Stay ahead of learning milestones! Enroll in a class over the summer!

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
k i Adding contests to the Contest Collections
dcouchman   1
N Apr 5, 2023 by v_Enhance
Want to help AoPS remain a valuable Olympiad resource? Help us add contests to AoPS's Contest Collections.

Find instructions and a list of contests to add here: https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c40244h1064480_contests_to_add
1 reply
dcouchman
Sep 9, 2019
v_Enhance
Apr 5, 2023
k i Zero tolerance
ZetaX   49
N May 4, 2019 by NoDealsHere
Source: Use your common sense! (enough is enough)
Some users don't want to learn, some other simply ignore advises.
But please follow the following guideline:


To make it short: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!
If you don't have common sense, don't post.


More specifically:

For new threads:


a) Good, meaningful title:
The title has to say what the problem is about in best way possible.
If that title occured already, it's definitely bad. And contest names aren't good either.
That's in fact a requirement for being able to search old problems.

Examples:
Bad titles:
- "Hard"/"Medium"/"Easy" (if you find it so cool how hard/easy it is, tell it in the post and use a title that tells us the problem)
- "Number Theory" (hey guy, guess why this forum's named that way¿ and is it the only such problem on earth¿)
- "Fibonacci" (there are millions of Fibonacci problems out there, all posted and named the same...)
- "Chinese TST 2003" (does this say anything about the problem¿)
Good titles:
- "On divisors of a³+2b³+4c³-6abc"
- "Number of solutions to x²+y²=6z²"
- "Fibonacci numbers are never squares"


b) Use search function:
Before posting a "new" problem spend at least two, better five, minutes to look if this problem was posted before. If it was, don't repost it. If you have anything important to say on topic, post it in one of the older threads.
If the thread is locked cause of this, use search function.

Update (by Amir Hossein). The best way to search for two keywords in AoPS is to input
[code]+"first keyword" +"second keyword"[/code]
so that any post containing both strings "first word" and "second form".


c) Good problem statement:
Some recent really bad post was:
[quote]$lim_{n\to 1}^{+\infty}\frac{1}{n}-lnn$[/quote]
It contains no question and no answer.
If you do this, too, you are on the best way to get your thread deleted. Write everything clearly, define where your variables come from (and define the "natural" numbers if used). Additionally read your post at least twice before submitting. After you sent it, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.


For answers to already existing threads:


d) Of any interest and with content:
Don't post things that are more trivial than completely obvious. For example, if the question is to solve $x^{3}+y^{3}=z^{3}$, do not answer with "$x=y=z=0$ is a solution" only. Either you post any kind of proof or at least something unexpected (like "$x=1337, y=481, z=42$ is the smallest solution). Someone that does not see that $x=y=z=0$ is a solution of the above without your post is completely wrong here, this is an IMO-level forum.
Similar, posting "I have solved this problem" but not posting anything else is not welcome; it even looks that you just want to show off what a genius you are.

e) Well written and checked answers:
Like c) for new threads, check your solutions at least twice for mistakes. And after sending, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.



To repeat it: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!


Everything definitely out of range of common sense will be locked or deleted (exept for new users having less than about 42 posts, they are newbies and need/get some time to learn).

The above rules will be applied from next monday (5. march of 2007).
Feel free to discuss on this here.
49 replies
ZetaX
Feb 27, 2007
NoDealsHere
May 4, 2019
Tangent circles
Vlados021   3
N a minute ago by fearsum_fyz
Source: 2017 Belarus Team Selection Test 6.3
Given an isosceles triangle $ABC$ with $AB=AC$. let $\omega(XYZ)$ be the circumcircle of a triangle $XYZ$. Tangents to $\omega(ABC)$ at $B$ and $C$ meet at $D$. Point $F$ is marked on the arc $AB$ (opposite to $C$). Let $K$, $L$ be the intersection points of $AF$ and $BD$, $AB$ and $CF$, respectively.
Prove that if circles $\omega(BTS)$ and $\omega(CFK)$ are tangent to each other, the their tangency point belongs to $AB$. (Here $T$ and $S$ are the centers of the circles $\omega(BLC)$ and $\omega(BLK)$, respectively.)
3 replies
Vlados021
Mar 31, 2019
fearsum_fyz
a minute ago
Inspired by SunnyEvan
sqing   0
10 minutes ago
Source: Own
Let $ a,b,c   $ be reals such that $ a^2+b^2+c^2=5(ab+bc+ca). $ Prove that$$ -\frac{1}{25} \leq \frac{a^3b+b^3c+c^3a}{(a^2+b^2+c^2)^2} \leq \frac{197}{675} $$
0 replies
1 viewing
sqing
10 minutes ago
0 replies
3 var inequality
SunnyEvan   1
N 13 minutes ago by sqing
Let $ a,b,c \in R $ ,such that $ a^2+b^2+c^2=4(ab+bc+ca)$Prove that :$$ \frac{53}{2}-9\sqrt{14} \leq \frac{8(a^3b+b^3c+c^3a)}{27(a^2+b^2+c^2)^2} \leq \frac{53}{2}+9\sqrt{14} $$
1 reply
+1 w
SunnyEvan
2 hours ago
sqing
13 minutes ago
Prove that the triangle is isosceles.
TUAN2k8   5
N 17 minutes ago by JARP091
Source: My book
Given acute triangle $ABC$ with two altitudes $CF$ and $BE$.Let $D$ be the point on the line $CF$ such that $DB \perp BC$.The lines $AD$ and $EF$ intersect at point $X$, and $Y$ is the point on segment $BX$ such that $CY \perp BY$.Suppose that $CF$ bisects $BE$.Prove that triangle $ACY$ is isosceles.
5 replies
TUAN2k8
Yesterday at 9:55 AM
JARP091
17 minutes ago
one variable function
youochange   0
20 minutes ago
$f:\mathbb R-\{0,1\} \to \mathbb R$


