Summer is a great time to explore cool problems to keep your skills sharp!  Schedule a class today!

G
Topic
First Poster
Last Poster
[ELMO2] The Multiplication Table
v_Enhance   27
N 2 hours ago by Mr.Sharkman
Source: ELMO 2015, Problem 2 (Shortlist N1)
Let $m$, $n$, and $x$ be positive integers. Prove that \[ \sum_{i = 1}^n \min\left(\left\lfloor \frac{x}{i} \right\rfloor, m \right) = \sum_{i = 1}^m \min\left(\left\lfloor \frac{x}{i} \right\rfloor, n \right). \]
Proposed by Yang Liu
27 replies
v_Enhance
Jun 27, 2015
Mr.Sharkman
2 hours ago
Problem 1
randomusername   74
N 2 hours ago by Mr.Sharkman
Source: IMO 2015, Problem 1
We say that a finite set $\mathcal{S}$ of points in the plane is balanced if, for any two different points $A$ and $B$ in $\mathcal{S}$, there is a point $C$ in $\mathcal{S}$ such that $AC=BC$. We say that $\mathcal{S}$ is centre-free if for any three different points $A$, $B$ and $C$ in $\mathcal{S}$, there is no points $P$ in $\mathcal{S}$ such that $PA=PB=PC$.

(a) Show that for all integers $n\ge 3$, there exists a balanced set consisting of $n$ points.

(b) Determine all integers $n\ge 3$ for which there exists a balanced centre-free set consisting of $n$ points.

Proposed by Netherlands
74 replies
randomusername
Jul 10, 2015
Mr.Sharkman
2 hours ago
Find Triples of Integers
termas   41
N 2 hours ago by ilikemath247365
Source: IMO 2015 problem 2
Find all positive integers $(a,b,c)$ such that
$$ab-c,\quad bc-a,\quad ca-b$$are all powers of $2$.

Proposed by Serbia
41 replies
termas
Jul 10, 2015
ilikemath247365
2 hours ago
DO NOT OVERSLEEP JOHN MACKEY’S CLASS
ike.chen   31
N 2 hours ago by Mr.Sharkman
Source: USA TSTST 2023/4
Let $n\ge 3$ be an integer and let $K_n$ be the complete graph on $n$ vertices. Each edge of $K_n$ is colored either red, green, or blue. Let $A$ denote the number of triangles in $K_n$ with all edges of the same color, and let $B$ denote the number of triangles in $K_n$ with all edges of different colors. Prove
\[ B\le 2A+\frac{n(n-1)}{3}.\](The complete graph on $n$ vertices is the graph on $n$ vertices with $\tbinom n2$ edges, with exactly one edge joining every pair of vertices. A triangle consists of the set of $\tbinom 32=3$ edges between $3$ of these $n$ vertices.)

Proposed by Ankan Bhattacharya
31 replies
ike.chen
Jun 26, 2023
Mr.Sharkman
2 hours ago
Grade IX - Problem I
icx   23
N 3 hours ago by shendrew7
Source: Romanian National Mathematical Olympiad 2007
Let $a, b, c, d \in \mathbb{N^{*}}$ such that the equation \[x^{2}-(a^{2}+b^{2}+c^{2}+d^{2}+1)x+ab+bc+cd+da=0 \] has an integer solution. Prove that the other solution is integer too and both solutions are perfect squares.
23 replies
icx
Apr 13, 2007
shendrew7
3 hours ago
USAMO 2002 Problem 2
MithsApprentice   35
N 3 hours ago by sami1618
Let $ABC$ be a triangle such that
\[ \left( \cot \dfrac{A}{2} \right)^2 + \left( 2\cot \dfrac{B}{2} \right)^2 + \left( 3\cot \dfrac{C}{2} \right)^2 = \left( \dfrac{6s}{7r} \right)^2,  \]
where $s$ and $r$ denote its semiperimeter and its inradius, respectively. Prove that triangle $ABC$ is similar to a triangle $T$ whose side lengths are all positive integers with no common divisors and determine these integers.
35 replies
1 viewing
MithsApprentice
Sep 30, 2005
sami1618
3 hours ago
Center lies on altitude
plagueis   17
N 3 hours ago by bin_sherlo
Source: Mexico National Olympiad 2018 Problem 6
Let $ABC$ be an acute-angled triangle with circumference $\Omega$. Let the angle bisectors of $\angle B$ and $\angle C$ intersect $\Omega$ again at $M$ and $N$. Let $I$ be the intersection point of these angle bisectors. Let $M'$ and $N'$ be the respective reflections of $M$ and $N$ in $AC$ and $AB$. Prove that the center of the circle passing through $I$, $M'$, $N'$ lies on the altitude of triangle $ABC$ from $A$.

