SENIOR SECONDARY

SET 2

Section A:
6
1. It is known that 𝑥 is real, 𝑥 > 0 and 𝑥 = 8 + 6 . Find the value of 𝑥. (Answer in simplest surd
8+
8+⋯
form)
2. Find the area of a triangle with vertices 𝐴(−5,2), 𝐵(7,1), and 𝐶(3,10) in Cartesian coordinate
system.
3. How many simplified proper fraction(s) with denominator 3456 is/are there?
4. Factorize 𝑥 3 − 11𝑥 2 − 32𝑥 + 30.
5. Find the units digit of 12015 + 22016 + ⋯ + 102024 + 112015 + ⋯ + 20222016 + 20232017 + 20242018 .
6𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 28
6. Find the value of 𝑦 in the system of linear equations {3𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 = 40.
3𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 6𝑧 = 25
7. Find the maximum value of √𝑥 − 12 + √48 − 𝑥.
8. The 10-digit number ̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
2024𝐴1015𝐵 is divisible by 36. Find the maximum possible value of 𝐴 × 𝐵.
9. If 𝛼 and 𝛽 are the roots of the equation 𝑥 2 + 47𝑥 − 23 = 0, find the value of (𝛼 − 𝛽)2 .
10. Find the nearest positive integer to log 7 2024.

Section B:

11. Find the value of √336 − 16√336 − 16√336 − 16√336 − 16√…..

12. Carl draws 3 balls randomly from a bag with 6 white balls and 8 black balls without replacement.
Find the probability that at least two black balls are drawn.
1 1 1 1 1
13. Determine the value of + + + ⋯+ + .
√529+√533 √533+√537 √537+√541 √953+√957 √957+√961
14. It is known that 𝑥 is a real number and √log 2 (log 3 𝑥) = √3. Find the value of 𝑥.
1 2 1
15. If 𝑥 > 0 and 𝑥 − 𝑥 = 6, find the value of 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 𝑥 − 𝑥 3 − 143. (Answer in simplest surd form)
16. 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, and 𝐷 are points on a circle. 𝐴𝐵 intersects 𝐶𝐷 at 𝑃, where 𝐴𝐵 ⊥ 𝐶𝐷. It is known that
𝑃𝐵, 𝐶𝑃, and 𝐷𝑃 are 111,117, and 37, respectively. Find the area of this circle in terms of 𝜋.
17. If 𝑥 2 + 2𝑚𝑥 + 5𝑚 + 14 can be written as a perfect square of a linear polynomial, find the product
of all possible value(s) of 𝑚.
2024
18. Given that 𝑥 is a real number, find the maximum value of 𝑥 2 −14𝑥+95.
 19. Find the area of a pentagon with vertices 𝐴(−7,9), 𝐵(−4, −6), 𝐶(3, −12), 𝐷(11,7), and 𝐸(8, −8) in
the Cartesian coordinate system.
20. Balls are chosen at random without repetition from a box containing 2000 balls numbered 25 to
2024. At least how many balls are needed to be chosen so that there are 4 balls chosen whose
numbers are consecutive?

Section C:
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
21. Solve for the value of 𝑥 in 3 + 9 + 18 + 30 + ⋯ + 1349×2025 = 1349.
22. It is known that 2024! can be written in the form 𝑘 × 8𝑛 , where 𝑘 and 𝑛 are positive integers. Find
the largest possible value of 𝑛.
23. Factorize (𝑥 + 8)(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 1) − 63.
24. Define ∏𝑛𝑖=1 𝑓(𝑖) = 𝑓(1) × 𝑓(2) × 𝑓(3) × … × 𝑓(𝑛). Find the value of ∏1012𝑘=1 log 𝑘
1012
.
𝑥 ≡ 17 𝑚𝑜𝑑 8
25. If 𝑥 is a 3-digit integer satisfying {𝑥 ≡ 5 𝑚𝑜𝑑 12, find the smallest possible value of 𝑥.
𝑥 ≡ 9 𝑚𝑜𝑑 16
 SENIOR SECONDARY
SET 2
SOLUTION MANUAL

