problem stringlengths 16 4.31k | level stringclasses 6
values | type stringclasses 7
values | solution stringlengths 26 6.77k |
|---|---|---|---|
The parabolas $y = (x + 1)^2$ and $x + 4 = (y - 3)^2$ intersect at four points $(x_1,y_1),$ $(x_2,y_2),$ $(x_3,y_3),$ and $(x_4,y_4).$ Find
\[x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + x_4 + y_1 + y_2 + y_3 + y_4.\] | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | To find $x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + x_4,$ we can try to find a quartic equation whose roots are $x_1,$ $x_2,$ $x_3,$ and $x_4.$ To this end, we substitute $y = (x + 1)^2$ into $x + 4 = (y - 3)^2,$ to get
\[x + 4 = ((x + 1)^2 - 3)^2.\]Expanding, we get $x^4 + 4x^3 - 9x = 0.$ By Vieta's formulas, $x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + x_4 = -4.$
... |
Find the largest constant $m,$ so that for any positive real numbers $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ and $d,$
\[\sqrt{\frac{a}{b + c + d}} + \sqrt{\frac{b}{a + c + d}} + \sqrt{\frac{c}{a + b + d}} + \sqrt{\frac{d}{a + b + c}} > m.\] | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | By GM-HM applied to 1 and $\frac{a}{b + c + d},$
\[\sqrt{1 \cdot \frac{a}{b + c + d}} \ge \frac{2}{\frac{1}{1} + \frac{b + c + d}{a}} = \frac{2a}{a + b + c + d}.\]Similarly,
\begin{align*}
\sqrt{\frac{b}{a + c + d}} &\ge \frac{2b}{a + b + c + d}, \\
\sqrt{\frac{c}{a + b + d}} &\ge \frac{2c}{a + b + c + d}, \\
\sqrt{\fr... |
An ellipse has foci $(2, 2)$ and $(2, 6)$, and it passes through the point $(14, -3).$ Given this, we can write the equation of the ellipse in standard form as \[\frac{(x-h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y-k)^2}{b^2} = 1,\]where $a, b, h, k$ are constants, and $a$ and $b$ are positive. Find the ordered quadruple $(a, b, h, k)$.
(E... | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | The sum of the distances from $(14, -3)$ to the two foci is \[\sqrt{(14-2)^2 + (-3-2)^2} + \sqrt{(14-2)^2 + (-3-6)^2} = 13 + 15 = 28.\]Therefore, the major axis has length $28.$ Since the distance between the foci is $\sqrt{(2-2)^2 + (2-6)^2} = 4,$ it follows that the length of the minor axis is $\sqrt{28^2 - 4^2} = 4\... |
How many of the first $1000$ positive integers can be expressed in the form
\[\lfloor 2x \rfloor + \lfloor 4x \rfloor + \lfloor 6x \rfloor + \lfloor 8x \rfloor\]where $x$ is a real number, and $\lfloor z \rfloor$ denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to $z$? | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $f(x)$ be the given expression. We first examine the possible values of $f(x)$ for $x$ in the interval $(0, 1].$ Note that $f(0) = 0,$ while $f(1) = 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 = 20.$
As we increase $x$ from $0$ to $1,$ each of the four floor functions "jumps up" by $1$ at certain points. Furthermore, if multiple floor function... |
For a positive integer $n,$ let
\[a_n = \sum_{k = 0}^n \frac{1}{\binom{n}{k}} \quad \text{and} \quad b_n = \sum_{k = 0}^n \frac{k}{\binom{n}{k}}.\]Simplify $\frac{a_n}{b_n}.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | For the sum $b_n,$ let $j = n - k,$ so $k = n - j.$ Then
\begin{align*}
b_n &= \sum_{k = 0}^n \frac{k}{\binom{n}{k}} \\
&= \sum_{j = n}^0 \frac{n - j}{\binom{n}{n - j}} \\
&= \sum_{j = 0}^n \frac{n - j}{\binom{n}{j}} \\
&= \sum_{k = 0}^n \frac{n - k}{\binom{n}{k}},
\end{align*}so
\[b_n + b_n = \sum_{k = 0}^n \frac{k}{... |
If $a,$ $b,$ $x,$ and $y$ are real numbers such that $ax+by=3,$ $ax^2+by^2=7,$ $ax^3+by^3=16,$ and $ax^4+by^4=42,$ find $ax^5+by^5.$ | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | For $n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,$ define $s_n = ax^n + by^n.$ We are given the values of $s_1, s_2, s_3,$ and $s_4,$ and want to compute $s_5.$
We find a relationship between the terms $s_n.$ Notice that \[\begin{aligned} (x+y)(ax^n + by^n) &= ax^{n+1} + bxy^n + ax^ny + by^{n+1} \\ &= (ax^{n+1} + by^{n+1}) + xy(ax^{n-1} + by^{... |
The numbers $a_1,$ $a_2,$ $a_3,$ $b_1,$ $b_2,$ $b_3,$ $c_1,$ $c_2,$ $c_3$ are equal to the numbers $1,$ $2,$ $3,$ $\dots,$ $9$ in some order. Find the smallest possible value of
\[a_1 a_2 a_3 + b_1 b_2 b_3 + c_1 c_2 c_3.\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $S = a_1 a_2 a_3 + b_1 b_2 b_3 + c_1 c_2 c_3.$ Then by AM-GM,
\[S \ge 3 \sqrt[3]{a_1 a_2 a_3 b_1 b_2 b_3 c_1 c_2 c_3} = 3 \sqrt[3]{9!} \approx 213.98.\]Since $S$ is an integer, $S \ge 214.$
Note that
\[2 \cdot 5 \cdot 7 + 1 \cdot 8 \cdot 9 + 3 \cdot 4 \cdot 6 = 214,\]so the smallest possible value of $S$ is $\box... |
Find the maximum value of
\[f(x) = 3x - x^3\]for $0 \le x \le \sqrt{3}.$ | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Graphing the function, or trying different values of $x,$ we may think that the function is maximized at $x = 1,$ which would make the maximum value 2.
To confirm this, we can consider the expression
\[2 - f(x) = x^3 - 3x + 2.\]We know that this is zero at $x = 1,$ so $x - 1$ is a factor:
\[2 - f(x) = (x - 1)(x^2 + x ... |
Find the equation of the directrix of the parabola $x = -\frac{1}{6} y^2.$ | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Recall that a parabola is defined as the set of all points that are equidistant to the focus $F$ and the directrix.
Since the parabola $x = -\frac{1}{6} y^2$ is symmetric about the $x$-axis, the focus is at a point of the form $(f,0).$ Let $x = d$ be the equation of the directrix.
[asy]
unitsize(1.5 cm);
pair F, P,... |
An ellipse has its foci at $(-1, -1)$ and $(-1, -3).$ Given that it passes through the point $(4, -2),$ its equation can be written in the form \[\frac{(x-h)^2}{a^2} + \frac{(y-k)^2}{b^2} = 1\]where $a, b, h, k$ are constants, and $a$ and $b$ are positive. Find $a+k.$ | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | The sum of the distances from $(4, -2)$ to the foci of the ellipse is \[\sqrt{(4+1)^2 + (-1+2)^2} + \sqrt{(4+1)^2 + (-3+2)^2} = 2\sqrt{26}.\]This is also equal to the length of the major axis of the ellipse. Since the distance between the foci is $2,$ it follows that the length of the minor axis of the ellipse is $\sqr... |
Find the quadratic function $f(x) = x^2 + ax + b$ such that
\[\frac{f(f(x) + x)}{f(x)} = x^2 + 1776x + 2010.\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | We have that
\begin{align*}
f(f(x) + x) &= f(x^2 + (a + 1) x + b) \\
&= (x^2 + (a + 1)x + b)^2 + a(x^2 + (a + 1) x + b) + b \\
&= x^4 + (2a + 2) x^3 + (a^2 + 3a + 2b + 1) x^2 + (a^2 + 2ab + a + 2b) x + (ab + b^2 + b).
