Happy Memorial Day! Please note that AoPS Online is closed May 24-26th.

G
Topic
First Poster
Last Poster
k a May Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
May 1, 2025
May is an exciting month! National MATHCOUNTS is the second week of May in Washington D.C. and our Founder, Richard Rusczyk will be presenting a seminar, Preparing Strong Math Students for College and Careers, on May 11th.

Are you interested in working towards MATHCOUNTS and don’t know where to start? We have you covered! If you have taken Prealgebra, then you are ready for MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Basics. Already aiming for State or National MATHCOUNTS and harder AMC 8 problems? Then our MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Advanced course is for you.

Summer camps are starting next month at the Virtual Campus in math and language arts that are 2 - to 4 - weeks in duration. Spaces are still available - don’t miss your chance to have an enriching summer experience. There are middle and high school competition math camps as well as Math Beasts camps that review key topics coupled with fun explorations covering areas such as graph theory (Math Beasts Camp 6), cryptography (Math Beasts Camp 7-8), and topology (Math Beasts Camp 8-9)!

Be sure to mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:
[list][*]May 9th, 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, Casework 2: Overwhelming Evidence — A Text Adventure, a game where participants will work together to navigate the map, solve puzzles, and win! All are welcome.
[*]May 19th, 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, What's Next After Beast Academy?, designed for students finishing Beast Academy and ready for Prealgebra 1.
[*]May 20th, 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Mathcamp 2025 Qualifying Quiz Part 1 Math Jam, Problems 1 to 4, join the Canada/USA Mathcamp staff for this exciting Math Jam, where they discuss solutions to Problems 1 to 4 of the 2025 Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz!
[*]May 21st, 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Mathcamp 2025 Qualifying Quiz Part 2 Math Jam, Problems 5 and 6, Canada/USA Mathcamp staff will discuss solutions to Problems 5 and 6 of the 2025 Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz![/list]
Our full course list for upcoming classes is below:
All classes run 7:30pm-8:45pm ET/4:30pm - 5:45pm PT unless otherwise noted.

Introductory: Grades 5-10

Prealgebra 1 Self-Paced

Prealgebra 1
Tuesday, May 13 - Aug 26
Thursday, May 29 - Sep 11
Sunday, Jun 15 - Oct 12
Monday, Jun 30 - Oct 20
Wednesday, Jul 16 - Oct 29

Prealgebra 2 Self-Paced

Prealgebra 2
Wednesday, May 7 - Aug 20
Monday, Jun 2 - Sep 22
Sunday, Jun 29 - Oct 26
Friday, Jul 25 - Nov 21

Introduction to Algebra A Self-Paced

Introduction to Algebra A
Sunday, May 11 - Sep 14 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Wednesday, May 14 - Aug 27
Friday, May 30 - Sep 26
Monday, Jun 2 - Sep 22
Sunday, Jun 15 - Oct 12
Thursday, Jun 26 - Oct 9
Tuesday, Jul 15 - Oct 28

Introduction to Counting & Probability Self-Paced

Introduction to Counting & Probability
Thursday, May 15 - Jul 31
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Wednesday, Jul 9 - Sep 24
Sunday, Jul 27 - Oct 19

Introduction to Number Theory
Friday, May 9 - Aug 1
Wednesday, May 21 - Aug 6
Monday, Jun 9 - Aug 25
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14
Tuesday, Jul 15 - Sep 30

Introduction to Algebra B Self-Paced

Introduction to Algebra B
Tuesday, May 6 - Aug 19
Wednesday, Jun 4 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jun 22 - Oct 19
Friday, Jul 18 - Nov 14

Introduction to Geometry
Sunday, May 11 - Nov 9
Tuesday, May 20 - Oct 28
Monday, Jun 16 - Dec 8
Friday, Jun 20 - Jan 9
Sunday, Jun 29 - Jan 11
Monday, Jul 14 - Jan 19

Paradoxes and Infinity
Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thurs, Jul 14 - Jul 16 (meets every day of the week!)

