Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3

1E. Strate~;: Count in an organised way.

Label each single region separately. Then count the triangles which
enclose only 1 region, then those that enclose 2 regions, and so on. Thus:

# of Regions List of triangles by named regions

A, B. C, F, R, K, J, H, G, D
2 AB, BC, CF, FR, RK, KJ, JH, HG, GD, DA
3 ABC, CFR, RKJ, JHG, GOA, DEF, BEK, FEH, KEO, HEB
5 BEHKJ,FEDHG,KEBDA,HEBFC,DEFKR
Total 3
There are 35 triangles of all sizes in the diagram.
FOLLOW-UPS: (I) A large square is marked offinto 9 smaller congruent
squares. How many squares of all sizes are shown in this diagram?
[14] (2) How many squares ofall sizes are there on a standard 8 x
8 checkerboard? [204] (3) How many rectangles of all sizes are
shown in this diagram? [36] (4) How many rectangles of all sizes
are there on a standard 8 x 8 checkerboard? [1296]

Set 12: Olympiad 2

2A.Method 1: Strategy: Simplify the expression, using common fractions:

2.375 = 2i and 2 x 2i = 4¾. Then 12¾ -4¾ = 8 and 8 = 23 The value of N is 2.

Method 2: Strategy: Simplify the expression, using decimal form.

12¾ -2 x 2.375 = 12.75 - 4.75 = 8 = 23• The value of N is 2.

2B. Method 1: Strategy: Find the total number ofpoints scored.

From the graph, the 12 mathletes scored a total of 31 points. Then the mean is 31 7 12 ;::: 2.58.
To the nearest tenth, the mean number of points scored per mathlete is 2.6.

Method 2: Strategy: Measure the deviation from an assumed mean.

Suppose the mean is 2. Three students scored 1 point above the mean, one scored 2 above,
two scored 3 above, two scored 1 below, and one scored 2 below. The total deviation from 2
is 1 + l + 1 + 2 + 3 + 3 - 1 -1 - 2 = 7 for the 12 mathletes. The true mean is then 2 +ti,or
to the nearest tenth, 2.6.
. , rz,hen she did
FOLLOW-UP: The coach hadforgotten to include one mathlete s score. rr J 'd h
I
so, the average of the 13 scores was 2. 7, to the nearest tenth. How many points di e
]3 th mathlete score? [4] C---
246
 Solutions - Division S

~~ : Group the numbers in/ours.

