Volume 1, Number1

January-February, 1995

Olympiad Corner
The 35th International Mathematical
Olympiad was held in Hong Kong last Pigeonhole Principle
summer. The following are the six Kin-Yin Li
problems given to the contestants. How
many can you solve? (The country names
inside the parentheses are the problem
What in the world is the pigeonhole Note that the two examples look alike,
proposers.) -Editors
principle? Well. this famous principle however the boxes fornled are quite
Problem 1. (France) states that if n+ 1 objects (pigeons) are different. By now, the readers must have
Let m and n be positive integers. Let aI, a2, taken from n boxes (pigeonholes), then at observed that forming the right boxes is
..., ambe distinct elements of {I, 2, ..., n} least two of the objects will be from the the key to success.Often a certain amount
suchthat whenever at + aJ ~ n for some i,j, samebox. This is clear enough that it does of experience as well as clever thinking
1 ~ i ~ j ~ m, there exists k, 1 ~ k ~ m, with not require much explanation. A problem are required to solve such problems. The
at + aJ = at. Prove that solver who takes advantage of this additional examples below will help
principle can tackle certain combinatorial beginnersbecomefarniliar with this useful
al+~+'..+am n+l
~- problemsin a manner that is more elegant principle.
m 2 and systematicthancase-by-case.To show
how to apply this principle, we give a few Example 3. Show that aInQng any nine
Problem 2. (Armenia/Australia) examples below. distinct real numbers,there are two, say a
ABC is an isoscelestriangle with AB = AC. and b, such that
Suppose that Example 1. Suppose51 numbersare
(i) M is the midpoint of BC and 0 is the chosenfrom 1, 2, 3, ...,99, 100. Show 0 < (a-b)! (1 +ab) <.J2 -1.
point on the line AM such that OB is thattherearetwo whichdo nothaveany
perpendicular to AB; commonprimedivisor. Solution. The middle expression (a-
(ii) Q is an arbitrary pOint on the segment b)/(I+ab) reminds us of the fonnula for
BC different from Band C; Solution. Let us consider the 50 pairs of tan(x-y). So we proceed as follow. Divide
(iii) E lies on the line AB and F lies on the consecutive numbers (1,2), (3,4), ..., the interval (-1&12,1&12] into 8 intervals
line AC such that E, Q and F are (99,100). Since 51 numbers are chosen, (-1&/2,-31&/8], (-31&/8,-1&14], ..., (1&14,31&18],
distinct and collinear. the pigeonhole principle tells us that there (31&/8,1&12]. Let the numbers be ap a2, ...,
Prove thatOQ is perpendicular to EF if and will be a pair (k, k+l) among them. Now agandletxj=arctanaj, i=I,2,...,9. By
only if QE = QF. if a prime number p divides k+ 1 and k, the pigeonhole principle, two of the x/s,
thenp will divide (k+ 1) -k = 1, which is a say Xjand Xk with xi> Xk' must be in one of
(continued on page 4)
contradiction. So, k and k+ 1 have no the 8 subintervals. Then we have 0 < Xj -Xk
common prime divisor. < 1&/8, so 0 < tan(Xj-xJ = (aj-aJ/(1 +aJaJ
Editors: Li, Kin- Yin, Math Dept, HKUST < tan(1&/8) = Ii -1.
Ko,Tsz-Mei, EEE Dept, HKUST Example 2. Suppose 51 numbers are
Ng, Keng Po Roger, lTC, HKP
chosen from 1, 2, 3, ..., 99, 100. Show Example 4. Suppose a triangle can be
Artist: Yeung, Sau-Ying Camille, Fine Arts Dept, CU thattherearetwo such that one divides the placed inside a square of unit area in such
Acknowledgment: Thanks to Martha A. Dahlen, other. a way that the center of the square is not
Technical Writer, HKUST, for her comments.
inside the triangle. Show that one side of
The editors welcome contributions from all students. Solution. Considerthe 50 odd numbers 1, the triangle has length less than 1. (This
With your submission, please include your name, 3, 5, ..., 99. For each one, form a box examplecame from the XLI Mathematical
address, school, email, telephone and fax numbers (if containingthe number and all powers of 2 Olympiad in Poland.)
available). Electronic submissions, especially in TeX,
MS Word and WordPerfect, are encouraged. The
timesthe number.So the first box contains
deadline for receiving material for the next issue is 1,2,4,8, 16, ...and the next box contains Solution. Through the center C of the
January 31, 1995. Send all correspondence to: 3,6,12,24,48, ...and so on. Then among square, draw a line L) parallel to the
Dr. Li, Kin-Yin the 51 numbers chosen, the pigeonhole closestside of the triangle and a second
Department of Mathematics principle tells us that there are two that line ~ perpendicularto L) atC. The lines
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
arecontained in the samebox. They must L) and ~ divide the square into four
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong
be of the form 2mkand 2nk with the same congruentquadrilaterals.Since C is not
Fax: 2358-1643 odd number k. So one will divide the
Email: makyli@uxmail.ust.hk other. (continuedon page 2)
Mathematical Excalibur Vol. 1, No.1, lan-Feb, 95 Page2

PigeonholePrinciple
(continuedfrom page 1)
The Game of "Life"
insidethe triangle, the triangle can lie in at Tsz-MeiKo
mosttwo (adjacent) quadrilaterals. By the
pigeonholeprinciple, two of the vertices of
the tiiangle must belong to the same The gameof "ljfe" was flfst introduced respectively(DeathRule). The empty cells
quadrilateral. Now the furthest distance by John Conway, a mathematician and a marked b will become live cells in the next
between two points in the quadrilateral is game hobbyist currently working at generation (Birth Rule). The second
the distance between two of its opposite Princeton University. The game is played generation is shown in Figure 2.
vertices,which is at most 1. So the side of on an infinite chessboard,where each cell
the triangle with two vertices lying in the has eight neighboring cells. Initially, an What will happen in the third, fourth,
same quadrilateral must have length less arrangement of stones is placed on the and nth generation? Is there an initial
than1. board (the live cells) asthe flfSt generation. generationthat will grow infinitely?
Each new generationis determined by two
Below we provide someexercisesfor simple generic rules:
the activereaders.
The Death Rule: Consider a live cell
1. Elevennumbersare chosenfrom 1, 2, (occupied by a stone). If it has 0 or 1 live
3, ..., 99, 100. Show that there are two neighbors (among the eight neighboring
nonemptydisjoint subsetsof theseeleven cells),then it dies from isolation. If it has 4
numbers~hose elementshave the same or more live neighbors, then it dies from
sum. overcrowding. If it has 2 or 3 live
neighbors, then it survives to the next
2. Suppose nine points with integer generation.
coordinatesin the three dimensional space
arechosen. Show that one of the segments The Birth Rule: Consider a dead
with endpoints selected from the nine (unoccupied) cell. If it has exactly 3 live
points must contain a third point with neighbors,thenit becomesa live cell (with
integer coordinates. a stoneplaced on it) in the next generation.

3. Showthatamongany six people,either Here is an example. The six circles in

there are three who know eachother or Figure 1 indicate the live cells in the first
there are three,no pair of which knows generation. Those marked i and c will die !GIQII,
Figure 2
eachother. due to isolation and overcrowding

4. In every 16-digit number, show that

thereis a string of one or more consecutive
digits such that the product of these digits
is a perfect square. [Hint: The exponents
of a factorization of a perfect square into Proof Without Words
prime numbers are even.] (This problem
is from the 1991 Japan Mathematical
Olympiad.)