Intermediate: Grades 8-12

Intermediate Algebra
Sunday, Jun 1 - Nov 23
Tuesday, Jun 10 - Nov 18
Wednesday, Jun 25 - Dec 10
Sunday, Jul 13 - Jan 18
Thursday, Jul 24 - Jan 22

Intermediate Counting & Probability
Wednesday, May 21 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jun 22 - Nov 2

Intermediate Number Theory
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Wednesday, Jun 18 - Sep 3

Precalculus
Friday, May 16 - Oct 24
Sunday, Jun 1 - Nov 9
Monday, Jun 30 - Dec 8

Advanced: Grades 9-12

Olympiad Geometry
Tuesday, Jun 10 - Aug 26

Calculus
Tuesday, May 27 - Nov 11
Wednesday, Jun 25 - Dec 17

Group Theory
Thursday, Jun 12 - Sep 11

Contest Preparation: Grades 6-12

MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Basics
Friday, May 23 - Aug 15
Monday, Jun 2 - Aug 18
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)

MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Advanced
Sunday, May 11 - Aug 10
Tuesday, May 27 - Aug 12
Wednesday, Jun 11 - Aug 27
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)

AMC 10 Problem Series
Friday, May 9 - Aug 1
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Tuesday, Jun 17 - Sep 2
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Monday, Jun 23 - Sep 15
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)

AMC 10 Final Fives
Sunday, May 11 - Jun 8
Tuesday, May 27 - Jun 17
Monday, Jun 30 - Jul 21

AMC 12 Problem Series
Tuesday, May 27 - Aug 12
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Wednesday, Aug 6 - Oct 22

AMC 12 Final Fives
Sunday, May 18 - Jun 15

AIME Problem Series A
Thursday, May 22 - Jul 31

AIME Problem Series B
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21

F=ma Problem Series
Wednesday, Jun 11 - Aug 27

WOOT Programs
Visit the pages linked for full schedule details for each of these programs!


MathWOOT Level 1
MathWOOT Level 2
ChemWOOT
CodeWOOT
PhysicsWOOT

Programming

Introduction to Programming with Python
Thursday, May 22 - Aug 7
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Tuesday, Jun 17 - Sep 2
Monday, Jun 30 - Sep 22

Intermediate Programming with Python
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Monday, Jun 30 - Sep 22

USACO Bronze Problem Series
Tuesday, May 13 - Jul 29
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 1

Physics

Introduction to Physics
Wednesday, May 21 - Aug 6
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14
Monday, Jun 23 - Sep 15

Physics 1: Mechanics
Thursday, May 22 - Oct 30
Monday, Jun 23 - Dec 15

Relativity
Mon, Tue, Wed & Thurs, Jun 23 - Jun 26 (meets every day of the week!)
0 replies
jlacosta
May 1, 2025
0 replies
H13-422 HCIP-Data Center-CDCDM V1.0 Certification Exam
certsarea   0
20 minutes ago
Website: https://certsarea.com/certifications/

CertsArea Certificate Exam are the most ideal decision at CertsArea Certificate. Our expert group really take a look at the landfill material twice prior to giving the conveyance to the client. Likewise, that is expected to peruse the discount strategy and the term and states of the CertsArea Certificate Exam prior to buying the landfill from the gateway. CertsArea Certificate Exam gives you the assets and abilities you really want to become ensured in your picked field.
0 replies
certsarea
20 minutes ago
0 replies
H13-421 HCIP-Data Center-ITIDM V1.0 Certification Exam
certsarea   0
21 minutes ago
Website: https://certsarea.com/certifications/