$f(x)+f(\frac{1}{1-x})=2x$
0 replies
+1 w
youochange
20 minutes ago
0 replies
Israel Number Theory
mathisreaI   64
N 21 minutes ago by Jlzh25
Source: IMO 2022 Problem 5
Find all triples $(a,b,p)$ of positive integers with $p$ prime and \[ a^p=b!+p. \]
64 replies
mathisreaI
Jul 13, 2022
Jlzh25
21 minutes ago
Find the minimum
sqing   7
N 28 minutes ago by sqing
Source: China Shandong High School Mathematics Competition 2025 Q4
Let $ a,b,c>0,abc>1$. Find the minimum value of $ \frac {abc(a+b+c+8)}{abc-1}. $
7 replies
sqing
6 hours ago
sqing
28 minutes ago
Insspired by Shandong 2025
sqing   5
N 32 minutes ago by sqing
Source: Own
Let $ a,b,c>0,abc>1$. Prove that$$ \frac {abc(a+b+c+ab+bc+ca+3)}{  abc-1}\geq \frac {81}{4}$$$$  \frac {abc(a+b+c+ab+bc+ca+abc+2)}{  abc-1}\geq  12+8\sqrt{2}$$
5 replies
sqing
6 hours ago
sqing
32 minutes ago
Bound of number of connected components
a_507_bc   3
N 2 hours ago by MmdMathLover
Source: St. Petersburg 2023 11.7
Let $G$ be a connected graph and let $X, Y$ be two disjoint subsets of its vertices, such that there are no edges between them. Given that $G/X$ has $m$ connected components and $G/Y$ has $n$ connected components, what is the minimal number of connected components of the graph $G/(X \cup Y)$?
3 replies
a_507_bc
Aug 12, 2023
MmdMathLover
2 hours ago
A circle tangent to the circumcircle, excircles related
kosmonauten3114   0
2 hours ago
Source: My own, maybe well-known
Let $ABC$ be a scalene triangle with excircles $\odot(I_A)$, $\odot(I_B)$, $\odot(I_C)$. Let $\odot(A')$ be the circle which touches $\odot(I_B)$ and $\odot(I_C)$ and passes through $A$, and whose center $A'$ lies outside of the excentral triangle of $\triangle{ABC}$. Define $\odot(B')$ and $\odot(C')$ cyclically. Let $\odot(O')$ be the circle externally tangent to $\odot(A')$, $\odot(B')$, $\odot(C')$.

Prove that $\odot(O')$ is tangent to the circumcircle of $\triangle{ABC}$ at the anticomplement of the Feuerbach point of $\triangle{ABC}$.
0 replies
kosmonauten3114
2 hours ago
0 replies
Bounds on degree of polynomials
Phorphyrion   4
N 2 hours ago by Kingsbane2139
Source: 2020 Israel Olympic Revenge P3
For each positive integer $n$, define $f(n)$ to be the least positive integer for which the following holds:

For any partition of $\{1,2,\dots, n\}$ into $k>1$ disjoint subsets $A_1, \dots, A_k$, all of the same size, let $P_i(x)=\prod_{a\in A_i}(x-a)$. Then there exist $i\neq j$ for which
\[\deg(P_i(x)-P_j(x))\geq \frac{n}{k}-f(n)\]
a) Prove that there is a constant $c$ so that $f(n)\le c\cdot \sqrt{n}$ for all $n$.