Section A:
6
1. It is known that 𝑥 is real, 𝑥 > 0 and 𝑥 = 8 + 6 . Find the value of 𝑥. (Answer in simplest surd
8+
8+⋯
form)
Answer: 4 + √22
Solution:
6
𝑥 = 8+
𝑥
𝑥 2 = 8𝑥 + 6
𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 − 6 = 0
(𝑥 2 − 8𝑥) = 6
(𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 16) = 6 + 16
(𝑥 − 4)2 = 22
𝑥 − 4 = ±√22
𝑥 = 4 ± √22
Since 𝑥 > 0,
𝑥 = 4 + √22.

2. Find the area of a triangle with vertices 𝐴(−5,2), 𝐵(7,1), and 𝐶(3,10) in Cartesian coordinate
system.
Answer: 52
Solution:
Using shoelace method, we get
1 −5 7 3 −5
𝐴= | |
2 2 1 10 2
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = |(−5)(1) + (7)(10) + 3(2) − [(7)(2) + 3(1) − 5(10)]|
2
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = |−5 + 70 + 6 − (14 + 3 − 50)|
2
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = |71 − (−33)|
2
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = |104|
2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 52.
3. How many simplified proper fraction(s) with denominator 3456 is/are there?
Answer: 1152
Solution:
Prime factorization of 3456:
3456 = 27 × 33
By Euler’s Totient Function, we have
1 1
𝜙(3456) = 3456 (1 − ) (1 − )
2 3
1 2
𝜙(3456) = 27 × 33 ( ) ( )
2 3
= 26 (32 )(2)
= 1152.

4. Factorize 𝑥 3 − 11𝑥 2 − 32𝑥 + 30.

Answer: (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 10) 𝑜𝑟 (𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 10)(𝑥 + 3)
Solution:
Using rational root theorem, the possible rational roots are
𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 30 ±1, ±2, ±3, ±5, ±6, ±10, ±15, ±30
𝑥= =
𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 1 ±1
𝑥 = ±1, ±2, ±3, ±5, ±6, ±10, ±15, ±30.
Using factor theorem, when 𝑥 = −3, we have
(−3)3 − 11(−3)2 − 32(−3) + 30
= −27 − 99 + 96 + 30
= 0.
3 2
Hence, (𝑥 + 3) is a factor of 𝑥 − 11𝑥 − 32𝑥 + 30.
We have
𝑥 3 − 11𝑥 2 − 32𝑥 + 30 = (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 10) 𝑜𝑟 (𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 10)(𝑥 + 3).
(Note that 𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 10 cannot be factored further.)

5. Find the units digit of 12015 + 22016 + ⋯ + 102024 + 112015 + ⋯ + 20222016 + 20232017 + 20242018 .
Answer: 0
Solution:
Note that numbers with units digits
12015 ≡ 1 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
22016 ≡ 6 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
32017 ≡ 3 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
42018 ≡ 6 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
52019 ≡ 5 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
62020 ≡ 6 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
72021 ≡ 7 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
82022 ≡ 4 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
92023 ≡ 9 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
02024 ≡ 0 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10.
 We have
(12015 + 22016 + ⋯ + 102024 + 112015 + ⋯ + 20222016 + 20232017 + 20242018 ) 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
≡ (202(1 + 6 + 3 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 4 + 9 + 0) + 1 + 6 + 3 + 6) 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10
≡ (2(7) + 6) 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10 ≡ 0 𝑚𝑜𝑑 10.
Hence, the units digit is 0.

6𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 28
6. Find the value of 𝑦 in the system of linear equations {3𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 = 40.
3𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 6𝑧 = 25
Answer: −8
Solution:
Let 6𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 28, 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 = 40 and 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 6𝑧 = 25 be 𝐸𝑞. 1, 𝐸𝑞. 2, and 𝐸𝑞. 3
respectively.
Now, to eliminate 𝑥,
𝐸𝑞. 4: 𝐸𝑞. 1 − 2𝐸𝑞. 2
2(3𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 3𝑧) = 2(40)
6𝑥 − 4𝑦 + 6𝑧 = 80.
Following 𝐸𝑞. 1 − 2𝐸𝑞. 2, we have
−3𝑦 + 2𝑧 − (−4𝑦 + 6𝑧) = 28 − 80
𝑦 − 4𝑧 = −52.
Also,
𝐸𝑞. 5: 𝐸𝑞. 1 − 2𝐸𝑞. 3
2(3𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 6𝑧) = 2(25)
6𝑥 + 8𝑦 + 12𝑧 = 50.
Following 𝐸𝑞. 1 − 2𝐸𝑞. 3, we have
−3𝑦 + 2𝑧 − (8𝑦 + 12𝑧) = 28 − 50
−11𝑦 − 10𝑧 = −22.
We then solve for 𝑦 by eliminating 𝑧, that is
5𝐸𝑞. 4 − 2𝐸𝑞. 5:
5(𝑦 − 4𝑧) = 5(−52)
5𝑦 − 20𝑧 = −260
and
2(−11𝑦 − 10𝑧) = 2(−22)
−22𝑦 − 20𝑧 = −44.
Following 5𝐸𝑞. 4 − 2𝐸𝑞. 5, we have
5𝑦 − (−22𝑦) = −260 − (−44)
27𝑦 = −216
𝑦 = −8.

7. Find the maximum value of √𝑥 − 12 + √48 − 𝑥.

Answer: 6√2
Solution:
To find the maximum,
𝑥 − 12 = 48 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 60
𝑥 = 30.
𝑏+𝑎
(Quick Trivia: the value for 𝑥 to get the maximum of √𝑥 − 𝑎 + √𝑏 − 𝑥 is 𝑥 = )
2
 Hence, we have

√30 − 12 + √48 − 30 = √18 + √18 = 2√18 = 2(3)√2 = 6√2.

8. The 10-digit number ̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅

2024𝐴1015𝐵 is divisible by 36. Find the maximum possible value of 𝐴 × 𝐵.
Answer: 36
Solution:
A number is divisible by 36 if it is both divisible by 4 and 9.
By divisibility rule of 4,
𝐵 = 2,6.
By divisibility rule of 9,
2 + 0 + 2 + 4 + 𝐴 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 5 + 𝐵 ≡ 0 𝑚𝑜𝑑 9
𝐴 + 𝐵 + 15 ≡ 0 𝑚𝑜𝑑 9
𝐴 + 𝐵 ≡ −15 ≡ 3 𝑚𝑜𝑑 9.
When 𝐵 = 2, 𝐴 = 1.
When 𝐵 = 6, 𝐴 = 6.
Hence, the maximum possible value of 𝐴 × 𝐵 is 6 × 6 = 36.

9. If 𝛼 and 𝛽 are the roots of the equation 𝑥 2 + 47𝑥 − 23 = 0, find the value of (𝛼 − 𝛽)2 .
Answer: 2301
Solution:
Using Vieta’s formulas, we have
47
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠: 𝛼 + 𝛽 = − ( ) = −47
1
23
𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠: 𝛼𝛽 = − = −23.
1
Now,
(𝛼 − 𝛽)2 = 𝛼 2 − 2𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽 2
(𝛼 − 𝛽)2 = (𝛼 2 + 2𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽 2 ) − 4𝛼𝛽
(𝛼 − 𝛽)2 = (𝛼 + 𝛽)2 − 4𝛼𝛽
(𝛼 − 𝛽)2 = (−47)2 − 4(−23)
(𝛼 − 𝛽)2 = 2209 + 92 = 2301.

