Lwa 2015 English Solutions
Lwa 2015 English Solutions
Problem 1. Let a, b, c be integers with a3 + b3 + c3 divisible by 18. Prove that abc is divisible by 6.
(Karl Czakler)
Solution. We need to prove that abc is divisible by 2 and by 3. We will give proofs by contradiction.
Suppose that abc is odd. This implies that a, b and c are odd. Therefore, a3 + b3 + c3 is odd and
certainly not divisible by 18. This contradiction shows that abc is even.
Suppose that abc is not divisible by 3. Then neither a, b nor c is divisible by 3, i. e. they are in
(possibly distinct) congruence classes among the following congruence classes mod 9.
x 1 2 4 −4 −2 −1
x3 1 −1 1 −1 1 −1
We conclude that a3 + b3 + c3 is equal to −3, −1, 1 or 3 mod 9. Therefore, a3 + b3 + c3 is not divisible
9 and consequently not by 18. This contradiction shows that abc is divisible by 3.
(Gerhard Kirchner)
Problem 3. Anton chooses as starting number an integer n ≥ 0 which is not a square. Berta adds to
this number its successor n + 1. If this sum is a perfect square, she has won. Otherwise, Anton adds to
this sum, the subsequent number n + 2. If this sum is a perfect square, he has won. Otherwise, it is again
Berta's turn and she adds the subsequent number n + 3, and so on.
Prove that there are innitely many starting numbers, leading to Anton's win.
(Richard Henner)
Solution. We will prove that Anton wins for the innity of starting numbers 3x2 − 1 with x ≥ 1.
Since 3x2 − 1 ≡ 2 mod 3, it cannot be a perfect square. After Berta adds the subsequent integer
3x , the sum 6x2 − 1 is also ≡ 2 mod 3 and consequently not a perfect square. Now Anton adds the
2
subsequent number 3x2 + 1 and obtains the perfect square 9x2 . Therefore, Anton has won and we have
found an innity of possible starting numbers.
(Richard Henner)
1
Problem 4. Let k1 and k2 be internally tangent circles with common point X . Let P be a point lying
neither on one of the two circles nor on the line through the two centers. Let N1 be the point on k1
closest to P and F1 the point on k1 that is farthest from P . Analogously, let N2 be the point on k2 closest
to P and F2 the point on k2 that is farthest from P .
Prove that ∠N1 XN2 = ∠F1 XF2 .
(Robert Geretschläger)
N1
F2 M2 N2
P
k2 k1
M1
F1
Figure 1: Problem 4
(Karl Czakler)