z C , ~- 98 - 97) + (96 + 95 - 94 - 93 ) + · · · + (4 + 3 - 2 - 1) = 4 + 4 + 4 + ... + 4. There are
~~~cy-fi ve groups of four numbers, each with a value of 4 . The expression simplifies to 100.

od z: SJ_rategY._: Rearrange t_h e numbers in a more convenient order.

~ expression can be wntten as (100 - 98) + (99 - 97) + (96 _ 94) + (95 _ 93) +
fhe give) + (91 - 89) + · · · + (4 - 2) + (3 - 1). Each md1cated
· · ·
difference · 2, and there are 50
1s
90
(9Z_- d differences. The expression simplifies to 100.
indicate
FOLLOW-UPS: (1) Simpl(fy 100 + 99 + 98- 97 + 96 + 95 + 94 - 93 + ... + 4 + 3 + 2
- 1, where every fourth term is subtracted. [200 + 12(200) = 2600] (2) Exploration:
How many other thoug ht-:fi1led methods ofsolution can you find for Problem 2C?

zo.~: List the paths from A to C

Paths with X Paths without X
A E F B AMYXHC AMDKHC
AMYKHC
MEEEG
AMYXGC
AEFXHC AEFBGC
AEFXGC AEYKHC
D K H C
AEYXHC
AEYXGC

There are 10 five-cm paths from A to C, 6 of which pass through X. The probability that the
i I
chosen path passes through point Xis 1 or or .6 or 60%.

FOLLOW- UP: Investigation: Research the topic of Taxicab Geometry.

2E.Strategy: Find the length of the wire.

15 cm
5cm

□
A square of area 225 sq cm has a side of length 15 cm. Then the
length of the wire is 60 cm. The frame of the cube consists of @
its 12 edges, so the length of each edge is 5 cm. The volume
enclosed by the cube is 125 cubic centimetres.

FOLLOW-UP: Suppose al/faces ofthe cube are solid. What is its surface area? [ 150 sq cm]

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 Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3

Set 12: Olympiad 3

3A.Method l: Strategy: Find the Highest Common Factor ofthe numbers.

Any number that is a factor of both 36 and 60 is a factor of their HCF, 12. The factors of 12
are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. There are 6 positive integers that are factors of both 36 and 60.

Method 2: Strategy: Find the Common Prime Factors ofthe numbers.

36 = 22 x 32 and60 = 22 x 31 x 51•
Their highest common factor is 12 = 2~ X 3
The table shows all six factors of 22 x 3 1•
1
• 30
1
m2
x 20 21 l2
4

Each is a factor of both 36 and 60. 3 3 6 I2

Method 3: Strategy: list the factors of each number.

Factors of 36: 1, .2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36
Factors of 60: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 1.2, I 5, 20, 30, 60
There are 6 Iboldfaced I positive integers that are factors of both 36 and 60.

FOLLOW-UP: How many positive integers are factors ofall of 144, 288, and 540? [9]

3 B. Method I: Strategy: Regroup the factors to simplify the computation.

27 X 53 = (24 X 23 ) X 53 = 24 X (2 3 X 53) = 24 X 103 = 16 X 1000 = 16,000.
The sum of the digits is 7.

Method 2: Strategy: Do the computation.

27 = 128 and 53 = 125. The product of 128 and 125 is 16,000. The sum of the digits is 7.

JC.Method I: Stratezy: Work backwards.

Ben ended with twice as many of the 36 CDs as Ali, so Ben ended with 24 and Ali with 12.
i
Ali had given Ben 40%, or of her original number, so the 12 she ended with was of the i
number she started with. Then½ of her original number was 4, and Ali had 20 CDs originally.

Method 2: Strategy: Make a table.

If Ali began with: 5 IO 15 20
Ali gave Ben 40% of her CDs,
so she started with a multiple Then Ben began with: 31 26 21 16
of 5. The top row of the table Ali gave Ben: 2 4 6 8
assumes those multiples and Ali ended with: 3 6 9 12
computes the resulting numbers. Ben ended with 30 27 24
33
Only in the last column does Ben end with twice as many CDs as Ali, so Ali originally had
20 CDs.

%48
 ,
Solutions - Division S
d 3. Strategy: Use algebra.
Met~ Of CD AJ.I st
~:::: the number s arted with. Then Ben started with 36 - a CDs.
Ali gives Ben 0.4a C~s, so Ben ends with (36 - a)+ 0.4a CDs, and Ali with a - 0.4a CDs.
At the end Ben ~as twice as m~ny CDs as Ali: 2(a _ 0.4a) = (36 _a)+ 0.4a
Sirnplify each std~ of the equatio~: (0. a) = _ .a
2 6 36 _ 0.6a
06
s,rnp
. Iify the lefthside
'd offthe
h equation
. further: 1.2a = 36
Add 0.6a to e~c st e o t e ~quation: 1.8a =
. 'de each side of the equat10n by 1.8:
D1VI a 36
= 20
Ali had 20 CDs originally.
FOLLOW-VP: Together Amy, Ben and Zoe have 90 marbles. Ben has twice as many marbles
as Amy. Zoe has three times as many marbles as Amy. How many marbles must Amy
/ose to the others so that the ratio ofmarbles held by Amy, Ben and Zoe, respectively, is
J:3:5? [5] How many marbles does each ofthe others gain? [none to Ben, 5 to Zoe]

JD.Strategy: Use the definition ofreciprocal.

N and ~ are reciprocals (multiplicative inverses) of each other.

If N=-rlIT , then ~ = 101. Since 11(101-1) + 9(101) = 1100 + 909, the value is 2009.

3E Strategy: Maximise the "contact area ".

·The surface areas of the three cubes, when separated, are 6 x 12,
2
6 x 22, and 6 x 3 sq cm for a total of 84 sq cm. When they
are glued together, the 3 pairs of surfaces glued together are no
longer inc1uded in the total. To maximise the glued area, place
the 2 larger cubes as shown and then p]ace the smallest cube so
that it has one face in contact with each of the others. Then the 84
sq cm must be decreased by 2 x 1, 2 x 1, and 2 x 4 =12 sq cm, and
the least possible surface of the solid is 72 sq cm.

Set 12: Olympiad 4

4A.&rate[E: Use the property ofadditive inverses (opposites). .

Write the sum as c-2007 +-2006 + ... ++2006 + +2007) + +2008 + +2009. The sum m parentheses
1
.s 0. Thus the sum of all the integers from -2007 through to 2009 is
· +2008 + +2009 = 4017.

Z49
 Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3

4B. Strate~ : Draw a picture and examine the possibilities.

There are two possible cases. Either u or C is 55 cm.
The first case w is not possible. If the sum of 8 and three widths is w
iv
55 cm, then the width is not an integer.
w 8
The second case C: is possible. rf the sum of 16 and three widths is
55 cm, then the width is 13 cm. This makes the length 21 cm, and
the perimeter of the rectangle 68 cm.

FOLLOW-UPS: (1) Find a value to replace the 55 so that the.first case results in an integer
value but the second does not. [Any of the numbers 11 , 14, 17, and so on.] (2) Can you
find a value that satisfies both situations? Explain. [No]

Q)

4C.Strateg,v: Use the definition ofaverage speed. E 15

0
..c:
The average speed is the total distance travelled divided by the E
IO
0
total time elapsed. The graph shows that Jen travelled IO km J:: 5
from home before she rested and then travelled 10 km back.
The total time was 4 hours, so her average speed was 20 km-;- I 2 3 4
hours
4 hrs = 5 km/h.

FOLLOW-UP: Describe a situation that could be represented by each ofthese graphs:

(a)~ ~Xl
[Many situations are possible. For example: The step graph, (a), might represent the
number of buses needed for a large group of people. The parabola, (b ), might represent
the height over time of a ball tossed upwards.]

40.Strategy: Count in an organised way.

Method I : Strategy: Examine all the ones and tens digits separately.