\end{align*}We can write this as
\begin{align*}
&x^4 + (2a + 2) x^3 + (a^2 + 3a + 2b + 1) x^2 + (a^2 +... |
What is the value of the sum
\[
\sum_z \frac{1}{{\left|1 - z\right|}^2} \, ,
\]where $z$ ranges over all 7 solutions (real and nonreal) of the equation $z^7 = -1$? | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Since $z^7 = -1,$ $|z^7| = 1.$ Then $|z|^7 = 1,$ so $|z| = 1.$ Then $z \overline{z} = |z|^2 = 1,$ so $\overline{z} = \frac{1}{z}.$ Hence,
\begin{align*}
\frac{1}{|1 - z|^2} &= \frac{1}{(1 - z)(\overline{1 - z})} \\
&= \frac{1}{(1 - z)(1 - \overline{z})} \\
&= \frac{1}{(1 - z)(1 - \frac{1}{z})} \\
&= \frac{z}{(1 - z)... |
Find a quadratic with rational coefficients and quadratic term $x^2$ that has $\sqrt{3}-2$ as a root. | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Since the root $\sqrt{3}-2$ is irrational but the coefficients of the quadratic are rational, from the quadratic formula we can see that the other root must be $-\sqrt{3}-2.$
To find the quadratic, we can note that the sum of the roots is $\sqrt{3}-2-\sqrt{3}-2=-4$ and the product is $(\sqrt{3}-2)(-\sqrt{3}-2) =4-3=1.... |
A parabola has vertex $V = (0,0)$ and focus $F = (0,1).$ Let $P$ be a point in the first quadrant, lying on the parabola, so that $PF = 101.$ Find $P.$ | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Using the vertex and focus, we can see that the equation of the directrix must be $y = -1.$
[asy]
unitsize(3 cm);
real func (real x) {
return(x^2);
}
pair F, P, Q;
F = (0,1/4);
P = (0.8,func(0.8));
Q = (0.8,-1/4);
draw(graph(func,-1,1));
draw((-1,-1/4)--(1,-1/4),dashed);
draw(F--P--Q);
label("$y = -1$", (1,-1/4... |
Is
\[f(x) = \log (x + \sqrt{1 + x^2})\]an even function, odd function, or neither?
Enter "odd", "even", or "neither". | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Note that
\begin{align*}
-x + \sqrt{1 + (-x)^2} &= -x + \sqrt{1 + x^2} \\
&= \frac{(-x + \sqrt{1 + x^2})(x + \sqrt{1 + x^2})}{x + \sqrt{1 + x^2}} \\
&= \frac{-x^2 + (1 + x^2)}{x + \sqrt{1 + x^2}} \\
&= \frac{1}{x + \sqrt{1 + x^2}},
\end{align*}so
\begin{align*}
f(-x) &= \log (-x + \sqrt{1 + x^2}) \\
&= \log \left( \fra... |
A positive real number $x$ is such that \[
\sqrt[3]{1-x^3} + \sqrt[3]{1+x^3} = 1.
\]Find $x^6.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Cubing the given equation yields \[
1 = (1-x^3) + 3\sqrt[3]{(1-x^3)(1+x^3)}\left(\sqrt[3]{1-x^3} + \sqrt[3]{1+x^3}\right) + (1+x^3) = 2 + 3\sqrt[3]{1-x^6}.
\]Then $\frac{-1}{3} = \sqrt[3]{1-x^6},$ so $\frac{-1}{27} = 1-x^6$ and $x^6 = \boxed{\frac{28}{27}}.$ |
Express the following sum as a simple fraction in lowest terms.
$$\frac{1}{1\times2} + \frac{1}{2\times3} + \frac{1}{3\times4} + \frac{1}{4\times5} + \frac{1}{5\times6}$$ | Level 1 | Intermediate Algebra | Any unit fraction whose denominator is the product of two consecutive numbers can be expressed as a difference of unit fractions as shown below. The second equation is the general rule.
$$\frac{1}{99\times100} = \frac{1}{99} - \frac{1}{100}$$$$\frac{1}{n(n+1)} = \frac{1}{n} - \frac{1}{n+1}$$Each of the fractions in th... |
For certain real values of $a, b, c,$ and $d_{},$ the equation $x^4+ax^3+bx^2+cx+d=0$ has four non-real roots. The product of two of these roots is $13+i$ and the sum of the other two roots is $3+4i,$ where $i^2 = -1.$ Find $b.$ | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Since the coefficients of the polynomial are all real, the four non-real roots must come in two conjugate pairs. Let $z$ and $w$ be the two roots that multiply to $13+i$. Since $13+i$ is not real, $z$ and $w$ cannot be conjugates of each other (since any complex number times its conjugate is a real number). Therefore, ... |
Given that $x<1$ and \[(\log_{10} x)^2 - \log_{10}(x^2) = 48,\]compute the value of \[(\log_{10}x)^3 - \log_{10}(x^3).\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Using the identity $\log_{10}(x^2) = 2 \log_{10} x,$ the first equation simplifies to \[(\log_{10}x)^2 - 2\log_{10} x = 48.\]Subtracting $48$ from both sides gives a quadratic equation in $\log_{10} x,$ which factors as \[(\log_{10} x- 8)(\log_{10} x + 6) = 0.\]Since $x < 1,$ we have $\log_{10} x < 0,$ so we must choos... |
Let $a,$ $b,$ and $c$ be the roots of $x^3 - 7x^2 + 5x + 2 = 0.$ Find
\[\frac{a}{bc + 1} + \frac{b}{ac + 1} + \frac{c}{ab + 1}.\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | By Vieta's formulas, $a + b + c = 7,$ $ab + ac + bc = 5,$ and $abc = -2.$
We can say
\[\frac{a}{bc + 1} + \frac{b}{ac + 1} + \frac{c}{ab + 1} = \frac{a^2}{abc + a} + \frac{b^2}{abc + b} + \frac{c^2}{abc + c}.\]Since $abc = -2,$ this becomes
\[\frac{a^2}{a - 2} + \frac{b^2}{b - 2} + \frac{c^2}{c - 2}.\]By Long Division... |
Find all real values of $x$ which satisfy
\[\frac{1}{x + 1} + \frac{6}{x + 5} \ge 1.\] | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Subtracting 1 from both sides and putting everything over a common denominator, we get
\[\frac{-x^2 + x + 6}{(x + 1)(x + 5)} \ge 0.\]Equivalently,
\[\frac{x^2 - x - 6}{(x + 1)(x + 5)} \le 0.\]We can factor the numerator, to get
\[\frac{(x - 3)(x + 2)}{(x + 1)(x + 5)} \le 0.\]We build a sign chart, accordingly.
