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k a April Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
Apr 2, 2025
Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner, what are your plans? At AoPS Online our schedule has new classes starting now through July, so be sure to keep your skills sharp and be prepared for the Fall school year! Check out the schedule of upcoming classes below.

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[*]April 22nd (Webinar), 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Competitive Programming at AoPS (USACO).[/list]
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0 replies
jlacosta
Apr 2, 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
Transformation of a cross product when multiplied by matrix A
Math-lover1   2
N 22 minutes ago by Math-lover1
I was working through AoPS Volume 2 and this statement from Chapter 11: Cross Products/Determinants confused me.
[quote=AoPS Volume 2]A quick comparison of $|\underline{A}|$ to the cross product $(\underline{A}\vec{i}) \times (\underline{A}\vec{j})$ reveals that a negative determinant [of $\underline{A}$] corresponds to a matrix which reverses the direction of the cross product of two vectors.[/quote]
I understand that this is true for the unit vectors $\vec{i} = (1 \ 0)$ and $\vec{j} = (0 \ 1)$, but am confused on how to prove this statement for general vectors $\vec{v}$ and $\vec{w}$ although its supposed to be a quick comparison.

How do I prove this statement easily with any two 2D vectors?
2 replies
Math-lover1
Yesterday at 10:29 PM
Math-lover1
22 minutes ago
Another quadrilateral in a circle
v_Enhance   110
N 28 minutes ago by Marco22
Source: APMO 2013, Problem 5
Let $ABCD$ be a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle $\omega$, and let $P$ be a point on the extension of $AC$ such that $PB$ and $PD$ are tangent to $\omega$. The tangent at $C$ intersects $PD$ at $Q$ and the line $AD$ at $R$. Let $E$ be the second point of intersection between $AQ$ and $\omega$. Prove that $B$, $E$, $R$ are collinear.
110 replies
v_Enhance
May 3, 2013
Marco22
28 minutes ago
Rectangle EFGH in incircle, prove that QIM = 90
v_Enhance   64
N an hour ago by lpieleanu
Source: Taiwan 2014 TST1, Problem 3
Let $ABC$ be a triangle with incenter $I$, and suppose the incircle is tangent to $CA$ and $AB$ at $E$ and $F$. Denote by $G$ and $H$ the reflections of $E$ and $F$ over $I$. Let $Q$ be the intersection of $BC$ with $GH$, and let $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$. Prove that $IQ$ and $IM$ are perpendicular.
64 replies
v_Enhance
Jul 18, 2014
lpieleanu
an hour ago
unfair coin, points winning 2024 TMC AIME Mock #9
parmenides51   5
N an hour ago by Math-lover1
Krithik has an unfair coin with a $\frac13$ chance of landing heads when flipped. Krithik is playing a game where he starts with $1$ point. Every turn, he flips the coin, and if it lands heads, he gains $1$ point, and if it lands tails, he loses $1$ point. However, after the turn, if he has a negative number of points, his point counter resets to $1$. Krithik wins when he earns $8$ points. Find the expected number of turns until Krithik wins.
5 replies
parmenides51
Apr 26, 2025
Math-lover1
an hour ago
Queue geo
vincentwant   2
N an hour ago by MathLuis
Let $ABC$ be an acute scalene triangle with circumcenter $O$. Let $Y, Z$ be the feet of the altitudes from $B, C$ to $AC, AB$ respectively. Let $D$ be the midpoint of $BC$. Let $\omega_1$ be the circle with diameter $AD$. Let $Q\neq A$ be the intersection of $(ABC)$ and $\omega$. Let $H$ be the orthocenter of $ABC$. Let $K$ be the intersection of $AQ$ and $BC$. Let $l_1,l_2$ be the lines through $Q$ tangent to $\omega,(AYZ)$ respectively. Let $I$ be the intersection of $l_1$ and $KH$. Let $P$ be the intersection of $l_2$ and $YZ$. Let $l$ be the line through $I$ parallel to $HD$ and let $O'$ be the reflection of $O$ across $l$. Prove that $O'P$ is tangent to $(KPQ)$.
2 replies
vincentwant
6 hours ago
MathLuis
an hour ago
Functional Geometry
GreekIdiot   2
N an hour ago by Double07
Source: BMO 2024 SL G7
Let $f: \pi \to \mathbb R$ be a function from the Euclidean plane to the real numbers such that $f(A)+f(B)+f(C)=f(O)+f(G)+f(H)$ for any acute triangle $\Delta ABC$ with circumcenter $O$, centroid $G$ and orthocenter $H$. Prove that $f$ is constant.
2 replies
GreekIdiot
Apr 27, 2025
Double07
an hour ago
Right-angled triangle if circumcentre is on circle
liberator   78
N 2 hours ago by bin_sherlo
Source: IMO 2013 Problem 3
Let the excircle of triangle $ABC$ opposite the vertex $A$ be tangent to the side $BC$ at the point $A_1$. Define the points $B_1$ on $CA$ and $C_1$ on $AB$ analogously, using the excircles opposite $B$ and $C$, respectively. Suppose that the circumcentre of triangle $A_1B_1C_1$ lies on the circumcircle of triangle $ABC$. Prove that triangle $ABC$ is right-angled.