b) Prove that for infinitely many $n$, one has $f(n)\ge \ln(n)$.
4 replies
Phorphyrion
Jun 11, 2022
Kingsbane2139
2 hours ago
A point on BC
jayme   7
N 3 hours ago by jayme
Source: Own ?
Dear Mathlinkers,

1. ABC a triangle
2. 0 the circumcircle
3. D the pole of BC wrt 0
4. B', C' the symmetrics of B, C wrt AC, AB
5. 1b, 1c the circumcircles of the triangles BB'D, CC'D
6. T the second point of intersection of the tangent to 1c at D with 1b.

Prove : B, C and T are collinear.

Sincerely
Jean-Louis
7 replies
jayme
Today at 6:08 AM
jayme
3 hours ago
Zack likes Moving Points
pinetree1   73
N 3 hours ago by NumberzAndStuff
Source: USA TSTST 2019 Problem 5
Let $ABC$ be an acute triangle with orthocenter $H$ and circumcircle $\Gamma$. A line through $H$ intersects segments $AB$ and $AC$ at $E$ and $F$, respectively. Let $K$ be the circumcenter of $\triangle AEF$, and suppose line $AK$ intersects $\Gamma$ again at a point $D$. Prove that line $HK$ and the line through $D$ perpendicular to $\overline{BC}$ meet on $\Gamma$.

Gunmay Handa
73 replies
pinetree1
Jun 25, 2019
NumberzAndStuff
3 hours ago
Domain and Inequality
Kunihiko_Chikaya   1
N 3 hours ago by Mathzeus1024
Source: 2018 The University of Tokyo entrance exam / Humanities, Problem 1
Define on a coordinate plane, the parabola $C:y=x^2-3x+4$ and the domain $D:y\geq x^2-3x+4.$
Suppose that two lines $l,\ m$ passing through the origin touch $C$.

(1) Let $A$ be a mobile point on the parabola $C$. Let denote $L,\ M$ the distances between the point $A$ and the lines $l,\ m$ respectively. Find the coordinate of the point $A$ giving the minimum value of $\sqrt{L}+\sqrt{M}.$

(2) Draw the domain of the set of the points $P(p,\ q)$ on a coordinate plane such that for all points $(x,\ y)$ over the domain $D$, the inequality $px+qy\leq 0$ holds.
1 reply
Kunihiko_Chikaya
Feb 25, 2018
Mathzeus1024
3 hours ago
Roots of third degree equation
shobber   34
N Apr 25, 2025 by Ilikeminecraft
Source: Canada 1996
If $\alpha$, $\beta$, and $\gamma$ are the roots of $x^3 - x - 1 = 0$, compute $\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} + \frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta} + \frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma}$.
34 replies
shobber
Mar 4, 2006
Ilikeminecraft
Apr 25, 2025
Roots of third degree equation
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: Canada 1996
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
shobber
3498 posts
#1 • 3 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247, yshk
If $\alpha$, $\beta$, and $\gamma$ are the roots of $x^3 - x - 1 = 0$, compute $\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} + \frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta} + \frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma}$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
metru
157 posts
#2 • 9 Y
Y by NewBeginning, bel.jad5, yousseframzi, Adventure10, RedFireTruck, AlexCenteno2007, persamaankuadrat, and 2 other users

If $\alpha$, $\beta$, and $\gamma$ are the roots of $x^3 - x - 1 = 0$,
compute $\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} + \frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta} + \frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma}$.

(Canada National Olympiad 1996)


Solution:

If $\alpha ,\beta$ and $\gamma$ are the roots of $x^3 - x - 1 = 0$,
then $\frac{{1 + \alpha }}{{1 - \alpha }},\frac{{1 + \beta }}{{1 - \beta }}$ and $\frac{{1 + \gamma }}{{1 - \gamma }}$ are the roots of
$\left( {\frac{{u - 1}} {{u + 1}}} \right)^3 - \left( {\frac{{u - 1}} {{u + 1}}} \right) - 1 = 0 \Leftrightarrow$

