IMO 1959

6 problems with complete solutions · Official problem paper (PDF)

  1. Problem 1

    Prove that the fraction \(\frac{21n+4}{14n+3}\) is irreducible for every natural number \(n\).

    Solution →

  2. Problem 2

    For what real values of \(x\) is \[ \sqrt{(x+\sqrt{2x-1})}+\sqrt{(x-\sqrt{2x-1})}=A, \] given (a) \(A=\sqrt{2}\), (b) \(A=1\), (c) \(A=2\), where only non-negative real numbers are admitted for square roots?

    Solution →

  3. Problem 3

    Let \(a, b, c\) be real numbers. Consider the quadratic equation in \(\cos x\) : \[ a\cos^2 x+b\cos x+c=0. \] Using the numbers \(a, b, c\), form a quadratic equation in \(\cos 2x\), whose roots are the same as those of the original equation. Compare the equations in \(\cos x\) and \(\cos 2x\) for \(a=4, b=2, c=-1\).

    Solution →

  4. Problem 4

    Construct a right triangle with given hypotenuse \(c\) such that the median drawn to the hypotenuse is the geometric mean of the two legs of the triangle.

    Solution →

  5. Problem 5

    An arbitrary point \(M\) is selected in the interior of the segment \(AB\). The squares \(AMCD\) and \(MBEF\) are constructed on the same side of \(AB\), with the segments \(AM\) and \(MB\) as their respective bases. The circles circumscribed about these squares, with centers \(P\) and \(Q\), intersect at \(M\) and also at another point \(N\). Let \(N'\) denote the point of intersection of the straight lines \(AF\) and \(BC\).

    (a) Prove that the points \(N\) and \(N'\) coincide.
    (b) Prove that the straight lines \(MN\) pass through a fixed point \(S\) independent of the choice of \(M\).
    (c) Find the locus of the midpoints of the segments \(PQ\) as \(M\) varies between \(A\) and \(B\).

    Solution →

  6. Problem 6

    Two planes, \(P\) and \(Q\), intersect along the line \(p\). The point \(A\) is given in the plane \(P\), and the point \(C\) in the plane \(Q\); neither of these points lies on the straight line \(p\). Construct an isosceles trapezoid \(ABCD\) (with \(AB\) parallel to \(CD\)) in which a circle can be inscribed, and with vertices \(B\) and \(D\) lying in the planes \(P\) and \(Q\) respectively.

    Solution →

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