(Answerscanbefound onpage 3.) kth Power of a Natural Number n as the S~

of n Consecutive Odd Numbers (k = 2,3, ...)

,
n

~ k-l ~14n .,
n -n

nk = (nk-I-n+l)+(nk-l-n+3)+ooo +(nk-I-n+2n-l)
 Mathematical Excalibur Vol. 1, No.1, lan-Feb, 95
Page 3

Problem Corner
We welcome readers to submit
solutions to the problems posed below for
publication consideration. Solutions
should be preceededby the solver's name,
addressand school affiliation. Pleasesend
submissions to Dr. Kin r: Li, Department
of Mathematics,Hong Kong University of
Science and Technology, Clear Water
Bay,Kowloon. The deadline for submitting
solutions is January 31st, 1995.
Problem 1. The sum of two positive
integers is 2310. Show that their product
is not divisible by 2310.
Problem 2. Given N objects and B(~2)
boxes,find an inequality involving N and B
such that if the inequality is satisfied, then
at least two of the boxes have the same
number of objects.
Problem 3. Showthat for everypositive
integer n, there are polynomials P(x) of Mathematics is by far the most
degreen and Q(x)of degreen-l suchthat poweiful tool that human race has
(P(x)f- 1 = (r-l)(Q(x)f.
Problem 4. If the diagonals of a
quadrilateral in the plane are
perpendicular. show that the midpoints of
its sides and the feet of the perpendiculars
droppedfrom the midpoints to the opposite
sides lie on a circle.
By the pigeonhole principle, two of the
nine points must have the same parity
coordinate patterns. Then their midpoint
must have integer coordinates.
3. Let the six people correspond to the six
vertices of a regular hexagon. If two
people know each other, then color the
segment with the associatedvertices red,
otherwise blue. SolVing the problem is
equivalentto showing that a red triangle or
a blue triangle exists.
Take any vertex. By the pigeonhole
principle, of the five segmentsissuing from
this vertex, three have the same color c.
Consider the three vertices at the other
ends of these segmentsand the triangle T
with these vertices. If T has an edge
colored c, then there is a triangle with
Mathematical Application: Pattern Design
Roger Ng
created. We invite articles which can
share with us different areas of
applications in mathematics. We wish that
this column will inspire students to study
mathematics. -Editors
color c. Otherwise, all edges of T are
colored opposite to c. In both cases,there
is a triangle with all edgesthe same color.
4. Let d1, d2, ..., dl6 be the digits ofa 16-
digit number. H one of the digits of the
sixteendigits is either 0 or 1 or 4 or 9, then
the problem is solved. So, we may assume
each of the digits is 2, 3, 5, 6=2x3, 7 or
8=23. Let Xo= 1 and Xi be the product of dJ'
d2,...,difori=I,2,...,16. Now each Xi =
~'x3qlx5"x7" fori=O, 1,2, ..., 16. Each
of thePi' qi' rj, $tis either even or odd. So
there are 24 = 16 possible parity patterns.
By the pigeonhole principle, the Pi' qt, rj, $j
for two of the seventeenx/s, say Xjand Xk
with j < k, must have the same parity
pattern. Then dj+1x ...X dk = X~Xjis a
perfect square.

Problem 5. (1979 British Mathematical

Olympiad) Let ai' a2, ..., an be n distinct
positive odd integers. Suppose all the
differences la/-ail are distinct, I ~ i <j ~ n.
Prove that a1+ ~ + ...+ an ~ n(n2+2)/3.

