IMO 1962

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

  1. Problem 1

    Find the smallest natural number \(n\) which has the following properties:

    (a) Its decimal representation has 6 as the last digit.

    (b) If the last digit 6 is erased and placed in front of the remaining digits, the resulting number is four times as large as the original number \(n\).

    Solution →

  2. Problem 2

    Determine all real numbers \(x\) which satisfy the inequality: \[ \sqrt{3-x}-\sqrt{x+1}>\frac12. \]

    Solution →

  3. Problem 3

    Consider the cube \(ABCDA'B'C'D'\) (\(ABCD\) and \(A'B'C'D'\) are the upper and lower bases, respectively, and edges \(AA', BB', CC', DD'\) are parallel). The point \(X\) moves at constant speed along the perimeter of the square \(ABCD\) in the direction \(ABCDA\), and the point \(Y\) moves at the same rate along the perimeter of the square \(B'C'CB\) in the direction \(B'C'CBB'\). Points \(X\) and \(Y\) begin their motion at the same instant from the starting positions \(A\) and \(B'\), respectively. Determine and draw the locus of the midpoints of the segments \(XY\).

    Solution →

  4. Problem 4

    Solve the equation \(\cos^2 x+\cos^2 2x+\cos^2 3x=1\).

    Solution →

  5. Problem 5

    On the circle \(K\) there are given three distinct points \(A, B, C\). Construct (using only straightedge and compasses) a fourth point \(D\) on \(K\) such that a circle can be inscribed in the quadrilateral thus obtained.

    Solution →

  6. Problem 6

    Consider an isosceles triangle. Let \(r\) be the radius of its circumscribed circle and \(\rho\) the radius of its inscribed circle. Prove that the distance \(d\) between the centers of these two circles is \[ d=\sqrt{r(r-2\rho)}. \]

    Solution →

  7. Problem 7

    The tetrahedron \(SABC\) has the following property: there exist five spheres, each tangent to the edges \(SA, SB, SC, BCCA, AB\), or to their extensions.

    The printed \(BCCA\) denotes the two edges \(BC,CA\); thus all six edge lines are involved.

    (a) Prove that the tetrahedron \(SABC\) is regular.

    (b) Prove conversely that for every regular tetrahedron five such spheres exist.

    Solution →

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