\begin{t... |
Given that $a-b=5$ and $a^2+b^2=35$, find $a^3-b^3$. | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | We know that $(a-b)^2=a^2-2ab+b^2$. Therefore, we plug in the given values to get $5^2=35-2ab$. Solving, we get that $ab=5$. We also have the difference of cubes factorization $a^3-b^3=(a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2)$. Plugging in the values given and solving, we get that $a^3-b^3=(5)(35+5)=(5)(40)=\boxed{200}$. |
For integers $a$ and $T,$ $T \neq 0,$ a parabola whose general equation is $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ passes through the points $A = (0,0),$ $B = (2T,0),$ and $C = (2T + 1,28).$ Let $N$ be the sum of the coordinates of the vertex point. Determine the largest value of $N.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Since the parabola passes through the points $(0,0)$ and $(2T,0),$ the equation is of the form
\[y = ax(x - 2T).\]For the vertex, $x = T,$ and $y = aT(-T) = -aT^2.$ The sum of the coordinates of the vertex is then $N = T - aT^2.$
Setting $x = 2T + 1,$ we get $a(2T + 1) = 28.$ The possible values of $2T + 1$ are 7, $... |
Given that $x$ and $y$ are nonzero real numbers such that $x+\frac{1}{y}=10$ and $y+\frac{1}{x}=\frac{5}{12},$ find all possible values for $x.$
(Enter your answer as a comma-separated list.) | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Multiplying the first equation by $y$ and the second equation by $x,$ we get \[\begin{aligned} xy+1 &= 10y, \\ xy + 1 &= \tfrac{5}{12} x. \end{aligned}\]Then $10y = \tfrac{5}{12}x,$ so $y = \tfrac{1}{10} \cdot \tfrac{5}{12} x = \tfrac{1}{24}x.$ Substituting into the first equation, we get \[x + \frac{1}{\frac{1}{24}x} ... |
Find all roots of the polynomial $x^3+x^2-4x-4$. Enter your answer as a list of numbers separated by commas. | Level 1 | Intermediate Algebra | By the Rational Root Theorem, any root of the polynomial must divide $4$. Therefore the roots are among the numbers $\pm 1,2$. Since these are only four values, we can try all of them to find that that the roots are $\boxed{-1,2,-2}$. |
Let $a$ and $b$ be positive real numbers such that $a + 2b = 1.$ Find the minimum value of
\[\frac{1}{a} + \frac{2}{b}.\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | By AM-HM,
\[\frac{a + b + b}{3} \ge \frac{3}{\frac{1}{a} + \frac{1}{b} + \frac{1}{b}},\]so
\[\frac{1}{a} + \frac{2}{b} \ge \frac{9}{a + 2b} = 9.\]Equality occurs when $a = b = \frac{1}{3},$ so the minimum value is $\boxed{9}.$ |
Compute
\[\frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{1} \rfloor \cdot \lfloor \sqrt[4]{3} \rfloor \cdot \lfloor \sqrt[4]{5} \rfloor \dotsm \lfloor \sqrt[4]{2015} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{2} \rfloor \cdot \lfloor \sqrt[4]{4} \rfloor \cdot \lfloor \sqrt[4]{6} \rfloor \dotsm \lfloor \sqrt[4]{2016} \rfloor}.\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | We can write the expression as
\[\frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{1} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{2} \rfloor} \cdot \frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{3} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{4} \rfloor} \cdot \frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{5} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{6} \rfloor} \dotsm \frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{2015} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{2016} \rfloor}.\]For ... |
Find all real numbers $p$ so that
\[x^4 + 2px^3 + x^2 + 2px + 1 = 0\]has at least two distinct negative real roots. | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | We see that $x = 0$ cannot be a root of the polynomial. Dividing both sides by $x^2,$ we get
\[x^2 + 2px + 1 + \frac{2p}{x} + \frac{1}{x^2} = 0.\]Let $y = x + \frac{1}{x}.$ Then
\[y^2 = x^2 + 2 + \frac{1}{x^2},\]so
\[y^2 - 2 + 2py + 1 = 0,\]or $y^2 + 2py - 1 = 0.$ Hence,
\[p = \frac{1 - y^2}{2y}.\]If $x$ is negative... |
Find the minimum of the function
\[\frac{xy}{x^2 + y^2}\]in the domain $\frac{2}{5} \le x \le \frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{3} \le y \le \frac{3}{8}.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | We can write
\[\frac{xy}{x^2 + y^2} = \frac{1}{\frac{x^2 + y^2}{xy}} = \frac{1}{\frac{x}{y} + \frac{y}{x}}.\]Let $t = \frac{x}{y},$ so $\frac{x}{y} + \frac{y}{x} = t + \frac{1}{t}.$ We want to maximize this denominator.
Let
\[f(t) = t + \frac{1}{t}.\]Suppose $0 < t < u.$ Then
\begin{align*}
f(u) - f(t) &= u + \frac{... |
Three of the four endpoints of the axes of an ellipse are, in some order, \[(-2, 4), \; (3, -2), \; (8, 4).\]Find the distance between the foci of the ellipse. | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | The two axes of the ellipse are perpendicular bisectors of each other. Therefore, each endpoint of an axis must be equidistant from the two endpoints of the other axis. The only point of the given three which is equidistant from the other two is $(3, -2)$, so the fourth missing point must be the other endpoint of its a... |
Find the remainder when $x^{2015} + 1$ is divided by $x^8 - x^6 + x^4 - x^2 + 1.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Note that
\[(x^2 + 1)(x^8 - x^6 + x^4 - x^2 + 1) = x^{10} + 1.\]Also, $x^{10} + 1$ is a factor of $x^{2010} + 1$ via the factorization
\[a^n + b^n = (a + b)(a^{n - 1} - a^{n - 2} b + a^{n - 3} b^2 + \dots + b^{n - 1})\]where $n$ is odd, so $x^{10} + 1$ is a factor of $x^5 (x^{2010} + 1) = x^{2015} + x^5.$
So, when $x^... |
Alpha and Beta both took part in a two-day problem-solving competition. At the end of the second day, each had attempted questions worth a total of 500 points. Alpha scored 160 points out of 300 points attempted on the first day, and scored 140 points out of 200 points attempted on the second day. Beta, who did not att... | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Let Beta's scores be $a$ out of $b$ on day one and $c$ out of $d$ on day two, so that $0 < \frac{a}{b} < \frac{8}{15}$, $0 < \frac{c}{d} < \frac{7}{10}$, and $b+d=500$. Then $\frac{15}{8} a<b$ and $\frac{10}{7} c <d$, so
\[\frac{15}{8} a+ \frac{10}{7} c<b+d=500,\]and $21a+16c<5600$.
Beta's two-day success ratio is gr... |
Let $f(x) = ax^6 + bx^4 - cx^2 + 3.$ If $f(91) = 1$, find $f(91) + f(-91)$. | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | Since only the even exponents have non-zero coefficients, $f$ is an even function, and we know that $f(-x) = f(x)$. Hence $f(-91) = f(91) = 1$ and $f(91) + f(-91) = 1+1 = \boxed{2}.$ |
Let $f(x) = x^2 + 6x + c$ for all real numbers $x$, where $c$ is some real number. For what values of $c$ does $f(f(x))$ have exactly $3$ distinct real roots? | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Suppose the function $f(x) = 0$ has only one distinct root. If $x_1$ is a root of $f(f(x)) = 0,$ then we must have $f(x_1) = r_1.$ But the equation $f(x) = r_1$ has at most two roots. Therefore, the equation $f(x) = 0$ must have two distinct roots. Let them be $r_1$ and $r_2.$
Since $f(f(x)) = 0$ has three distinc... |
Find the minimum value of
\[x^2 + 2xy + 3y^2 - 6x - 2y,\]over all real numbers $x$ and $y.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Suppose that $y$ is a fixed number, and $x$ can vary. If we try to complete the square in $x,$ we would write
\[x^2 + (2y - 6) x + \dotsb,\]so the square would be of the form $(x + (y - 3))^2.$ Hence, for a fixed value of $y,$ the expression is minimized in $x$ for $x = 3 - y.$
Setting $x = 3 - y,$ we get
\begin{ali... |
Let $f(x) = x^2-2x$. How many distinct real numbers $c$ satisfy $f(f(f(f(c)))) = 3$? | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | We want the size of the set $f^{-1}(f^{-1}(f^{-1}(f^{-1}(3)))).$ Note that $f(x) = (x-1)^2-1 = 3$ has two solutions: $x=3$ and $x=-1$, and that the fixed points $f(x) = x$ are $x = 3$ and $x=0$. Therefore, the number of real solutions is equal to the number of distinct real numbers $c$ such that $c = 3$, $c=-1$, $f(c)=... |
Let $ f(x) = x^3 + x + 1$. Suppose $ g$ is a cubic polynomial such that $ g(0) = - 1$, and the roots of $ g$ are the squares of the roots of $ f$. Find $ g(9)$. | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $r,$ $s,$ and $t$ be the roots of $f(x),$ so that $f(x)=(x-r)(x-s)(x-t)$. Then $r^2,$ $s^2,$ and $t^2$ are the roots of $g,$ so we can write \[g(x) = A(x-r^2)(x-s^2)(x-t^2)\]for some constant $A.$ Taking $x=0,$ we get \[-1 = -Ar^2s^2t^2.\]We know that $rst = -1$ by Vieta, so \[-1 = -A(-1)^2 = -A\]and $A=1.$ Then \[... |
Find the maximum value of
\[\cos \theta_1 \sin \theta_2 + \cos \theta_2 \sin \theta_3 + \cos \theta_3 \sin \theta_4 + \cos \theta_4 \sin \theta_5 + \cos \theta_5 \sin \theta_1,\]over all real numbers $\theta_1,$ $\theta_2,$ $\theta_3,$ $\theta_4,$ and $\theta_5.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | By the Trivial Inequality, $(x - y)^2 \ge 0$ for all real numbers $x$ and $y.$ We can re-arrange this as
\[xy \le \frac{x^2 + y^2}{2}.\](This looks like AM-GM, but we need to establish it for all real numbers, not just nonnegative numbers.)