The ones digit of 8: It occurs I time in every set of IO consecutive numbers. From I through
384, there are 38 complete sets of IO and therefore the digit 8 appears 38 times as a ones digit.
The tens digits of 8: It occurs IO times in every set of 100 consecutive numbers. From I
through 384, there are 3 complete sets of 100 (1-100, IO 1-199, 200-299); the digit 8 appears
30 times as a tens digit. In addition, the numbers 380-384 contain 5 more tens digits of 8. In
all, the digit 8 appears a total of 73 times.

250
 Solutions - Division S
~ d 2· Strategy_: Count by intervals, treating th 80 .
~ -
interval
- 1-79 80-89 90-179 180-189
e s as a special case.
190-279 280-289 290-379
~ 8 11 9 11
380-384
#Of8S 9
~ . . I I
Add the numbers m the second row. The d1g1t 8 appears a total of 73 times.
9 5

C', ..ntef!V · Examine the prime factors.

4E~· · ~ t b . · h
'since 180 x N is a per ec cu_e, it is t e product of three equal factors. Each of these factors is
·me or is the product of pnme numbers. Because 180 = 2 x 2 x 3 h ..c. b
pn x 3 x 5, t e peuect cu e,
st th rod 3
180 x N, mu represent e p uct 0 ~ 2 , 3 , and 53• N must represent the missing additional
3

factors 2, 3, 5, and 5. ~he .leas! possible value of N is 2 x 3 x 5 x 5 = 150. As a check,

180 x 150 = 27,000, which 1s 30 .
Alternately, (2 3 x 33 x 53) + 180 = 27,000 + 180 = 150.

FoLLOW-UPs: (I) What is the least N greater than 150for which the product of 180 and N
is a perfect cube? [1200] (2) What is the least positive integer N for which the product
of12 and N is a perfect fourth power? [108] (3) What are the three least integers which
are both perfect squares and perfect cubes? [O, 1, 64; they are actually sixth powers.]

Set 12: Olympiad S

SA.Method I: Strategy_: Find the cost ofan equal number ofeach item.
Suppose you purchased 2 pens and 3 erasers and then 3 pens and 2 erasers. The total of 5 pens
and 5 erasers would cost you 40 + 55 = 95c. Then the total cost of 1 pen and 1 eraser is
95c + 5 = 19c.

Method 2: Strategy: Find the cost of 1 eraser and of I pencil.

Suppose you purchased 2 pens and 3 erasers for 40c. Replacing one of the erasers by a pen,
which gives 3 pens and 2 erasers, increases the cost by 15c. That is, a pen costs I5c more than
an eraser. Then, if in another purchase you replace 2 erasers by 2 pens, you would have bought
5 pens and increased the cost by 30c. So 5 pens cost 85c and one pen costs 17c. One eraser
costs 2c, and the total cost of 1 pen and 1 eraser is 19c.

FoLLow-UPs: (I) Solve the problem algebraically following each method above.
(2) Suppose instead 3 pens and 2 erasers cost a total of 84 cents. If each pen costs 4
cents more than 2 erasers, how much does an eraser cost? [9 cents]

ZSI
 Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3
2--.
SB.Strate[},': Count in an organised way.
If the product of two different odd prime numbers is less than 100, at least one of the primes .
less than 10 (namely 3, 5, or 7). Then 3 can be paired with nine different primes (5, 7, I I, ,;s
17, 19,23,29,and31); 5canbepairedwithfivedifferentprimes(7, 11, 13, 17, and 19); and?
can be paired with two different primes (11 and 13). In all, there are 16 positive integers Jes
than 100 which can be expressed as the product of two different odd primes. s

FOLLOW-UP: How many odd positive integers less than 500 can be expressed as the
product ofthree different primes? [l 6] Any three primes? [42]

SC.Strategy: Find the x- and y-coordinates separately. 2 2 2

A (4,15)
The horizontal distance from A to B is IO - 4 = 6, and
_ ,___, 3
one-third of that distance is 2. The vertical distance from A
to B is 15 - 6 = 9, and one-third of that distance is 3. The 3
coordinates of point Tare (4 + 2, 15 - 3) = (6,12). 3
B (10,6)
FOLLOW-UP: Point C is on line segment AB and is ½ of the way from A to B. If the
coordinates ofC are (4, 16) and Bare (10, 6),find the coordinates ofA. [(I , 21)]

SD.Method I : Strate[:y: Draw a picture. • ••• .. .

••••
Figure I shows the original array of counters, a square formation. •••• A
••••
Separate it into rectangular sections A, B, and C, where B and C are
the bottom two rows.
.......
• ••• B
C
Figure 1

In figure 2, row C is moved to a new position, column

1
C • Note
that
...
.••••
••••
...
c'
•
••
each row in section A now contains one more counter and that there •••• A •
is one less row (row C). • • • • .. . B •
•
Figure 2

In figure 3, row B and the bottom 2 counters in column c' are removed •••••
•••... A il C••'·
(shown by the dashed grey rectangles). In all, IO counters are removed •••••
••• •
.. .
and the new rectangle is produced. Thus row B contained 8 counters r----------• r-•
to o o o · · · B '
., _ _ _ _ _ _ __ - It O 1I

and there were 8 x 8 = 64 counters originaJly.

4

I 0 1

Figure3

252
 Solutions - Division S
~ SJrategy: Build a ta~le.
Original#
~ h e original configuration had 5, 6, 7, 8, .. . New#of
Assu per row and build a table to compare the new of counters counters
uoters .h h . . l 5 X 5 = 25 3 X 6 = }8
co mber of counters wit t e ongma . The second column
nu 2 fewer rows and 1 more counter per row. Only in 6 X 6 = 36 4 X 7 = 28
showsttom row is the new number of counters 1O less than 7 X 7 = 49 5 X 8 = 40
the bo
•ginal number. There were 64 counters originally.
~~ 8 X 8 = 64 6 X 9 = 54

Method 3: Strategy: Use algebra.

~ h e number of counters in each row.
Originally, the number of rows equals the number of counters in each row.
N1 _ 1o == the number of counters after 10 are removed.
N _ 2 == the number of rows afte~ rearranging.
N + 1 == the number of counters m each row after rearranging.
Counters per row x the # of rows = total # of counters: (N + 1)(N - 2) = N2 - 10
Multiply N - 2 by N + 1: N2 - N - 2 = N2 - 10
Subtract N2 from each side of the equation: _N_2 - - 10
Multiply each side of the equation by -1 : N +2 10
Subtract 2 from each side of the equation: N 8
With 8 rows of 8 counters each originally, there were 64 counters.

SE.Strate~: Find the sum of the numbers in each row and column.
2 + 4 + ... + 18 = 90, so the sum of the numbers in each row, each A 2 X
column, and each diagonal is 30. Then the middle number in column 2 is
10, so the remaining number in row 2 is 14. 6 10 14
In the top row, A+ x = 28. Of the remaining numbers, only 12 and 16 18
have that sum. If x = 16, the sum in the last column is more than 30.
Then x represents 12.
The completed magic square is at the right. 16 2 12
6 10 14
8 18 4

253
Set 13: Olympiad 1

1A.Strategy: Rearrange the factors in a more convenient order.

125 X 25 X 5 X 2 X 4 X 8
= (5x2) x (25 x4) x (125 x8)
= lQ X 100 X 1000
= 1000000.

1B.Strategy: Look for perfect squares near the given number.

Since 11 2 = 121 and 12 2 = 144, the least whole number value for N is the value for which
123 + N = 144. The least whole number N is 21.

IC.Method 1: Strategy: Use the definition of even number.

Because each of the two even numbers has a factor of 2, their product is a multiple of 4.
Conversely, every multiple of 4 can be written as the product of two even numbers. There are
