Olympiad problems

PEN Q Problems, 6

Tags: algebra , calculus , derivative , binomial theorem , binomial coefficient , polynomial

Prove that for a prime $p$, $x^{p-1}+x^{p-2}+ \cdots +x+1$ is irreducible in $\mathbb{Q}[x]$.

2000 AIME Problems, 9

Tags: system of equations , binomial theorem , logarithm , algebra

The system of equations \begin{eqnarray*}\log_{10}(2000xy) - (\log_{10}x)(\log_{10}y) & = & 4 \\ \log_{10}(2yz) - (\log_{10}y)(\log_{10}z) & = & 1 \\ \log_{10}(zx) - (\log_{10}z)(\log_{10}x) & = & 0 \\ \end{eqnarray*} has two solutions $ (x_{1},y_{1},z_{1})$ and $ (x_{2},y_{2},z_{2}).$ Find $ y_{1} + y_{2}.$

2014 All-Russian Olympiad, 3

Tags: algorithm , algebra , binomial theorem , combinatorics

In a country, mathematicians chose an $\alpha> 2$ and issued coins in denominations of 1 ruble, as well as $\alpha ^k$ rubles for each positive integer k. $\alpha$ was chosen so that the value of each coins, except the smallest, was irrational. Is it possible that any natural number of rubles can be formed with at most 6 of each denomination of coins?

2014 Taiwan TST Round 2, 4

Tags: algebra , binomial theorem , pigeonhole principle

Prove that in any set of $2000$ distinct real numbers there exist two pairs $a>b$ and $c>d$ with $a \neq c$ or $b \neq d $, such that \[ \left| \frac{a-b}{c-d} - 1 \right|< \frac{1}{100000}. \]

1971 AMC 12/AHSME, 13

Tags: algebra , binomial theorem

If $(1.0025)^{10}$ is evaluated correct to $5$ decimal places, then the digit in the fifth decimal place is $\textbf{(A) }0\qquad\textbf{(B) }1\qquad\textbf{(C) }2\qquad\textbf{(D) }5\qquad \textbf{(E) }8$

1987 AIME Problems, 12

Tags: inequalities , algebra , binomial theorem

Let $m$ be the smallest integer whose cube root is of the form $n+r$, where $n$ is a positive integer and $r$ is a positive real number less than $1/1000$. Find $n$.

1985 IMO Longlists, 54

Tags: number theory , greatest common divisor , induction , algorithm , modular arithmetic , binomial theorem , algebra

Set $S_n = \sum_{p=1}^n (p^5+p^7)$. Determine the greatest common divisor of $S_n$ and $S_{3n}.$

1986 AIME Problems, 11

Tags: algebra , polynomial , ratio , binomial theorem

The polynomial $1-x+x^2-x^3+\cdots+x^{16}-x^{17}$ may be written in the form $a_0+a_1y+a_2y^2+\cdots +a_{16}y^{16}+a_{17}y^{17}$, where $y=x+1$ and thet $a_i$'s are constants. Find the value of $a_2$.

2014 ELMO Shortlist, 3

Tags: algebra , polynomial , induction , binomial theorem , number theory

Let $t$ and $n$ be fixed integers each at least $2$. Find the largest positive integer $m$ for which there exists a polynomial $P$, of degree $n$ and with rational coefficients, such that the following property holds: exactly one of \[ \frac{P(k)}{t^k} \text{ and } \frac{P(k)}{t^{k+1}} \] is an integer for each $k = 0,1, ..., m$. [i]Proposed by Michael Kural[/i]

1999 Romania Team Selection Test, 7

Tags: calculus , integration , arithmetic sequence , geometric sequence , geometric series , algebra , binomial theorem

Prove that for any integer $n$, $n\geq 3$, there exist $n$ positive integers $a_1,a_2,\ldots,a_n$ in arithmetic progression, and $n$ positive integers in geometric progression $b_1,b_2,\ldots,b_n$ such that \[ b_1 < a_1 < b_2 < a_2 <\cdots < b_n < a_n . \] Give an example of two such progressions having at least five terms. [i]Mihai Baluna[/i]

2009 AMC 12/AHSME, 5

Tags: algebra , binomial theorem

Kiana has two older twin brothers. The product of their ages is $ 128$. What is the sum of their three ages? $ \textbf{(A)}\ 10\qquad \textbf{(B)}\ 12\qquad \textbf{(C)}\ 16\qquad \textbf{(D)}\ 18\qquad \textbf{(E)}\ 24$

2002 AIME Problems, 7

Tags: modular arithmetic , algebra , binomial theorem

The Binomial Expansion is valid for exponents that are not integers. That is, for all real numbers $ x, y,$ and $ r$ with $ |x| > |y|,$ \[ (x \plus{} y)^r \equal{} x^r \plus{} rx^{r \minus{} 1}y \plus{} \frac {r(r \minus{} 1)}2x^{r \minus{} 2}y^2 \plus{} \frac {r(r \minus{} 1)(r \minus{} 2)}{3!}x^{r \minus{} 3}y^3 \plus{} \cdots \] What are the first three digits to the right of the decimal point in the decimal representation of $ \left(10^{2002} \plus{} 1\right)^{10/7}?$

2002 Putnam, 6

Tags: linear algebra , matrix , algebra , polynomial , modular arithmetic , binomial theorem

Let $p$ be a prime number. Prove that the determinant of the matrix \[ \begin{bmatrix}x & y & z\\ x^p & y^p & z^p \\ x^{p^2} & y^{p^2} & z^{p^2} \end{bmatrix} \] is congruent modulo $p$ to a product of polynomials of the form $ax+by+cz$, where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are integers. (We say two integer polynomials are congruent modulo $p$ if corresponding coefficients are congruent modulo $p$.)