14}}{2 \c... |
Compute $\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix}^{2018}.$ | Level 2 | Precalculus | In general,
\[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ a & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ b & 1 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ a + b & 1 \end{pmatrix},\]so
\[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix}^{2018} = \underbrace{\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \d... |
Find $\sin \frac{11 \pi}{3}.$ | Level 1 | Precalculus | Converting to degrees,
\[\frac{11 \pi}{3} = \frac{180^\circ}{\pi} \cdot \frac{11 \pi}{3} = 660^\circ.\]The sine function has period $360^\circ,$ $\sin 660^\circ = \sin (660^\circ - 2 \cdot 360^\circ) = \sin (-60^\circ) = -\sin 60^\circ = \boxed{-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}.$ |
Find the matrix that corresponds to projecting onto the vector $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}.$ | Level 4 | Precalculus | From the projection formula, the projection of $\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix}$ onto $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}$ is
\begin{align*}
\operatorname{proj}_{\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} &= \frac{\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -... |
Parallelepiped $ABCDEFGH$ is generated by vectors $\overrightarrow{AB},$ $\overrightarrow{AD},$ and $\overrightarrow{AE},$ as shown below.
[asy]
import three;
size(220);
currentprojection = orthographic(0.5,0.3,0.2);
triple I = (1,0,0), J = (0,1,0), K = (0,0,1), O = (0,0,0);
triple V = (-1,0.2,0.5), W = (0,3,0.7), U... | Level 3 | Precalculus | Let $\mathbf{u} = \overrightarrow{AE},$ $\mathbf{v} = \overrightarrow{AB},$ and $\mathbf{w} = \overrightarrow{AD}.$ Also, assume that $A$ is a at the origin. Then
\begin{align*}
\overrightarrow{C} &= \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w}, \\
\overrightarrow{F} &= \mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v}, \\
\overrightarrow{G} &= \mathbf{u} + \math... |
Find the smallest positive angle $x$ that satisfies $\sin 2x \sin 3x = \cos 2x \cos 3x,$ in degrees. | Level 2 | Precalculus | From the given equation,
\[\cos 2x \cos 3x - \sin 2x \sin 3x = 0.\]Then from the angle addition formula, $\cos (2x + 3x) = 0,$ or $\cos 5x = 0.$ To find the smallest positive solution, we take $5x = 90^\circ,$ so $x = \boxed{18^\circ}.$ |
A sphere intersects the $xy$-plane in a circle centered at $(2,4,0)$ with radius 1. The sphere also intersects the $yz$-plane in a circle centered at $(0,4,-7),$ with radius $r.$ Find $r.$ | Level 5 | Precalculus | The center of the sphere must have the same $x$- and $y$-coordinates of $(2,4,0).$ It must also have the same $y$- and $z$-coordinates as $(0,4,-7).$ Therefore, the center of the sphere is $(2,4,-7).$
[asy]
import three;
size(250);
currentprojection = perspective(6,3,2);
real t;
triple P, Q;
P = (2,4,0) + (Cos(33... |
Let $\mathbf{m},$ $\mathbf{n},$ and $\mathbf{p}$ be unit vectors such that the angle between $\mathbf{m}$ and $\mathbf{n}$ is $\alpha,$ and the angle between $\mathbf{p}$ and $\mathbf{m} \times \mathbf{n}$ is also $\alpha.$ If $\mathbf{n} \cdot (\mathbf{p} \times \mathbf{m}) = \frac{1}{4},$ find the smallest possible ... | Level 3 | Precalculus | By the scalar triple product,
\[\mathbf{p} \cdot (\mathbf{m} \times \mathbf{n}) = \mathbf{n} \cdot (\mathbf{p} \times \mathbf{m}) = \frac{1}{4}.\]Then
\[\|\mathbf{p}\| \|\mathbf{m} \times \mathbf{n}\| \cos \alpha = \frac{1}{4}.\]Also, $\|\mathbf{m} \times \mathbf{n}\| = \|\mathbf{m}\| \|\mathbf{n}\| \sin \alpha,$ so
\[... |
Let $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ and $\mathbf{c}$ be unit vectors such that $\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} = \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{c} = 0,$ and the angle between $\mathbf{b}$ and $\mathbf{c}$ is $\frac{\pi}{4}.$ Then
\[\mathbf{a} = k (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c})\]for some constant $k.$ Enter all the possible values... | Level 4 | Precalculus | First, note that since $\mathbf{a}$ is orthogonal to both $\mathbf{b}$ and $\mathbf{c},$ $\mathbf{a}$ is a scalar multiple of their cross product $\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c}.$ Furthermore,
\[\|\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c}\| = \|\mathbf{b}\| \|\mathbf{c}\| \sin \frac{\pi}{4} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}.\]Hence,
\[\|\mathbf{... |
Find the value of $a$ so that the lines described by
\[\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -1 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} a \\ -2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}\]and
\[\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -3/2 \\ -5 \end{pmatrix} + u \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3/2 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}\]are perpendicular. | Level 4 | Precalculus | The direction vector of the first line is $\begin{pmatrix} a \\ -2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}.$ The direction vector of the second line is $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3/2 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.$
The lines are orthogonal when the direction vectors will be orthogonal, which means their dot product will be 0. This gives us
\[(a)(1) + (... |
Given $\begin{vmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{vmatrix} = 5,$ find $\begin{vmatrix} 2a & 2b \\ 2c & 2d \end{vmatrix}.$ | Level 1 | Precalculus | From $\begin{vmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{vmatrix} = 5,$ $ad - bc = 5.$ Then
\[\begin{vmatrix} 2a & 2b \\ 2c & 2d \end{vmatrix} = (2a)(2d) - (2b)(2c) = 4(ad - bc) = \boxed{20}.\] |
The curve parameterized by $(x,y) = (2t + 4, 4t - 5)$ is a line, where $t$ is a real number. Find the equation of the line. Enter the equation in the form "$y = mx + b$". | Level 2 | Precalculus | Solving for $t$ in $x = 2t + 4,$ we find
\[t = \frac{x - 4}{2}.\]Then
\[y = 4t - 5 = 4 \cdot \frac{x - 4}{2} - 5 = 2x - 13.\]Thus, the equation is $\boxed{y = 2x - 13}.$ |
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