Hence,
\begin{align*}
&\cos \theta_1 \sin \theta_2 + \cos \theta_2 \sin \thet... |
If
\begin{align*}
a + b + c &= 1, \\
a^2 + b^2 + c^2 &= 2, \\
a^3 + b^3 + c^3 &= 3,
\end{align*}find $a^4 + b^4 + c^4.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Squaring the equation $a + b + c = 1,$ we get
\[a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 2ab + 2ac + 2bc = 1.\]Since $a^2 + b^2 + c^2 = 2,$ $2ab + 2ac + 2bc = -1,$ so
\[ab + ac + bc = -\frac{1}{2}.\]Cubing the equation $a + b + c = 1,$ we get
\[(a^3 + b^3 + c^3) + 3(a^2 b + ab^2 + a^2 c + ac^2 + b^2 c + bc^2) + 6abc = 1.\]Since $a^3 + b^3 + ... |
The terms of the sequence $(a_i)$ defined by $a_{n + 2} = \frac {a_n + 2009} {1 + a_{n + 1}}$ for $n \ge 1$ are positive integers. Find the minimum possible value of $a_1 + a_2$. | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | The definition gives $$a_3(a_2+1) = a_1+2009, \;\; a_4(a_3+1) = a_2+2009, \;\; a_5(a_4+1) = a_3 + 2009.$$Subtracting consecutive equations yields $a_3-a_1 = (a_3+1)(a_4-a_2)$ and $a_4-a_2=(a_4+1)(a_5-a_3)$.
Suppose that $a_3-a_1\neq 0$. Then $a_4-a_2\neq 0$, $a_5-a_3\neq 0$, and so on. Because $|a_{n+2}+1| \ge 2$, it ... |
Let $z$ be a complex number with $|z| = \sqrt{2}.$ Find the maximum value of
\[|(z - 1)^2 (z + 1)|.\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $z = x + yi,$ where $x$ and $y$ are real numbers. Since $|z| = \sqrt{2},$ $x^2 + y^2 = 2.$ Then
\begin{align*}
|z - 1| &= |x + yi - 1| \\
&= \sqrt{(x - 1)^2 + y^2} \\
&= \sqrt{x^2 - 2x + 1 + 2 - x^2} \\
&= \sqrt{3 - 2x},
\end{align*}and
\begin{align*}
|z + 1| &= |x + yi + 1| \\
&= \sqrt{(x + 1)^2 + y^2} \\
&= \sq... |
For $-25 \le x \le 25,$ find the maximum value of $\sqrt{25 + x} + \sqrt{25 - x}.$ | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | By QM-AM,
\[\frac{\sqrt{25 + x} + \sqrt{25 - x}}{2} \le \sqrt{\frac{25 + x + 25 - x}{2}} = 5,\]so $\sqrt{25 + x} + \sqrt{25 - x} \le 10.$
Equality occurs at $x = 0,$ so the maximum value is $\boxed{10}.$ |
Let $f$ be a function satisfying $f(xy) = f(x)/y$ for all positive real numbers $x$ and $y$. If $f(500) = 3$, what is the value of $f(600)$? | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | Note that $$f(600) = f \left( 500 \cdot \frac{6}{5} \right) = \frac{f(500)}{6/5} = \frac{3}{6/5} = \boxed{\frac{5}{2}}.$$$$\textbf{OR}$$For all positive $x$, $$f(x) = f(1\cdot x) = \frac{f(1)}{x},$$so $xf(x)$ is the constant $f(1)$. Therefore, $$600f(600) = 500f(500) = 500(3) = 1500,$$so $f(600) = \frac{1500}{600} = \b... |
Compute $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{3n-1}{2^n}.$$ | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Let
$$S = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{3n-1}{2^n} = \frac{2}{2} + \frac{5}{4} + \frac{8}{8} + \frac{11}{16} + \dotsb.$$Then
$$2S = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{3n-1}{2^{n+1}} = 2 + \frac{5}{2} + \frac{8}{4} + \frac{11}{8} + \dotsb.$$Subtracting the first equation from the second gives us
$$S = 2 + \frac{3}{2} + \frac{3}{4} +... |
Let $x,$ $y,$ and $z$ be nonnegative numbers such that $x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 1.$ Find the maximum value of
\[2xy \sqrt{6} + 8yz.\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Our strategy is to take $x^2 + y^2 + z^2$ and divide into several expression, apply AM-GM to each expression, and come up with a multiple of $2xy \sqrt{6} + 8yz.$
Since we want terms of $xy$ and $yz$ after applying AM-GM, we divide $x^2 + y^2 + z^2$ into
\[(x^2 + ky^2) + [(1 - k)y^2 + z^2].\]By AM-GM,
\begin{align*}
x... |
Let $Q(x)=a_0+a_1x+\dots+a_nx^n$ be a polynomial with integer coefficients, and $0\le a_i<3$ for all $0\le i\le n$.
Given that $Q(\sqrt{3})=20+17\sqrt{3}$, compute $Q(2)$. | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | We have that
\[Q(\sqrt{3}) = a_0 + a_1 \sqrt{3} + 3a_2 + 3a_3 \sqrt{3} + \dotsb = 20 + 17 \sqrt{3},\]so
\begin{align*}
a_0 + 3a_2 + 9a_4 + 81a_6 + \dotsb &= 20, \\
a_1 + 3a_3 + 9a_5 + 81a_7 + \dotsb &= 17.
\end{align*}Since $0 \le a_i < 3,$ the problem reduces to expressing 20 and 17 in base 3. Since $20 = 2 \cdot 9 +... |
Find the focus of the parabola $y = -3x^2 - 6x.$ | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Recall that a parabola is defined as the set of all points that are equidistant to the focus $F$ and the directrix. Completing the square on $x,$ we get
\[y = -3(x + 1)^2 + 3.\]To make the algebra a bit easier, we can find the focus of the parabola $y = -3x^2,$ shift the parabola left by 1 unit to get $y = -3(x + 1)^2... |
If $x$ and $y$ are positive real numbers such that $5x^2 + 10xy = x^3 + 2x^2 y,$ what is the value of $x$? | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | Notice that we can factor out a $5x$ from each term on the left-hand side to give $5x(x+2y)$. Similarly, we can factor out an $x^2$ from each term on the right-hand side to give $x^2(x+2y)$. Thus, we have $5x(x+2y) = x^2(x+2y)$. Since $x$ and $y$ are positive, we can safely divide both sides by $x(x+2y),$ which gives $... |
The graph of $y = f(x)$ is shown below.
[asy]
unitsize(0.5 cm);
real func(real x) {
real y;
if (x >= -3 && x <= 0) {y = -2 - x;}
if (x >= 0 && x <= 2) {y = sqrt(4 - (x - 2)^2) - 2;}
if (x >= 2 && x <= 3) {y = 2*(x - 2);}
return(y);
}
int i, n;
for (i = -5; i <= 5; ++i) {
draw((i,-5)--(i,5),gray(0.7));
... | Level 1 | Intermediate Algebra | The graph of $y = f(-x)$ is the reflection of the graph of $y = f(x)$ in the $y$-axis. The correct graph is $\boxed{\text{E}}.$ |
Compute $\sqrt{(31)(30)(29)(28)+1}.$ | Level 1 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $x = 29.$ Then we can write \[\begin{aligned} (31)(30)(29)(28) + 1 &= (x+2)(x+1)(x)(x-1) + 1 \\ &= [(x+2)(x-1)][(x+1)x] - 1 \\& = (x^2+x-2)(x^2+x) + 1 \\&= (x^2+x)^2 - 2(x^2+x) + 1 \\&= (x^2+x-1)^2. \end{aligned} \]Therefore, the answer is \[ \begin{aligned} x^2+x-1&= 29^2 + 29 - 1\\& = \boxed{869}. \end{aligned}\] |
The polynomial
$$g(x) = x^3 - x^2 - (m^2 + m) x + 2m^2 + 4m + 2$$is divisible by $x-4$ and all of its zeroes are integers. Find all possible values of $m$. | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Since $g(x)$ is divisible by $x-4$, we have $g(4)=0$. We also have
\begin{align*}
g(4) &= 4^3 - 4^2 - (m^2+m)(4) + 2m^2+4m+2 \\
&= 50 - 2m^2,
\end{align*}so $0=50-2m^2$. Thus $m$ can only be $5$ or $-5$. We check both possibilities.
