The CENTRE for EDUCATION

in MATHEMATICS and COMPUTING

cemc.uwaterloo.ca

2019 Canadian Senior

Mathematics Contest

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

(in North America and South America)

Thursday, November 21, 2019

(outside of North America and South America)

Solutions

©2019 University of Waterloo

2019 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest Solutions Page 2

Part A

1. Since Zipporah is 7 years old and the sum of Zipporah’s age and Dina’s age is 51, then Dina is
51 − 7 = 44 years old.
Since Dina is 44 years old and the sum of Julio’s age and Dina’s age is 54, then Julio is
54 − 44 = 10 years old.

Answer: 10

2. Since the circular track has radius 60 m, its circumference is 2π · 60 m which equals 120π m.
120π m
Since Ali runs around this track at a constant speed of 6 m/s, then it takes Ali = 20π s
6 m/s
to complete one lap.
Since Ali and Darius each complete one lap in the same period of time, then Darius also takes
20π s to complete one lap.
Since Darius runs at a constant speed of 5 m/s, then the length of his track is 20π s · 5 m/s or
100π m.
Since Darius’s track is in the shape of an equilateral triangle with side length x m, then its
perimeter is 3x m and so 3x m = 100π m and so x = 100π 3
.

100π
Answer: x = 3

3. Since 2a · 2b = 2a+b , then

32n = 2200 · 2203 + 2163 · 2241 + 2126 · 2277

= 2200+203 + 2163+241 + 2126+277
= 2403 + 2404 + 2403
= 2403 + 2403 + 2404

Since 2c + 2c = 2(2c ) = 21 · 2c = 2c+1 , then

32n = 2403+1 + 2404

= 2404 + 2404
= 2404+1
= 2405

Since (2d )e = 2de , then 32n = (25 )n = 25n .

Since 32n = 2405 , then 25n = 2405 which means that 5n = 405 and so n = 81.

Answer: n = 81
2019 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest Solutions Page 3

4. For there to exist a pair of integers (x, y) with x2 ≤ y ≤ x + 6, it must be the case that
x2 ≤ x + 6 and so x2 − x − 6 ≤ 0.
Now x2 − x − 6 = (x − 3)(x + 2), so x2 − x − 6 ≤ 0 exactly when −2 ≤ x ≤ 3. (If we consider
the function f (x) = (x − 3)(x + 2), whose graph is a parabola opening upwards, its values are
less than or equal to 0 between its roots.)
Therefore, any pair of integers (x, y) with x2 ≤ y ≤ x + 6 must have x equal to one of
−2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3.
When x = −2, the original inequality becomes 4 ≤ y ≤ 4 and so y must equal 4. There is 1
pair in this case, namely (−2, 4).
When x = −1, we obtain 1 ≤ y ≤ 5 and so y must equal one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. There are 5 pairs
in this case.
When x = 0, we obtain 0 ≤ y ≤ 6 and so y must equal one of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. There are 7 pairs
in this case.
When x = 1, we obtain 1 ≤ y ≤ 7. There are 7 pairs in this case.
When x = 2, we obtain 4 ≤ y ≤ 8. There are 5 pairs in this case.
When x = 3, we obtain 9 ≤ y ≤ 9 and so y must equal 9. There is 1 pair in this case.
In total, there are 1 + 5 + 7 + 7 + 5 + 1 = 26 pairs of integers that satisfy the inequality.
Answer: 26
5. Since 605 is the middle side length of the right-angled triangle, we suppose that the side lengths
of the triangle are a, 605, c for integers a < 605 < c. (Why do we not need to consider the cases
a = 605 or 605 = c?)
By the Pythagorean Theorem, knowing that c (the longest side length) must be the length of
the hypotenuse, we obtain a2 + 6052 = c2 and so c2 − a2 = 6052 .
We want to determine the maximum possible length of the shortest side of the triangle.
In other words, we want to try to determine the maximum possible length of a which is less
than 605.
We note that c2 − a2 = 6052 exactly when (c + a)(c − a) = 6052 .
We note also that 605 = 5 · 121 = 5 · 112 and so 6052 = 52 · 114 .
Therefore, we have (c + a)(c − a) = 52 · 114 . This means that c + a and c − a are a divisor pair
of 52 · 114 .
Since a and c are positive integers, then c + a > c − a. Note that c > a and so c + a > c − a > 0.
We make a table of the possible values for c + a and c − a, and use these to determine the
possible values of c and a
c+a c−a 2c = (c + a) + (c − a) c a = (c + a) − c
52 · 114 = 366025 1 366026 183013 103012
4
5 · 11 = 73205 5 73210 36605 36600
2 3
5 · 11 = 33275 11 33286 16643 16632
114 = 14641 52 = 25 14666 7333 7308
3
5 · 11 = 6655 5 · 11 = 55 6710 3355 3300
2 2 2
5 · 11 = 3025 11 = 121 3146 1573 1452
113 = 1331 52 · 11 = 275 1606 803 528
2 2
5 · 11 = 605 5 · 11 = 605 1210 605 0
These are all of the possible factorizations of 6052 , and so give all of the possible pairs (a, c)
that satisfy the equation.
Therefore, the maximum possible value of a that is less than 605 is 528.
Answer: 528
2019 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest Solutions Page 4