10. Find the nearest positive integer to log 7 2024.

Answer: 4
Solution:
Let 𝑥 = log 7 2024.
We have
7𝑥 = 2024.
Now,
73 = 343 𝑎𝑛𝑑 74 = 2401.
Since 2024 is much closer to 2401 than to 343, we can say that 𝑥 is closer to 4 than to 3.
Hence, we have 4.
Section B:

11. Find the value of √336 − 16√336 − 16√336 − 16√336 − 16√…..

Answer: 12
Solution:

Let 𝑥 = √336 − 16√336 − 16√336 − 16√336 − 16√….

𝑥 = √336 − 16𝑥
𝑥 2 = 336 − 16𝑥
2
𝑥 + 16𝑥 − 336 = 0
(𝑥 − 12)(𝑥 + 28) = 0
𝑥 − 12 = 0
𝑥 = 12

12. Carl draws 3 balls randomly from a bag with 6 white balls and 8 black balls without replacement.
Find the probability that at least two black balls are drawn.
8
Answer: 13
Solution:
𝑃(𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑤𝑛)
= 𝑃(2 𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑤𝑛) + 𝑃(3 𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑤𝑛)
(82)(61) (83)(60)
= 14 + 14
(3) (3)
28(6) 56(1)
= +
364 364
168 + 56
=
364
224
=
364
8
=
13

1 1 1 1 1
13. Determine the value of + + + ⋯+ + .
√529+√533 √533+√537 √537+√541 √953+√957 √957+√961
Answer: 2
Solution:
Multiply each addend by 1 using its conjugate.
For example:
1 √529 − √533 √529 − √533 √529 − √533
× = =
√529 + √533 √529 − √533 529 − 533 −4
Doing this to all of the addends, we have
1
− (√529 − √533 + √533 − √537 + ⋯ + √949 − √953 + √953 − √961)
4
 1
= − (√529 − √961)
4
1
= − (23 − 31)
4
= 2.

14. It is known that 𝑥 is a real number and √log 2 (log 3 𝑥) = √3. Find the value of 𝑥.
Answer: 6561
Solution:
log 2 (log 3 𝑥) = 3
log 3 𝑥 = 23 = 8
𝑥 = 38
𝑥 = 6561
1 2 1
15. If 𝑥 > 0 and 𝑥 − 𝑥 = 6, find the value of 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − 𝑥 − 𝑥 3 − 143. (Answer in simplest surd form)
Answer: 100 − √10 𝑜𝑟 − √10 + 100
Solution:
2 1
𝑥 3 + 𝑥 − − 3 − 143
𝑥 𝑥
1 1 1
= (𝑥 3 − 3 ) + (𝑥 − ) − − 143
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
Now,
1 3
(𝑥 − ) = 63
𝑥
3
3 1
𝑥 − 3𝑥 + − 3 = 216
𝑥 𝑥
3
1 1
𝑥 − 3 − 3 (𝑥 − ) = 216
𝑥 𝑥
1
𝑥 3 − 3 = 216 + 3(6) = 234
𝑥
1
We now need to find 𝑥.
1
𝑥− =6
𝑥
𝑥 2 − 1 = 6𝑥
2
𝑥 − 6𝑥 − 1 = 0
(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥) = 1
2
𝑥 − 6𝑥 + 9 = 1 + 9
(𝑥 − 3)2 = 10
𝑥 − 3 = ±√10
𝑥 = 3 ± √10
Since 𝑥 > 0, we have 𝑥 = 3 + √10.
1 1 3 − √10 3 − √10 3 − √10
= × = = = √10 − 3.
𝑥 3 + √10 3 − √10 9 − 10 −1
Hence, we have
1 1 1
(𝑥 3 − 3 ) + (𝑥 − ) − − 143
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
= 234 + 6 − (√10 − 3) − 143
= 100 − √10.
16. 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, and 𝐷 are points on a circle. 𝐴𝐵 intersects 𝐶𝐷 at 𝑃, where 𝐴𝐵 ⊥ 𝐶𝐷. It is known that
𝑃𝐵, 𝐶𝑃, and 𝐷𝑃 are 111,117, and 37, respectively. Find the area of this circle in terms of 𝜋.
Answer: 7225𝜋
Solution:
Consider the figure below.