If $m=5$, then $g(x)=x^3-x^2-30x+72=(x-4)(x^2+3x-18)=(x-4)(x+6)(x-3)$, so all zeroes a... |
The function $f$ takes nonnegative integers to real numbers, such that $f(1) = 1,$ and
\[f(m + n) + f(m - n) = \frac{f(2m) + f(2n)}{2}\]for all nonnnegative integers $m \ge n.$ Find the sum of all possible values of $f(10).$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Setting $m = n = 0,$ we get
\[2f(0) = f(0),\]so $f(0) = 0.$
Setting $n = 0,$ we get
\[2f(m) = \frac{f(2m)}{2}.\]Thus, we can write the given functional equation as
\[f(m + n) + f(m - n) = 2f(m) + 2f(n).\]In particular, setting $n = 1,$ we get
\[f(m + 1) + f(m - 1) = 2 + 2f(m),\]so
\[f(m + 1) = 2f(m) - f(m - 1) + 2\]fo... |
Real numbers $x,$ $y,$ and $z$ satisfy the following equality:
\[4(x + y + z) = x^2 + y^2 + z^2.\]Let $M$ be the maximum value of $xy + xz + yz,$ and let $m$ be the minimum value of $xy + xz + yz.$ Find $M + 10m.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $A = x + y + z,$ $B = x^2 + y^2 + z^2,$ and $C = xy + xz + yz.$ We are told that
\[4A = B.\]Then
\[A^2 = (x + y + z)^2 = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 + 2(xy + xz + yz) = B + 2C = 4A + 2C.\]Hence,
\[C = \frac{1}{2} (A - 2)^2 - 2.\]Also,
\[B - C = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 - (xy + xz + yz) = \frac{(x - y)^2 + (x - z)^2 + (y - z)^2}{2} \ge... |
Find the range of the function \[f(x) = \frac{x}{x^2-x+1},\]where $x$ can be any real number. (Give your answer in interval notation.) | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $y$ be a number in the range of $f.$ This means that there is a real number $x$ such that \[y = \frac{x}{x^2-x+1}.\]Multiplying both sides by $x^2-x+1$ and rearranging, we get the equation \[yx^2-(y+1)x+y=0.\]Since $x^2-x+1 = (x-\tfrac12)^2 + \tfrac34 > 0$ for all $x,$ our steps are reversible, so $y$ is in the ran... |
Let $a$, $b$, $c$, $d$, and $e$ be positive integers with $a+b+c+d+e=2010$ and let $M$ be the largest of the sum $a+b$, $b+c$, $c+d$ and $d+e$. What is the smallest possible value of $M$? | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | We have that
\[M = \max \{a + b, b + c, c + d, d + e\}.\]In particular, $a + b \le M,$ $b + c \le M,$ and $d + e \le M.$ Since $b$ is a positive integer, $c < M.$ Hence,
\[(a + b) + c + (d + e) < 3M.\]Then $2010 < 3M,$ so $M > 670.$ Since $M$ is an integer, $M \ge 671.$
Equality occurs if $a = 669,$ $b = 1,$ $c = 6... |
Find the ordered pair $(a,b)$ of positive integers, with $a < b,$ for which
\[\sqrt{1 + \sqrt{21 + 12 \sqrt{3}}} = \sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b}.\] | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | First, we simplify $\sqrt{21 + 12 \sqrt{3}}.$ Let
\[\sqrt{21 + 12 \sqrt{3}} = x + y.\]Squaring both sides, we get
\[21 + 12 \sqrt{3} = x^2 + 2xy + y^2.\]To make the right-hand side look like the left-hand side, we set $x^2 + y^2 = 21$ and $2xy = 12 \sqrt{3},$ so $xy = 6 \sqrt{3}.$ Then $x^2 y^2 = 108,$ so by Vieta's ... |
If $x$ is real, compute the maximum integer value of
\[\frac{3x^2 + 9x + 17}{3x^2 + 9x + 7}.\] | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | First, we can write
\[\frac{3x^2 + 9x + 17}{3x^2 + 9x + 7} = \frac{(3x^2 + 9x + 7) + 10}{3x^2 + 9x + 7} = 1 + \frac{10}{3x^2 + 9x + 7}.\]Thus, we want to minimize $3x^2 + 9x + 7.$
Completing the square, we get
\[3x^2 + 9x + 7 = 3 \left( x + \frac{3}{2} \right)^2 + \frac{1}{4},\]so the minimum value of $3x^2 + 9x + 7$ ... |
There are two values of $a$ for which the equation $4x^2 + ax + 8x + 9 = 0$ has only one solution for $x$. What is the sum of these values of $a$? | Level 1 | Intermediate Algebra | We can write the quadratic as
\[4x^2 + (a + 8)x + 9 = 0.\]If the quadratic has one solution, then its discriminant must be zero:
\[(a + 8)^2 - 4 \cdot 4 \cdot 9 = 0.\]Expanding, we get $a^2 + 16a - 80 = 0.$ By Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots is $\boxed{-16}.$ |
Calculate $\frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{2}{5} \cdot \frac{3}{6} \cdot \frac{4}{7} \cdots \frac{49}{52} \cdot \frac{50}{53}$. Express your answer as a common fraction. | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | Note that from $\frac{4}{7}$ to $\frac{50}{53},$ the numerator of each fraction cancels with the denominator of the fraction three terms before it. Thus, the product simplifies to \[\frac{1 \cdot 2 \cdot 3}{51\cdot 52\cdot 53 }= \boxed{\frac{1}{23426}}.\] |
Determine the largest positive integer $n$ such that there exist positive integers $x, y, z$ so that \[
n^2 = x^2+y^2+z^2+2xy+2yz+2zx+3x+3y+3z-6
\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | The given equation rewrites as $n^2 = (x+y+z+1)^2+(x+y+z+1)-8$. Writing $r = x+y+z+1$, we have $n^2 = r^2+r-8$. Clearly, one possibility is $n=r=\boxed{8}$, which is realized by $x=y=1, z=6$. On the other hand, for $r > 8$, we have $r^2 < r^2+r-8 < (r+1)^2.$ |
The function $f$ satisfies \[
f(x) + f(2x+y) + 5xy = f(3x - y) + 2x^2 + 1
\]for all real numbers $x,y$. Determine the value of $f(10)$. | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Setting $x = 10$ and $y=5$ gives $f(10) + f(25) + 250 = f(25) + 200 + 1$, from which we get $f(10) = \boxed{-49}$.
$\text{Remark:}$ By setting $y = \frac x 2$, we see that the function is $f(x) = -\frac 1 2 x^2 + 1$, and it can be checked that this function indeed satisfies the given equation. |
If $a$, $b$, $c$, $d$, $e$, and $f$ are integers for which $1000x^3+27= (ax^2 + bx +c )(d x^2 +ex + f)$ for all $x$, then what is $a^2+b^2+c^2+d^2+e^2+f^2$? | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Apply the sum of cubes factorization to the expression $1000x^3+27 = (10x)^3+3^3$ to obtain \[
1000x^3+27 = (10x+3)(100x^2-30x+9).