CertsArea Certificate Exam are the most ideal decision at CertsArea Certificate. Our expert group really take a look at the landfill material twice prior to giving the conveyance to the client. Likewise, that is expected to peruse the discount strategy and the term and states of the CertsArea Certificate Exam prior to buying the landfill from the gateway. CertsArea Certificate Exam gives you the assets and abilities you really want to become ensured in your picked field.
0 replies
certsarea
21 minutes ago
0 replies
\int_{0}^{\pi/4} \frac{1}{\cos 2\phi} \cdot 2 \ln(\cot \phi) \cdot 2 \, d\phi
Martin.s   1
N 39 minutes ago by Svyatoslav
\[
I = 2 \int_{0}^{\pi/4} \frac{1}{\cos 2\phi} \cdot 2 \ln(\cot \phi) \cdot 2 \, d\phi
\]
1 reply
Martin.s
Yesterday at 9:14 PM
Svyatoslav
39 minutes ago
Number theory problem
StoicFTW   0
2 hours ago
Determine the number of solutions $(i, j, k)$ which satisfy the simultaneous equations
$$
i j=6 i+6 j+6 k
$$and
$$
k^2=i^2+j^2
$$where $i, j$ and $k$ are integers such that $k^2>i^2$ and $k^2>j^2$.
0 replies
StoicFTW
2 hours ago
0 replies
Different Paths Probability
Qebehsenuef   7
N Yesterday at 9:43 PM by GreenKeeper
Source: OBM
A mouse initially occupies cage A and is trained to change cages by going through a tunnel whenever an alarm sounds. Each time the alarm sounds, the mouse chooses any of the tunnels adjacent to its cage with equal probability and without being affected by previous choices. What is the probability that after the alarm sounds 23 times the mouse occupies cage B?
7 replies
Qebehsenuef
Apr 28, 2025
GreenKeeper
Yesterday at 9:43 PM
nice integral
Martin.s   1
N Yesterday at 9:03 PM by aiops
$$\int_0^{\pi/2} \Bigl[
\log\bigl(\sqrt{5}-\sin\theta+1\bigr)
+\log\bigl(\sqrt{5}+\sin\theta-1\bigr)
-\log\bigl(\sqrt{5}-\sin\theta-1\bigr)
-\log\bigl(\sqrt{5}+\sin\theta+1\bigr)
\Bigr]\,d\theta.
$$
1 reply
Martin.s
Yesterday at 8:56 PM
aiops
Yesterday at 9:03 PM
nice ecuation
MihaiT   1
N Yesterday at 7:24 PM by Hello_Kitty
Find real values $m$ , s.t. ecuation: $x+1=me^{|x-1|}$ have 2 real solutions .
1 reply
MihaiT
Yesterday at 2:03 PM
Hello_Kitty
Yesterday at 7:24 PM
Linear algebra problem
Feynmann123   1
N Yesterday at 3:51 PM by Etkan
Let A \in \mathbb{R}^{n \times n} be a matrix such that A^2 = A and A \neq I and A \neq 0.

Problem:
a) Show that the only possible eigenvalues of A are 0 and 1.
b) What kind of matrix is A? (Hint: Think projection.)
c) Give a 2×2 example of such a matrix.
1 reply
Feynmann123
Yesterday at 9:33 AM
Etkan
Yesterday at 3:51 PM
Linear algebra
Feynmann123   6
N Yesterday at 1:09 PM by OGMATH
Hi everyone,

I was wondering whether when I tried to compute e^(2x2 matrix) and got the expansions of sinx and cosx with the method of discounting the constant junk whether it plays any significance. I am a UK student and none of this is in my School syllabus so I was just wondering…


6 replies
Feynmann123
Saturday at 6:44 PM
OGMATH
Yesterday at 1:09 PM
Local extrema of a function
MrBridges   2
N Yesterday at 11:36 AM by Mathzeus1024
Calculate the local extrema of the function $f:\mathbb{R}^2 \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$, $(x,y)\mapsto x^4+x^5+y^6$. Are they isolated?
2 replies
MrBridges
Jun 28, 2020
Mathzeus1024
Yesterday at 11:36 AM
Integral
Martin.s   3
N Yesterday at 10:52 AM by Figaro
$$\int_0^{\pi/6}\arcsin\Bigl(\sqrt{\cos(3\psi)\cos\psi}\Bigr)\,d\psi.$$
3 replies
Martin.s
May 14, 2025
Figaro
Yesterday at 10:52 AM
Reducing the exponents for good
RobertRogo   1
N Yesterday at 9:29 AM by RobertRogo
Source: The national Algebra contest (Romania), 2025, Problem 3/Abstract Algebra (a bit generalized)
Let $A$ be a ring with unity such that for every $x \in A$ there exist $t_x, n_x \in \mathbb{N}^*$ such that $x^{t_x+n_x}=x^{n_x}$. Prove that
a) If $t_x \cdot 1 \in U(A), \forall x \in A$ then $x^{t_x+1}=x, \forall x \in A$
b) If there is an $x \in A$ such that $t_x \cdot 1 \notin U(A)$ then the result from a) may no longer hold.

Authors: Laurențiu Panaitopol, Dorel Miheț, Mihai Opincariu, me, Filip Munteanu
1 reply
RobertRogo
May 20, 2025
RobertRogo
Yesterday at 9:29 AM
Sequence divisible by infinite primes - Brazil Undergrad MO
rodamaral   5
N Yesterday at 8:01 AM by cursed_tangent1434
Source: Brazil Undergrad MO 2017 - Problem 2
Let $a$ and $b$ be fixed positive integers. Show that the set of primes that divide at least one of the terms of the sequence $a_n = a \cdot 2017^n + b \cdot 2016^n$ is infinite.
5 replies
rodamaral
Nov 1, 2017
cursed_tangent1434
Yesterday at 8:01 AM
Reduction coefficient
zolfmark   2
N Yesterday at 7:42 AM by wh0nix