Answers to Exercises in
"Pigeonhole Principle"
1. The setof eleven numbers have 211_2=
2046 nonempty subsets with less than
eleven elements, and the maximal sum of
the elementsin any of these subsetsis 91 +
92 + ...+ 99 + 100 = 955. So, by the
pigeonhole principle, there are two
rionempty subsets with the same sum. If
they have common elements, then remove
them from both subsetsand we will get two
CO ~
---
nonempty disjoint subsets with the same
sum. Same Slope
1
2. For the nine points, each of the three
C T~=:~~
coordinatesis either even or odd. So, there
are 23=8parity patterns for the coordinates.
Figure 1
Mathematical Excalibur Vol. 1, No.1, lan-Feb, 95
Olympiad Corner
(continuedfrom page 1)
Problem 3. (Romania)
For any positive integer k, let f( k) be the
number of elements in the set {k+l, k+2,
..., 2k} whose base 2 representation has
precisely three 1 s.
(a) Prove that, for eachpositive integer m,
there exists at least one positive
integer k such thatf(k)=m.
(b) Determine all positive integers m for
which there exists exactly one k with
f(k)=m.
Problem 4. (Australia)
Detennine all ordered pairs (m,n) of
positiveintegerssuchthat
n3 +1
mn -1
is an integer.
Problem 5. (United Kingdom)
Let S be the set of real numbers strictly
greaterthan-1. Find all functions/." S -+ S
satisfying the two conditions:
(i) f(x + f(y) + xf(y)) = y + f(x) + yf(x) for
all x and y in S;
(ii) f(x)/x is strictly increasing on each of
the intervals -1 < x < 0 and 0 < x.
Problem 6. (Finland)
Show that there exists a set A of positive
integers with the following property: For
any infinite setS of primes there exist two
positive integers mEA and n $"A eachof
which is a product of k distinct elementsof
S for some k ? 2.
([)
Right: A photo of the six members of the Hong Kong
Team and one of the editors (far right) taken at the
Shatin Town Hall after the closing ceremony of the
35th International Mathematical Olympiad.
From left to right are: SueD Yun-Leung, Chu Hoi-
Pan,Tsui Ka-Hing, Wong Him- Ting, Ho Wing-Yip.
Poon Wai-Hoi Bobby, and Li Kin- Yin.
From Fermat Primes to Constructible Regular Polygons
Tsz-MeiKo
Pierre de Fermat (1601-1665), an
amateurmathematician,once guessedthat
all numbers in the form 22"+ 1 are prime
numbers. If we try the fIrst five n's (n = 0,
1,2,3,4), they are in fact all primes:
22" + 1
0 3
1 5
2 17
3 257
4 65537
It was later discovered by Leonhard Euler
(1707-1783) in 1732 that the next Fermat
number (n = 5) can be factored as
s What aboutthe others? Is a regular 15-gon
22 + 1 = 641 x 6700417
andthus not a prime. The story would have
ended here if without an ingenious
discovery by Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777-
1855).
In 1794, atthe age of seventeen,Gauss
found that a regular 'p-gon" (a polygon
with p sides), where p is a prime, is
constructible (i.e., using only ruler and
compass) if and only if p is a "Fermat
prime" (a prime number in the foim22" + 1).
He proved this by considering the solutions
of certain algebraic equations. (The
interested reader may refer to the book,
"What Is Mathematics?" written by
Courant and Robbins, Oxford University
Press.) The young Gauss was so
overwhelmedby his discovery that he then
Page 4
decided to devote his life to mathematics.
After his death, a bronze statue in memory
of him standing on a regular 17-gon
pedestal was erected in Brauschweig-the
hometown of Gauss.
Which regular polygons are
constructible? From Gauss's result, we
know that the regular triangle, pentagon,
17-gon, 257-gon and 65537-gon are
constructible. (How?) We also know that
regular polygons with 7, 11, 13, 19, ...
sides are not constructible since they are
primes but not Fermat primes. In addition,
we know how to bisect an angle and thus
regular polygons with 4,8,16,32, ...or 6,
12, 24,48, ...sides are also constructible.
constructible? The answer turns out to be
yessince 1/15 = 2/5 -1/3 and thus we can
divide a circle into 15 equal parts. What
about a regular 9-gon? It can be proved
that a regular 9-gon is not constructible.
Can you find a general theorem on which
regular polygons are constructible?
Are there any other constructible p-
gons (where p is a prime) besidesthe five
mentioned? This question is equivalent to
asking whether there are any other Fermat
primes. To date, no other Fermat number
has been shown to be prime, and it is still
not known whether there are more than
five Fermat primes. Perhaps you can
discover a new Fermat prime and make a
note in the history of mathematics.
Volume 1, Number2
Olympiad Corner
The following are the six problems
from the two-day Final Selection Examfor
.the 1994 Hong Kong Mathematical
Olympiad Team. Would you like to try
these problems to see if you could have
qualified to be a Hong Kong team
member? -Editors
Insb"uctions (the same insb"uctions were
given on both days): Answer all three
questions.Each question carries 35 points.
Time allowed is 411zhours.
First DaI
Question 1. In a triangle ~ABC, LC=2LB.
P is a point in the interior of ~ABC
satisfyingthatAP= AC and PB = PC. Show
that AP trisects the angle LA.
Question 2. In a table-tennistournamentof
10 contestants, any two contestants meet
only once. We say that there is a winning
triangle if the following s~tuationoccurs: ith
contestant defeated jth contestant, jth
contestant defeated kth contestant,and kth
contestant defeated ith contestant. Let Wi
and Li be respectively the number of games
won and lostby the ith contestant. Suppose
Li + Wj ? 8 wheneverthe ith contestantwins
{continued on page 4)
Editors: Cheung, Pat-Hong, Curro Studies, HKU
Ko,Tsz-Mei; EEE Dept, HKUST
~g, Tat-Wing, Appl. Math Dept, HKPU
Li, Kin- Yin, Math Dept, HKUST
Ng, Keng Po Roger, lTC, HKPU
Artist: Yeung, Sau-Ying Camille, Fine Arts Dept, CU
Acknowledgment: Thanks to Martha A. Dahlen,
Technical Writer, HKUST, for her comments.
The editorswelcomecontributionsfrom all students.
With your submission,pleaseinclude your name,
address,school, email address,telephoneand fax
numbers (if available). Electronic submissions,
especiallyin TeX, MS Word and WordPerfect,are
encouraged.The deadlinefor receivingmaterialfor
the next issue is March 31, 1995. Send all
correspondenceto:
Dr. Li, Kin-Yin
Departmentof Mathematics
Hong Kong Universityof ScienceandTechnology
ClearWaterBay, Kowloon
HongKong
Fax:2358-1643
,.- Email: makyli@uxmail.ust.hk
March -April, 1995
Fractal Game of Escape
RogerNg
Considerthe following scenario. John, values for c (the black area) that would
a secret agent, is being held captive in keep Znbounded, i.e., the Mandelbrot set.
terrorists' headquarters. He has found an
escape route, and knows it follows the N ow if we modify our story slightly-
quadraticequationZn+1= Zn2+ c if the floor assumethatJohn knows the constant c but
map is encodedas a complex z-plane (i.e., notthe starting point Zo,this will lead us to
each point (x,y) is represented by a the definition of Julia sets-named after the
complex number X+YI). However, John mathematicianGaston Julia (1893-1978).
does not know the value of the complex For any given complex number c, some
cOnstant c. Johnonly knows that he ~hould initial points Zo generate divergent
start from the origin with Zo= 0 -+-Oi. For sequences Zn+1= Zn2+ c while others
which valuesof c, will John have not even generate nondivergentsequences.The
a chance for a successfulescape? Julia set is the boundary that separatesthe
set of "diverging" starting points from the
To help John to answer the above set of "nondiverging" starting points.
question, it is natural to first try c = 0 and
see what will happen. The recursion Here is a simple example. For c = 0,
becomes Zn+l= zn2and thus Zn= 0 for all n. the equation is Zn+l= Zn2. If the starting
That is, John will be going nowhere but point lies within a distance of 1 from the
staying at the origin! origin, the subsequent points will get
closerand closerto the origin. If the intial
If we try other values of c, there are point is more than a distance of 1 from the
threepossible outcomes: (1) the sequence origin, the subsequent points will get
zn converges to a fIXed 'point; (2) the farther and farther away from the origin.
sequence Zn repeats in a finite cycle of The unit circle separate~these two setsof
points and thus becomes a periodic starting points. This boundary is the Julia
sequence;or (3) the sequence.zndiverges setcorrespOndingto c = O.
from the origin, i.e., John may have a (continuedonpage 2)
chance to escapesuccessfully.
The above story is a dramatization for
the definition of a fractal called the
Mandelbrot set. (The word "fractal" was
coined by Benoit Mandelbrot to describe
sets with self-similarity, i.e., they look the
same if you magnify a portion of them.)
The Mandelbrot set can be defined as the
set of complex numbers c for which the
sequenceZ.+I = Z,,2+ c is bounded (i.e.,
does not diverge) when the starting point
Zois the origin (0,0). Figure I shbWSthe
asymptoticbehaviour of Z. for real c's that
generate bounded sequences (i;e.,
outcomes I and 2). The number of points
on a vertical line indicatesthe period of the
asymptotic sequence. Figure 2 shows the
 Mathematical Excalibur Vol. 1, No.2, Mar-Apr, 95 Page2

Fractal Game of Escape

{continuedfrom page 1)