$\Leftrightarrow u^3 + 7u^2 - u + 1 = 0$


Then we have:
$\frac{{1 + \alpha }} {{1 - \alpha }} + \frac{{1 + \beta }} {{1 - \beta }} + \frac{{1 + \gamma }} {{1 - \gamma }} = - 7$
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by metru, Mar 4, 2006, 4:39 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mathisfun1
105 posts
#3 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Clever, Metru!
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
shadysaysurspammed
1181 posts
#4 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
metru wrote:
[If $\alpha ,\beta$ and $\gamma$ are the roots of $x^3 - x - 1 = 0$,
then $\frac{{1 + \alpha }}{{1 - \alpha }},\frac{{1 + \beta }}{{1 - \beta }}$ and $\frac{{1 + \gamma }}{{1 - \gamma }}$ are the roots of
$\left( {\frac{{u - 1}} {{u + 1}}} \right)^3 - \left( {\frac{{u - 1}} {{u + 1}}} \right) - 1 = 0$

Why? :huh:
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
chess64
4794 posts
#5 • 4 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247, Mango247, Mango247
If $u = \frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha}$, then $u-u\alpha=1+\alpha\Longleftrightarrow \alpha\cdot (1+u)=u-1$, so $\alpha = \frac{u-1}{u+1}$. Since $\alpha^3-\alpha-1=0$, we must have \[ \left(\frac{u-1}{u+1}\right)^3-\left(\frac{u-1}{u+1}\right)-1=0. \]
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
shyong
1677 posts
#6 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
here is my friend's solution .

Letting $S=\sum\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha}$ , then $S+3=\sum\frac{2}{1-\alpha}=2\frac{\sum (1-\beta)(1-\gamma)}{(1-\alpha)(1-\beta)(1-\gamma)}$

Since $f(x)=x^3-x-1=(x-\alpha)(x-\beta)(x-\gamma)$ , $f(1)=(1-\alpha)(1-\beta)(1-\gamma)=-1$

So the denominator of $S+3$ is $-1$ while the numerator (after expanding and using vieta) we find that it is $4$ .So $S+3=-4$ $\implies S=-7$

:)
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
vijay_singh
6 posts
#7 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
shyong wrote:
here is my friend's solution .

Letting $S=\sum\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha}$ , then $S+3=\sum\frac{2}{1-\alpha}=2\frac{\sum (1-\beta)(1-\gamma)}{(1-\alpha)(1-\beta)(1-\gamma)}$

Since $f(x)=x^{3}-x-1=(x-\alpha)(x-\beta)(x-\gamma)$ , $f(1)=(1-\alpha)(1-\beta)(1-\gamma)=-1$

So the denominator of $S+3$ is $-1$ while the numerator (after expanding and using vieta) we find that it is $4$ .So $S+3=-4$ $\implies S=-7$

:)

Can some body please explain how
$f(x)=x^{3}-x-1=(x-\alpha)(x-\beta)(x-\gamma)$

Just because \alpha , \beta , \gamma are roots of f(x) doesn't mean above is true.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
kprepaf
1372 posts
#8 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Quote:
Can some body please explain how
$f(x)=x^{3}-x-1=(x-\alpha)(x-\beta)(x-\gamma)$

Just because \alpha , \beta , \gamma are roots of f(x) doesn't mean above is true.

This is just euclidean division on polynomials , $P(\alpha) = 0 $ means $x-\alpha$ divides $P(x)$ i.e , there exists a polynomial $Q$ (of degree $2$ ) such that $P(x) = (x-\alpha) Q(x) $ for all $X$ (This is because the ring of polynomials is euclidean just like $\mathbb{Z}$ Do the same thing , since $\beta $ is another root of $P$ We have necessarily $Q(\beta)=0$ (since $\beta \ne \alpha $ ) and so on .
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
NewBeginning
113 posts
#9 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Note that $\sum\limits_{sym}^{} \frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} = \sum\limits_{sym}^{}\frac{1-\alpha + 2\alpha}{1-\alpha} = \sum\limits_{sym}^{}1+\frac{2\alpha}{1-\alpha} = 3+ 2\sum\limits_{sym}^{}\frac{\alpha}{1-\alpha}$.

We can rewrite the equation $x^3-x-1=0$ as $x=x^3-1$. Hence, $3+2\sum\limits_{sym}^{}\frac{\alpha}{1-\alpha} = 3+2\sum\limits_{sym}^{}\frac{\alpha^3-1}{1-\alpha} = 3-2\sum\limits_{sym}^{} \frac{\alpha^3-1}{\alpha-1}$

Since $1$ is not a root of the equation, we can divide and get

$3-2\sum\limits_{sym}^{} \alpha^2+\alpha+1 = 3-2(s^2-2(\alpha\beta + \beta\gamma + \gamma\alpha) + s + 3) = 3-2(0^2-2(-1) + 0 +3) = -7$