By Intersecting Chords Theorem, the product of the lengths of the segments of one chord is equal
to the product of the segments of the other chord, that is
𝐴𝑃(𝑃𝐵) = 𝐶𝑃(𝑃𝐷)
𝐴𝑃(111) = 117(37)
4329
𝐴𝑃 = = 39.
111
Note that if a line segment from the center, preferably a radius or diameter is perpendicular to a
chord, then it bisects the chord.
In this case, we have
𝐴𝑃 + 𝑃𝐵 39 + 111
𝑥= = = 75.
2 2
Also,
117 + 37
𝑦= − 37 = 77 − 37 = 40.
2
2
Solving for 𝑟 , we have
𝑟 2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 402 + 752 = 7225.
Hence, the area of the circle is
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝜋𝑟 2 = 7225𝜋.

17. If 𝑥 2 + 2𝑚𝑥 + 5𝑚 + 14 can be written as a perfect square of a linear polynomial, find the product
of all possible value(s) of 𝑚.
Answer: −14
Solution:
Let
𝑥 2 + 2𝑚𝑥 + 5𝑚 + 14 = (𝑥 + 𝑎)2 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎2 .
Matching the coefficients, we have
2𝑚 = 2𝑎 => 𝑚 = 𝑎
and
5𝑚 + 14 = 𝑎2 .
2
Substituting 𝑎 = 𝑚 to 𝑎 = 5𝑚 + 14, we have
𝑚2 = 5𝑚 + 14
2
𝑚 − 5𝑚 − 14 = 0
(𝑚 − 7)(𝑚 + 2) = 0
 We have
𝑚 − 7 = 0 => 𝑚 = 7
𝑚 + 2 = 0 => 𝑚 = −2.
Hence, the product of values of 𝑚 is 7(−2) = −14.
2024
18. Given that 𝑥 is a real number, find the maximum value of 𝑥 2 −14𝑥+95.
Answer: 44
Solution:
In order to maximize the given expression, we minimize the denominator.
2024
𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 95
2024
= 2
(𝑥 − 14𝑥 + 49) + 95 − 49
2024
=
(𝑥 − 7)2 + 46
The denominator attains minimum when (𝑥 − 7)2 = 0.
Hence, we have
2024 2024
= = 44.
0 + 46 46

19. Find the area of a pentagon with vertices 𝐴(−7,9), 𝐵(−4, −6), 𝐶(3, −12), 𝐷(11,7), and 𝐸(8, −8) in
the Cartesian coordinate system.
Answer: 254
Solution:
Using shoelace method, we get
1 −7 −4 3 8 11 −7
𝐴= | |
2 9 −6 −12 −8 7 9
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = |(−7)(−6) + (−4)(−12) + 3(−8) + 8(7) + 11(9)
2
−[(−4)(9) + 3(−6) + 8(−12) + 11(−8) + (−7)(7)]|
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = |42 + 48 − 24 + 56 + 99 − (−36 − 18 − 96 − 88 − 49)|
2
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = |221 − (−287)|
2
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = |508|
2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 254.

20. Balls are chosen at random without repetition from a box containing 2000 balls numbered 25 to
2024. At least how many balls are needed to be chosen so that there are 4 balls chosen whose
numbers are consecutive?
Answer: 1501
Solution:
Since we need 4 consecutive numbers, we need to pick
2000
2000 − ⌊ ⌋ + 1 = 1501 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠.
4
Section C:
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
21. Solve for the value of 𝑥 in + 9 + 18 + 30 + ⋯ + 1349×2025 = 1349.
3
Answer: 2025
Solution:
𝑥 1 1 1 1
( ) (1 + + + + ⋯+ ) = 1349
3 3 6 10 1349 × 675
Note that
1 1 1 1 2𝑛
1+ + + + ⋯+ = .
1+2 1+2+3 1+2+3+4 1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯+ 𝑛 𝑛 +1
Also,
𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯+ 𝑛 = = 1349 × 675
2
𝑛(𝑛 + 1) = 1349 × 1350
𝑛 = 1349.
We have

𝑥 1 1 1 1
( ) (1 + + + +⋯+ ) = 1349
3 1+2 1+2+3 1+2+3+4 1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯ + 1349
𝑥 2(1349)
( )( ) = 1349
3 1349 + 1
𝑥 2(1349)
( )( ) = 1349
3 1350
𝑥 1349
( ) = 1349
3 675
𝑥
=1
2025
𝑥 = 2025.

