Olympiad problems

2017 Flanders Math Olympiad, 1

On the parabola $y = x^2$ lie three different points $P, Q$ and $R$. Their projections $P', Q'$ and $R'$ on the $x$-axis are equidistant and equal to $s$ , i.e. $| P'Q'| = | Q'R'| = s$. Determine the area of $\vartriangle PQR$ in terms of $s$

1954 Putnam, B4

Tags: parabola , intersection , conic

Given the focus $F$ and the directrix $D$ of a parabola $P$ and a line $L$, describe a euclidean construction for the point or points of intersection of $P$ and $L.$ Be sure to identify the case for which there are no points of intersection.

1994 Balkan MO, 1

Tags: geometry , parallelogram , analytic geometry , trigonometry , parameterization , parabola , conic

An acute angle $XAY$ and a point $P$ inside the angle are given. Construct (using a ruler and a compass) a line that passes through $P$ and intersects the rays $AX$ and $AY$ at $B$ and $C$ such that the area of the triangle $ABC$ equals $AP^2$. [i]Greece[/i]

2014 Belarusian National Olympiad, 1

Tags: parabola , geometry , conic

Let $ABC$ be a triangle inscribed in the parabola $y=x^2$ such that the line $AB \parallel$ the axis $Ox$. Also point $C$ is closer to the axis $Ox$ than the line $AB$. Given that the length of the segment $AB$ is 1 shorter than the length of the altitude $CH$ (of the triangle $ABC$). Determine the angle $\angle{ACB}$ .

1955 AMC 12/AHSME, 39

Tags: parabola , conic

If $ y\equal{}x^2\plus{}px\plus{}q$, then if the least possible value of $ y$ is zero $ q$ is equal to: $ \textbf{(A)}\ 0 \qquad \textbf{(B)}\ \frac{p^2}{4} \qquad \textbf{(C)}\ \frac{p}{2} \qquad \textbf{(D)}\ \minus{}\frac{p}{2} \qquad \textbf{(E)}\ \frac{p^2}{4}\minus{}q$

2011 AIME Problems, 10

Tags: probability , parabola , conic

The probability that a set of three distinct vertices chosen at random from among the vertices of a regular $n$-gon determine an obtuse triangle is $\tfrac{93}{125}$. Find the sum of all possible values of $n$.

2005 AMC 12/AHSME, 24

Tags: analytic geometry , parabola , graphing lines , slope , trigonometry , number theory , conic

All three vertices of an equilateral triangle are on the parabola $ y \equal{} x^2$, and one of its sides has a slope of 2. The x-coordinates of the three vertices have a sum of $ m/n$, where $ m$ and $ n$ are relatively prime positive integers. What is the value of $ m \plus{} n$? $ \textbf{(A)}\ 14\qquad \textbf{(B)}\ 15\qquad \textbf{(C)}\ 16\qquad \textbf{(D)}\ 17\qquad \textbf{(E)}\ 18$

2009 Today's Calculation Of Integral, 470

Tags: calculus , integration , parabola , calculus computations , conic , geometry

Determin integers $ m,\ n\ (m>n>0)$ for which the area of the region bounded by the curve $ y\equal{}x^2\minus{}x$ and the lines $ y\equal{}mx,\ y\equal{}nx$ is $ \frac{37}{6}$.

2005 IMC, 1

Tags: parabola , parameterization , conic

1. Let $f(x)=x^2+bx+c$, M = {x | |f(x)|<1}. Prove $|M|\leq 2\sqrt{2}$ (|...| = length of interval(s))

2001 Putnam, 6

Tags: parabola , conic

Can an arc of a parabola inside a circle of radius $1$ have a length greater than $4$?

2006 Romania National Olympiad, 2

Tags: parabola , analytic geometry , conic

Let $n$ be a positive integer. Prove that there exists an integer $k$, $k\geq 2$, and numbers $a_i \in \{ -1, 1 \}$, such that \[ n = \sum_{1\leq i < j \leq k } a_ia_j . \]

2011 Today's Calculation Of Integral, 675

Tags: calculus , integration , analytic geometry , geometry , parabola , trapezoid , conic

In the coordinate plane with the origin $O$, consider points $P(t+2,\ 0),\ Q(0, -2t^2-2t+4)\ (t\geq 0).$ If the $y$-coordinate of $Q$ is nonnegative, then find the area of the region swept out by the line segment $PQ$. [i]2011 Ritsumeikan University entrance exam/Pharmacy[/i]

2024 Moldova EGMO TST, 1

Tags: parabola , parameterization , algebra

Let $P$ be the set of all parabolas with the equation of the form $$y=(a-1)x^2-2(a+2)x+a+1$$ where $a$ is a real parameter and $a\neq1$. Prove that there exists an unique point $M$ such that all parabolas in $P$ pass through $M$.

1993 All-Russian Olympiad Regional Round, 11.5

Tags: parabola , combinatorics , conic

The expression $ x^3 \plus{} . . . x^2 \plus{} . . . x \plus{} ... \equal{} 0$ is written on the blackboard. Two pupils alternately replace the dots by real numbers. The first pupil attempts to obtain an equation having exactly one real root. Can his opponent spoil his efforts?