@below thanks!
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by NewBeginning, Nov 24, 2017, 4:37 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
fungarwai
865 posts
#10 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
NewBeginning wrote:
$3-2\sum\limits_{sym}^{} \alpha^2+\alpha+1 = 3-2(s^2-2(\alpha\beta + \beta\gamma + \gamma\alpha) + s + 1)$

$\sum_{sym}(\alpha^2+\alpha+1)=s^2-2(\alpha\beta+\beta\gamma+\gamma\alpha)+s+3$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
e_plus_pi
756 posts
#11 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Isn't this simply vieta? :D
$Solution:$
Firstly let $P(x) = x^3 - x- 1$ . Then $\alpha,\beta,\gamma$ are the roots of $P(x)$. For brevity, let $\alpha =a ,
\beta =b, \gamma=c$.(Lazinesss :P )
Then by vieta's theorem, we have that:
$\longrightarrow \sum_{cyc} a = 0$

$\longrightarrow \sum_{cyc} ab = -1$

$\longrightarrow  abc = 1$.

Expanding the given equation we have:

$\dfrac{\sum_{cyc}(1+a)(1-b)(1-c)}{(1-a)(1-b)(1-c)}$

$\iff  \dfrac{7}{-1}$

Hence the answer is $-7$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
HamstPan38825
8866 posts
#12
Y by
Let $P$ be the polynomial $x^3-x-1$. Then $$\sum_{\mathrm{cyc}} \frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} = \frac{\sum_{\mathrm{cyc}} (1+\alpha)(1-\beta)(1-\gamma)}{(1-\alpha)(1-\beta)(1-\gamma)} = \frac{3+3\alpha\beta\gamma - \sum \alpha - \sum \alpha \beta}{P(1)} = \boxed{-7}.$$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Rounak_iitr
456 posts
#13
Y by
Ans: -7
1+a÷1-a=t
=> 1÷a=t+1÷t-1=>a=t-1÷t+1
Putting the value of 'a' in given Equation, we get The sum of roots as -7
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
rchokler
2975 posts
#14
Y by
\begin{align*}
\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha}+\frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta}+\frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma}
&=\frac{(1+\alpha)(1-\beta)(1-\gamma)+(1-\alpha)(1+\beta)(1-\gamma)+(1-\alpha)(1-\beta)(1+\gamma)}{(1-\alpha)(1-\beta)(1-\gamma)}\\
&=\frac{3-(\alpha+\beta+\gamma)-(\alpha\beta+\alpha\gamma+\beta\gamma)+3\alpha\beta\gamma}{1-(\alpha+\beta+\gamma)+(\alpha\beta+\alpha\gamma+\beta\gamma)-\alpha\beta\gamma}\\
&=\frac{3-0+1+3\cdot 1}{1-0-1-1}\\
&=-7\\
\end{align*}
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
RedFireTruck
4223 posts
#15
Y by
Let $1-\alpha=a$, $1-\beta=b$, and $1-\gamma=c$. Then $a$, $b$, and $c$ are the roots of $(1-x)^3-(1-x)-1=-x^3+3x^2-2x-1$. Therefore, $\frac{2-a}{a}+\frac{2-b}{b}+\frac{2-c}{c}=2(\frac1a+\frac1b+\frac1c)-3=2(\frac{2}{-1})-3=-7$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
cinnamon_e
703 posts
#16
Y by
solution
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
SkatingKitty
223 posts
#17 • 1 Y
Y by mbrioche
@cinnamon_e,
very nice job! I'm highly impressed. Oh...if you don't mind accepting my friend request....
Later
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
cazanova19921
552 posts
#18
Y by
shobber wrote:
If $\alpha$, $\beta$, and $\gamma$ are the roots of $x^3 - x - 1 = 0$, compute $S=\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} + \frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta} + \frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma}$.

