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Let $a$ and $b$ be positive real numbers such that $a + 2b = 1.$ Find the minimum value of \[\frac{1}{a} + \frac{2}{b}.\]
Level 5
By AM-HM, \[\frac{a + b + b}{3} \ge \frac{3}{\frac{1}{a} + \frac{1}{b} + \frac{1}{b}},\]so \[\frac{1}{a} + \frac{2}{b} \ge \frac{9}{a + 2b} = 9.\]Equality occurs when $a = b = \frac{1}{3},$ so the minimum value is $\boxed{9}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Compute \[\frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{1} \rfloor \cdot \lfloor \sqrt[4]{3} \rfloor \cdot \lfloor \sqrt[4]{5} \rfloor \dotsm \lfloor \sqrt[4]{2015} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{2} \rfloor \cdot \lfloor \sqrt[4]{4} \rfloor \cdot \lfloor \sqrt[4]{6} \rfloor \dotsm \lfloor \sqrt[4]{2016} \rfloor}.\]
Level 5
We can write the expression as \[\frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{1} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{2} \rfloor} \cdot \frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{3} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{4} \rfloor} \cdot \frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{5} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{6} \rfloor} \dotsm \frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{2015} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{2016} \rfloor}.\]For each fraction, the numerator and denominator will be equal (in which case they will cancel), except when the denominator involves a perfect fourth power. Hence, the product reduces to \[\frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{15} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{16} \rfloor} \cdot \frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{255} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{256} \rfloor} \cdot \frac{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{1295} \rfloor}{\lfloor \sqrt[4]{1296} \rfloor} = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{4} \cdot \frac{5}{6} = \boxed{\frac{5}{16}}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
Find all real numbers $p$ so that \[x^4 + 2px^3 + x^2 + 2px + 1 = 0\]has at least two distinct negative real roots.
Level 5
We see that $x = 0$ cannot be a root of the polynomial. Dividing both sides by $x^2,$ we get \[x^2 + 2px + 1 + \frac{2p}{x} + \frac{1}{x^2} = 0.\]Let $y = x + \frac{1}{x}.$ Then \[y^2 = x^2 + 2 + \frac{1}{x^2},\]so \[y^2 - 2 + 2py + 1 = 0,\]or $y^2 + 2py - 1 = 0.$ Hence, \[p = \frac{1 - y^2}{2y}.\]If $x$ is negative, then by AM-GM, \[y = x + \frac{1}{x} = -\left( -x + \frac{1}{-x} \right) \le -2 \sqrt{(-x) \cdot \frac{1}{-x}} = -2.\]Then \[\frac{1 - y^2}{2y} - \frac{3}{4} = \frac{-2y^2 - 3y + 2}{4y} = -\frac{(y + 2)(2y - 1)}{4y} \ge 0.\]Therefore, \[p = \frac{1 - y^2}{2y} \ge \frac{3}{4}.\]If $y = -2,$ then $x + \frac{1}{x} = -2.$ Then $x^2 + 2x + 1 = (x + 1)^2 = 0,$ so the only negative root is $-1,$ and the condition in the problem is not met. Therefore, $y < -2,$ and $p > \frac{3}{4}.$ On the other hand, assume $p > \frac{3}{4}.$ Then by the quadratic formula applied to $y^2 + 2py - 1 = 0,$ \[y = \frac{-2p \pm \sqrt{4p^2 + 4}}{2} = -p \pm \sqrt{p^2 + 1}.\]Since $p > \frac{3}{4},$ \begin{align*} -p - \sqrt{p^2 + 1} &= -(p + \sqrt{p^2 + 1}) \\ &< -\left( \frac{3}{4} + \sqrt{\left( \frac{3}{4} \right)^2 + 1} \right) \\ &= -2. \end{align*}In other words, one of the possible values of $y$ is less than $-2.$ Then from $y = x + \frac{1}{x},$ \[x^2 - yx + 1 = 0.\]By the quadratic formula, \[x = \frac{y \pm \sqrt{y^2 - 4}}{2}.\]For the value of $y$ that is less than $-2,$ both roots are real. Furthermore, their product is 1, so they are both positive or both negative. The sum of the roots is $y,$ which is negative, so both roots are negative, and since $y^2 - 4 \neq 0,$ they are distinct. Therefore, the value of $p$ that works are \[p \in \boxed{\left( \frac{3}{4}, \infty \right)}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