22. It is known that 2024! can be written in the form 𝑘 × 8𝑛 , where 𝑘 and 𝑛 are positive integers. Find
the largest possible value of 𝑛.
Answer: 672
Solution:
Note that 8𝑛 = 23𝑛 .
We count the number of 2s in 2024!.
We have
2024
⌊ ⌋ = 1012
2
1012
⌊ ⌋ = 506
2
506
⌊ ⌋ = 253
2
253
⌊ ⌋ = 126
2
126
⌊ ⌋ = 63
2
63
⌊ ⌋ = 31
2
31
⌊ ⌋ = 15
2
 15
⌊ ⌋=7
2
7
⌊ ⌋=3
2
3
⌊ ⌋=1
2
Adding them all together, we have
1012 + 506 + 253 + 126 + 63 + 31 + 15 + 7 + 3 + 1 = 2017.
Hence, we have 2017 2s.
Since 8𝑛 = 23𝑛 ,
2017
⌊ ⌋ = 672.
3

23. Factorize (𝑥 + 8)(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 1) − 63.

Answer: (𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 27) 𝑜𝑟 (𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 27)(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 3)
Solution:
(𝑥 + 8)(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 1) − 63
= (𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 24)(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6) − 63
2
Let 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 5𝑥 − 15.
We have
(𝑦 − 9)(𝑦 + 9) − 63
= 𝑦 2 − 81 − 63
= 𝑦 2 − 144
= (𝑦 + 12)(𝑦 − 12).
Substituting 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 15 back, we have
(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 15 + 12)(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 15 − 12)
= (𝑥 + 5𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 27) 𝑜𝑟 (𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 27)(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 3).
2

24. Define ∏𝑛𝑖=1 𝑓(𝑖) = 𝑓(1) × 𝑓(2) × 𝑓(3) × … × 𝑓(𝑛). Find the value of ∏1012
𝑘=1 log 𝑘
1012
.
Answer: 0
Solution:
Note that log 𝑘1012 = 1012 log 𝑘.
1012

∏ log 𝑘1012 = 1012 log 1 × 1012 log 2 × 1012 log 3 × … × 1012 log 1011 × 1012 log 1012
𝑘=1
1012

∏ log 𝑘1012 = 10121012 (log 1 × log 2 × log 3 × … × log 1011 × log 1012)
𝑘=1
But since log 1 = 0, the product is 0.

𝑥 ≡ 17 𝑚𝑜𝑑 8
25. If 𝑥 is a 3-digit integer satisfying {𝑥 ≡ 5 𝑚𝑜𝑑 12, find the smallest possible value of 𝑥.
𝑥 ≡ 9 𝑚𝑜𝑑 16
Answer: 137
Solution:
𝑥 ≡ 17 ≡ −7 𝑚𝑜𝑑 8

𝑥 ≡ 5 ≡ −7 𝑚𝑜𝑑 12

𝑥 ≡ 9 ≡ −7 𝑚𝑜𝑑 16
We have
𝑥 ≡ −7 𝑚𝑜𝑑 (𝐿𝐶𝑀(8,12,16))
𝑥 ≡ −7 𝑚𝑜𝑑 48.
Since we are to solve for the smallest possible 3-digit integer 𝑥, we have
𝑥 = 48𝑘 − 7 ≥ 100, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑘 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟
48𝑘 ≥ 107
107 11
𝑘≥ =2 .
48 48
When 𝑘 = 3,
𝑥 = 48(3) − 7 = 144 − 7 = 137.