\]Thus $a^2+b^2+c^2+d^2+e^2+f^2=0^2+10^2+3^2+100^2+(-30)^2+9^2=\boxed{11,\!090}$. Note that the fundamental theorem of algebra implies that the factorization we have given is unique, since... |
For positive integers $n$, define $S_n$ to be the minimum value of the sum
\[\sum_{k=1}^n \sqrt{(2k-1)^2+a_k^2},\]where $a_1,a_2,\ldots,a_n$ are positive real numbers whose sum is $17$. Find the unique positive integer $n$ for which $S_n$ is also an integer. | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | For $k = 0, 1, 2, \ldots, n,$ let $P_k = (k^2,a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_k).$ Note that $P_0 = (0,0)$ and $P_n = (n^2,a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_n) = (n^2,17).$
[asy]
unitsize(0.4 cm);
pair[] A, P;
P[0] = (0,0);
A[0] = (5,0);
P[1] = (5,1);
A[1] = (9,1);
P[2] = (9,3);
P[3] = (12,6);
A[3] = (15,6);
P[4] = (15,10);
draw(P[0]--... |
Let $x,$ $y,$ $z$ be real numbers, all greater than 3, so that
\[\frac{(x + 2)^2}{y + z - 2} + \frac{(y + 4)^2}{z + x - 4} + \frac{(z + 6)^2}{x + y - 6} = 36.\]Enter the ordered triple $(x,y,z).$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | By Cauchy-Schwarz,
\[(y + z - 2) + (z + x - 4) + (x + y - 6)] \left[ \frac{(x + 2)^2}{y + z - 2} + \frac{(y + 4)^2}{z + x - 4} + \frac{(z + 6)^2}{x + y - 6} \right] \ge [(x + 2) + (y + 4) + (z + 6)]^2.\]This simplifies to
\[36(2x + 2y + 2z - 12) \ge (x + y + z + 12)^2.\]Let $s = x + y + z.$ Then $36(2s - 12) \ge (s + ... |
The set of points $(x,y)$ such that $|x - 3| \le y \le 4 - |x - 1|$ defines a region in the $xy$-plane. Compute the area of this region. | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Plotting $y = |x - 3|$ and $y = 4 - |x - 1|,$ we find that the two graphs intersect at $(0,3)$ and $(4,1).$
[asy]
unitsize(1 cm);
real funcone (real x) {
return(abs(x - 3));
}
real functwo (real x) {
return(4 - abs(x - 1));
}
fill((3,0)--(4,1)--(1,4)--(0,3)--cycle,gray(0.7));
draw(graph(funcone,-0.5,4.5));
dra... |
The planet Xavier follows an elliptical orbit with its sun at one focus. At its nearest point (perigee), it is 2 astronomical units (AU) from the sun, while at its furthest point (apogee) it is 12 AU away. When Xavier is midway along its orbit, as shown, how far is it from the sun, in AU?
[asy]
unitsize(1 cm);
path... | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $A$ be the perigee, let $B$ be the apogee, let $F$ be the focus where the sun is, let $O$ be the center of the ellipse, and let $M$ be the current position of Xavier.
[asy]
unitsize(1 cm);
pair A, B, F, M, O;
path ell = xscale(2)*Circle((0,0),1);
A = (-2,0);
B = (2,0);
F = (-sqrt(3),0);
O = (0,0);
M = (0,-1);
... |
For some integer $m$, the polynomial $x^3 - 2011x + m$ has the three integer roots $a$, $b$, and $c$. Find $|a| + |b| + |c|.$ | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | By Vieta's formulas, \[\left\{ \begin{aligned} a + b + c &= 0 \\ ab+bc+ac&=-2011. \end{aligned} \right.\]Since $a+b=-c,$ the second equation becomes $ab+(-c)c = -2011$, or \[c^2 - ab= 2011.\]At least two of $a, b, c$ must have the same sign; without loss of generality, let $a$ and $b$ have the same sign. Furthermore, s... |
Let $x,$ $y,$ $z$ be real numbers such that
\begin{align*}
x + y + z &= 4, \\
x^2 + y^2 + z^2 &= 6.
\end{align*}Let $m$ and $M$ be the smallest and largest possible values of $x,$ respectively. Find $m + M.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | From the given equations, $y + z = 4 - x$ and $y^2 + z^2 = 6 - x^2.$ By Cauchy-Schwarz,
\[(1 + 1)(y^2 + z^2) \ge (y + z)^2.\]Hence, $2(6 - x^2) \ge (4 - x)^2.$ This simplifies to $3x^2 - 8x + 4 \le 0,$ which factors as $(x - 2)(3x - 2) \le 0.$ Hence, $\frac{2}{3} \le x \le 2.$
For $x = \frac{3}{2},$ we can take $y ... |
Find the distance between the foci of the ellipse
\[\frac{x^2}{20} + \frac{y^2}{4} = 7.\] | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | First, we divide both sides by 7, to get
\[\frac{x^2}{140} + \frac{y^2}{28} = 1.\]Thus, $a^2 = 140$ and $b^2 = 28,$ so $c^2 = a^2 - b^2 = 140 - 28 = 112.$ Thus, $c = \sqrt{112} = 4 \sqrt{7},$ so the distance between the foci is $2c = \boxed{8 \sqrt{7}}.$ |
One focus of the ellipse $\frac{x^2}{2} + y^2 = 1$ is at $F = (1,0).$ There exists a point $P = (p,0),$ where $p > 0,$ such that for any chord $\overline{AB}$ that passes through $F,$ angles $\angle APF$ and $\angle BPF$ are equal. Find $p.$
[asy]
unitsize(2 cm);
pair A, B, F, P;
path ell = xscale(sqrt(2))*Circle((... | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | First, we consider a particular line, $y = x - 1,$ which passes through $F.$ Substituting, we get
\[\frac{x^2}{2} + (x - 1)^2 = 1.\]This simplifies to $3x^2 - 4x = x(3x - 4) = 0,$ so $x = 0$ or $x = \frac{4}{3}.$ Thus, we can let $A = \left( \frac{4}{3}, \frac{1}{3} \right)$ and $B = (0,-1).$
The slope of line $AP$ ... |
The sequence $(a_n)$ is defined recursively by $a_0=1$, $a_1=\sqrt[19]{2}$, and $a_n=a_{n-1}a_{n-2}^2$ for $n\geq 2$. What is the smallest positive integer $k$ such that the product $a_1a_2\cdots a_k$ is an integer? | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $b_n = 19 \log_2 a_n.$ Then $a_n = 2^{\frac{b_n}{19}},$ so
\[2^{\frac{b_n}{19}} = 2^{\frac{b_{n - 1}}{19}} \cdot 2^{\frac{2b_{n - 2}}{19}} = 2^{\frac{b_{n - 1} + 2b_{n - 2}}{19}},\]which implies
\[b_n = b_{n - 1} + 2b_{n - 2}.\]Also, $b_0 = 0$ and $b_1 = 1.$
We want
\[a_1 a_2 \dotsm a_k = 2^{\frac{b_1 + b_2 + \do... |
Let $x,$ $y,$ $z$ be real numbers such that $4x^2 + y^2 + 16z^2 = 1.$ Find the maximum value of
\[7x + 2y + 8z.\] | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | By Cauchy-Schwarz
\[\left( \frac{49}{4} + 4 + 4 \right) (4x^2 + y^2 + 16z^2) \ge (7x + 2y + 8z)^2.\]Since $4x^2 + y^2 + 16z^2 = 1,$
\[(7x + 2y + 8z)^2 \le \frac{81}{4}.\]Hence, $7x + 2y + 8z \le \frac{9}{2}.$
For equality to occur, we must have $\frac{2x}{7/2} = \frac{y}{2} = \frac{4z}{2}$ and $4x^2 + y^2 + 16z^2 = 1.... |
For what values of $x$ is $\frac{\log{(3-x)}}{\sqrt{x-1}}$ defined? | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | The expression inside the square root must be greater than 0 because the denominator cannot be equal to 0. Therefore, $x-1>0$, so $x>1$. The expression inside the logarithm must be greater than 0, so $3-x>0$, which gives $x<3$. Therefore, the interval of $x$ for which the expression $\frac{\log{(3-x)}}{\sqrt{x-1}}$ is ... |
Let $a,$ $b,$ $c$ be positive real numbers. Find the smallest possible value of
\[6a^3 + 9b^3 + 32c^3 + \frac{1}{4abc}.\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | By AM-GM,
\[6a^3 + 9b^3 + 32c^3 \ge 3 \sqrt[3]{6a^3 \cdot 9b^3 \cdot 32c^3} = 36abc.\]Again by AM-GM,
\[36abc + \frac{1}{4abc} \ge 2 \sqrt{36abc \cdot \frac{1}{4abc}} = 6.\]Equality occurs when $6a^3 = 9b^3 = 32c^3$ and $36abc = 3.$ We can solve, to get $a = \frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{6}},$ $b = \frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{9}},$ and $c ... |
Let $a > 0$, and let $P(x)$ be a polynomial with integer coefficients such that
\[P(1) = P(3) = P(5) = P(7) = a\]and
\[P(2) = P(4) = P(6) = P(8) = -a.\]What is the smallest possible value of $a$? | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | There must be some polynomial $Q(x)$ such that $$P(x)-a=(x-1)(x-3)(x-5)(x-7)Q(x).$$Then, plugging in values of $2,4,6,8,$ we get
$$P(2)-a=(2-1)(2-3)(2-5)(2-7)Q(2) = -15Q(2) = -2a,$$$$P(4)-a=(4-1)(4-3)(4-5)(4-7)Q(4) = 9Q(4) = -2a,$$$$P(6)-a=(6-1)(6-3)(6-5)(6-7)Q(6) = -15Q(6) = -2a,$$$$P(8)-a=(8-1)(8-3)(8-5)(8-7)Q(8) = ... |
Let $a,$ $b,$ $c$ be complex numbers such that
\begin{align*}
ab + 4b &= -16, \\
bc + 4c &= -16, \\
ca + 4a &= -16.