Proposed by Victor Domínguez and Ariel García
17 replies
plagueis
Nov 6, 2018
bin_sherlo
3 hours ago
IMO Shortlist 2014 C6
hajimbrak   22
N 3 hours ago by awesomeming327.
We are given an infinite deck of cards, each with a real number on it. For every real number $x$, there is exactly one card in the deck that has $x$ written on it. Now two players draw disjoint sets $A$ and $B$ of $100$ cards each from this deck. We would like to define a rule that declares one of them a winner. This rule should satisfy the following conditions:
1. The winner only depends on the relative order of the $200$ cards: if the cards are laid down in increasing order face down and we are told which card belongs to which player, but not what numbers are written on them, we can still decide the winner.
2. If we write the elements of both sets in increasing order as $A =\{ a_1 , a_2 , \ldots, a_{100} \}$ and $B= \{ b_1 , b_2 , \ldots , b_{100} \}$, and $a_i > b_i$ for all $i$, then $A$ beats $B$.
3. If three players draw three disjoint sets $A, B, C$ from the deck, $A$ beats $B$ and $B$ beats $C$ then $A$ also beats $C$.
How many ways are there to define such a rule? Here, we consider two rules as different if there exist two sets $A$ and $B$ such that $A$ beats $B$ according to one rule, but $B$ beats $A$ according to the other.