find Reduction coefficient of x^10

in(1+x-x^2)^9
2 replies
zolfmark
Jul 17, 2016
wh0nix
Yesterday at 7:42 AM
MVT question
mqoi_KOLA   10
N Apr 15, 2025 by mqoi_KOLA
Let \( f \) be a function which is continuous on \( [0,1] \) and differentiable on \( (0,1) \), with \( f(0) = f(1) = 0 \). Assume that there is some \( c \in (0,1) \) such that \( f(c) = 1 \). Prove that there exists some \( x_0 \in (0,1) \) such that \( |f'(x_0)| > 2 \).
10 replies
mqoi_KOLA
Apr 10, 2025
mqoi_KOLA
Apr 15, 2025
MVT question
G H J
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mqoi_KOLA
108 posts
#1
Y by
Let \( f \) be a function which is continuous on \( [0,1] \) and differentiable on \( (0,1) \), with \( f(0) = f(1) = 0 \). Assume that there is some \( c \in (0,1) \) such that \( f(c) = 1 \). Prove that there exists some \( x_0 \in (0,1) \) such that \( |f'(x_0)| > 2 \).
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by mqoi_KOLA, Apr 10, 2025, 9:51 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
KAME06
160 posts
#2 • 1 Y
Y by mqoi_KOLA
Case 1: $c > 0.5$
Then, using Mean Value Theorem, there exist an $x_0$ such that $f'(x_0)=\frac{f(c)-f(0)}{c-0}=\frac{1-0}{c}=\frac{1}{c}>2 \Rightarrow |f'(x_0)|>2$.
Case 2: $c < 0.5$
That implies that $c-1 > -0.5$ then using Mean Value Theorem, there exist an $x_0$ such that $f'(x_0)=\frac{f(c)-f(1)}{c-1}=\frac{1-0}{c-1}=\frac{1}{c-1}<-2 \Rightarrow |f'(x_0)|>2$
Case 3: $c=0.5$
Here idk for \( |f'(x_0)| > 2 \)
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by KAME06, May 3, 2025, 3:14 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mqoi_KOLA
108 posts
#3 • 1 Y
Y by KAME06
u left the case which i wanted the proof for.. :noo: :wallbash_red:
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
ddot1
24885 posts
#4 • 2 Y
Y by mqoi_KOLA, KAME06
To handle the $c=1/2$ case, suppose $f(1/2)=1$ and assume $|f'(x)|\le 2$ on the whole interval $(0,1)$. Then by the mean value theorem, there is some $x_0$ such that $$\frac{f(1/2)-f(0)}{1/2-0}=f'(x_0),$$so $f'(x_0)=2$. That by itself isn't a contradiction, but we can do something similar to get a contradiction. The intuitive idea is that since we're right on the "edge" of a contradiction, we have no room to move the graph of $f$. If $|f'|\le 2$ and $f(1/2)=1$, that forces $f(x)=2x$ on the interval $[0,1/2]$. Moving the graph up or down at any point makes the slope larger than $2$ somewhere. Similarly, $f(x)=2-2x$ on the interval $[1/2,1]$.

We first prove that $f(x)=2x$ for every $x\in [0,1/2]$. On any interval $[0,a]$ with $a\le 1/2$, we have $$\frac{f(a)-f(0)}{a-0}=f'(x_a)$$for some $x_a$, depending on $a$. Since we're assuming $f'$ is always bounded by $2$, this means that $\dfrac{f(a)}{a}\le 2,$ so $f(a)\le 2a$ for all $a\in[0,1/2]$.

This inequality can never be strict, either. If we had $f(a)<2a$, then we could use the mean value theorem on the interval $[a,1/2]$ to get \begin{align*}\frac{f(1/2)-f(a)}{1/2-a}&=f'(x_a)\\
\frac{1-f(a)}{1/2-a}&=f'(x_a).
\end{align*}But the left side is larger than $2$, and the right side is at most $2$, a contradiction.