Let $P(x)=x^3-x-1$, then $\frac{P’(x)}{P(x)}=\sum\frac1{x-\alpha}$, therefore
$$S=-3+ 2\frac{P’(1)}{P(1)} =-7$$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by cazanova19921, Apr 20, 2023, 3:34 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Rounak_iitr
456 posts
#19
Y by
By Vietas Relation, we get $$\alpha+\beta+\gamma=0$$$$\alpha\beta+\beta\gamma+\gamma\alpha=-1$$$$\alpha\beta\gamma=1$$We need to find the value of $\sum_{cyc}{}\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha}.$ Now we have to find an equation whose roots are $\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha},$ $\frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta},$ $\frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma}$
Now, $\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha}=t\implies\alpha=\frac{t-1}{t+1}$ Putting the value of $\alpha$ in given $eq^n$ we get $$\left(\frac{t-1}{t+1}\right)^3-\left(\frac{t-1}{t+1}\right)-1=0.$$After simplify we get our reqd. equation as $$t^3+7t^2-t+1=0.$$therefore $$\sum_{cyc}{}\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha}=-7$$Is the correct answer....
VIETAS RELATION :love:
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Filipjack
873 posts
#20
Y by
I think solutions like #2 and #16 are actually slightly incomplete. It should be mentioned that the roots are distinct in order for the proof to actually work. Otherwise there is no guarantee that the multiplicities of the roots are preserved.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Significant
211 posts
#21
Y by
Taken from my notebook:
Clearly,
\[
\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha}+\frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta}+\frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma}=3+2\left(\frac{\alpha}{1-\alpha}+\frac{\beta}{1-\beta}+\frac{\gamma}{1-\gamma}\right).
\]We also know that
\begin{align*}
	\alpha & =\alpha^3-1, \\ 
	\beta & =\beta^3-1, \\
	\gamma & =\gamma^3-1.
\end{align*}After substituting, our desired result becomes,
\begin{align*}
	3+2\left(\frac{\alpha}{1-\alpha}+\frac{\beta}{1-\beta}+\frac{\gamma}{1-\gamma}\right) = & 3+2(-\alpha^2-\alpha-1-\beta^2-\beta-1-\gamma^2-\gamma-1).
\end{align*}By Vieta's, we have
\begin{align*}
	\alpha^2+\beta^2+\gamma^2 & = 2, \\
	\alpha+\beta+\gamma & =0.
\end{align*}Hence, our desired result becomes
\[3+2(-\alpha^2-\alpha-1-\beta^2-\beta-1-\gamma^2-\gamma-1)=3+2(-5)=\boxed{-7}\]
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Ianis
413 posts
#22
Y by
Filipjack wrote:
I think solutions like #2 and #16 are actually slightly incomplete. It should be mentioned that the roots are distinct in order for the proof to actually work. Otherwise there is no guarantee that the multiplicities of the roots are preserved.

Anyway, that's easy. Right now I can think of two ways of proving it.

Elementary:
If $f(x)=x^3-x-1$ had a multiple root then it would be a root of $f'(x)=3x^2-1$, but the roots of $3x^2-1$ are not roots of $x^3-x-1$. Hence $\alpha \neq \beta \neq \gamma \neq \alpha$.

Advanced:
By the Rational Root Theorem we have that the only possible rational roots of $f(x)=x^3-x-1$ are $\pm 1$, but $f(1)=f(-1)=-1$, so $f$ does not have rational roots and therefore it is irreducible in $\mathbb{Q}[x]$. From $\operatorname{char}\mathbb{Q}=0$ we get that $f$ is separable over $\mathbb{Q}$. Hence $\alpha \neq \beta \neq \gamma \neq \alpha$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Filipjack
873 posts
#23
Y by
Ianis wrote:
Filipjack wrote:
I think solutions like #2 and #16 are actually slightly incomplete. It should be mentioned that the roots are distinct in order for the proof to actually work. Otherwise there is no guarantee that the multiplicities of the roots are preserved.

Anyway, that's easy. Right now I can think of two ways of proving it.

Elementary:
If $f(x)=x^3-x-1$ had a multiple root then it would be a root of $f'(x)=3x^2-1$, but the roots of $3x^2-1$ are not roots of $x^3-x-1$. Hence $\alpha \neq \beta \neq \gamma \neq \alpha$.

Advanced:
By the Rational Root Theorem we have that the only possible rational roots of $f(x)=x^3-x-1$ are $\pm 1$, but $f(1)=f(-1)=-1$, so $f$ does not have rational roots and therefore it is irreducible in $\mathbb{Q}[x]$. From $\operatorname{char}\mathbb{Q}=0$ we get that $f$ is separable over $\mathbb{Q}$. Hence $\alpha \neq \beta \neq \gamma \neq \alpha$.