6. Since square ABCD has side length 4, then its area is 42 , which equals 16.
The area of quadrilateral P QRS, which we expect to be a function of k, equals the area of
square ABCD minus the combined areas of 4ABP , 4P CQ, 4QDR, and 4ARS.
BP k
Since = , then there is a real number x with BP = kx and P C = (4 − k)x.
PC 4−k
Since BP + P C = BC = 4, then kx + (4 − k)x = 4 and so 4x = 4 or x = 1.
Thus, BP = k and P C = 4 − k.
Similarly, CQ = DR = k and QD = RA = 4 − k.
4ABP is right-angled at B and so its area is 12 (AB)(BP ) = 21 (4k) = 2k.
4P CQ is right-angled at C and so its area is 12 (P C)(CQ) = 12 (4 − k)k.
4QDR is right-angled at D and so its area is 12 (QD)(DR) = 21 (4 − k)k.
To find the area of 4ARS, we first join R to P .

D Q C
P
S
R

A B

Now 4ARP can be seen as having base RA = 4 − k and perpendicular height equal to the
distance between the parallel lines CB and DA, which equals 4.
Thus, the area of 4ARP is 21 (4 − k)(4).
Now we consider 4ARP as having base AP divided by point S in the ratio k : (4 − k).
This means that the ratio of AS : AP equals k : ((4 − k) + k) which equals k : 4.
k
This means that the area of 4ARS is equal to times the area of 4ARP . (The two triangles
4
have the same height – the distance from R to AP – and so the ratio of their areas equals the
ratio of their bases.)
1
(4 − k)(4) · k
Thus, the area of 4ARS equals 2 = 21 k(4 − k).
4
Thus, the area of quadrilateral P QRS is

16 − 2k − 3 · 12 k(4 − k) = 16 − 2k − 23 · 4k + 32 k 2
= 32 k 2 − 2k − 6k + 16
= 32 k 2 − 8k + 16

The minimum value of the quadratic function f (t) = at2 + bt + c with a > 0 occurs when
b −8
t=− and so the minimum value of 23 k 2 − 8k + 16 occurs when k = − 2(3/2) = 83 .
2a
Therefore, the area of quadrilateral P QRS is minimized when k = 38 .

