IMO 2012

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

  1. Problem 1

    Given triangle \(ABC\) the point \(J\) is the centre of the excircle opposite the vertex \(A\). This excircle is tangent to the side \(BC\) at \(M\), and to the lines \(AB\) and \(AC\) at \(K\) and \(L\), respectively. The lines \(LM\) and \(BJ\) meet at \(F\), and the lines \(KM\) and \(CJ\) meet at \(G\). Let \(S\) be the point of intersection of the lines \(AF\) and \(BC\), and let \(T\) be the point of intersection of the lines \(AG\) and \(BC\). Prove that \(M\) is the midpoint of \(ST\).

    (The excircle of \(ABC\) opposite the vertex \(A\) is the circle that is tangent to the line segment \(BC\), to the ray \(AB\) beyond \(B\), and to the ray \(AC\) beyond \(C\).)

    Solution →

  2. Problem 2

    Let \(n \ge 3\) be an integer, and let \(a_2, a_3, \ldots, a_n\) be positive real numbers such that \(a_2a_3\cdots a_n=1\). Prove that \[ (1+a_2)^2(1+a_3)^3\cdots(1+a_n)^n>n^n. \]

    Solution →

  3. Problem 3

    The liar’s guessing game is a game played between two players \(A\) and \(B\). The rules of the game depend on two positive integers \(k\) and \(n\) which are known to both players.

    At the start of the game \(A\) chooses integers \(x\) and \(N\) with \(1 \le x \le N\). Player \(A\) keeps \(x\) secret, and truthfully tells \(N\) to player \(B\). Player \(B\) now tries to obtain information about \(x\) by asking player \(A\) questions as follows: each question consists of \(B\) specifying an arbitrary set \(S\) of positive integers (possibly one specified in some previous question), and asking \(A\) whether \(x\) belongs to \(S\). Player \(B\) may ask as many such questions as he wishes. After each question, player \(A\) must immediately answer it with yes or no, but is allowed to lie as many times as she wants; the only restriction is that, among any \(k+1\) consecutive answers, at least one answer must be truthful.

    After \(B\) has asked as many questions as he wants, he must specify a set \(X\) of at most \(n\) positive integers. If \(x\) belongs to \(X\), then \(B\) wins; otherwise, he loses. Prove that:

    1. If \(n \ge 2^k\), then \(B\) can guarantee a win.
    2. For all sufficiently large \(k\), there exists an integer \(n \ge 1.99^k\) such that \(B\) cannot guarantee a win.

    Solution →

  4. Problem 4

    Find all functions \(f:\mathbb Z\to\mathbb Z\) such that, for all integers \(a,b,c\) that satisfy \(a+b+c=0\), the following equality holds: \[ f(a)^2+f(b)^2+f(c)^2 = 2f(a)f(b)+2f(b)f(c)+2f(c)f(a). \] (Here \(\mathbb Z\) denotes the set of integers.)

    Solution →

  5. Problem 5

    Let \(ABC\) be a triangle with \(\angle BCA = 90^\circ\), and let \(D\) be the foot of the altitude from \(C\). Let \(X\) be a point in the interior of the segment \(CD\). Let \(K\) be the point on the segment \(AX\) such that \(BK = BC\). Similarly, let \(L\) be the point on the segment \(BX\) such that \(AL = AC\). Let \(M\) be the point of intersection of \(AL\) and \(BK\).

    Show that \(MK = ML\).

    Solution →

  6. Problem 6

    Find all positive integers \(n\) for which there exist non-negative integers \(a_1,a_2,\ldots,a_n\) such that \[ \frac{1}{2^{a_1}}+\frac{1}{2^{a_2}}+\cdots+\frac{1}{2^{a_n}} = \frac{1}{3^{a_1}}+\frac{2}{3^{a_2}}+\cdots+\frac{n}{3^{a_n}} =1. \]

    Solution →

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