19 positive multiples of 4 that are less than 80, but we must exclude the 4 multiples that are 18
or less. Thus, 15 numbers between 19 and 79 are the product of two even numbers.

Method 2: Factor every even number between 19 and 79.

List the even numbers in the interval: 20, 22, 24, ... , 74, 76, 78. Try factoring each into
the product of 2 even numbers. Eliminate those that cannot be so factored. The remaining
numbers are 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, and 76. In all, there are 15
possible products between 19 and 79.

FOLLOW-UP: How many multiples of3 are less than 500 and are not the product oftwo
multiples of3? [111]

l D.Method 1: Strategy: First find the length AB.

As shown, AB+ BC= 25 cm and BC+ CD= 46 cm. 46cm --i
With BC common to both lengths, CD is 21 cm longer
than AB. But CD= 2.5 x AB. Then (2.5 x AB)-AB = 21. A B C D
Therefore, l.5 x AB=21 andthelengthAB=21 + 1.5= 14. 25 cm
Finally, the length of BC is 25 - 14 = 11 cm.

254
 Solutions - Division S

~ ~ r a tegJC: Use possible lengths AB and CD to find B

~shows possible lengths CD C.
r;;;~.
.

Each pair is in the ratio of5:2 CD 20 25 30 35 40

a d alculates the length BC in two AB 8 10 12 14 16
an c Only when CD is 35 and AB BC=46-CD 26 21 16 11 6
ways. . .
. do both computations give the BC=25-CD 17 15 13 11 9
15 14
value of BC. The length of BC
sarne
is 11 crn-
~ Strategy: Use algebra.
Because CD:AB = 5:2, represent the length CD by 5x and the length AB by 2x. Then the length
BC can be represented two ways, by 25 - 2x and by 46 - 5x, as shown below.
46 cm -
.4 8 46-5x 5x
2x 25-2x C D

25 cm

from the diagram represent BC two ways: 25 - 2x = 46 - 5x

Add 5x to each side of the equation: 25 + 3x = 46
Subtract 25 from each side of the equation: 3x = 21
Divide each side of the equation by 3: x = 7
Then BC = 46 - 5(7) = 11. Checking, BC= 25 - 2(7) = 11 .

FOLLOW-UP: Points A, B, C, D, and Elie on a straight line in the given order. The ratios of
lengths are as follows-BC.AB= 4:3 and BC:CD = 2:1. JfAE is 48 units and DE= BA,
what is BC? [ 16 units]

IE.Method 1: Strategy: Use counting principles.

Emma buys a German novel and a Spanish novel, or a German novel and a French novel, or
a Spanish novel and a French novel. She has 4 choices for the German novel and 5 for the
Spanish novel, so she can buy novels in those two languages in 4 x 5 = 20 ways.

Likewise, she can buy a German novel and a French novel in 4 x 6 = 24 ways, and she can buy
a Spanish novel and a French novel in 5 x 6 = 30 ways.

In all Emma can purchase two novels in two languages in 20 + 24 + 30 = 74 ways.

255
Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3

Method 2: Strategy: Make an organised list.

Denote the 4 German novels as G,, G2, G3, G4, and similarly for th e 0thers.
If G is one of the books, the other book can be S,, S2, S3, S4, ~s' or F,, F2, F3, ~4' Fs, F6 -that
is 11 ways. Likewise, there are 11 ways if G2 is chosen, 11 wt th GJ, and 11 wi th G4 for a total
1

of 44 ways.
If no Gern1an novel is chosen, one book must be in Spanish and one in French.
If S is one book, F , F , ••• , F is the other: 6 ways. Continuin~, there are 6 with S2, etc., for a
I 1 2 6
total of 30 ways. In all Emma can purchase the two novels m 44 + 30 = 74 ways.

FoLLow-UPs: (I) In how many ways can Emma purchase, in any order, two novels in
the same language? [31] (2) Jn how many ways can she purchase, in any order, two
novels in one language and one in each ofthe other two languages ?[720]

Set 13: Olympiad z

2A.Method 1: Strategy: First.find mLCOD.

~
(1) mL.COB = 130 (2) mL.COE = 90
- mL.DOB = 90 ~ - mL.COD = 40
mL.COD = 40_......,. mL.DOE = 50 A O B

Method 2: Strategy: First.find mLAOC.

(1) mL.AOB = 180 (2) mL.AOD = 90 (3) mL.COE = 90
- mL.COB = 130 ~ - mL.AOC = 50 ~ - mL.COD = 40
mL.AOC = 50_/ mL.COD = 40 _ / mL.DOE = 50

28.Strategy: Use the distributive property.

2.3 x 2.01 + 3.7 x 2.01 = (2.3 + 3.7) x 2.01 = 6.0 x 2.01 = 6.0 x 2.01 = 20 x l = 10.
0.3 X 4.02 0.3 X 4.02 0.3 X 4.02 OJ 4.02 2
Variation: Notice that 4.02 is twice 2.01 . Rewrite the denominator as 0.6 x 2.0 I.
Then 6.0 x 2.01 = 6.0 x 2:0-1 = 6.0 = 60 = 10.
0.3 X 4.02 0.6 X 2:0-J. 0.6 6

2C.Method 1: Strate~: Combine the two cases.

Suppose 2 students are absent and Mr. Alvarez still gives each student 4 sheets. He will have
the original 16 sheets left over and in addition the 4 sheets that he would have given to each of
the absentees. This total of 24 sheets is enough to give each of the students who are present I
additional sheet, with 3 left over. Then there are 24 - 3 = 21 students present. Mr. Alvarez bas
5 x 21 + 3 = 108 sheets of paper.

25ft
~SJ_rategy_: Use algebra.
Solutions - Division S

~ h s N students registered and N - 2 tud

rhe class a s ents present when 2 students are absent.
fhen 4N
+ 16 = four
_
sheets per student, with 16 sheets left
0 ver.
3
,A.nd 5(N - 2) + - five sheets per student when 2 students are absent with 3 sheets left over.
fhe number of sheets is the same whether or not the 2 students are absent:
5(N - 2) + 3 = 4N + 16
Multiply N - 2 by 5: SN - 10 + 3 =4N+ 16
Add - l0 and 3: . . SN - 7 = 4N + 16
dd 7 to each side of the equation: SN
=4N+ 23
tubtract 4N from each side of the equation: N
= 23
Then Mr. Alvarez started with 4 x 23 + 16 = 108 sheets of paper.

FOLLOW-UP: Find the least whole number N such that N is J more than a multiple of3,
N- 3 is 2 more than a multiple of5, andN - 6 is 3 more than a multiple of 7. [ I00; Hint:
find a number near N that is divisible by 3, 5, and 7.]

zo.Method 1: Strategy: Compare terms.

The terms in Series A increase by 2. The terms in Series B increase by 4. If Series A is
multiplied by 2 (row 2), its terms will also increase by 4.
SeriesA: 1+3+ 5 + 7 + ... +21+23+25=169
2 x Series A: 2+6+ 10+ 14+ .. . +42 + 46+50=338
Series B: 1 + 5 + 9 + 13 + .. · + 41 + 45 + 49 = ?
Each of the 13 terms in row 2 is 1 greater than the corresponding term in row 3. Therefore the
sum 1 + 5 + 9 + ··· + 41 + 45 + 49 = 338 - 13 is 325.
Method 2: Strategy: Use "Gaussian Addition ".
In the series 1 + 5 + · · · + 49, we get from 1 to 49 by adding 4 twelve times, so the series has
13 tenns. Pair these terms as follows, working from the outside inward.
(1 +49) + (5 + 45) + (9 + 41 ), and so on. The sum of each pair is 50 and there are 6 pairs. The
unpaired number is 25, the middle number. The sum is then 6 x 50 + 25 = 325.
1kthod 3: Strategy: Look for a pattern in the partial sums.
The table at the right examines the sums of the first
Sum,
few tenns. In each case, the sum is the product of Series Sum
th Factored
e number of terms and the middle term (or the Ix1
I I
average of the 2 middle terms). Since the series
1+ 5 6 2X3
has l 3 terms, the sum we are looking for is
15 3X5
I + 5 + 9 + .. . + 41 + 45 + 49 = 13 x 25 = 325. 1+5+9
Other an h . 1 +5 + 9 + 13 28 4 x7
li Jproac es are possible.
ow many can you find?

zs,
 Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3
~
• 1 5 + 9 + find thefiormula for the value ofth 1
FOLLOW-UPS: (1) In the senes + ... , . . ? . e nh
th1
