IMO 1972

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

  1. Problem 1

    Prove that from a set of ten distinct two-digit numbers (in the decimal system), it is possible to select two disjoint subsets whose members have the same sum.

    Solution →

  2. Problem 2

    Prove that if \(n \geq 4\), every quadrilateral that can be inscribed in a circle can be dissected into \(n\) quadrilaterals each of which is inscribable in a circle.

    Solution →

  3. Problem 3

    Let \(m\) and \(n\) be arbitrary non-negative integers. Prove that \[ \frac{(2m)!(2n)!}{m!n!(m+n)!} \] is an integer. (\(0! = 1\).)

    Solution →

  4. Problem 4

    Find all solutions \((x_1,x_2,x_3,x_4,x_5)\) of the system of inequalities \[ \begin{aligned} (x_1^2-x_3x_5)(x_2^2-x_3x_5)&\leq 0\\ (x_2^2-x_4x_1)(x_3^2-x_4x_1)&\leq 0\\ (x_3^2-x_5x_2)(x_4^2-x_5x_2)&\leq 0\\ (x_4^2-x_1x_3)(x_5^2-x_1x_3)&\leq 0\\ (x_5^2-x_2x_4)(x_1^2-x_2x_4)&\leq 0 \end{aligned} \] where \(x_1,x_2,x_3,x_4,x_5\) are positive real numbers.

    Solution →

  5. Problem 5

    Let \(f\) and \(g\) be real-valued functions defined for all real values of \(x\) and \(y\), and satisfying the equation \[ f(x+y)+f(x-y)=2f(x)g(y) \] for all \(x,y\). Prove that if \(f(x)\) is not identically zero, and if \(|f(x)|\leq 1\) for all \(x\), then \(|g(y)|\leq 1\) for all \(y\).

    Solution →

  6. Problem 6

    Given four distinct parallel planes, prove that there exists a regular tetrahedron with a vertex on each plane.

    Solution →

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