\end{align*}Enter all possible values of $abc,$ separated by commas. | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Adding the equations, we get
\[ab + ac + bc + 4(a + b + c) = -48.\]Multiplying the equations by $c,$ $a,$ $b,$ respectively, we get
\begin{align*}
abc + 4bc &= -16c, \\
abc + 4ac &= -16a, \\
abc + 4ab &= -16b.
\end{align*}Adding all these equations, we get
\[3abc + 4(ab + ac + bc) = -16(a + b + c).\]Then
\begin{align*}... |
The polynomial equation \[x^3 + bx + c = 0,\]where $b$ and $c$ are rational numbers, has $5-\sqrt{2}$ as a root. It also has an integer root. What is it? | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Because the coefficients of the polynomial are rational, the radical conjugate of $5-\sqrt{2},$ which is $5+\sqrt{2},$ must also be a root of the polynomial. By Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots of this polynomial is $0$; since $(5-\sqrt2) + (5+\sqrt2) = 10,$ the third, integer root must be $0 - 10 = \boxed{-10}.$ |
The function $y=\frac{x^3+8x^2+21x+18}{x+2}$ can be simplified into the function $y=Ax^2+Bx+C$, defined everywhere except at $x=D$. What is the sum of the values of $A$, $B$, $C$, and $D$? | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | The fact that the function can be simplified to a quadratic means we can probably divide $(x+2)$ out of the numerator after factoring the numerator into $(x+2)$ and the quadratic $Ax^2+Bx+C$. Using long division or synthetic division, we find that the numerator breaks down into $(x+2)$ and $(x^2+6x+9)$.
Now, we have
\... |
The function $f(x)$ satisfies
\[f(x - y) = f(x) f(y)\]for all real numbers $x$ and $y,$ and $f(x) \neq 0$ for all real numbers $x.$ Find $f(3).$ | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Setting $x = 3$ and $y = \frac{3}{2},$ we get
\[f \left( \frac{3}{2} \right) = f(3) f \left( \frac{3}{2} \right).\]Since $f \left( \frac{3}{2} \right) \neq 0,$ we can divide both sides by $f \left( \frac{3}{2} \right),$ to get $f(3) = \boxed{1}.$ |
Find all solutions to the equation\[ \sqrt[4]{x} = \frac{12}{7 - \sqrt[4]{x}}.\] | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $y = \sqrt[4]{x}.$ Then we have $y = \frac{12}{7-y},$ or $y(7-y) = 12.$ Rearranging and factoring, we get \[(y-3)(y-4) = 0.\]Therefore, $y = 3$ or $y = 4.$ Since $x = y^4,$ we have $x = 3^4 = 81$ or $x = 4^4 = 256,$ so the values for $x$ are $x = \boxed{81, 256}.$ |
Find the number of ordered quadruples $(a,b,c,d)$ of nonnegative real numbers such that
\begin{align*}
a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2 &= 4, \\
(a + b + c + d)(a^3 + b^3 + c^3 + d^3) &= 16.
\end{align*} | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Note that
\[(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2)^2 = 16 = (a + b + c + d)(a^3 + b^3 + c^3 + d^3),\]which gives us the equality case in the Cauchy-Schwarz Inequality. Hence,
\[(a + b + c + d)(a^3 + b^3 + c^3 + d^3) - (a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2)^2 = 0.\]This expands as
\begin{align*}
&a^3 b - 2a^2 b^2 + ab^3 + a^3 c - 2a^2 c^2 + ac^3 + ... |
Let $x,$ $y,$ $z$ be positive real numbers such that $x + y + z = 1.$ Find the minimum value of
\[\frac{1}{x + y} + \frac{1}{x + z} + \frac{1}{y + z}.\] | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | By Cauchy-Schwarz,
\[[(x + y) + (x + z) + (y + z)] \left( \frac{1}{x + y} + \frac{1}{x + z} + \frac{1}{y + z} \right) \ge (1 + 1 + 1)^2 = 9,\]so
\[\frac{1}{x + y} + \frac{1}{x + z} + \frac{1}{y + z} \ge \frac{9}{2(x + y + z)} = \frac{9}{2}.\]Equality occurs when $x = y = z = \frac{1}{3},$ so the minimum value is $\boxe... |
An ellipse has foci at $F_1 = (0,2)$ and $F_2 = (3,0).$ The ellipse intersects the $x$-axis at the origin, and one other point. What is the other point of intersection? | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | The distance between the origin and $F_1$ is 2, and the distance between the origin and $F_2$ is 3, so every point $P$ on the ellipse satisfies
\[PF_1 + PF_2 = 5.\]So, if $(x,0)$ is an intercept of the ellipse, then
\[\sqrt{x^2 + 4} + \sqrt{(x - 3)^2} = 5.\]We can write this as
\[\sqrt{x^2 + 4} + |x - 3| = 5.\]If $x \l... |
If
\[\frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{b} + \frac{z}{c} = 3 \quad \text{and} \quad \frac{a}{x} + \frac{b}{y} + \frac{c}{z} = 0,\]find $\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} + \frac{z^2}{c^2}.$ | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $p = \frac{x}{a},$ $q = \frac{y}{b},$ $r = \frac{z}{c}.$ Then $p + q + r = 3$ and $\frac{1}{p} + \frac{1}{q} + \frac{1}{r} = 0,$ so $pq + pr + qr = 0.$
We want $p^2 + q^2 + r^2.$ Squaring the equation $p + q + r = 3,$ we get
\[p^2 + q^2 + r^2 + 2(pq + pr + qr) = 9,\]so $p^2 + q^2 + r^2 = \boxed{9}.$ |
The partial fraction decomposition of
\[\frac{x^2 - 19}{x^3 - 2x^2 - 5x + 6}\]is
\[\frac{A}{x - 1} + \frac{B}{x + 2} + \frac{C}{x - 3}.\]Find the product $ABC.$ | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | We have that
\[\frac{x^2 - 19}{x^3 - 2x^2 - 5x + 6} = \frac{A}{x - 1} + \frac{B}{x + 2} + \frac{C}{x - 3}.\]Multiplying both sides by $x^3 - 2x^2 - 5x + 6 = (x - 1)(x + 2)(x - 3),$ we get
\[x^2 - 19 = A(x + 2)(x - 3) + B(x - 1)(x - 3) + C(x - 1)(x + 2).\]Setting $x = 1,$ we get $-6A = -18$, so $A = 3.$
Setting $x = -2... |
Suppose that all four of the numbers \[2 - \sqrt{5}, \;4+\sqrt{10}, \;14 - 2\sqrt{7}, \;-\sqrt{2}\]are roots of the same nonzero polynomial with rational coefficients. What is the smallest possible degree of the polynomial? | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Because the polynomial has rational coefficients, the radical conjugate of each of the four roots must also be roots of the polynomial. Therefore, the polynomial has at least $4 \times 2 = 8$ roots, so its degree is at least 8.