term. [4n - 3] (2) What is theformulafor calculating the_Sum of s sen~s. [n(2n - 1);
see table] (3) Ifx3 = 3 x 6 x J2 x 24 x 48 x 96, what 1s the value ofx . (288]

2E.Method I: Strategy: Use a frequency definition ofprobabili?"·.

Consider a large and convenient number of days, say 100. Ram ts expected for 40 days and fair
weather for 60 days. Jess would expect to earn a total of (40 x _$15_00) + (60 x $400) = $84 000.
During the 100 day period, Jess expects to earn $84 000, which ts an average of $840 daily.

Method 2: Strategy: Pretend the average weather actually happens one day.
Consider an ''average" day. Assume it rains 40% of that day. During that time Jess earns 40%
of$ I 500, which is $600 that day. It is fair the other 60% of that day, so Jess earns 60% of$400,
which is another $240. Thus, on that "average" day, Jess expects to earn $840.

Set 13: Olympiad 3

3A.Method l: Strategy: Write the numbers in standard form.

500 000 000 7 170 000 = 50 000 7 17, which is between 2000 and 3000. There are 4 digits
to the left of the decimal point.

Method 2: Strategy: Use scientifi,c notation.

500 000 000 7 170 000 = ( 5 x l 08) 7 ( 1. 7 x 105) = 2.□□ x l 03 . Multiplying a one-digit number
by I000 produces 4 digits to the left of the decimal point.

38.Strategy: Count the number of multiples of 7.

Only multiples of 7 contain factors of 7. There are four multiples of 7 less than 30 and each
contains 7 as a factor exactly once. Thus, 7 appears as a factor of the product 4 times.

FOLLOW-UPS: The product is often written as 30! ("30/actorial"). (]) How manyfactors
of3 does 30! have? [14] (2) In part 1, why is the answer 14 instead of JO or 13? [ 9 and
18 each contain 32 and 27 contains 33 . ] (3) 30! has how many factors of JO? [7] (4) in
part 3, why is the answer 7 instead of3? [IO is not prime. Look for the number of times
5 appears as a factor.] (5) In part 5, why do we use the factor 5 instead of the/actor 2?

2§8

L
 Solutions - Division S
~,1 e r all
. Cons1u1 . three
. games
. .
...,teKJ&. ::rst t,me m the th,rd game, Chloe must lose the first two games and then win
(.~fort b ·1· h Chi . ·
3 fo wt~d Since the proba I ity ~ a_t . oe ~ms a game 1s 53 , then the probability that she does
tbe tbtf · e is 2. By the multiplication pnnciple, the probability that Chloe loses the first
. a gain 5 • 2 2 3 ..U..
,,ot wtn d then wins the third is 5 x x =
garnes an 5 5 125 .
tlfO
ow-Ups: (1) Using the same information, what is the probability that Chloe wins
foLL . . . 36
81 third game? [125]
forthe second tzme m the (2) What is the probability that Chloe
. sat least 2 games? [125]
win

Strategy: Rearrange the regions more conveniently.

3p.~ !:!,!;.!..!~- ,",
, \
I ' , "'

c-/
I ', ,' I

<.,
'
',
J'
I
I

(1) L---....__- (2) _ _ _ ____, (3)

The area of the shaded region is the same as the area of the rectangle, which is 6 x 12 = 72 sq cm.

Method 2: StrateE:)l: Add and subtract areas.

The radius of the given semicircle is 6 cm.
From the sum of the areas of the given semicircle and the rectangle,
subtract the areas of the two quarter circles: 6 6
The area of the given semicircle:
[1t62 + 2] sq cm+ [12 x 6] sq cm - [(rr62 + 4) x 2] sq cm =
l 81t sq cm + 72 sq cm l81t sq cm =
72 sq cm.
The area of the shaded region is 72 sq cm.

JE.&,ate~: Write the fraction as a mixed number.

45 3 1
T = 6 + 7 = a + - -1 , so a = 6.
b+c

Now Write ~ so that its numerator is I: J. = _1 =-1-

7 ~ b+!

Next examine b and c: l = 2 + _1 = b + l so b = 2 and c = 3.

3 3 C'

~
~ 6,h==2,andc-J.

259
Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3

Set 13: Olympiad 4

4A.Method 1: Strategy: Express each side as the product offactors.

Rewrite each side of the equation as the product of common factors.
52 x so x N = 40 x 13 x 35
4 x l3 x 5 x J0 x N = 4 x JQ x }3 x 5 x 7
4 x 13 x 5 x 10 x N =4 x 13 x 5 x 10 x 7
Notice the common factors of 4 13 5 and IO on each side. N is 7.
' '
Method 2: Strategy: Use algebra.
Do the multiplication to get 2600N = 18 200. Divide both sides of the equation by 2600. N == 1.

FOLLOW-UP: Find the least common multiple of 520 and 280. [3640]

4B.Strategy: List the multiples ofeach.

Write two lists of multiples between Oand I 00, as shown below.
Multiples of 17: 17, 34, 51, 68, 85, ...
Multiples of 21 : 21, 42, 63, 84, ...
The only pair of consecutive integers is 84 and 85. Therefore, the greater of the two
consecutive integers is 85.

FOLLOW-UPS: (I) Without continuing the lists, how couldyoufind otherpairs ofconsecutive
integers such that one is a multiple of17 and the other of2 I ? [Add 17 x 21 to both 84 and
85 as often as desired.] (2) Is it possible for two multiples of15 and 21 to be consecutive
integers? Explain. [No. With a common factor of3, every pair must differ by a multiple of3.]

4C.Strategy: Find the radii ofthe circles.

The area of a circle is given by the formula A= nr2, so circles with
areas of 9rr, 25rr, and l OOrr have radii of 3, 5, and l Orespectively.
The lengths of the sides of the triangle are found by adding pairs of
radii together. Therefore, AB = 8 cm, BC= 15 cm, and CA= 13 cm.

The perimeter of the triangle is 8 + 15 + 13 = 36 cm.

2&0
 Solutions - Division S
~Strategy: Use the multiplication algorithm
4p . ~ ilie multiplication on the left. Each parti~l I 3 3
Start w contains only 2 d'1g1ts.. F' .
irst, q 1s 1 soc= 7 and
roduc t ' ~ X A B C x A 4 7
P sents 91 . In the tens column, (9 + s) ends in 1 p q 9 I
~p~ . . .
129 •s
Then s_b-, 2 so B = 4 and rs represents 52. This yields the
. r s 5 2
. Jication on the nght. t u t u
111ulttP
3 0 3 0
s1.nee the thousands digit of the product is 3' -t is 2 or 3
d A is 2 or 3. If A is 3, tu represents 39 and the final
an duct is ~511 , not 3011 . Thus A is 2, tu represents 26
~~~ the final product is 3211 . The missing digit is 2.
Method 2: Strategy: Start with an arbitrary value.
~ l by 13 to get a quotient of 231 and a remainder of 8. Since l 00 divided by 13 leaves
a remainder of 9, each time we increase 3011 by 100, we add
Dividend Remainder
9 to that remainder value of 8: 8, 17, 26, ... and look for a 3011 8
rnultiple of 13. Since 26 is a multiple of 13 and is obtained by
3111 8 + 9 = 17
adding 2 nines to 8, then 3011 + 200 = 3211 will be a multiple 3211 8 + 18 = 26
of 13. The number is 3211 and the missing digit is 2.
Method 3: Strategy: Use a divisibility test.
There are several tests for divisibility by 13. Here are two:
I. Start at the right and split the digits into groups of 3. Alternately add and subtract the
groups until a 3 digit number remains. The original number is divisible by 13 if and only
if the final 3 digit number is. Here, 3011 is divisible by 13 only if 011 - 3 = 008 is. Use
Method 2 to find that the missing digit is 2.
2. Multiply the units digit by 4 and add it to the original number without the units digit.
Continue in this fashion until a 2 digit number remains. The original number is divisible
by 13 if and only if the final 2 digit number is. Here 3011 ➔ 301 +4( l) = 305. 30 + 4(5)
= 50. Only if the missing digit is 2 is 50 a multiple of 13.