Well, yeah, it's easy, but I didn't make that remark because that step was hard, but rather to emphasize this common (and subtle) error: If $r_1, \ldots, r_n$ are the roots of some polynomial $p$ and I prove that
$r_i$ is a root of $p$ $\implies$ $\varphi(r_i)$ is a root of $q,$ for $i=\overline{1,n},$

this won't actually prove that the multiplicity is preserved. If $r_1$ is a double root, for instance, the above implications merely say twice that $\varphi(r_1)$ is a root of $q,$ but they don't actually say that $\varphi(r_i)$ is a double root of $q.$

Anyway, we don't really need the roots to be distinct. That was just a quick fix. Using the factorization of $p,$ we can easily see that $p\left(\tfrac{X-b}{a}\right)$ has the roots $ar_1+b,\ldots,ar_n+b$ (with multiplicities preserved) and $X^np \left(\tfrac{1}{X} \right)$ has the roots $\tfrac{1}{r_1},\ldots\tfrac{1}{r_n}$ (again, with multiplicities preserved; here we assume that the roots are non-zero), so we get the result if we use the right compositions.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
trinhquockhanh
522 posts
#24 • 1 Y
Y by Rounak_iitr
By Vieta's formula, we get $\left\{ \begin{array}{l}
\alpha  + \beta  + \gamma  = 0\\
\alpha \beta  + \beta \gamma  + \gamma \alpha  =  - 1\\
\alpha \beta \gamma  = 1
\end{array} \right. ,$ then we have$$\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} + \frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta} + \frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma}=\frac{{3 - (\alpha  + \beta  + \gamma ) - (\alpha \beta  + \beta \gamma  + \gamma \alpha ) + 3\alpha \beta \gamma }}{{1 - (\alpha  + \beta  + \gamma ) + (\alpha \beta  + \beta \gamma  + \gamma \alpha ) - \alpha \beta \gamma }}=-7.$$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by trinhquockhanh, Aug 7, 2023, 9:51 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
LostDreams
144 posts
#25
Y by
By Vieta's formula
\begin{align*}
\alpha\beta\gamma = 1 \\
\alpha\beta + \beta\gamma + \alpha\gamma = -1 \\
\alpha + \beta + \gamma = 0
\end{align*}
and expressing $\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} + \frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta} + \frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma}$ with a common denominator we get

$$ \frac{3+3\alpha\beta\gamma-\alpha\gamma-\beta\gamma-\alpha\beta-\alpha-\gamma-\beta}{1-\alpha-\beta-\gamma+\alpha\beta+\alpha\gamma+\gamma\beta-\alpha\beta\gamma} = \frac{3+3+1}{-1} = \boxed{-7} $$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by LostDreams, Aug 28, 2023, 2:20 AM
Reason: forgot to add $$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
joshualiu315
2534 posts
#26
Y by
We have

\begin{align*} 
&\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} + \frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta} + \frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma} \\
= \ &\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} + 1 + \frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta} + 1 + \frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma} + 1 - 3 \\
= \ & -2\left(\frac{1}{\alpha-1} + \frac{1}{\beta-1} + \frac{1}{\gamma-1} \right)-3
\end{align*}
The polynomial with roots $\alpha-1$, $\beta-1$, and $\gamma-1$ is $(x+1)^3-(x+1)-1=x^3 + 3 x^2 + 2 x - 1$. Then, the polynomial with roots $\frac{1}{\alpha-1}$, $\frac{1}{\beta-1}$, $\frac{1}{\gamma-1}$ is $-x^3+2x^2+3x+1$, so our answer is