By varying c, we will obtain an infinite

Pythagorean Triples
number of different pictures of Julia sets. Kin- Yin Li
Sorne,examplesare shownin the figures on
this page. However, no matter what cis, In geometry, we often encounter a common prime divisor p, then the
we observe that there are basically two triangles whose sides are integers. Have equationwill imply all threehave p as a
major types of Julia sets. Either all the you ever thought about how to produce commondivisor and p ., 2. It will also
points Zoare connected in one piece, or many nonsimilar triangles of this kind followthat(c- a)/2 =U2and(c + a)/2 = v
these points are broken into a number of withoutguessing? For this, we first define are integerswith p as a commondivisor.
pieces(in fact,an infinite number of pieces Pythagorean triples to be triples (a, b, c) This will contradictu, v being relatively
to fomi something called a Cantor set). of positive integers satisfying a2+ b2 = ~. prime. So a,b, c mustbe relativelyprime.
For example, (3,4, 5) and (5, 12, 13) are
We may ask ourselves an interesting Pythagoreantriples. Clearly, if a2+ b2 = ~ , For the secondstatement,we introduce
question. For which values of c, will the then (ad)2 + (bd)2 = (cd)2 for any positive modulQ arithmetic. If r, s are integers
corresponding Julia set be connected? integerd. So,solutions of a2+ b2 = C2with having die same remainder upon division
This seemsto be a very hard problem. It a, b, c relatively pri~e (i.e., having no by a positive integer m, then we say r is
seemsthat we need to look at all Julia sets common prime divisors) are important. congruent to s modulo m and let us denote
to find out which one is connected,and it These are called primitive solutions. this by r = s (mod m). For example, r = 0
would take an eternity to compile this huge Below we will establisha famous theorem or 1 {mod 2) depending on whether r is
amount of data. But mathematicians John giving all primitive solutions. even or odd. From the definition, we see
Hubbard and Adrien Douady found a quick that congruenceis an equivalence relation
way tocarry out this task. They proved that Theorem. If u, v are relatively prime between rand s. Also, if r = s (mod m)
a Julia set is connected if the sequenceZn+1 positive integers, u > v and one is odd, the and r' = s' (mod m), then r + r' = s + s'
= Zn2
+ C is boundedwhen the starting point other even,then a = u2- vl, b = 2uv, e = U2 (mod m), r- j' = s -s' (mod m), rr' = ss'
?ois the origin (0,0). That is, if c belongs + v2give a primitive solution of a2+ b2 = (mod m) and r!c = I (mod m) for any
to the Mandelbrot set, then its c2. Conversely, every primitive solution is positive integer k.
corresponding Julia set will be connected! of thisform, with a possible permutation of
Thus the Mandelbrot set is known as the a and b. In working with squares,modulo 4 is
table of contents for all Julia sets. often considered. This comes from the
For example, u = 2, v = I corresponds observation that r2 = 0 or 1 (mod 4)
Besidesthis interestingrelationship and toa=3, b=4, C = 5. Now let us try to see depending on ris even or odd. Now, if a2
the fascinating pictures, the Julia set and why the theorem is true. For the flfst + b2 ==C2,then a2 + b2 = 0 or 1 (mod 4).
many other fractals provide us insight into statement,simple algebra shows a2+ b2 =
many physical phenomenon. As an u4 + 2U2v2+ v4 = cZ. If two of a, b, Chave (continuedonpage 4)
example,the JuJia Set is directly related to
the equipotential field lines of an
electrostatic circular metal rod. The
interested reader may refer to the book
"Chaos and Fractals: New Frontiers of
Julia Sets for Various Values ofc
Science," written by H.G. Peitgen, H.
JUrgens,and D. Saupe (Springer Verlag,
1992).