Proposed by Alexander A. Polyansky, Russia
78 replies
liberator
Jan 4, 2016
bin_sherlo
2 hours ago
Can you construct the incenter of a triangle ABC?
PennyLane_31   3
N 2 hours ago by cj13609517288
Source: 2023 Girls in Mathematics Tournament- Level B, Problem 4
Given points $P$ and $Q$, Jaqueline has a ruler that allows tracing the line $PQ$. Jaqueline also has a special object that allows the construction of a circle of diameter $PQ$. Also, always when two circles (or a circle and a line, or two lines) intersect, she can mark the points of the intersection with a pencil and trace more lines and circles using these dispositives by the points marked. Initially, she has an acute scalene triangle $ABC$. Show that Jaqueline can construct the incenter of $ABC$.
3 replies
PennyLane_31
Oct 29, 2023
cj13609517288
2 hours ago
BrUMO 2025 Team Round Problem 15
lpieleanu   1
N 2 hours ago by vanstraelen
Let $\triangle{ABC}$ be an isosceles triangle with $AB=AC.$ Let $D$ be a point on the circumcircle of $\triangle{ABC}$ on minor arc $AB.$ Let $\overline{AD}$ intersect the extension of $\overline{BC}$ at $E.$ Let $F$ be the midpoint of segment $AC,$ and let $G$ be the intersection of $\overline{EF}$ and $\overline{AB}.$ Let the extension of $\overline{DG}$ intersect $\overline{AC}$ and the circumcircle of $\triangle{ABC}$ at $H$ and $I,$ respectively. Given that $DG=3, GH=5,$ and $HI=1,$ compute the length of $\overline{AE}.$
1 reply
lpieleanu
Apr 27, 2025
vanstraelen
2 hours ago
Do not try to bash on beautiful geometry
ItzsleepyXD   3
N 2 hours ago by FarrukhBurzu
Source: Own , Mock Thailand Mathematic Olympiad P9
Let $ABC$be triangle with point $D,E$ and $F$ on $BC,AB,CA$
such that $BE=CF$ and $E,F$ are on the same side of $BC$
Let $M$ be midpoint of segment $BC$ and $N$ be midpoint of segment $EF$
Let $G$ be intersection of $BF$ with $CE$ and $\dfrac{BD}{DC}=\dfrac{AC}{AB}$
Prove that $MN\parallel DG$
3 replies
ItzsleepyXD
Today at 9:30 AM
FarrukhBurzu
2 hours ago
1 line solution to Inequality
ItzsleepyXD   2
N 2 hours ago by Vivaandax
Source: Own , Mock Thailand Mathematic Olympiad P8
Let $x_1,x_2,\dots,x_n$ be positive real integer such that $x_1^2+x_2^2+\cdots+x_n^2=2$ Prove that
$$\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{1}{x_i^3(x_{i-1}+x_{i+1})}\geqslant \left(\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{x_i}{x_{i-1}+x_{i+1}}\right)^3$$such that $x_{n+1}=x_1$ and $x_0=x_n$
2 replies
ItzsleepyXD
Today at 9:27 AM
Vivaandax
2 hours ago
trigonometric functions
VivaanKam   9
N 3 hours ago by aok
Hi could someone explain the basic trigonometric functions to me like sin, cos, tan etc.
Thank you!
9 replies
VivaanKam
Yesterday at 8:29 PM
aok
3 hours ago
a nice prob for number theory
Jackson0423   1
N 3 hours ago by alexheinis
Source: number theory
Let \( n \) be a positive integer, and let its positive divisors be
\[
d_1 < d_2 < \cdots < d_k.
\]Define \( f(n) \) to be the number of ordered pairs \( (i, j) \) with \( 1 \le i, j \le k \) such that \( \gcd(d_i, d_j) = 1 \).

Find \( f(3431 \times 2999) \).

Also, find a general formula for \( f(n) \) when
\[
n = p_1^{e_1} p_2^{e_2} \cdots p_k^{e_k},
\]where the \( p_i \) are distinct primes and the \( e_i \) are positive integers.
1 reply
Jackson0423
6 hours ago
alexheinis
3 hours ago
C-B=60 <degrees>
Sasha   27
N 3 hours ago by zuat.e
Source: Moldova TST 2005, IMO Shortlist 2004 geometry problem 3
Let $O$ be the circumcenter of an acute-angled triangle $ABC$ with ${\angle B<\angle C}$. The line $AO$ meets the side $BC$ at $D$. The circumcenters of the triangles $ABD$ and $ACD$ are $E$ and $F$, respectively. Extend the sides $BA$ and $CA$ beyond $A$, and choose on the respective extensions points $G$ and $H$ such that ${AG=AC}$ and ${AH=AB}$. Prove that the quadrilateral $EFGH$ is a rectangle if and only if ${\angle ACB-\angle ABC=60^{\circ }}$.

