IMO 1989

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

  1. Problem 1

    Prove that the set \(\{1,2,\ldots,1989\}\) can be expressed as the disjoint union of subsets \(A_i\) \((i=1,2,\ldots,117)\) such that:

    (i) Each \(A_i\) contains 17 elements;

    (ii) The sum of all the elements in each \(A_i\) is the same.

    Solution →

  2. Problem 2

    In an acute-angled triangle \(ABC\) the internal bisector of angle \(A\) meets the circumcircle of the triangle again at \(A_1\). Points \(B_1\) and \(C_1\) are defined similarly. Let \(A_0\) be the point of intersection of the line \(AA_1\) with the external bisectors of angles \(B\) and \(C\). Points \(B_0\) and \(C_0\) are defined similarly. Prove that:

    (i) The area of the triangle \(A_0B_0C_0\) is twice the area of the hexagon \(AC_1BA_1CB_1\).

    (ii) The area of the triangle \(A_0B_0C_0\) is at least four times the area of the triangle \(ABC\).

    Solution →

  3. Problem 3

    Let \(n\) and \(k\) be positive integers and let \(S\) be a set of \(n\) points in the plane such that

    (i) No three points of \(S\) are collinear, and

    (ii) For any point \(P\) of \(S\) there are at least \(k\) points of \(S\) equidistant from \(P\).

    Prove that: \[ k<\frac12+\sqrt{2n}. \]

    Solution →

  4. Problem 4

    Let \(ABCD\) be a convex quadrilateral such that the sides \(AB, AD, BC\) satisfy \(AB = AD + BC\). There exists a point \(P\) inside the quadrilateral at a distance \(h\) from the line \(CD\) such that \(AP = h + AD\) and \(BP = h + BC\). Show that: \[ \frac{1}{\sqrt{h}}\geq \frac{1}{\sqrt{AD}}+\frac{1}{\sqrt{BC}}. \]

    Solution →

  5. Problem 5

    Prove that for each positive integer \(n\) there exist \(n\) consecutive positive integers none of which is an integral power of a prime number.

    Solution →

  6. Problem 6

    A permutation \((x_1,x_2,\ldots,x_m)\) of the set \(\{1,2,\ldots,2n\}\), where \(n\) is a positive integer, is said to have property \(P\) if \(|x_i-x_{i+1}|=n\) for at least one \(i\) in \(\{1,2,\ldots,2n-1\}\). Show that, for each \(n\), there are more permutations with property \(P\) than without.

    Solution →

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