y
4E.Strategy: Wrap the square in a box. B F
G f----.c------..
Draw WEC congruent to right MOD as shown. Lr= Ls and
LO= LADC, so the sum of the three angles at D equals the sum C(7,4)
A
of the three angles in MOD (180°). Thus ODE is a straight line
segment and E is on the x-axis. Construct 2 more right triangles
congruent to MOD, as shown, to produce square OEFG.
3 4
Because C is at (7,4), OE = 7 and CE = 4. Then OD = 4 and
DE = 3. Since the four triangles are congruent, the legs in each 4\R3
triangle have lengths of 3 and 4.
3hlJ 4
4 3

261
 Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3

Method I: Strategy: Use known areas.

OEFG is a square of side 7, so its area is 49. The area of each of the four right triangles is
½(3)( 4) = 6. The area of the square ABCD is then 49 - 4 x 6 = 25.

Method 2: Strategy: Use the Pythagorean Theorem.

In right D.CDE, CD 2 = 32 + 42• So CD = 5, and the area of the square ADCB =52 =25.
y
Fouow-UPs: (1) Find the area of the shaded square in
the centre ofthe largest square in this picture. [49] (17,12)
(2) Find the area ofa triangle whose vertices are A(O,O), B
(4,5) and C(2,6). [7 sq units; wrap the triangle in a rectangle
and subtract areas.]

Set 13: Olympiad 5

SA.Strategy: Use the definition ofthe operation.

2 ~ 6 = 2 + 3 x 6 = 20 and N ~ 4 = N + 3 x 4 = N + 12
Then 20 = N + 12 and the value of N is 8.

SB. Method I: Strategy: Extend the process of "cancellation".

"Cancel" identical numerators and denominators with each other (that is, divide out each
identical common factor greater than I). This can be done 6 times. Then we are left with 9~ .
In simplest terms, the product is is·
Method 2: Strategy: Multiply all fractions and then simplify.
The product of all the numerators is 40 320.
The product of all the denominators is I 814 400.
1 814 400 + 40 320 = 45. In simplest terms, the product is 4\ .

SC.Strategy: Simplify the sum.

Start with a sum of zero: The sum -10 + -9 + -g + ··· + 8 + 9 + IO = O. Continue to add integers
starting with 11 until the desired sum is obtained. Because 11 + 12 + 13 + 14 = 50 N = 14.
'

262
I ,
'
 Solutions - Division S

~~ : Consider the number ofwins.

. ~ i n g table shows th at t~e Pumas won 2 of their first 9 games and then 3 of every 4
50 fbe O verage. They ended with 2 wins in every 3 games .
...,es on a
gal" Games Won 2 5 8 ... 35 38
Games Played 9 13 17 ... 53 57

ly 38 simplifies to j, the Pumas won 38 games in all.

since on 57
b· Strategy._: Consider the number of losses.
Meth~ d1 - . first 9 games and then lost 1 of every
~ •t'lo-•w· :ing table shows that the Pumas lost 7 of their
'fhe io n average. They end e d with . 19 losses m
. 57 games which is 1 loss in every 3 games.
4~~ S O '
Games Lost 7 8 9 ... 18 19
Games Played 9 13 17 .. . 53 57

Since they lost a total of 19 games, the Pumas won 38 games in all.

Method 2: Strategy_: Use algebra.

Let w == ratio factor. Then they won 3w and lost 4w of the remaining games.
In all the Pumas won 2 + 3w games and played 9 + 4w games.
2+3w i
9 +4w = 3
3(2 + 3w) = 2(9 + 4w)
Cross-multiply:
Multiply out on each side of the equation: 6 + 9w = 18 + 8w
Subtract 8w from each side of the equation: 6+ w = 18
Subtract 6 from each side of the equation: w = 12
Now find the value of 2 + 3w: 2+3w = 38

The Pumas won 38 games in all.

SE.Method 1: Strategy: Split the figure into more familiar shapes and add.

(I)~ ,>
8' +(I~

(II)~ (Not drawn to scale)

20

(I) Volume ofl = 6 x 20 x \ = 120 cubic m:

1
~ c' 20
(II) Volume of II = 1/, x 6 x 20 x 3 = J80 cubic m: ~ is half of, . . , ~

The
~pool can hold 120 + 180 - 300 cubic metres of water.
263

b:
Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3
. . fi
·1 · ,. shape and subtract.
Method
• 2: Strate~r: Embed the·figure 111 a more
f h ami ta lt'ng
1
. Next find a d
rectangular soltd.
Box m the pool and compute the volume o t e resu ' n
subtract the volume of the extra "wedge" you added.

~
minus half of 3~

The volume of water in the pool = (4 x 6 x 20) - ½ x (3 x 6 x 20)

= 480 - 180
= 300 cubic 111
Method 3: Strategy: Use.formulas.
ln the diagram, consider the shaded side of the pool as the base of a prism. The volume of the prism
is V = Bh, where Bis the area of the base and his the height of the prism. 'c( 20 (J l
The base is a trapezium, and its area is given by½ h(b 1 +b 2) , where his 4~
the height of the trapezium and b1 and b2 are the lengths of its bases. The
area of this trapezium is B = ½(20)( 4 + 1) = 50 sq m, and the volume
of the pool is Bh = 50 x 6. The pool can hold 300 cubic 111 of water.

Set 14: Olympiad 1

IA.Method 1: Strategy: Count the number of times each digit appears.

Multiply each value by the number of times it appears. Add those products.
( 10 x 2) + (9 x 4) + (6 x 6) = 92. The sum is 92.

Method 2: Strategy: Separate into a rectangle of2s and a triangle of 4s.

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
J.-1
2 2
4.-J
2 2
2 = 2 +
2 2
4
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
The sum is (16 x 2) + (15 x 4) = 92.