Proposed by Ilya Bogdanov, Russia
22 replies
hajimbrak
Jul 11, 2015
awesomeming327.
3 hours ago
annoying algebra with sequence :/
tabel   1
N 3 hours ago by L_.
Source: random 9th grade text book (section meant for contests)
Let \( a_1 = 1 \) and \( a_{n+1} = 1 + \frac{n}{a_n} \) for \( n \geq 1 \). Prove that the sequence \( (a_n)_{n \geq 1} \) is increasing.
1 reply
tabel
Yesterday at 4:55 PM
L_.
3 hours ago
The Return of Triangle Geometry
peace09   16
N 4 hours ago by NO_SQUARES
Source: 2023 ISL A7
Let $N$ be a positive integer. Prove that there exist three permutations $a_1,\dots,a_N$, $b_1,\dots,b_N$, and $c_1,\dots,c_N$ of $1,\dots,N$ such that \[\left|\sqrt{a_k}+\sqrt{b_k}+\sqrt{c_k}-2\sqrt{N}\right|<2023\]for every $k=1,2,\dots,N$.
16 replies
peace09
Jul 17, 2024
NO_SQUARES
4 hours ago
IMO Shortlist 2013, Number Theory #1
lyukhson   154
N May 11, 2025 by Markas
Source: IMO Shortlist 2013, Number Theory #1
Let $\mathbb{Z} _{>0}$ be the set of positive integers. Find all functions $f: \mathbb{Z} _{>0}\rightarrow \mathbb{Z} _{>0}$ such that
\[ m^2 + f(n) \mid mf(m) +n \]
for all positive integers $m$ and $n$.
154 replies
lyukhson
Jul 10, 2014
Markas
May 11, 2025
IMO Shortlist 2013, Number Theory #1
G H J
Source: IMO Shortlist 2013, Number Theory #1
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
lyukhson
127 posts
#1 • 28 Y
Y by Davi-8191, abab, Muaaz.SY, itslumi, mathematicsy, megarnie, rachelshi, jhu08, justJen, GeoMetrix, fluff_E, son7, Lamboreghini, Stuart111, hectorleo123, Adventure10, Mango247, trigadd123, ItsBesi, Akacool, rightways, pomodor_ap, cubres, farhad.fritl, and 4 other users
Let $\mathbb{Z} _{>0}$ be the set of positive integers. Find all functions $f: \mathbb{Z} _{>0}\rightarrow \mathbb{Z} _{>0}$ such that
\[ m^2 + f(n) \mid mf(m) +n \]
for all positive integers $m$ and $n$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
nicetry007
150 posts
#2 • 59 Y
Y by shmm, LeoTheRetard, randomasdf97, ArseneLupin, ajd1234, quangminhltv99, test20, baladin, Illuzion, hiabc, tapir1729, dantaxyz, pad, Hypernova, Amir Hossein, MathBoy23, karitoshi, MahsaMorady, programjames1, mathleticguyyy, Bumblebee60, vsamc, mynameisbob12, Muaaz.SY, jchang0313, SlimTune, Kanep, snakeaid, centslordm, hakN, math31415926535, leozitz, HamstPan38825, rachelshi, jhu08, megarnie, Timmy456, ZHEKSHEN, trying_to_solve_br, TFIRSTMGMEDALIST, son7, veirab, pog, Mathlover_1, Lamboreghini, mathmax12, tony88, Adventure10, Mango247, Tellocan, EpicBird08, Assassino9931, Sedro, cubres, Rayanelba, farhad.fritl, and 3 other users
Setting $m = f(n)$, we get $f(n)^2 + f(n) \mid f(n)f(f(n)) + n \Rightarrow f(n) \mid n \Rightarrow f(n) \leq n \; \forall \; n \in \mathbb{N}$.
This implies $f(1) = 1$.
Setting $m=n$, we get $n^2 + f(n) \mid nf(n) + n \Rightarrow n^2+f(n) \leq nf(n) + n \Rightarrow n^2 - n \leq (n-1)f(n)$
This implies $n \leq f(n) \;\forall \; n \geq 2 \Rightarrow f(n) = n \; \forall n \in \mathbb{N}$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
AkosS
113 posts
#3 • 11 Y
Y by Muaaz.SY, rachelshi, jhu08, megarnie, son7, Adventure10, Mango247, cubres, and 3 other users
Let $m=n$, then
\[m^2+f(m)|m(f(m)+1)\Rightarrow f(m)=\frac{k_m m^2-m}{m-k_m}\]
for some $k_m\in\mathbb{Z}^+$, so $1<k_m<m$ and thus $f(m)\leq m^3-m^2-m$, as with $k$ growing the numerator grows and the denominator shrinks, for $m=2$, this gives us $k=1$ and $f(2)=2$.

Now use $(2,m)$, then for some $l_m\in\mathbb{Z}^+$
\[4+f(m)|4+m\Rightarrow f(m)=\frac{m+4}{l_m}-4\leq m\]
Using $m=1$ and $m=3$ in $4+f(m)|4+m$ we get $f(1)=1$ and $f(3)=3$, so we can assume $m\geq 4$
Now look at the following:
\[\frac{m(mk_m-1)}{m-k_m}=f(m)\leq m\]
Use $k_m=2$, we get:
\[\frac{m(2m-1)}{m-2}-m=\frac{m(m+1)}{2}>0\]
This means that only $k_m=1$ can hold, meaning $f(m)=m$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
alibez
358 posts
#4 • 10 Y
Y by rachelshi, jhu08, megarnie, son7, kamatadu, Adventure10, cubres, and 3 other users
lyukhson wrote:
Let $\mathbb{Z} _{>0}$ be the set of positive integers. Find all functions $f: \mathbb{Z} _{>0}\rightarrow \mathbb{Z} _{>0}$ such that
\[ m^2 + f(n) \mid mf(m) +n \]
for all positive integers $m$ and $n$.


we know : $f(p)^{2}+f(p)\mid f(p)f(f(p))+p\Rightarrow f(p)=1\: or\: p$ ($p$ is prime number)

$i)$ if we have Infinitely many prime numbers such that $f(p)=p$ so we have:

$m^{2}+p\mid mf(m)+p\Rightarrow m^{2}+p\mid mf(m)-m^{2}\Rightarrow mf(m)-m^{2}=0\rightarrow f(m)=m$

$ii)$ if we don't have Infinitely many prime numbers such that $f(p)=p$ !

