IMO 1969

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

  1. Problem 1

    Prove that there are infinitely many natural numbers \(a\) with the following property: the number \(z = n^4 + a\) is not prime for any natural number \(n\).

    Solution →

  2. Problem 2

    Let \(a_1, a_2, \cdots, a_n\) be real constants, \(x\) a real variable, and

    \[ f(x)=\cos(a_1+x)+\frac12\cos(a_2+x)+\frac14\cos(a_3+x) +\cdots+\frac{1}{2^{n-1}}\cos(a_n+x). \]

    Given that \(f(x_1)=f(x_2)=0\), prove that \(x_2-x_1=m\pi\) for some integer \(m\).

    Solution →

  3. Problem 3

    For each value of \(k = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5\), find necessary and sufficient conditions on the number \(a > 0\) so that there exists a tetrahedron with \(k\) edges of length \(a\), and the remaining \(6 - k\) edges of length \(1\).

    Solution →

  4. Problem 4

    A semicircular arc \(\gamma\) is drawn on \(AB\) as diameter. \(C\) is a point on \(\gamma\) other than \(A\) and \(B\), and \(D\) is the foot of the perpendicular from \(C\) to \(AB\). We consider three circles, \(\gamma_1,\gamma_2,\gamma_3\), all tangent to the line \(AB\). Of these, \(\gamma_1\) is inscribed in \(\Delta ABC\), while \(\gamma_2\) and \(\gamma_3\) are both tangent to \(CD\) and to \(\gamma\), one on each side of \(CD\). Prove that \(\gamma_1,\gamma_2\) and \(\gamma_3\) have a second tangent in common.

    Solution →

  5. Problem 5

    Given \(n > 4\) points in the plane such that no three are collinear. Prove that there are at least \(\binom{n-3}{2}\) convex quadrilaterals whose vertices are four of the given points.

    Solution →

  6. Problem 6

    Prove that for all real numbers \(x_1,x_2,y_1,y_2,z_1,z_2\), with \(x_1>0,\ x_2>0,\ x_1y_1-z_1^2>0,\ x_2y_2-z_2^2>0\), the inequality \[ \frac{8}{(x_1+x_2)(y_1+y_2)-(z_1+z_2)^2} \leq \frac{1}{x_1y_1-z_1^2}+\frac{1}{x_2y_2-z_2^2} \] is satisfied. Give necessary and sufficient conditions for equality.

    Solution →

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