Due to the self-similarity of fractals,

one usually needs only a few lines of
computer programming to generate a
fractal image. (Would you like to try?)
There is also a free computer software
FRACfINT (developedby the Stone Soup
Group) that can generate many popular
fractal images. If you would like to get a ~-'9
..
copy of this computer software, send a ~.:~-~~
~~~
"'2.
stampedself-addressedenvelope and a PC-
formatted high-density diskette to the
authorat the following address: Roger Ng, ..~ -Ti.
,,-' ""
+~.J.
Institute of Textile and Clothing, Hong .-6¥
Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Horn,
Kowloon. There are over a hundred fractal
images for your investigation.
 Mathematical Excalibur Vol. 1, No.2, Mar-Apr, 95
Page 3

Problem Corner = 2310. So x2 -2310x:f- 2310n = O. It Sum (HKUST),W. H. FOK (Homantin

We welcome readers to submit
solutions to the problems posed below for
publication consideration. Solutions
should be preceded by the solver's name,
addressand school affiliation. Pleasesend
submissions to Dr. Kin Y. Li, Department
o/Mathematics, Hong Kong University of
Science and Technology, Clear Water
Bay, Kowloon. Solutions to the following
problems should be submitted by March
31,1995.
Problem 6. For quadratic polynomials
P(x) = ar + bx .f. c with real coefficients
satisfying I P(x)I s 1 for -'I s x ~ 1, find the
maximum possible values of b and give a
polynomial attaining the maximal b
coefficient.
Problem 7. If positive integers a, b, C
satisfy a2+ b2 = C2,show that there are at
least three noncongruent right triangles
with integer sides having hypotenuses all
equal to d.
Problem 8. (1963 Moscow Mathematical
Olympiad) Let a, = a2 = 1 and a" = (a".12+
2)/an-2 for n = 3. 4. Show that an is an
integer for n = 3, 4.
Problem 9. On sides AD and BC of a
convex quadrilateralABCD with AB < CD,
locate points F and E, respectively, such
that AF/FD = BE/EC =AB/CD. Suppose
EF whenextendedbeyond F meetsline BA
at P and meets line CD at Q. Show that
LBPE = L CQE.
Problem 10. Show that every integer k >
1 has a multiple which is less than k4and
canbe written in base 10 with at most four
different digits. [Hint: First consider
numbers with digits 0 and 1 only.] (This
was a problem proposed by Poland in a
past IMO.)
follows the discriminant ~ = 231O:Z- GovernmentSecondarySchool),and HO
4(2310n)=22x3x5x7x 11 x(1155- Wing Yip (ClementiSecondarySchool).
2n) must be a perfect square. Then for
somepositive integer k, 1155 -2n ==3 x 5 Problem 3. Show that for every positive
x 7 x 11 x ~ = 1155~ ~ 1155, which is a integer n, there are polynomials P(x) of
contradiction. So xy is not divisible by degree n and Q( x) of degreen-1 such that
2310. (P(x))2-1 = (r-1)(Q(x))2.
Comments: A similar problem appeared Solution: POON Wai Hoi Bobby, St.
in the magazine Quantum, Sept.fOct. Paul's College.
1993,p. 54, published by Springer-Verlag. For k = 1,2, .'., define Pt(x), Qt(x) by
Other commendedsolvers: AU Kwok Nin P1(x) =x, QJx) = 1, Pt+I(X) =xPt(x) + (r-
(Tsung Tsin College), HO Wing Yip 1) Qt(x) and Qt+l(X) = Pt(x) + xQ/x). We
(ClementiSecondarySchool), POON Wai can checkthatthe degree of Pnis n and the
Hoi Bobby (St. Paul's College) and SZE degreeof Qnis n-1 by showing inductively
Hoi Wing (St. Paul's Co-ed College). thatPn(x)= 2n-lx"+ ...and Qn(x) = 2n-lx"-1+
For the problem, when n = 1, P1(X)2-
Problem 2. Given N objects and B(?2) 1 = r- 1 = (K-1)QJx)2. Supposethe case
boxes,find an inequality involving Nand B n = k holds. Then
such that if the inequality is satisfied,then
Pt+l(X)2-1= [xP/x) + (r-1)Q/x)f-1
at least two of the boxes have the same = (r-1)[P/x)2 + 2xP/x)Q/x)
numbero! objects. .
+ (r-1)Q/x)2] + P/X)2- 1
Solution: POON Wai Hoi Bobby, St. = (r-1)[P/x)2 + 2xP/x)Q/x)
Paul's College. + (r-1)Q/x)2] + (r-l)Qk(x)2
Denotethe numberof objects in the kth = (r-1)Qt+J(x)2.
box by Nt" Supposeno two boxes have the Comments: The solvers mainly observed
samenumberof objects. ThenN = NJ + N2 that if we substitutex = cos 8, then P/ cos 8)
+ ...+ NB ? 0 + 1+ 2 + ...+ (B-1) = B (B- = cos kOand Q/cos8) = sin kOf sinO. The
I )/2. So if N < B (B-I)/2, then at least two recurrence relations for Pt+1and Qt+1are
of the boxes have the same number of just the usualidentities for cos(kO + 8) and
objects. sin(kO + 8). The polynomials Pt, Qk are
Other commendedsolvers: CHAN Wing (continued on page 4)
Construction Without Words:
Inscribe a Regular Pentagon in a Unit Circle

*****************
Solutions
Problem 1. The sum of two positive
integersis 2310. Showthat their product
is notdivisible by 2310.
Solution: W. H. FOK, Homantin
GovernmentSecondarySchool.
Let x, y be two positive integerssuch
thatx + y = 2310. Supposexy is divisible
by 2310, then xy = 2310n for some How would you construct a regular 17-gon inscribed in a given circle?
positive integern. We get x + (2310n/x)
Mathematical Excalibur Vol. 1, No.2,Mar-Apr, 95 Page 4

Problem Corner Chung Ming Secondary School), W. H. that AP = 2(u2-v)/(U2+V) and BP =

(continuedfrom page 3) FOK (Homantin Government Secondary 4UV/(U2+V), where u, v are as in the
School) and HO Wing Yip (Clementi theorem. Since Ap2 + Bp2 = AB2, all such
called Chebychev polynomials and have SecondarySchool). P's are on the unit circle. Using similar
many interesting properties. Without loss of generality, supposea( triangles, we find the coordinates of P is
< ~ < :.. < an. For k = 2, 3, .~., n, since the (x,y), where x = (AP2/2) -1 and y =
We thank Professor Andy Liu
differencesare distinct, at = at + (a2-au + ;tAP.BP/2 are bothrational. Let 0= LBOP
(University of Alberta, Canada) for = 2LBAP. Then cos( 0/2) = (1 +x)/AP and
...+ (at -at.u ~ 1 +(2 + 4 + ...+ 2(k-l)) =
informing us that his colleague Professor sin(0/2) = lyl/AP are rational. Finally, for
1 + t2 -k. Summing from k = 1 to n, we
Murray Klamkin located this problem in
get a, + a2+ ...+ an ? n (n2 + 2)/3. two such points P and P', pp' =
Goursat-Hedrick's "A Course in 21sin( 8- tl)/21 = 21sin( 0/2)cos( 0'/2) -
Mathematical Anaysis", vol. 1, p. 32, Comments:Ho Wing Yip proved the result
cos( 0/2) sin( 0'/2) 1is rational.
published by Ginn and Company in 1904. by induction on n, which did not require
ProfessorKlamkin has a calculus solution, the formula for summing t2 in the last step.
Example 3. Find all positive integral
first showing Q divides p', then obtaining
solutions of3x + 4)1= 5'. (cf. W. Sierpinski,
Q = nP' and solving a differential equation
On the Equation 3X + 4)1 = 5' (polish),
in P to get P(x) = cos(n arccos x).
Professorliu also forwarded an alternative PythagoreanTriples
Wiadom. Mat.(1955/56), pp. 194-5.)

recurrenceapproachby Byung-Kyu Chun,

{continuedfrom page 2) Solution. We will show there is exactly
a Korean-Canadian secondary school one solution set, namely x = y = z = 2. To
So, if a, b, c are also relatively prime, then
student He observedthat P n(x) = 2xP n-'(x) simpl~ the equation, we consider
one of a or b is odd and the other is even.
-P.-z{x) and Q.(x) = 2xQn-I(X)-Qn-2(X) modulo 3. Wehavel=O+I)1= 3x+4)1=
Let us saya is odd and b is even. Then c is