$m=n=p\rightarrow p^{2}+1\mid 2p$ and it is not true for Infinitely many prime numbers . so $f(m)=m$ is unique solution.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
gobathegreat
741 posts
#5 • 8 Y
Y by rachelshi, jhu08, tony88, Adventure10, cubres, and 3 other users
lyukhson wrote:
Let $\mathbb{Z} _{>0}$ be the set of positive integers. Find all functions $f: \mathbb{Z} _{>0}\rightarrow \mathbb{Z} _{>0}$ such that
\[ m^2 + f(n) \mid mf(m) +n \]
for all positive integers $m$ and $n$.

Let $P(m,n)$ be assertion of $ m^2 + f(n) \mid mf(m) +n $
$P(f(n),n)$ implies $f(n)$ divides $n$ so $f(n) \leq n$ .This implies $f(1)=1$. Now suppose for some $n$ we have $f(n)=n$ (this is possible since $f(1)=1$). We will prove that $f(n+1)=n+1$.
Consider:
$P(n,n+1)$:
Then $ n^2 + f(n+1) \mid nf(n) +n+1 $ from which we obtain $f(n+1) \leq n+1$
$P(n+1,n)$:
Then $ (n+1)^2 + n \mid (n+1)f(n+1) +n $ from which we obtain $n+1 \leq f(n+1)$.Together this implies $f(n+1) \leq n+1 \leq f(n+1)$ so $f(n+1)=n+1$.
Since $f(1)=1$ we see that $f(n)=n$ for every positive integer $n$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mathuz
1525 posts
#6 • 8 Y
Y by Mathuzb, rachelshi, jhu08, Adventure10, Mango247, cubres, and 2 other users
It's inequality problem. We have that $f(n)\ge n$ and there exists $k\in N$ such that $f(k)\le n+f(1)-1<2k$. So $f(k)=k$. So for all $n\in N$ \[ f(n)=n. \]
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
fclvbfm934
759 posts
#7 • 7 Y
Y by rachelshi, jhu08, Adventure10, Mango247, cubres, and 2 other users
Solution with thkim1011:
Let $m = n$ and we get $m^2 + f(m) | mf(m) + m$ so we have
\[m^2 + f(m) \le mf(m) + m\]
which rearranges to $f(m) \ge m$ for all $m \ge 2$. Now let $m = f(n)$ and we get
\[f(n)^2 + f(n) | f(f(n))\cdot f(n) + n\]
so $f(n) |n$ but $f(n) \ge n$, so the only viable possibility is $f(n) = n$ for $n \ge 2$. For $n = 1$, we have $f(1) | 1$, so $f(1) = 1$. It is easy to check that $f(n) = n$ satisfies the condition.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Number1
355 posts
#8 • 8 Y
Y by MiMi1376, randomasdf97, rachelshi, Adventure10, cubres, and 3 other users
If we put $m=n$ we get $f(m)\geq m$ for all $m \geq 2$ (*).

If we put $m=n=2$ we get $4+f(2)|2f(2)+2$ and thus $f(2) =2$.

If we put $m=2$ we get $4+f(n)|4+n$ and thus $f(n)\leq n$ for all $n$ (**).

If we use (*) and (**) we get $f(n)=n$ for all $n$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
MiMi1376
11 posts
#9 • 6 Y
Y by rachelshi, Adventure10, Mango247, cubres, and 2 other users
it was really easy!!!
this problem was proposed by Mohsen Jamaali
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
math_genie
41 posts
#10 • 6 Y
Y by rachelshi, Adventure10, Mango247, cubres, and 2 other users
Nice solution everyone. Was quite easy :D

My first impression was it was very similar to IMO 2004 shortlist problem (N3). Indeed, the solution was very similar.