1B. Method I : Strategy: Compare each counter to the average value

Eac; blue cohunter is worth 5 cents less than the average counter; ~ach red counter is worth 15
cen s more t an the average counter. Combine a red counter w.
average value of IO cents. There are 12 bl tth three blue counters for an
the collection. ue counters, so 4 red counters must be added to

264
 Solutions - Division S
~h d 2· Strateg)!_: Use algebra.
~
Let Q represent the number of red. counters to be added · The t o t a1 va1ue o f th e counters ts
.
25Q +
60. Th e total number of counters ts Q + 12. Divide to obta· th
m e average va 1ue of the counters.

25Q + 60 = 10
Q+ 12
Multiply both sides of the equ~tion by Q + 12: 25Q + 60 - I0Q + 120
Subtract I OQ + 60 from each side of the equation : 15Q 60
Divide both sides of the equation by I 5 : Q - 4

Thus, 4 red counters must be added.

FOLLOW-UP: How many $5 bills must be added to twenty $100 bills so that the average
value o_f all the bills is $1 0 ? [360]

IC.Strategy: Find the least and greatest possible sums.

The least possible sum is obtained by adding - 12 and-I 1. The greatest possible sum is obtained
by adding 7 and 8. Every integer between these extremes is also a possible sum. By examining
a number line from - 23 to + 15 inclusive, you should see 23 negative sums, 15 positive sums,
and zero. There are 39 different sums that can be obtained.

FOLLOW-UP: How many distinct sums can be obtained by adding two different integers
chosen from the consecutive even integers from -12 to +8, inclusive? [ 19]

ID.Method 1: Strategy: Use the divisibility rules to find factors of 561 . 561
The sum of the digits of 561 is 12, so 3 is a factor and 561 + 3 = 187. Next, 1 X 561
187 satisfies the test of divisibility for multiples of 11 (that is, 1 - 8 + 7 = 0), 3 X }87
so 11 is also a factor and 187 + 11 = 17. Thus 561 factors into 3 x 11 x 17. 11 X 51
The table shows that there are 4 factor pairs of 561 . Of these 8 factors, 3 are 17 X 33
prime. Therefore, there are 5 factors of 561 which are not prime.
PQR
Method 2: Strategy: Find the total number offactors without factoring. 1 x PQR
Call the three prime factors P, Q, and R . Their product is PQR and the table p x QR
shows all its factor pairs. In all, there are 8 factors, of which 3 are prime. Q x PR
Tbus, there are 5 factors of 561 which are not prime. R X PQ

FOLLOW-UPS: (1) N is the product of4 different prime numbers. How many factors ofN
are not prime? [1 2] (2) N is the product of5 different prime nu_m bers. How manyf~ctors
does it have altogether? [32] (3) What is the least number wllh exactly 8 factors. [3_0]
(4) Why is 1 neither prime nor composite? [A prime has exactly 2 factors and a composite
has at least 3 factors. 1 has only one factor.]

265
 Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3

1E.Strate.[Y: Find the unshaded area. .

s1
Method I: Strate.[Y: Assign convenient numerical lengths to the des.
3 3
Suppose for example that BC = 6 and CD = 4. Then BP and Br-_-:ip
~--
PC each are 3, and CQ and QD each are 2, and the area of
rectangle ABCD is 24. 4
The area of MBP is½ (4)(3) = 6, of Af>CQ is½ (3)(2) = 3, and A 6 D
of !iQDA is½ (6)(2) = 6. The total unshaded area is 6 + 3 + 6
= 15, and the area of MPQ is 9. The area of MPQ is = i4 i
of the area of rectangle ABCD.
Method 2: Strate.[Y: Split the figure into more convenient shapes.
Draw PR and QS parallel to the sides of the rectangle as shown.
The area of MBP is ½ the area of rectangle ABPR, which is
½the area of ABCD. Then MBP is ¼ the the area ofABCD.
The area of !iQDA is ½ the area of rectangle SQDA which is
½the area of ABCD. So !iQDA is ¼the area of ABCD.
The area of Af>CQ is ½the area of rectangle PCQT which is ¼
f
the area of ABCD. So !iPCQ is the area of ABCD.
The unshaded area then is¼ + ¼ + f = j of the area of ABCD.
Thus, the area of the shaded region is i of the area of rectangle
ABCD.

Set 14: Olympiad 2

2A.Method 1: Strategy: Add decimals in a convenient order.

Rewrite each term as a decimal and then combine terms of the same sign.
1- ?o + 160 - 10~ 0 = 1 - .2 + .03 -.004
= (1.00 + .03) - (.200 + .004)
= 1.030 .204
= 0.826
Method 2: Strategy: Eliminate the denominators (temporarily).
Multiply each term by 1000 and simplify. Later, divide by 1000 to undo step 1.
1000 _ 2000 + 3000 _ 4000
10 100 1000
= 1000 - 200 + 30 - 4
= 826
Now divide by 1000 to undo the first step. The result is 0.826.

266
 Solutions - Division S

~Work backwards.
z6-~~1rate
· squared., D __-...;;,l__,.. D +3 D x 2
At11Y's number

jallllll sqroot ~ +I CE]

_ _ _.,.

-3 QI]
----
...,.. 2
E]
A~Picked a whole number, so she started with 5 .

Method 1: Strategy: Use the symmetry of the given information.

l C . ~ d 32 are each the sum of a different pair of sides of the triangle.

C C

Then 27 + 35 + 32 is the sum of the three sides, each counted twice. Thus 94 is twice the
perimeter and the perimeter of the triangle is 47 cm.

Method 2: Strate~: Use algebra to find the length of each side.

Let a, b, and c represent the sides of the triangle. Then the three equations are:
(1) a+b = 27, (2) a+c=35, and (3) b+c=32.
One way to solve this system is to add equations ( 1) and (2), and then subtract (3) from the result.
(1) a+b = 27 Now add (4) and (3):
(2) a +C = 35 (4) a = 15
2a + b + c = 62 (3) b + c - 32
(3) b + c = 32 a+ b + c - 47
2a - 30
(4) a = 15 The perimeter of the triangle is 47 cm.

