IMO 1975

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

  1. Problem 1

    Let \(x_i,y_i\) \((i=1,2,\ldots,n)\) be real numbers such that \[ x_1\ge x_2\ge\cdots\ge x_n \quad\text{and}\quad y_1\ge y_2\ge\cdots\ge y_n. \] Prove that, if \(z_1,z_2,\ldots,z_n\) is any permutation of \(y_1,y_2,\ldots,y_n\), then \[ \sum_{i=1}^{n}(x_i-y_i)^2 \le \sum_{i=1}^{n}(x_i-z_i)^2. \]

    Solution →

  2. Problem 2

    Let \(a_1,a_2,a_3,\cdots\) be an infinite increasing sequence of positive integers. Prove that for every \(p\ge 1\) there are infinitely many \(a_m\) which can be written in the form \[ a_m=xa_p+ya_q \] with \(x,y\) positive integers and \(q>p\).

    Solution →

  3. Problem 3

    On the sides of an arbitrary triangle \(ABC\), triangles \(ABR, BCP, CAQ\) are constructed externally with \(\angle CBP = \angle CAQ = 45^\circ\), \(\angle BCP = \angle ACQ = 30^\circ\), \(\angle ABR = \angle BAR = 15^\circ\). Prove that \(\angle QRP = 90^\circ\) and \(QR = RP\).

    Solution →

  4. Problem 4

    When \(4444^{4444}\) is written in decimal notation, the sum of its digits is \(A\). Let \(B\) be the sum of the digits of \(A\). Find the sum of the digits of \(B\). (\(A\) and \(B\) are written in decimal notation.)

    Solution →

  5. Problem 5

    Determine, with proof, whether or not one can find 1975 points on the circumference of a circle with unit radius such that the distance between any two of them is a rational number.

    Solution →

  6. Problem 6

    Find all polynomials \(P\), in two variables, with the following properties:

    (i) for a positive integer \(n\) and all real \(t,x,y\) \[ P(tx,ty)=t^nP(x,y) \] (that is, \(P\) is homogeneous of degree \(n\)),

    (ii) for all real \(a,b,c\), \[ P(b+c,a)+P(c+a,b)+P(a+b,c)=0, \]

    (iii) \(P(1,0)=1\).

    Solution →

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