Proposed by Hojoo Lee, Korea
27 replies
Sasha
Apr 10, 2005
zuat.e
3 hours ago
Rational or Irrational?
MCrawford   11
N Sep 12, 2007 by t0rajir0u
Let $N = .13605186556815063100136051\ldots$ be the decimal whose digits past the decimal point are the units digits of all triangular numbers (increasing from 1, 3, 6, 10, \ldots). Determine with proof whether $N$ is rational or irrational.
11 replies
MCrawford
May 8, 2006
t0rajir0u
Sep 12, 2007
Rational or Irrational?
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MCrawford
6325 posts
#1 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Let $N = .13605186556815063100136051\ldots$ be the decimal whose digits past the decimal point are the units digits of all triangular numbers (increasing from 1, 3, 6, 10, \ldots). Determine with proof whether $N$ is rational or irrational.
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krassi_holmz
56 posts
#2 • 4 Y
Y by math101010, Adventure10, and 2 other users
RATIONAL
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sapphyre571
357 posts
#3 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
here's an easier way (though the proof isn't as great)
Click to reveal hidden text
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chesspro
2227 posts
#4 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
sapphyre571 wrote:
here's an easier way (though the proof isn't as great)
Click to reveal hidden text

A decimal that is not found by division that repeats itself is not necessarily rational. For example, I could have the decimal .1212121212....1212123[non-repeating sequence]. Just because there are several {12} sequences does not mean that the decimal is rational.
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lingomaniac88
728 posts
#5 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
krassi_holmz has the best way, in my opinion. When I saw it, I was thinking "mod 10".
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maniacman384
282 posts
#6 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
But, if the digits keep on repeating forever, doesn't that mean it's irrational?
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chess64
4794 posts
#7 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Is $\frac{1}{9}=0.1111\ldots$ irrational?
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sapphyre571
357 posts
#8 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
chesspro wrote:
sapphyre571 wrote:
here's an easier way (though the proof isn't as great)
Click to reveal hidden text

A decimal that is not found by division that repeats itself is not necessarily rational. For example, I could have the decimal .1212121212....1212123[non-repeating sequence]. Just because there are several {12} sequences does not mean that the decimal is rational.
so now you're asking me to prove that it repeats forever in the same sequence
that should make it rational right?
great
i'm horrible with proofs
here's a shot
Click to reveal hidden text
i really need to get better at these proofs if i'm going to have a chance at any usamo problem next year
and my chances of qualifying next year as a freshman i feel are pretty high after a 190 index this year because i could have gotten a much higher score on my amc if i had not only taken it to qualify for aime and used my non-risk-taking test taking strategy. next year if i answer 24 or 25 questions and score an 9 on aime which i believe is possible because i had a 6 this year and didnt understand half the questions (i'm only in geometry) then i should be able to qualify for usamo next year.
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krassi_holmz
56 posts
#9 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
I'm sorry to say this, but I don't think your proof is si preciese, because you assume the periodicity $t_n$ mod 10, but you haven't proved that it is.
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baudhack
31 posts
#10 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Matt,

I am reading intro to number theory and I came across this problem.

It is conceivable to show that it is rational by demonstrating two things:

1) Repetition. I looked at an arithmetic series and determined that the decimal repeats every 20 digits by showing that $ 1/2*N(A_{1}+A_{n})$ has equivalent unit digits for a block of 20 numbers for some $ A_{n}$ that is a multiple of $ 20$ and for some $ A_{1}$ where $ A_{n}-19 = A_{1}$ . Beginning with $ A_{1}=1$ it is trivial to show that 20 is the first number that fits the requirements.

2) Having shown that it repeats, it is trivial to show that the decimal can be expressed as a geometric series in the form of $ 13605186556815063100/(10^{20}-1)$

Is there a better way to demonstrate that it repeats and where it first begins repeating?
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Hamster1800
1189 posts
#11 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
The integers repeat modulo $ 10$. Thus, the triangular numbers repeat modulo $ 10$ since they are simply the partial sums.

(More detail: For any repeating sequence $ a_{1}, a_{2},\ldots, a_{m}$, the sum $ a_{1}+a_{2}+\cdots+a_{m}$ is constant, so we have $ p_{n+m}= p_{n}+s$ where $ s$ is the sum of the repeating parts, and $ p$ is the sequence of partial sums. It's quite clear that this sequence repeats modulo $ 10$.)
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t0rajir0u
12167 posts
#12 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
sapphyre571 wrote:
plus any number ending in one (the twentieth triangular number plus 21) will always end in a one. add 22 and it ends in a 3. and so on and so forth. sequence repeats itself infinitely. not my best proof. by far.

You're getting there with this idea, but krassi_holmz's solution is a rigorous statement of ideas you're only getting at circumstantially.

Of course, the solution can be based on more general principles starting with this lemma:

Lemma: Let $ P(x)$ be a polynomial with integer coefficients. Then for any two integers $ a, b$ we have $ a-b | P(a)-P(b)$. (The proof is left as an exercise.)

Then...
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