8
Answer: k = 3
2019 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest Solutions Page 5

Part B

1. (a) Since each of Rachel’s jumps is 168 cm long, then when Rachel completes 5 jumps, she
jumps 5 × 168 cm = 840 cm.
Since each of Joel’s jumps is 120 cm long, then when Joel completes n jumps, he jumps
120n cm.
Since Rachel and Joel jump the same total distance, then 120n = 840 and so n = 7.
(b) Since each of Joel’s jumps is 120 cm long, then when Joel completes r jumps, he jumps
120r cm.
Since each of Mark’s jumps is 72 cm long, then when Mark completes t jumps, he jumps
72t cm.
Since Joel and Mark jump the same total distance, then 120r = 72t and so dividing by 24,
5r = 3t.
Since 5r is a multiple of 5, then 3t must also be a multiple of 5, which means that t is a
multiple of 5.
Since 11 ≤ t ≤ 19 and t is a multiple of 5, then t = 15.
Since t = 15, then 5r = 3 · 15 = 45 and so r = 9.
Therefore, r = 9 and t = 15.
(c) When Rachel completes a jumps, she jumps 168a cm.
When Joel completes b jumps, he jumps 120b cm.
When Mark completes c jumps, he jumps 72c cm.
Since Rachel, Joel and Mark all jump the same total distance, then 168a = 120b = 72c.
Dividing by 24, we obtain 7a = 5b = 3c.
Since 7a is divisible by 7, then 3c is divisible by 7, which means that c is divisible by 7.
Since 5b is divisible by 5, then 3c is divisible by 5, which means that c is divisible by 5.
Since c is divisible by 5 and by 7 and because 5 and 7 have no common divisor larger
than 1, then c must be divisible by 5 · 7 which equals 35.
Since c is divisible by 35 and c is a positive integer, then c ≥ 35.
We note that if c = 35, then 3c = 105 and since 7a = 5b = 105, we obtain a = 15 and
b = 21. In other words, c = 35 is possible.
Therefore, the minimum possible value of c is c = 35.
2019 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest Solutions Page 6
1 1 1 1
2. (a) For the sequence , , , to be an arithmetic sequence, it must be the case that
w 2 3 6
1 1 1 1 1 1
− = − = −
2 w 3 2 6 3
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3
Since − = − = − , then − = − and so = + = , which gives w = .
3 2 6 3 6 2 w 6 w 2 6 3 2
1 1 1 1
(b) The sequence , x, is arithmetic exactly when x − = − x or
y+1 z+1 y+1 z+1
1 1
2x = + .
y+1 z+1
1 z 1
Since y, 1, z is a geometric sequence, then = and so z = . Since y and z are positive,
y 1 y
then y 6= −1 and z 6= −1.
1 1 1 1 1 y y+1
In this case, + = + = + = = 1.
y+1 z+1 y+1 1 y+1 1+y y+1
+1
y
1 1 1 1
Since + = 1, then the sequence , x, is arithmetic exactly when
y+1 z+1 y+1 z+1
1
2x = 1 or x = .
2
(c) Since a, b, c, d is a geometric sequence, then b = ar, c = ar2 and d = ar3 for some real
number r. Since a 6= b, then a 6= 0. (If a = 0, then b = 0.)
b ar
Since a 6= b, then r 6= 1. Note that = = r and so we want to determine all possible
a a
values of r.
Since a and b are both positive, then r > 0.
1 1 1
Since , , is an arithmetic sequence, then
a b d
1 1 1 1
− = −
b a d b
1 1 1 1
− = 3−
ar a ar ar
1 1 1
−1= 3 − (since a 6= 0)
r r r
r2 − r3 = 1 − r2
0 = r3 − 2r2 + 1
0 = (r − 1)(r2 − r − 1)
Since r 6= 1, then r2 − r − 1 = 0. p √
1 ± (−1)2 − 4(1)(−1) 1± 5
By the quadratic formula, r = = .
2 √2
1+ 5
Since a and b are both positive, then r > 0 and so r = .
2
This is the only possible value of r.
We can check that r satisfies the conditions by verifying that when a = 1 (for example)
√ √ √ !2 √ !3
1+ 5 1+ 5 1+ 5 1+ 5
and r = , giving b = ,c= , and d = , then we do
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1
indeed obtain − = − .
b a d b
2019 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest Solutions Page 7

3. (a) Since AS = ST = AT , then 4AST is equilateral.

This means that ∠T AS = ∠AST = ∠AT S = 60◦ .
Join B to P , B to S, D to Q and D to S.
Q
S
P
A C
B D

Since AS is tangent to the circle with centre B at P , then BP is perpendicular to P S.

Since BP and BC are radii of the circle with centre B, then BP = BC = 1.
Consider 4SBP and 4SBC.
Each is right-angled (at P and C), they have a common hypotenuse BS, and equal side
lengths (BP = BC).
This means that 4SBP and 4SBC are congruent.
Thus, ∠P SB = ∠CSB = 12 ∠AST = 30◦ .
√ √
This means that 4SBC is a 30◦ -60◦ -90◦ triangle, and so SC = 3BC = 3.
Since ∠CSQ = 180◦ − ∠CSP = 180◦ − 60◦ = 120◦ , then using a similar argument we can
see that 4DSC is also a√30◦ -60◦ -90◦
√ triangle.
√
This means that CD = 3SC = 3 · 3 = 3.
Since CD is a radius of the circle with centre D, then r = CD = 3.
(b) Solution 1
From the given information, DQ = QP = r.
Again, join B to P , B to S, D to Q, and D to S.
As in (a), 4SBP and 4SBC are congruent which means that SP = SC.
Using a similar argument, 4SDC is congruent to 4SDQ.
This means that SC = SQ.
Since SP = SC and SC = SQ, then SP = SQ.
Since QP = r, then SP = SQ = 21 r.
Suppose that ∠P SC = 2θ.
Since 4SBP and 4SBC are congruent, then ∠P SB = ∠CSB = 21 ∠P SC = θ.
Since ∠QSC = 180◦ − ∠P SC = 180◦ − 2θ, then ∠QSD = ∠CSD = 12 ∠QSC = 90◦ − θ.
Since 4SDQ is right-angled at Q, then ∠SDQ = 90◦ − ∠QSD = θ.
This means that 4SBP is similar to 4DSQ.
1
SP DQ r r
Therefore, = and so 2 = 1 = 2, which gives 12 r = 2 and so r = 4.
BP SQ 1 2
r
2019 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest Solutions Page 8

Solution 2
From the given information, DQ = QP = r.
Join B to P and D to Q. As in (a), BP and DQ are perpendicular to P Q.
Join B to F on QD so that BF is perpendicular to QD.
Q
S
F
P
A
B C D

This means that 4BF D is right-angled at F .

