2014 IMO Problems

Problem 1

Let $a_0<a_1<a_2<\cdots \quad$ be an infinite sequence of positive integers, Prove that there exists a unique integer $n\ge1$ such that \[a_n<\frac{a_0+a_1+\cdots + a_n}{n}\le a_{n+1}.\]

Solution

Problem 2

Let $n\ge2$ be an integer. Consider an $n\times n$ chessboard consisting of $n^2$ unit squares. A configuration of $n$ rooks on this board is $peaceful$ if every row and every column contains exactly one rook. Find the greatest positive integer $k$ such that, for each peaceful configuration of $n$ rooks, there is a $k\times k$ square which does not contain a rook on any of its $k^2$ squares.

Solution

Problem 3

Convex quadrilateral $ABCD$ has $\angle{ABC}=\angle{CDA}=90^{\circ}$. Point $H$ is the foot of the perpendicular from $A$ to $BD$. Points $S$ and $T$ lie on sides $AB$ and $AD$, respectively, such that $H$ lies inside $\triangle{SCT}$ and \[\angle{CHS}-\angle{CSB}=90^{\circ},\quad \angle{THC}-\angle{DTC} = 90^{\circ}.\]

Prove that line $BD$ is tangent to the circumcircle of $\triangle{TSH}.$

Solution

Problem 4

Points $P$ and $Q$ lie on side $BC$ of acute-angled $\triangle{ABC}$ so that $\angle{PAB}=\angle{BCA}$ and $\angle{CAQ}=\angle{ABC}$. Points $M$ and $N$ lie on lines $AP$ and $AQ$, respectively, such that $P$ is the midpoint of $AM$, and $Q$ is the midpoint of $AN$. Prove that lines $BM$ and $CN$ intersect on the circumcircle of $\triangle{ABC}$.

Solution

Problem 5

For each positive integer $n$, the Bank of Cape Town issues coins of denomination $\tfrac{1}{n}$. Given a finite collection of such coins (of not necessarily different denominations) with total value at most $99+\tfrac{1}{2}$, prove that it is possible to split this collection into $100$ or fewer groups, such that each group has total value at most $1$.

Solution

Problem 6

A set of lines in the plane is in $\textit{general position}$ if no two are parallel and no three pass through the same point. A set of lines in general position cuts the plane into regions, some of which have finite are; we call these its $\textit{finite regions}$. Prove that for all sufficiently large $n$, in any set of $n$ lines in general position it is possible to colour at least $\sqrt{n}$ of the lines blue in such a way that none of its finite regions has a completely blue boundary.

Solution

2014 IMO (Problems) • Resources
Preceded by
2013 IMO Problems
1 2 3 4 5 6 Followed by
2015 IMO Problems
All IMO Problems and Solutions