IMO 1987

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

  1. Problem 1

    Let \(p_n(k)\) be the number of permutations of the set \(\{1,\ldots,n\}\), \(n\geq 1\), which have exactly \(k\) fixed points. Prove that \[ \sum_{k=0}^{n} k\cdot p_n(k)=n!. \]

    (Remark: A permutation \(f\) of a set \(S\) is a one-to-one mapping of \(S\) onto itself. An element \(i\) in \(S\) is called a fixed point of the permutation \(f\) if \(f(i)=i\).)

    Solution →

  2. Problem 2

    In an acute-angled triangle \(ABC\) the interior bisector of the angle \(A\) intersects \(BC\) at \(L\) and intersects the circumcircle of \(ABC\) again at \(N\). From point \(L\) perpendiculars are drawn to \(AB\) and \(AC\), the feet of these perpendiculars being \(K\) and \(M\) respectively. Prove that the quadrilateral \(AKNM\) and the triangle \(ABC\) have equal areas.

    Solution →

  3. Problem 3

    Let \(x_1,x_2,\ldots,x_n\) be real numbers satisfying \(x_1^2+x_2^2+\cdots+x_n^2=1\). Prove that for every integer \(k\geq2\) there are integers \(a_1,a_2,\ldots,a_n\), not all \(0\), such that \(|a_i|\leq k-1\) for all \(i\) and \[ |a_1x_1+a_1x_2+\cdots+a_nx_n| \leq \frac{(k-1)\sqrt n}{k^n-1}. \]

    Solution →

  4. Problem 4

    Prove that there is no function \(f\) from the set of non-negative integers into itself such that \(f(f(n)) = n + 1987\) for every \(n\).

    Solution →

  5. Problem 5

    Let \(n\) be an integer greater than or equal to 3. Prove that there is a set of \(n\) points in the plane such that the distance between any two points is irrational and each set of three points determines a non-degenerate triangle with rational area.

    Solution →

  6. Problem 6

    Let \(n\) be an integer greater than or equal to \(2\). Prove that if \(k^2+k+n\) is prime for all integers \(k\) such that \(0\leq k\leq \sqrt{n/3}\), then \(k^2+k+n\) is prime for all integers \(k\) such that \(0\leq k\leq n-2\).

    Solution →

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