\[-2\left(\frac{1}{\alpha-1} + \frac{1}{\beta-1} + \frac{1}{\gamma-1} \right)-3 = -2(2)-3 = \boxed{-7}.\]
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Cusofay
85 posts
#27
Y by
By Vieta's formula, we know that $u=a+b+c=0$,$v=ab+bc+ca=-1$ and $w=abc=1$.
And since the desired sum can be rewrited as
$\dfrac{3+3w-v-u}{1+v-u-w}$ we find that $S=-7$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Entrepreneur
1176 posts
#28
Y by
If $\alpha, \beta$ & $\gamma$ are the zeroes of $$f(x) =ax^3+bx^2+cx+d,$$then $\frac{k+\alpha}{k-\alpha}, \frac{k+\beta}{k-\beta}$ and $\frac{k+\gamma}{k-\gamma}$ are the zeroes of $$g(x) = (ak^3+bk^2+ck+d)x^3-(3ak^3+bk^2-ck-3d)x^2+(3ak^3-bk^2-ck+3d)x-(ak^3-bk^2+ck-d).$$$$\boxed{\therefore \frac{k+\alpha}{k-\alpha}+\frac{k+\beta}{k-\beta}+\frac{k+\gamma}{k-\gamma}=\frac{3ak^3+bk^2-ck-3d}{ak^3+bk^2+ck+d}}$$
This post has been edited 5 times. Last edited by Entrepreneur, Dec 3, 2023, 7:08 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
peppapig_
280 posts
#29
Y by
Let $r$ be a root of $f(x)=x^3-x-1$. Through addition, we have that
\[\frac{1+r}{1-r}=-1+\frac{2}{1-r},\]however, since $r$ is a root of $f(x)$, we have that
\[r^3-r-1=0 \iff r^3-r=1 \iff -r^2-r=\frac{1}{1-r} \iff -2r^2-2r=\frac{2}{1-r},\]meaning that
\[\frac{1+r}{1-r}=-1-2r-2r^2,\]which gives that
\[\frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} + \frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta} + \frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma} = -3-2(\alpha+\beta+\gamma)-2(\alpha^2+\beta^2+\gamma^2).\]By Vieta's formulas, we have that $\alpha+\beta+\gamma=0$ and $\alpha^2+\beta^2+\gamma^2=0^2-2(-1)=2$, giving us an answer of $-3-2(0)-2(2),$ or $-7$.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by peppapig_, Dec 17, 2023, 3:46 PM
Reason: Negative sign
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
KOFSCIMQOMISART
17 posts
#30
Y by
Let a,b,c be the roots, so we have that a+b+c=0, abc=1 and ab+bc+ac=-1
Let H be our expression so H=7/(1-a)(1-b)(1-c)
It is easy to check that (1-a)(1-b)(1-c)=-1 and finally we get H=-1
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Mr.Sharkman
500 posts
#31
Y by
Solution
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Markas
150 posts
#32
Y by
We want to find A = $\frac{1 + \alpha}{1 - \alpha} + \frac{1 + \beta}{1 - \beta} + \frac{1 + \gamma}{1 - \gamma} = \frac{(1 + \alpha)(1 - \beta)(1 - \gamma) + (1 + \beta)(1 - \alpha)(1 - \gamma) + (1 + \gamma)(1 - \alpha)(1 - \beta)}{(1 - \alpha)(1 - \beta)(1 - \gamma)} = \frac{3 + 3\alpha\beta\gamma - (\alpha + \beta + \gamma) - (\alpha\beta + \alpha\gamma + \beta\gamma)}{1 - (\alpha + \beta + \gamma) + (\alpha\beta + \alpha\gamma + \beta\gamma) - \alpha\beta\gamma}$. Now from Vieta's we get that $\alpha + \beta + \gamma = 0$, $\alpha\beta + \alpha\gamma + \beta\gamma = -1$, $\alpha\beta\gamma = 1$. Now we plug in these sums in the equation for A we got $\Rightarrow$ $A = \frac{3 + 3.1 - 0 - (-1)}{1 - 0 + (-1) - 1} = \frac{7}{-1} = -7$ $\Rightarrow$ the answer is -7.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
combowomborhombo
11 posts
#33
Y by
We can construct a new polynomial with roots:

\[
\frac{1 + \alpha}{1 - \alpha}, \quad \frac{1 + \beta}{1 - \beta}
\]
The manipulation involves the transformation:

\[
\left( \frac{u - 1}{u + 1} \right)^3 - \left( \frac{u - 1}{u + 1} \right) - 1 = 0
\]
This expression simplifies to the polynomial:

\[
u^3 + 7u^2 - u + 1 = 0
\]
Using Vieta's formulas, we can find the sum of the roots of this new polynomial, which is:

\[
\boxed{-7}
\]
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
megahertz13
3183 posts
#34
Y by
Let $x$ be the desired expression. Note that $$x+3=2\bigg(\frac{1}{1-a}+\frac{1}{1-b}+\frac{1}{1-c}\bigg).$$We can create a common denominator for $$\frac{1}{1-a}+\frac{1}{1-b}+\frac{1}{1-c}$$to find that it is $-2$. The answer is $\boxed{-7}$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Ilikeminecraft
656 posts
#35
Y by
Let $P(x) = x^3 - x - 1.$ First, we have that $P(1) = (1 - \alpha)(1 - \beta)(1 - \gamma) = -1.$ We also have that from Vietas, $\alpha + \beta + \gamma = 0, \alpha\beta + \alpha\gamma + \beta\gamma = -1.$ Thus,
\begin{align*}
    \frac{1+\alpha}{1-\alpha} + \frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta} + \frac{1+\gamma}{1-\gamma} & = -3 + \frac{2}{1-\alpha} + \frac{2}{1-\beta} + \frac{2}{1-\gamma} \\
    & = -3 + 2 \left(\frac{3 - 2\alpha - 2\beta - 2\gamma + \alpha\beta + \alpha\gamma + \beta\gamma}{(1 - \alpha)(1 - \beta)(1 - \gamma)}\right) \\
    & = -3 + 2 \left(\frac{3 - 1}{-1}\right) = \boxed{-7}
\end{align*}
Z K Y
N Quick Reply
G
H
=
a