and showedby simultaneous induction that 5' = (-1)' (mod 3). It follows that z must be
odd and it follows m : (c -a)/2 and n =
Pn(X)Pn~I(X)-X = (~- l)Qn(X)Q.-l(X) and even, say z = 2w. Then 3X = 5' -4)1 = (5W
(c + a)/2 are positive integers. Note a
Pn(X)2-1 = (~ -1 )Qn(X)2. + 2Y)(5W-2Y). Now 5w+ 2)1and 5W-2)1 are
(: m-n) and c (: m+n) relatively prime
not both divisible by 3, since their sum is
Other commendedsolver: 80 Wing Yip implies m, n cannot have a common'prime not divisible by 3. So, 5w+ 2)1= 3x and 5w-
(Clementi SecondarySchool). divisor. Now considering the prime 2Y= 1. Then, (-I)W + (~I))I = 0 (mod 3) and
factorization of (b/2f, which equals mn, it (-l)W -(-1))1 = 1 (mod 3). Consequently,
Problem 4. If the diagonals of a follows that both m and n are perfect
w is odd and y is even. If y > 2, then 5= 5w
quadrilateral in the plane are squares with no common prime divisors. + 2Y= 3x = 1 or 3 (mod 8), a contradiction.
perpendicular, show that the midpoints of Let us saym = U2and n = y2. Then a = U2- So y = 2. Then 5W-2)1 = 1 implies w = 1
its sides and the feet of the perpendiculars y2,b = 2uv and c = U2+ y2. and z = 2. Finally, we get x = 2.
droppedfrom the midpoints to the opposite
sides lie on a circle. Example 1. Show that there are exactly
three right triangles whose sides are
Solution: Independent solution by W. H.
integers while the area is twice the Olympiad Corner
FOK (Homantin Government Secondary (continuedfrom page 1)
perimeter as numbers. (This was a
School) and POON Wai Hoi Bobby (St.
problem on the 1965 Putnam Exam, a
Paul's College). the jth contestant. Prove that there are
North American Collegiate Competition.)
Let ABCD be a quadrilateral such that exactly 40 winning triangles in this
AC is perpendicularto BD. Let E, F, G, H Solution: For such a triangle, the sides are tournament.
be the midpoints of AB, BC, CD, DA, of the fonna = (U2- y2)d,b = 2uvd and c =
Question3. Find all the non-negative
respectively. By the midpoint theorem, (U2+ y2)d,where u, v are relatively prime,
integersx, y. and z satisfyingthat 7x+ 1 =
EH, BD, FG are parallel to each other and u > v, one is odd, the other even and d is
3Y+ 5z.
so are EF,AC, HG. Since AC and BD are the greatest common divisor of the three
perpendicular, EFGH is a rectangle. sides. The condition ab/2 = 2(a+b+c)
expressed in tenDS of u, v, d can be Second Da):
Hence E..F, G, Hare concyclic.
simplified to (u-v)vd = 4. It follows that Question 4. Suppose that yz + zx + xy =
Let M be the foot of the perpendicular u -v being odd must be I. Then v = 1,2 1 andx,y, and z?; O. Prove thatx(l-f)(I-
fromEto CD, then LEMG = LEFG= 90°. or 4; u = 2, 3 or 5; d = 4, 2 or I i) + y(l-i)(I-r) + z(l-r)(I-f) .s 4,fj/9.
SoH, F, M, G, H lie on a circle. Similarly, corresponding to the 12-16-20, 10-24-26
the other feet of perpendiculars are on the and 9-40-41 triangles. Question 5. Given that a function f<n)
samecircle. defined on natural numbers satisfies the
conditions:f<n) = n -12 if n > 2000, and
Example 2. Show that there are infinitely
Problem 5. (1979 British Mathematical f<n) =fij{n+16)) ifn.s 2000.
manypoints on the unit circle such that the
Olympiad) Let ai, a2' ..., an be n distinct distance between any two of them is (a) Findf<n).
positive odd integers. Suppose all the rational. (This was essentially a problem (b) Find all solutions tof<n) = n.
differencesI a(ajl are distinct, 1 oSi <j oSn. in the 1975 International Mathematical
Question 6. Let m and n be positive
Prove that a, + a2+ ...+ an ~ n(n2+2)/3. Olympiad). integers where m has d digits in base ten
Solution: Independent solution by Julian Solution: Let A = (-1, 0), B = (1, 0) and 0 and d s n. Find the sum of all the digits
CHAN Chun Sang (Lok Sin Tong Wong be the origin. Consider all points P such (in base ten) of the product (10" -l)m.
Volume I, Number3
Olympiad Corner
The SeventhAsian Pacific Mathematics
Olympiad was held on March 18. 1995.
Thefive problems given in this contest are
listed below for you to try. Time allowed
wasfour hours. -Editors
Question 1. Determine all sequencesof
real numbers al'~' ..., al995which satisfy:
2yaft ...: (n-l) ~ an-I -(n-l)
for n = 1,2, "', 1994, and
2val995 -1994 ~ aj + 1.
Question 2. Let ai, ~, "', an be a
sequenceof integers with values between 2
and 1995 such that:
i) any two of the a;s are relatively prime.
ii) each aj is either a prime or a product of
different primes.
Determine the smallest possible value of n
to make sure that the sequencewill contain
a prime number.
Question 3. Let PQRS be a cyclic
quadrilateral (i.e., P, Q; R, S all lie on a
circle) such that the segmentsPQ and RS
are not parallel. Consider the set of circles
through P and Q, and the set of circles
through R and S. Determine the set A of
points of tangency of circles in these two
sets. . and arg«Z2-zJI(Z3-ZJ) == arg«w2-wJI
(contmued on page 4)
Editors: Cheung, Pat-Hong, Curr. Studies, HKU
Ko, Tsz-Mei, EEE Dept, HKUST
Leung, Tat-Wing, Appl. Math Dept, HKPU
Li, Kin- Yin, Math Dept, HKUST
Ng, Keng Po Roger, lTC, HKPU
Artist: Yeung, Sau-Ying Camille, Fine Arts Dept, CU
Acknowledgment: Thanks to Martha A. Dahlen,
Technical Writer, HKUST. {or her cornrnents.
The editorswelcomecontributionsfrom all teachers
and students.With your submission,pleaseinclude
your name,address,school,emailaddress;telephone
and fax numbers (if available). Electronic
submissions,especially in TeX, MS Word and
WordPerfect, are encouraged. The deadline for
receivingmaterialfor the next issueis June10,1995.
Sendall correspondence to:
Dr. Li, Kin-Yin
Departmentof Mathematics
Hong Kong Universityof ScienceandTechnology
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
HongKong
Fax: 2358-1643
Email: makyli@uxmail.ust.hk
May -June. 1995
Similar Triangles via Complex Numbers
Kin- Yin Li
Similar triangles are familiar to (W3-Wt>/(W2-Wt>= -<1>2. (Note that -<1>2=
studentswho studied geometry. Here we :f:(cos 60° + i sin 60°).) This equation can
would like to look at an algebraic way of be simplified to Zt+<I>Z2+<I>2Z3
= 0 by
describing similar triangles by complex utilizing 1 +<1>+<1>2=0.Therefore, a triangle
numbers. Recall that every point Z on the L1Zt~~ is equilateral if and only if
coordinateplanecorrespondsto a complex ZI+ <l>Z2+<I>2Z3= O. Here <I>= (-1 + i,fj)/2
number z = r(cose + i sine), where r = Izi when 21, ~, ~ are in counterclockwise
and e = argz are the polar coordinates of direction and <I>= (-1 -i,fj)/2 when 21,
z. (From now on, we will use capital ~, ~ are in clockwise direction.
letters for points and small letters for the
corresponding complex numbers.) , Example 1. (Napolean Triangle Theorem)
Given ~ABC. Draw equilateral triangles
In general, there are two possible cases DBA, ECB, FAC on the opposite sides of
for similar triangles. Two triangles are AB, BC, CA as ~ABC, respectively. Let
said to be directly similar if one can be G, H, I be the centroids of ~DBA, ~ECB,
obtained by translating and rotating the ~FAC, respectively. Show that ~GHI is
other on the plane, then scaling up or
equilateral.
down. (Note a triangle is not directly
Solution. Since d + <.>b+ <.>2a= 0, e + <'>C