First, I noted that $f(n) = n$ was a solution (as almost always).
And I noticed that we need to just prove either $f(1) = 1$ or $f(p) = p$ for all $p$ prime.
(*)


[Taking $m = n = p$ gives us
$p^2 + f(p) \mid p(f(p) + 1)$
Since $p^2 + f(p)$ does not divide $f(p) + 1$ (as its bigger) thus,
$p \mid p^2 + f(p)$ i.e. $p \mid f(p)$
Therefore $f(p) \geq p$

If $f(1) = 1$ then take $m = 1$, $n = p$ and we get $1 + f(p) \mid p + 1$. Thus $f(p) = p$ for all p prime. (take inequality)
And, if we show $f(p) = p$, then taking m = p we get
$p^2 + f(n) \mid p^2 + n$
Thus $p^2 + f(n) \mid (n - f(n))$.
Choosing $p$ large enough, we get the quotient tends to 0. (as $n - f(n)$ is fixed but $p$ can be as large as you want).
Therefore, $f(n) = n$ for all $n$ in naturals]


To prove (*) - it didn't hit me to take $m = f(n)$ as nicetry007 did. (You could probably finish the proof like that)

Instead, what I did was the following:
Let $p$ be a prime and take $n = p$.
Let $q$ be a prime dividing $f(p)$, and take $m = q$. We get:

$q^2 + f(p) \mid qf(q) + p$
But $q\mid q^2 + f(p)$ !
Thus, we get $q \mid p$, or $p = q$.
So, we have $f(p) = p^i$, where $i$ depends on $p$.


Now, take $m = n = p$.
We get
$p^2 + p^i \mid p^{i+1} + p$.
(1)

Case 1 : $i \geq 3$
Easy contradiction to (1) as $p^2 | LHS$ but not the $RHS$.

Case 2: $ i = 2$
Then we get $2p^2 \mid p^3 + p$
or, $2p \mid p^2 + 1$, this means $p\mid1$. Contradiction.


Thus, $f(p) = p$ and we're done.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
AnonymousBunny
339 posts
#11 • 5 Y
Y by rachelshi, Adventure10, Mango247, cubres, and 1 other user
Plugging $m=n,$
\[m^2 + f(m) \leq mf(m) + m \implies m^2 + f(m) \leq mf(m) + m \implies m \leq f(m).\]
Plugging $n=f(m),$
\[f(m) \mid f(m)^2 + f(m) \mid mf(f(m)) + f(m) \implies  f(m) \mid m \implies f(m) \leq m.\]
Hence, $\boxed{f(m)=m \quad \forall \ m \in \mathbb{N}}.$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
numbertheorist17
268 posts
#12 • 5 Y
Y by girishvar12, rachelshi, Adventure10, cubres, and 1 other user
Solution
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
codyj
723 posts
#13 • 7 Y
Y by rachelshi, Adventure10, Mango247, cubres, and 3 other users
Let $m=n$ to get $n^2+f(n)\mid nf(n)+n$, so $n^2+f(n)\le nf(n)+n$, or $f(n)\ge n$. In the case of $n=2$, $4+f(2)\mid 2f(2)+2$, and $\frac{2f(2)+2}{f(2)+4}=2-\frac6{f(2)+4}\in\mathbb{Z}$. Therefore, $f(2)+4\in\{-6,-3,-2,-1,1,2,3,6\}$, and the only solution with a positive $f(2)$ is $f(2)=2$. Let $m=2$ to get $2^2+f(n)\mid2f(2)+n$, so $4+f(n)\le2f(2)+n=4+n$, or $f(n)\le n$. Therefore, $f(n)=n$ is the only solution, and we can easily verify that $m^2+n\mid m^2+n$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
smy2012
688 posts
#14 • 3 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247, cubres
Very easy problem. :)
I find 2 solutions (the same as #8 and #11) at once. :D
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Dexenberg
143 posts
#15 • 6 Y
Y by rachelshi, Adventure10, Mango247, cubres, and 2 other users
$m=2;n=1  \Rightarrow 4+f(1) | 2f(2)+1 $
$m=1;n=2 \Rightarrow 1+f(2)|f(1)+2 \Rightarrow f(1)+1 \geq f(2) \Rightarrow$
$ 4+f(1) \geq \dfrac{2f(2)+1}{2} \Rightarrow 4+f(1)=2f(2)+1$, yielding to $1+f(2) | 2f(2)-1 \Rightarrow f(2)=2;f(1)=1$
$f(1)=1 -> 1+f(n) | n+1 \Rightarrow n \geq f(n); m^2+1 | mf(m)+1 \Rightarrow m \leq f(m)$, and now we have the conclusion: $f(x)=x$
Z K Y
G
H
=
a