The same reasoning forces $f(x)=2-2x$ on the interval $[1/2,1]$, so $$f(x)=\begin{cases} 2x,\, &0\le x\le 1/2\\ 2-2x, &1/2<x\le 1.\end{cases}$$However, this function is not differentiable at $1/2$, so we are done.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Alphaamss
247 posts
#5
Y by
Proof from MSE https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/1752763/suppose-f0-f1-0-and-fx-0-1-show-that-there-is-rho-with-lve?noredirect=1
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mqoi_KOLA
108 posts
#6
Y by
as a novice, this qns was good . thanks @alphaamss and @ddot1
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by mqoi_KOLA, Apr 11, 2025, 4:06 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
MS_asdfgzxcvb
71 posts
#7 • 1 Y
Y by mqoi_KOLA
\(c=\frac 12\):
\(\emph{Proof.}\) Assume towards a contradiction that \(\forall 0<\xi<1:\big|f'(\xi)\big|\le 2\).
LMVT on \(0<x<\frac 12\) and \(\frac 12\):
\[\usepackage{mathtools}
\tfrac {1-f(x)}{\frac 12-x}\le 2\xRightarrow{\hspace{40pt}}\left(\forall 0<x<\tfrac 12\right):f(x)\ \ge\ 2x\tag{1}\]LMVT on \(\frac 12\) and \(\frac 12<x<1\):
\[\usepackage{mathtools}
\tfrac {f(x)-1}{x-\frac 12}\ge -2\xRightarrow{\hspace{40pt}}\left(\forall \tfrac 12<x< 1\right):f(x)\ \ge\ 2-2x\tag{2}\]Differentiability at \(x=\frac 12\) implies \(f\equiv\begin{cases} 2x &0\le x\le 1/2\\ 2-2x &1/2<x\le 1\end{cases}\) is not possible.
Thus, using \((1)\) and \((2)\), reflecting about the line \(x=\frac 12\) if necessary, we may assume \(\exists 0<\alpha<\frac 12, \exists\eta>0:f(\alpha)=2\alpha+\eta\).
LMVT on \(0<x<\alpha\) and \(\alpha\):\[\usepackage{mathtools}
\tfrac {2\alpha+\eta-f(x)}{\alpha-x}\le 2\xRightarrow{\hspace{40pt}}\left(\forall 0<x<\alpha\right):f(x)\ \ge\ 2x+\eta\tag{3}\]\(\epsilon\big/\delta\) continuity at \(x=0\):\[(\forall \epsilon>0)(\exists\delta>0):0<x<\delta\xRightarrow{\hspace{40pt}}\big|f(x)\big|<\epsilon\tag{4} \]\((4)\) contradicts \((3)\) for \(0<\epsilon<\eta\).\(\usepackage{amsthm}
\qed\)
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by MS_asdfgzxcvb, Apr 11, 2025, 5:16 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mqoi_KOLA
108 posts
#8
Y by
thanks @MS_asdfgzxcvb :)
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Rohit-2006
245 posts
#9 • 1 Y
Y by mqoi_KOLA
Easy peasy....vai toone mujhe nehi bola.....ye le soln
$f$ is differentiable on $(0,1)$. For $c>0.5$ and $c<0.5$ you can hopefully do!!
For $c=0.5$ put the value of $c$ in the two equations,
$$f(x)=\begin{cases} 2x,\, &0\le x\le 1/2\\ 2-2x, &1/2<x\le 1.\end{cases}$$So clearly visible that not differentiable on $c=0.5$....
$LHD=2$ and $RHD=-2$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Rohit-2006, Apr 15, 2025, 4:27 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mqoi_KOLA
108 posts
#11
Y by
Rohit-2006 wrote:
Easy peasy....vai toone mujhe nehi bola.....ye le soln
$f$ is differentiable on $(0,1)$. For $c>0.5$ and $c<0.5$ you can hopefully do!!
For $c=0.5$ put the value of $c$ in the two equations,
$$f(x)=\begin{cases} 2x,\, &0\le x\le 1/2\\ 2-2x, &1/2<x\le 1.\end{cases}$$So clearly visible that not differentiable on $c=0.5$....
$LHD=2$ and $RHD=-2$

orz rohit ka question kal wale UGb mock mein aya tha (u solved that romanain grade 11 problem orz)
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mqoi_KOLA
108 posts
#12
Y by
Rohit-2006 wrote:
Easy peasy....vai toone mujhe nehi bola.....ye le soln
$f$ is differentiable on $(0,1)$. For $c>0.5$ and $c<0.5$ you can hopefully do!!
For $c=0.5$ put the value of $c$ in the two equations,
$$f(x)=\begin{cases} 2x,\, &0\le x\le 1/2\\ 2-2x, &1/2<x\le 1.\end{cases}$$So clearly visible that not differentiable on $c=0.5$....
$LHD=2$ and $RHD=-2$

bro u only told to forget you :( :noo:
Z K Y
N Quick Reply
G
H
=
a