similar to its reflection unless it is
+ <.>2b= 0,1 + <.>a+ <.>2C= 0 and <.>3= 1,
isosceles or equilateral.) Suppose
AZI~~ is directly similar to A WI W2W3" we have
Then~l/~1 = W2W1IW3W1and L~ZI~ g + <.>h+ <.>2i
= L W2WI W3. These two equations are = (a+d+b)/3+<.>(b+e+c)/3+<.>2(c+l+a)/3
equivalent to Iz2-zIVlz3-zll = IW2-W1Vlw3-WII = [(d+<.>b+<.>2a)+ <.>(e+<.>c+<.>2~)
+ <.>2(f+<.>a+<.>2c)]/3
= O.
(W3-WJ), which say exactly that
Example 2. Given an acute triangle
~ = W2-WI AIA~3' let HI, H2, H3 be the feet of the
%3 -%1 W3 -WI altitudes dropped from AI, A2, A3,
Reversing steps,we see that the equation respectively. Show that each of the
implies the triangles are directly similar, triangles AIH2H3, A2HPI' A3HIH2 is
For the case6.ZI~ directly similar to the similar to l1AI A2AJ.
reflection of 6.WIW2W3,the equation is
-- Solution. Set up coordinates so that Al =
~ = W2-WI (0,0), A2 = (t,O)and A3 = (x,y), i.e., a( = 0,
-- a2 = t, aJ = x+iy. Observe that AIH2 =
%3-%1 W3-WI
A1A2 COSLAl = tx/.[;9. Thus h2 =
because~ ' W;, W; provide a reflection of (tx/.[;9)(aJ/laJI) = ~(x+iy)/(~+f).
WI' W2' W3' Also, hJ = x. Now
Let 6.WI W2W3 be the equilateral
triangle with vertices at 1, w, w2 (= /;)"),
~ =~ = -..!.--= ~.
h, -a\ X2+y2 x-iy ~ -a;
where w = (-1 :t i..j3)/2 is a cube root of
unity, We observe that WI+WW2+W2W3 = So, in fact, l1A\H2H3 is similar to (the
1 +W2+W4 = O. One can show that this reflection of) l1A1A~J. By changing
indices,we also get similarity for the other
equation is satisfied by any equilateral
triangle in general. A triangle 6.ZI~ is two triangles.
equilateral if and only if (Z3-ZJ/(Z2-ZJ= (continuedon page 4)
 Mathematical Excalibur Vol. 1, No: 3, May-Jun, 95
Page2

From The Editors' Desk:

Cryptarithms and Alphametics

Tsz-MeiKo
y--
A cryptarithmor alphametic is a puzzle We may check our solution that it is
,.,
to find the original digits in an encrypted arithmetically correct and each letter
equation which is made by substituting indeed represents a distinct digit (with
distinctlettersfor distinct digits in a simple A=9.. E=O and T=l). Also, from our
:. arithmetic problem. Here is an example. reasoning,we see that the solution for this
Consider the alphametic puzzle is unique.
AT
+ A Thereare manyamusingalphametics
TEE that make sense in English or some
language.Here is one with a unique
in which eachletter representsa distinct
solution.Do youthink youcansolveit?
This is the last issue for the 94-95
digit. The puzzle is to find the original
academicyear.Thanks for all the supports,
digits each letter representsso that the FORTY
resultis arithmeticallycorrect. TEN
comments,suggestions,and especially the + TEN
elegant solutions for the Problem Corner. SIXTY
To solve this puzzle, we may reason a$
We will give out a few book prizes to show
follows. Since T is the "carry" from the
our appreciation. We are also planning a How about this cryptarithm in which
"tens" column, T must be equal to I and
Best Paper Award for articles to be thephrase "Qui Trouve Ceci" means "Who
thus we get
submitted in the next academic year. can solve this?" Each letter represents a
Details will be given in the September Al distinct digit and each # represents any
issue. Meanwhile, we encourage our + A digit (not necessaryto be distinct).
readers to spend some spare time writing lEE
I CECI
intriguing articles for the Mathematical
Now, onthe tenscolumn,sinceA;t E, QUI} TROUVE
Excalibur?
there must be a carry from the umts .ill
column,i.e., A+l = lO+E. ThusA=9 and ###
***************** .ill
E=O. Therefore,the solutionshouldbe ###
For the 95-96 academic year, we plan
tohavefive issuesto be delivered on Sept. 91 !ll
+ 9 ###
Nov, Jan,Mar and May. If you would like
to receiveyour personal copy directly, send 100 .ill
V
five stamped self-addressedenvelopes to
Dr. Tsz-Mei Ko, Hong Kong University of
Science and Technology, Department of MathematicalThumbnotes:
Electrical and Electronic: Engineering,
,
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon. Please write
"Math Excalibur 95-96" at the lower left
comer on all five envelopes. ~ ~ oiot~ i!, 1(lI Df.f.
Pto «<~ ~

*****************
We have sent out the computer
program FRACTINT to all interested
readers. If youhaverequestedbut not yet
receivedthe software,contactRogerNg.
/ ~-:«-~~~~ ~~I;'
o~-1:r-~ ~o~ 0
.!J:oJ: ti.e~ ?;>
"?
***************** rt.1&"',
-rh&."&"'
. II
f ~

Are you interested in math or in

winning a math olympiad gold medal?
The Preliminary Selection Exam for the l(4toV!il.t.I\/t-:
~'-" coU'l.I:+Ll.p,!
~
(--0.

1996 Hong Kong Math Olympiad Team 'tl.\~_AE,~ \,)

will be held in Hong Kong Polytechnic L6AE."CAPI( ~,t(~Ot
University on May 27, 1995, You may ask h"tP.n~1\- , ~~!
your mathteacherfor further information if
you are interested in participating in this
~ ) ~ &~{ib. UT.~
~
exam,The 1996IMO will be held in India.

~
,-
~
i\~
~~.t!.
 Mathematical Excalibur Vol. 1, No.3, May-Jun,95
Page 3

Problem Corner Paul's College), SZE Hoi WING (St. Without loss of generality, assume
Paul's Co-ed College) and WONG Chun a ~ b. The first triangle comes from (~f ==
We welcome readers to submit Keung (St. Paul's Co-ed College). (a2+b2)c4 ==(a(:2)2 + (bC2)2. The second
solutionsto theproblemsposedbelowfor
Since b ==(P(I) -P(-I))/2 ~ 2/2 = 1, triangle comes from (~)2 ==(a2 + b2)2~ ==
publication consideration. Solutions (a4 -2a2b2 + b4 + 4a2b2)~ ==[(a2-b2)cf +
shouldbe precededby the solver'sname, the maximum possible values of b is at
[2abcf. The third triangle comes from (~)2
addressandschoolafftliation. Pleasesend most 1. Now the polynomial P(x) = Jil/2 +
==(~+b2)3 ==(a6 -6a4b2 + 9a2b4) + (9a4b2 -
submissionsto Dr. Kin Y: Li, Department x -1/2 = (x + 1)2/2-1 satisfy the condition
6a2b4 + b6) ==[ala2-3b2lf + [b(3a2-b2)f.
of Mathematics,Hong Kong llniversity of I p(x)I ~1 for -1~x~ 1 because0 ~ x+l ~ 2.
Scienceand Technology,Clear Water So the maximum of b is 1.
For the first and second triangles.
Bay,Kowloon. Solutionsto thefollowing 2abc = ac2 or bC2implies c = 2b or 2a.
problemsshouldbe submittedby June 1O, Comments: With -1 ~ x ~ 1 replaced by
Substitute c = 2b or 2a into a2 + b2 = C
1995. 0 ~ x ~ 1, the problem appeared in the
will lead to the contradiction .;3 = alb or
1968PutnamExam.
bla. So these two triangles cannot be
Problem 11. Simplify
Other commendedsolyers: CHAN Wing congruent.
1995
L tan(n)tan(n+1). Sum (HKUST), CHEUNG Kwok Koon
Similarly, for the fIrst and third
n=! (S.KH. Bishop Mok Sau Tseng Secondary
triangles, since b(3a2-b2)= a~ or bC2will
School), W. H. FOK (Hornantin
(There is an answer with two terms lead to /2 = (a+b)/a or da by simple
Government Secondary School), Michael
involving tan 1, tan 1996and integers.) algebra, these two triangles cannot be
LAM Wing Young (St. Paul's College),
UN Kwong Shing (University of Illinois) congruent.
Problem 12. Show that for any integer
andLIU Wai Kwong (pui Tak Canossian
n > 12, there is a right triangle whose Finally, for the second and third
sides are integers and whose area is College). triangles, b(3a2-b2)= (a2-b2)cor 2abc will
betweenn and2n. (Source:1993Korean lead to v'5 = (c-b)/b or (c+a)/a (again by