1984 AMC 12/AHSME, 22

Tags: parabola , hyperbola , conic

Let $a$ and $c$ be fixed positive numbers. For each real number $t$ let $(x_t, y_t)$ be the vertex of the parabola $y = ax^2+bx+c$. If the set of vertices $(x_t, y_t)$ for all real values of $t$ is graphed in the plane, the graph is A. a straight line B. a parabola C. part, but not all, of a parabola D. one branch of a hyperbola E. None of these

2002 Swedish Mathematical Competition, 3

Tags: parabola , system of equations , system , parameter , algebra , analytic geometry

$C$ is the circle center $(0,1)$, radius $1$. $P$ is the parabola $y = ax^2$. They meet at $(0, 0)$. For what values of $a$ do they meet at another point or points?

1958 AMC 12/AHSME, 22

Tags: parabola , analytic geometry , conic

A particle is placed on the parabola $ y \equal{} x^2 \minus{} x \minus{} 6$ at a point $ P$ whose $ y$-coordinate is $ 6$. It is allowed to roll along the parabola until it reaches the nearest point $ Q$ whose $ y$-coordinate is $ \minus{}6$. The horizontal distance traveled by the particle (the numerical value of the difference in the $ x$-coordinates of $ P$ and $ Q$) is: $ \textbf{(A)}\ 5\qquad \textbf{(B)}\ 4\qquad \textbf{(C)}\ 3\qquad \textbf{(D)}\ 2\qquad \textbf{(E)}\ 1$

2008 Saint Petersburg Mathematical Olympiad, 1

Tags: incenter , parabola , circumcircle , geometry , conic

The graph $y=x^2+ax+b$ intersects any of the two axes at points $A$, $B$, and $C$. The incenter of triangle $ABC$ lies on the line $y=x$. Prove that $a+b+1=0$.

2005 Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament, 7

Tags: calculus , parabola , conic

Two ants, one starting at $ (-1, 1) $, the other at $ (1, 1) $, walk to the right along the parabola $ y = x^2 $ such that their midpoint moves along the line $ y = 1 $ with constant speed $1$. When the left ant first hits the line $ y = \frac {1}{2} $, what is its speed?

1999 National High School Mathematics League, 6

Tags: parabola , analytic geometry , geometry , conic

Points $A(1,2)$, a line that passes $(5,-2)$ intersects the parabola $y^2=4x$ at two points $B,C$. Then, $\triangle ABC$ is $\text{(A)}$ an acute triangle $\text{(B)}$ an obtuse triangle $\text{(C)}$ a right triangle $\text{(D)}$ not sure

2012 Today's Calculation Of Integral, 781

Tags: calculus , integration , parabola , analytic geometry , graphing lines , slope , conic

Let $l,\ m$ be the tangent lines passing through the point $A(a,\ a-1)$ on the line $y=x-1$ and touch the parabola $y=x^2$. Note that the slope of $l$ is greater than that of $m$. (1) Exress the slope of $l$ in terms of $a$. (2) Denote $P,\ Q$ be the points of tangency of the lines $l,\ m$ and the parabola $y=x^2$. Find the minimum area of the part bounded by the line segment $PQ$ and the parabola $y=x^2$. (3) Find the minimum distance between the parabola $y=x^2$ and the line $y=x-1$.

2004 Tournament Of Towns, 5

Tags: parabola , common tangent , geometry , circles , tangent

The parabola $y = x^2$ intersects a circle at exactly two points $A$ and $B$. If their tangents at $A$ coincide, must their tangents at $B$ also coincide?

1998 All-Russian Olympiad, 5

Tags: parabola , quadratic , algebra , geometry , conic

A sequence of distinct circles $\omega_1, \omega_2, \cdots$ is inscribed in the parabola $y=x^2$ so that $\omega_n$ and $\omega_{n+1}$ are tangent for all $n$. If $\omega_1$ has diameter $1$ and touches the parabola at $(0,0)$, find the diameter of $\omega_{1998}$.

2018 Caucasus Mathematical Olympiad, 6

Tags: algebra , quadratic trinomial , parabola , conic

Two graphs $G_1$ and $G_2$ of quadratic polynomials intersect at points $A$ and $B$. Let $O$ be the vertex of $G_1$. Lines $OA$ and $OB$ intersect $G_2$ again at points $C$ and $D$. Prove that $CD$ is parallel to the $x$-axis.

2014 HMNT, 9

Tags: parabola , geometry , perimeter , conic

In equilateral triangle $ABC$ with side length $2$, let the parabola with focus $A$ and directrix $BC$ intersect sides $AB$ and $AC$ at $A_1$ and $A_2$, respectively. Similarly, let the parabola with focus $B$ and directrix $CA$ intersect sides $BC$ and $BA$ at $B_1$ and $B_2$, respectively. Finally, let the parabola with focus $C$ and directrix $AB$ intersect sides $CA$ and $C_B$ at $C_1$ and $C_2$, respectively. Find the perimeter of the triangle formed by lines $A_1A_2$, $B_1B_2$, $C_1C_2$.