Also, since BP QF has three right angles, then it must have four right angles and so is a
rectangle.
Thus, BF = P Q = r and QF = P B = 1.
Since QD = r, then F D = r − 1.
Also, BD = BC + CD = 1 + r.
Using the Pythagorean Theorem in 4BF D, we obtain the following equivalent equations:

BF 2 + F D2 = BD2
r2 + (r − 1)2 = (r + 1)2
r2 + r2 − 2r + 1 = r2 + 2r + 1
r2 = 4r

Since r 6= 0, then it must be the case that r = 4.

2019 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest Solutions Page 9
SP DQ
(c) As in Solution 1 to (b), 4SBP is similar to 4DSQ and SP = SQ. Therefore, =
BP SQ
SP r √
or = which gives SP 2 = r and so SP = r.
1 SP
√
Thus, SP = SQ = SC = r.
Next, 4AP B is similar to 4AQD (common angle at A, right angle).
AB AD AB AB + BD AB + 1 + r
Therefore, = and so = and so AB = .
BP DQ 1 r r
r+1
Re-arranging gives rAB = AB + 1 + r and so (r − 1)AB = r + 1 and so AB = .
r−1
r+1 (r + 1) + (r − 1) 2r
This means that AC = AB + BC = AB + 1 = +1= = .
r−1 r−1 r−1
Next, draw the circle with centre O that passes through A, S and T and through point V
on the circle with centre D so that OV is perpendicular to DV .

S
V
P
B
A
O C D

W
T

Let the radius of this circle be R. Note that OS = AO = R.

Consider 4OSC.
This triangle is right-angled at C.
Using the Pythagorean Theorem, we obtain the following equivalent equations:

OS 2= OC 2 + SC 2
R2 = (AC − AO)2 + SC 2
R2 = (AC − R)2 + SC 2
R2 = AC 2 − 2R · AC + R2 + SC 2
2R · AC = AC 2 + SC 2
AC SC 2
R= +
2 2AC √
2r ( r)2
R= +
2(r − 1) 4r/(r − 1)
r r−1
R= +
r−1 4
Since OV is perpendicular to DV , then 4OV D is right-angled at V .
2019 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest Solutions Page 10

Using the Pythagorean Theorem, noting that OV = R and DV = r, we obtain the

following equivalent equations:
OV 2 + DV 2 = OD2
R2 + r2 = (OC + CD)2
R2 + r2 = (AC − AO + CD)2
 2
2 2 2r
R +r = −R+r
r−1
 2
2 2 2r + r(r − 1)
R +r = −R
r−1
 2 2
2 2 r +r
R +r = −R
r−1
 2 2  2 
2 2 r +r r +r
R +r = − 2R + R2
r−1 r−1
 2   2 2
r +r r +r
2R = − r2
r−1 r−1
r (r + 1)2
2
 
r(r + 1)
2R = − r2
r−1 (r − 1)2
r−1 r2 (r + 1)2 r−1
2R = · 2
− · r2
r(r + 1) (r − 1) r(r + 1)
r(r + 1) r(r − 1)
2R = −
r−1 r+1
r r−1
Since R = + , we obtain:
r−1 4
2r r−1 r(r + 1) r(r − 1)
+ = −
r−1 2 r−1 r+1
Multiplying both sides by 2(r + 1)(r − 1), expanding, simplifying, and factoring, we obtain
the following equivalent equations:
4r(r + 1) + (r − 1)2 (r + 1) = 2r(r + 1)2 − 2r(r − 1)2
(4r2 + 4r) + (r − 1)(r2 − 1) = 2r((r + 1)2 − (r − 1)2 )
(4r2 + 4r) + (r3 − r2 − r + 1) = 2r((r2 + 2r + 1) − (r2 − 2r + 1))
(4r2 + 4r) + (r3 − r2 − r + 1) = 2r(4r)
r3 − 5r2 + 3r + 1 = 0
(r − 1)(r2 − 4r − 1) = 0
Now r 6= 1. (If r = 1, the circles would be the same size and the two common tangents
would be parallel.)
Therefore, r 6= 1 which means that r2 − 4r − 1 = 0.
By the quadratic formula,
√
√
p
4 ± (−4)2 − 4(1)(−1) 4 ± 20
r= = =2± 5
2 2
√
Since r > 1, then r = 2 + 5.