FOLLOW-UPS: (1) The area of 3 different faces ofa box (rectangular solid) are 20, 28,
and 35 sq cm. What is the volume of the box? [140 cm3] (2) Suppose 51 cm, 63 cm,
and 39 cm each are the sum of 2 sides of a parallelogram. What is the perimeter of the
parallelogram? [102 cm]

2D.~atecn, • c •
T ~ · ontmue the sequence and look for a pattern.
e sixth term is -(3 + -6 + 1) = -(-2) = 2. The sequence is 1, 2, 3, -6, 1, 2, 3, -6, 1, 2, 3, -6,
~~~;~ on. _T he terms repeat in groups of four. Thus, every fourth term is -6. Therefore the
enn 1s -6, and so the 99th term is 3.

267
 Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3
==-
FOLLOW-UP: A sequence begins J, 2, 3, ... Th~fourth term is the thi:d term n:,inus the second
term; thefii h term is the fourth minus the t/11rd, and so on. What zs the 49' term? [-1]

2E. Method I: Strategy: Find the sum ofthe numbers. . .

Each tem1 of the series I + 3 + 5 ... + 49 is obtained by addmg 2 to the previous tenn. To
go from I to 49, 2 is added twenty four times, so the series has 25 terms. Pair these tenns as
follO\:vs, working from the outside inward ( I + 49) + (3 + 4 7) + (5 + 45), and so on. The sum
of each pair is 50 and there are 12 pairs.
The number without a pair is the middle one, 25. The sum is then ( 12 x 50) + 25 = 625.
Then, ✓625 is 25.
Method 2: StrategJ·: Look/or a pattern in the partial sums.
The table below examines the square root of the sums of the first few terms. In each case, the
square root is equal to the number of terms added.
Square root of the
Number of terms Sum of terms
sum of terms
I 1 I
2 4 2
3 9 3
4 16 4
5 25 5

There are 25 odd numbers from 1 to 49 and therefore 25 terms in the given sequence.
Thus the square root of the sum of the series is 25.

Set I4: Olympiad 3

3A.Method 1: Strategy: Look/or a perfect square near 420.

The page numbers differ by 1, so the factors of 420 must be nearly equal. 202= 400, so try 20
as a factor. 420 = 20 x 21 , and the sum of the two page numbers is 41.
Method 2: Strategy: Combine the prime/actors of 420.
The prime factorisation of 420 is 2 x 2 x 3 x 5 x 7. Combining the factors into two products
whose difference is I , we get 20 x 21. Their sum is 41.

FOLLOW-UP: The sum ofthe 6 page numbers in a chapter ofthe book is J53. What is the
number on the first page of the chapter? [23]

268
 Solutions - Division S
~ Minimise the number ofacorns in each hole.
3JJ.~je requires ~ different number of acorns, ~o put 1 in the first hole, 2 in the second, and
Eo on. Continue until the ~ta] number of acoi:ns is near 80. l + 2 + 3 + .. . + 11 + 12 = 78,
. ~ ·
5 13 1 13
nd 1 + 2 + 3 + · · · + holes req_mre at least 91 acorns. The squirrel puts the first
a orns into 12 holes as m<licated. The sqmrrel then can put the other two acorns into the l 2 th
78 ac · l hO I
hole, m aking 14 acorns m t ,at e. The greatest possible value of N is 12·

FOLLOW-UPS: (/)Aside.from 1,2,3, ... ,ll, 14above, howmanyothersetsof 12difle rent

counting numbers have a sum of 80? [ l : the last 2 numbers are 12 and 13] (2) In how
,nany different ways can the squirrel bury 20 acorns in two holes if each hole has a
different number of acorns and no hole is empty? [9] (3) 20 acorns in 3 holes? [24]

JC.Strateg11: List the p ossible numerators and denominators.

Denote the fraction and its reciprocal by~ and 1-Their sum has a denominator of 15, so A
and B must be chosen from {I, 3, 5, 15} . Neither A nor B can be 15, for \ 5 , 1,] , and 1] are each
f f
larger than 2 1~ . Likewise, neither A nor B can be I, for and are also larger than 2 ~. The
1
. . 3
i
only possibility is that the fractions are and j . In fact, their sum is f1
= 2 ~ • Of these two,
1
the proper f raction 1s 5 .

FOLLOW-UP: What is the least possible sum ofa positive.fraction (not necessarily proper)
and its reciprocal? [2]

3D.Strate~: Look for a pattern.

Consider the points where the path changes direction. Since (5,3) is
in the first quadrant, find the path length to each of the upper right
"comers": (2,1), (3,2), (4,3), (5,4), and so on.

Coordinates of Corner point Path Length

(1 ,0) 1
(2, I) 1 + 1 + 2+2+3 = 9
(3,2) 9 + 3 + 4 + 4 + 5 = 25
Tbe path lengths are consecutive odd squares. In fact, they are the squares of th e sum of th e
coorctinates of the corner points. The comer point closest to (5,3) is (5,4) and th e path length
to (5,4) is 8 I units. Following the spiral, (5,3) is the next lattice point reached, so the length
of th e path is 82 units.

FOLLOW-UP: In the other 3 quadrants what patterns are formed by th e path s lengfhs to
the corners?
 Maths Olympiad Contest Problems Volume 3

3E. Method 1: Strategy: Find the speed ofeach hand in degrees per_minute.
The minute hand rotates 360° in 1 hour and thus rotates 6° per mmute. The
hour hand rotates l.. as far as the minute hand every hour and therefore (?!\
\:1Y
0
rotates ~ as far e~~ry minute, i.e. ½ per minute. A~ 8:00 the hour hand
1
is 240° ahead of the minute hand. In the next 24 minutes the hour hand
rotates an additional 12° and the minute hand rotates 144°. At 8:24 the
angle between the hands is 240 + 12 - 144 =108°.

Method 2: Strategy: Start at 12:00 and see how far each hand has rotated
~6
From 8:00 to 8:24, the minute hand has rotated =~ of the way around the clock. That is
i
it has rotated of 360° = 144°. Think of 12:00 as 0°, 3:00 at 90', and 6:00 as 180°. Then th~
minute hand is pointing to 144°.
Meanwhile, the hour hand, which needs 12 hours to rotate 360°, rotates 30° every hour. Thus
at 8:00, it was pointing to 240°. At 8:24, it has rotated another~ of 30° = 12° and is pointin~
to 252°. At 8:24 the angle between the hands is 252- 144 = 108°.

Set I4: Olympiad 4

4A.Method 1: Strategy: Start with Kayla, whose position is known.

Kayla is the third person. - - , - , K , ...

:Ii
Kayla is 2 places in front of Eli.
is 4 places behind Sara.
abrba i~ 3 places in front of Abby
- , - , K , _ , E , ...
S , - , K , - -, E , ...
s , - , K , A , E , ...
A y IS in the centre of the line. S , - -, K , A , E , - - , __
Abby is the 4th person in line. There are 3 people in front of her and 3 people heh· d h
There are 7 students in the line. m er.

Meth?d 2: Strategy: Create the line, keeping Abby in the centre.

Sa~~ Is 3 places in front of Abby. . .. , s , --, __ A
Eh IS 4 places behind Sara. S ' ' - - , - - , - -, .. ·
· . ···, , --, --, A E
Kay la IS 2 places m front of Eli. ... , s , - - , K , A ' E ' --, --, .. ·
Khayla is the7 3'' person _in line, so no additional spaces are needed in ~ont o; Sara '~ .. .
T ere are students m the line. ·

4B.Strategy: Calculate the required values.

The median is 8 +2 6 - 7· The mode IS
· 6. The mean is 3 + 6 + 6 + 8 + 10 + 12 _ 45
6
Then 3 x {7) <6) - Ll. - t 6·
6 X ( ~) - 45 - J•

270