Problem 7. If positive integers a" b, C
MathematicalOlympiad.)
satisfy a2+ b2 = e, show that there are at simple algebra). So these two triangles
cannot be congruent.
least three noncongruent right triangles
Problem 13. SupposeXk' Yk(k = 1,2, ..',
with integer sides having hypotenuses all
1995)are positive and Xl + ~ + ...+ XI99S
= Comments: Au Kwok Nin obtainedthe
equal to C3.
Yl + Y2+ ...+ YI99S
= 1. Prove that sametriangles systematicallyby writing
C6= (~cosne)2+ (~sinne)2for n = 1,2,3
Solution: Independentsolutionby LIN
E _XkYk~ .!. and expressedcos ne, sin ne in termsof
k-l xk+Yk 2 Kwong Shing (Universityoflllinois) and cos e = alc, sin e = blc. CheungKwok
LIU Wai Kwong (Pui Tak Canossian
College). (continuedonpage 4)
Problem 14. Suppose ~ABC, ~A'B'C'
are (directly) similar to each other and
~AA~", ~BB'B". ~CC'C" are also
(directly)similar to eachother. Showthat
~A"B"C" is (directly)similar to ~ABC. Proof Without Words
Problem 15. Is there an infinite sequence
ao-aI, a2, 000of nonzero real numbers such
thatfor n = 1, 2, 3, 000,
the polynomial Pn(X)
= ao + a\x + a"x2 + 000 + a,.x"has exactly n
distinctreal roots? (Source: 1990 Putnam
Exam.)

*****************
Solutions
Problem 6. For quadratic polynomials
P(x) = ar + bx + c with real coefficients
satisfying Ip(x) I s 1 for -1 s x s I, find the
maximum possible values of b and give a
polynomial attaining the maximal b
coefficient.

Solution: Independent solution by

sin{x+y) = p = sin x cos y + cos x sin y
KWOK Wing Yin (St. Clare's Girls'
School), Bobby POON Wai Hoi (St.
 Mathematical Excalibur Vol. 1, No.3,May-Jun,95
Page 4

Problem Corner Solution: Bobby POON Wai Hoi, St. Solution. We have Pk+l-ak+1 = <L>(pk-ak+.)'
(continuedfrom page 3) Paul's College. where cu = cosI20o-isinI20o=(-I-iv'3)/2.

First construct parallelograms ABGF Adding proper multiples of these equations

Koon observedthatthe greatestcommon (so as to cancel all p;s) , we consider
and CDFH. Since BG, AD, CH are
divisors of the sidesof the triangleswere
parallel, LGBE = LHCE. Also, BG/CH =
divisible by differentpowers of c, hence (p \ 986-a 1986)+CU(P 1985-a 198S)+ CU2(p 1984-a 1984)
AFIDF= AB/CD = BE/CE. So, ABGEis CU1985/~ )
thetrianglescouldno! be congruent. + ...+ \l'1-al
similar to A CHE. Then G, E, H must be = CU(P198S -a1986) + CU2(P1984 -a198S)
collinear and GE/HE = AB/CD = GF/HF. \1'1983 -a1984 ) + ...+
+ CU3/~ CU1986(p 0 -al ).
Other commended solvers: AU Kwok
Nin(Tsung Tsin College), C1:IAN Wing Therefore,LGFE=LHFEor LBPE=LCQE.
Cancelling common terms on both sides,
Sum (HKUS1), CHEUNG Kwok Koon noting
.1986 CU Po = Po = PI986' th en transposmg .
(S.KH. Bishop Mok Sau Tseng Secondary Other commendedsolvers: CHEUNG all terms on the left side to the right, we get
School)andFUNG Tak Kwan & POON Kwok Koon (S.K..H.Bishop Mok Sau
0 = (l-cu )(al986+cual98S+cu2aI984+...+cuI98Sa.)
Wing Chi (La Salle College). Tseng SecondarySchool),W. H. FOK
= 662(I-cu)(a3+cua2+cu2a.)
(Homantin Government Secondary
ProblemS. (1963 Moscow Mathematical School),MichaelLAM Wing Young (St. by the definition ofak and the fact cu3 = 1.
Olympiad) Let at = a2 = 1 and an = (an.? + Paul'sCollege)and LIU Wai Kwong (Pui Since cu * 1, 6.A1A~3 is equilateral.
2)/an-2for n = 3, 4, "'. Show that anis an Tak Canossian College).
integer for n = 3, 4, '.'.
Problem 10. Show that every integer k>1 Olympiad Corner
Solution: Independentsolution by CHAN
hasa multiple which is less than k4and can (continuedfrom page 1)
Chi Kin (pak Kau English School),
be written in base 10 with at most four
Michael LAM Wing Young and Bobby
different digits. [Hint: First consider Question 4. Let C be a circle with
POON Wai Hoi (St. Paul's College).
numbers with digits 0 and 1 only.] (This radius R and center 0, and S a fixed point
Since at~; a2 = 1 and anan-2 = an-( + 2 was a problem proposed by Poland in a in the interior of C. Let AA' and BB' be
for all integer n ~ 3, we have an * 0 and past IMO.) perpendicular chords through S. Consider
anan-2-an-( = 2 = an+tan-l-an2 for n ~ 3. the rectangles SAMB, SBN:4', SA'M'B',
We obtain (an+t+an-Jlan= (an+an-Jlan-tby Solution: Official IMO solution. andSB'NA. Fmd the set of all points M, N',
rearranging terms. Hence, the value of M', andN when A moves around the whole
Choose n such that 2ft-I~ k < 2ft. Let S circle.
(an+an-Jlan-tis constant for n ~ 3. Since
be the setof nonnegative integersless than
(a3.f-aJla2= 4, we have (an+an-2)lan-l =4,
10ftthat can be written with digits 0 or 1 Question 5. Find the minimum positive
i.e., an = 4an-t-an-2for n ~ 3. This shows
only. Then S has 2ft elements and the integer k such that there exists a function!
that anis in fact an odd integer for all n ~ 1.
largest number m in S is composed of n from the set Z of all integersto {I, 2, .", k}
ones. Since 2ft > k, by the pigeonhole with the property that.f(x)..f(y) whenever
Comments: Most solvers observed that an
principle, there are two numbers x, y in S Ix-yl E {5, 7, .I2}.
depends on an-Iand an.2,and thus guessed
which have the same remainder Upon
that ancan be expressedas ran-l+ San-2 for
division by k, i.e., x = y (mod k). Then Ix-yl *****************
some r, s. They went on to find r = 4 and
s = -1 by setting n = 3, 4, then confirmed is a multiple of k and Olympiad News:
the guess by mathematical induction. Ix-yl ~ m < 10ft-Ix 1.2 < 16ft-I~ k4.
Congratulations to CHEUNG Kwok
Finally, considering the cases of Koon (p. 7, SKH Bishop Mok Sau Tseng
Other commendedsolvers: CHAN Wi~g
subtracting a 0,1 digit by another0,1 digit Secondary School), HO Wing Yip (p. 6,
Sum (HKUS1), CHEUNG Kwok Koon
with possible carries,we see that Ix -yl can Clementi Secondary School)~ MOK Tze
(S.KH. Bishop Mok SauTseng Secondary
be written with digits 0,1,8,9 only. Tao (p. 5, Queen's College), POON Wai
School), HUI Vue Hon Bernard
Hoi Bobby (p.- 6, St. Paul's College),
(HKUS1), UN Kwong Shing (University
WONG Him Ting (p. 7, Salesian English
of lllinois), LIU Wai Kwong (pui Tak
School)and YU Chun ling (p. 6, Ying Wa
Canossian College) and Alex MOK Chi Similar Triangles ... College) for being selected as the 1995
Chiu (Homantin Government Secondary (continuedfrom page 1) Hong Kong Mathematical Olympiad Team
School). Members.The selectionwas basedon their
Example 3. A triangle A1A~3 and a point outstanding performances in the Hong
Problem 9. On sides AD and BC of a Poare given in the plane. For s ~ 4, define Kong Math Olympiad Training Program.
convexquadrilateralABCD with AB < CD, A. = A..3. For k ~ 0, defme Pk+1to be the They will represent Hong Kong to
locate points F and E, respectively, such image of Pk under rotation with center at participate in the 36th International
thatAF/FD = BE/EC =AB/CD. Suppose Ak+1through angle 1200 clockwise. Prove Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) to be held
EF when extendedbeyond F meetsline BA that if P1986= Po, then llA,A~3 is in Toronto, Canada this summer. Hong
at P and meets line CD at Q. Show that equilateral. (This was a problem on the Kong was ranked 16 among 69
LBPE = L CQE.
1986IMO.) participating teams in 1994.