Note that for each of the four numbers, the monic quadratic with that number and its conju... |
Let $x$ and $y$ be real numbers such that $x + y = 3.$ Find the maximum value of
\[x^4 y + x^3 y + x^2 y + xy + xy^2 + xy^3 + xy^4.\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | First, we can factor out $xy,$ to get
\[xy (x^3 + x^2 + x + 1 + y + y^2 + y^3) = xy(x^3 + y^3 + x^2 + y^2 + x + y + 1).\]We know $x + y = 3.$ Let $p = xy.$ Then
\[9 = (x + y)^2 = x^2 + 2xy + y^2 = x^2 + 2xy + y^2,\]so $x^2 + y^2 = 9 - 2p.$
Also,
\[27 = (x + y)^3 = x^3 + 3x^2 y + 3xy^2 + y^3,\]so $x^3 + y^3 = 27 - 3x... |
Determine the value of the expression
\[\log_2 (27 + \log_2 (27 + \log_2 (27 + \cdots))),\]assuming it is positive. | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Let
\[x = \log_2 (27 + \log_2 (27 + \log_2 (27 + \dotsb))).\]Then
\[x = \log_2 (27 + x),\]so $2^x = x + 27.$
To solve this equation, we plot $y = 2^x$ and $y = x + 27.$
[asy]
unitsize(0.15 cm);
real func (real x) {
return(2^x);
}
draw(graph(func,-30,log(40)/log(2)),red);
draw((-30,-3)--(13,40),blue);
draw((-30,0)... |
Find the largest positive integer $n$ such that
\[\sin^n x + \cos^n x \ge \frac{1}{n}\]for all real numbers $x.$ | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | Setting $x = \pi,$ we get
\[(-1)^n \ge \frac{1}{n},\]so $n$ must be even. Let $n = 2m.$
Setting $x = \frac{\pi}{4},$ we get
\[\left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right)^{2m} + \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right)^{2m} \ge \frac{1}{2m}.\]This simplifies to
\[\frac{1}{2^{m - 1}} \ge \frac{1}{2m},\]so $2^{m - 2} \le m.$ We see tha... |
Let $a$ and $b$ be real numbers. Consider the following five statements:
$\frac{1}{a} < \frac{1}{b}$
$a^2 > b^2$
$a < b$
$a < 0$
$b < 0$
What is the maximum number of these statements that can be true for any values of $a$ and $b$? | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | Suppose $a < 0,$ $b < 0,$ and $a < b.$ Then
\[\frac{1}{a} - \frac{1}{b} = \frac{b - a}{ab} > 0,\]so $\frac{1}{a} > \frac{1}{b}.$ Thus, not all five statements can be true.
If we take $a = -2$ and $b = -1,$ then all the statements are true except the first statement. Hence, the maximum number of statements that can ... |
Integers $x$ and $y$ with $x>y>0$ satisfy $x+y+xy=80$. What is $x$? | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | Applying Simon's Favorite Factoring Trick, we add 1 to both sides to get $xy + x + y + 1 = 81,$ so
\[(x + 1)(y + 1) = 81.\]The only possibility is then $x + 1 = 27$ and $y + 1 = 3,$ so $x = \boxed{26}.$ |
Find the roots of $z^2 - z = 5 - 5i.$
Enter the roots, separated by commas. | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | We can write $z^2 - z - (5 - 5i) = 0.$ By the quadratic formula,
\[z = \frac{1 \pm \sqrt{1 + 4(5 - 5i)}}{2} = \frac{1 \pm \sqrt{21 - 20i}}{2}.\]Let $21 - 20i = (a + bi)^2,$ where $a$ and $b$ are real numbers. This expands as
\[a^2 + 2abi - b^2 = 21 - 20i.\]Equating the real and imaginary parts, we get $a^2 - b^2 = 21... |
Suppose $f(x) = 6x - 9$ and $g(x) = \frac{x}{3} + 2$. Find $f(g(x)) - g(f(x))$. | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | We have that
$$\begin{aligned} f(g(x)) &= f\left(\frac{x}{3} + 2\right) = 6\left(\frac{x}{3} + 2\right) - 9 \\
&= 2x + 12 - 9\\
&= 2x + 3
\end{aligned}$$and
$$\begin{aligned} g(f(x)) &= g(6x-9) = \frac{6x-9}{3} + 2 \\
&= 2x -3 +2\\
&= 2x -1.
\end{aligned}$$So
$$f(g(x)) - g(f(x)) = 2x+3 - (2x-1) = 2x + 3 - 2x +1 = \boxe... |
Which type of conic section is described by the equation \[\sqrt{x^2 + (y-1)^2} + \sqrt{(x-5)^2 + (y+3)^2} = 10?\]Enter "C" for circle, "P" for parabola, "E" for ellipse, "H" for hyperbola, and "N" for none of the above. | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | This doesn't look like any of the standard forms of any of the conic sections. Instead, we appeal to the definitions of the conic sections. Note that the two terms on the left-hand side represent the distances in the $xy-$plane from $(x, y)$ to $(0, 1)$ and $(5, -3),$ respectively. So the given equation really says tha... |
Find all $t$ such that $x-t$ is a factor of $6x^2+13x-5.$
Enter your answer as a list separated by commas. | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | From the Factor theorem, if $x-t$ is a factor of $ 6x^2+13x-5$ we know that
$$6t^2+13t - 5 = 0$$Factoring gives us
$$(2t+5)(3t-1) = 0$$Hence $t = \boxed{\frac{1}{3}}$ or $t = \boxed{-\frac{5}{2}}$. |
There are integers $b,c$ for which both roots of the polynomial $x^2-x-1$ are also roots of the polynomial $x^5-bx-c$. Determine the product $bc$. | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $r$ be a root of $x^2-x-1$. Then, rearranging, we have
$$r^2 = r+1.$$Multiplying both sides by $r$ and substituting gives
\begin{align*}
r^3 &= r^2+r \\
&= (r+1)+r \\
&= 2r+1.
\end{align*}Repeating this process twice more, we have
\begin{align*}
r^4 &= r(2r+1) \\
&= 2r^2+r \\
&= 2(r+1)+r \\
&= 3r+2
\end{align*}and
... |
When the graph of $y = 2x^2 - x + 7$ is shifted four units to the right, we obtain the graph of $y = ax^2 + bx + c$. Find $a + b + c$. | Level 3 | Intermediate Algebra | When we shift the graph of $y = 2x^2 - x + 7$ four units to the right, we obtain the graph of $y = 2(x - 4)^2 - (x - 4) + 7$, which simplifies to $y = 2x^2 - 17x + 43$. Therefore, $a + b + c = 2 - 17 + 43 = \boxed{28}$.
Another way to solve the problem is as follows: The graph of $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ always passes thr... |
Let $a$ and $b$ be the roots of $k(x^2 - x) + x + 5 = 0.$ Let $k_1$ and $k_2$ be the values of $k$ for which $a$ and $b$ satisfy
\[\frac{a}{b} + \frac{b}{a} = \frac{4}{5}.\]Find
\[\frac{k_1}{k_2} + \frac{k_2}{k_1}.\] | Level 5 | Intermediate Algebra | The quadratic equation in $x$ is $kx^2 - (k - 1) x + 5 = 0,$ so by Vieta's formulas, $a + b = \frac{k - 1}{k}$ and $ab = \frac{5}{k}.$ Then
\begin{align*}
\frac{a}{b} + \frac{b}{a} &= \frac{a^2 + b^2}{ab} \\
&= \frac{(a + b)^2 - 2ab}{ab} \\
&= \frac{(a + b)^2}{ab} - 2 \\
&= \frac{(\frac{k - 1}{k})^2}{\frac{5}{k}} - 2 ... |
The function $f$ is linear and satisfies $f(d+1)-f(d) = 3$ for all real numbers $d$. What is $f(3)-f(5)$? | Level 2 | Intermediate Algebra | Taking $d = 3,$ we get
\[f(4) - f(3) = 3.\]Taking $d = 4,$ we get
\[f(5) - f(4) = 3.\]Adding these equations, we get $f(5) - f(3) = 6,$ so $f(3) - f(5) = \boxed{-6}.$ |
A function $f$ is defined by $f(z) = (4 + i) z^2 + \alpha z + \gamma$ for all complex numbers $z$, where $\alpha$ and $\gamma$ are complex numbers and $i^2 = - 1$. Suppose that $f(1)$ and $f(i)$ are both real. What is the smallest possible value of $| \alpha | + |\gamma |$? | Level 4 | Intermediate Algebra | Let $\alpha = a + bi$ and $\gamma = c + di,$ where $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ and $d$ are real numbers. Then
\begin{align*}
f(1) &= (4 + i) + \alpha + \gamma = (a + c + 4) + (b + d + 1)i, \\
f(i) &= (4 + i)(-1) + \alpha i + \gamma = (-b + c - 4) + (a + d - 1)i.
\end{align*}Since $f(1)$ and $f(i)$ are both real, $b + d + 1 = 0$ an... |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.