Find the minimum of the function \[\frac{xy}{x^2 + y^2}\]in the domain $\frac{2}{5} \le x \le \frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{3} \le y \le \frac{3}{8}.$
Level 5
We can write \[\frac{xy}{x^2 + y^2} = \frac{1}{\frac{x^2 + y^2}{xy}} = \frac{1}{\frac{x}{y} + \frac{y}{x}}.\]Let $t = \frac{x}{y},$ so $\frac{x}{y} + \frac{y}{x} = t + \frac{1}{t}.$ We want to maximize this denominator. Let \[f(t) = t + \frac{1}{t}.\]Suppose $0 < t < u.$ Then \begin{align*} f(u) - f(t) &= u + \frac{1}{u} - t - \frac{1}{t} \\ &= u - t + \frac{1}{u} - \frac{1}{t} \\ &= u - t + \frac{t - u}{tu} \\ &= (u - t) \left( 1 - \frac{1}{tu} \right) \\ &= \frac{(u - t)(tu - 1)}{tu}. \end{align*}This means if $1 \le t < u,$ then \[f(u) - f(t) = \frac{(u - t)(tu - 1)}{tu} > 0,\]so $f(u) > f(t).$ Hence, $f(t)$ is increasing on the interval $[1,\infty).$ On the other hand, if $0 \le t < u \le 1,$ then \[f(u) - f(t) = \frac{(u - t)(tu - 1)}{tu} < 0,\]so $f(u) < f(t).$ Hence, $f(t)$ is decreasing on the interval $(0,1].$ So, to maximize $t + \frac{1}{t} = \frac{x}{y} + \frac{y}{x},$ we should look at the extreme values of $\frac{x}{y},$ namely its minimum and maximum. The minimum occurs at $x = \frac{2}{5}$ and $y = \frac{3}{8}.$ For these values, \[\frac{xy}{x^2 + y^2} = \frac{240}{481}.\]The maximum occurs at $x = \frac{1}{2}$ and $y = \frac{1}{3}.$ For these values, \[\frac{xy}{x^2 + y^2} = \frac{6}{13}.\]Thus, the minimum value is $\boxed{\frac{6}{13}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Find the remainder when $x^{2015} + 1$ is divided by $x^8 - x^6 + x^4 - x^2 + 1.$
Level 5
Note that \[(x^2 + 1)(x^8 - x^6 + x^4 - x^2 + 1) = x^{10} + 1.\]Also, $x^{10} + 1$ is a factor of $x^{2010} + 1$ via the factorization \[a^n + b^n = (a + b)(a^{n - 1} - a^{n - 2} b + a^{n - 3} b^2 + \dots + b^{n - 1})\]where $n$ is odd, so $x^{10} + 1$ is a factor of $x^5 (x^{2010} + 1) = x^{2015} + x^5.$ So, when $x^{2015} + 1 = x^{2015} + x^5 + (-x^5 + 1)$ is divided by $x^8 - x^6 + x^4 - x^2 + 1,$ the remainder is $\boxed{-x^5 + 1}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $f(x) = x^2 + 6x + c$ for all real numbers $x$, where $c$ is some real number. For what values of $c$ does $f(f(x))$ have exactly $3$ distinct real roots?
Level 5
Suppose the function $f(x) = 0$ has only one distinct root. If $x_1$ is a root of $f(f(x)) = 0,$ then we must have $f(x_1) = r_1.$ But the equation $f(x) = r_1$ has at most two roots. Therefore, the equation $f(x) = 0$ must have two distinct roots. Let them be $r_1$ and $r_2.$ Since $f(f(x)) = 0$ has three distinct roots, one of the equations $f(x) = r_1$ or $f(x) = r_2$ has one distinct root. Without loss generality, assume that $f(x) = r_1$ has one distinct root. Then $f(x) = x^2 + 6x + c = r_1$ has one root. This means \[x^2 + 6x + c - r_1\]must be equal to $(x + 3)^2 = x^2 + 6x + 9 = 0,$ so $c - r_1 = 9.$ Hence, $r_1 = c - 9.$ Since $r_1$ is a root of $f(x) = 0,$ \[(c - 9)^2 + 6(c - 9) + c = 0.\]Expanding, we get $c^2 - 11c + 27 = 0,$ so \[c = \frac{11 \pm \sqrt{13}}{2}.\]If $c = \frac{11 - \sqrt{13}}{2},$ then $r_1 = c - 9 = -\frac{7 + \sqrt{13}}{2}$ and $r_2 = -6 - r_1 = \frac{-5 + \sqrt{13}}{2},$ so \[f(x) = x^2 + 6x + \frac{11 - \sqrt{13}}{2} = \left( x + \frac{7 + \sqrt{13}}{2} \right) \left( x + \frac{5 - \sqrt{13}}{2} \right) = (x + 3)^2 - \frac{7 + \sqrt{13}}{2}.\]The equation $f(x) = r_1$ has a double root of $x = -3,$ and the equation $f(x) = r_2$ has two roots, so $f(f(x)) = 0$ has exactly three roots. If $c = \frac{11 + \sqrt{13}}{2},$ then $r_1 = c - 9 = \frac{-7 + \sqrt{13}}{2}$ and $r_2 = -6 - r_1 = -\frac{5 + \sqrt{13}}{2},$ and \[f(x) = x^2 + 6x + \frac{11 + \sqrt{13}}{2} = \left( x + \frac{7 - \sqrt{13}}{2} \right) \left( x + \frac{5 + \sqrt{13}}{2} \right) = (x + 3)^2 + \frac{-7 + \sqrt{13}}{2}.\]The equation $f(x) = r_1$ has a double root of $x = -3,$ but the equation $f(x) = r_2$ has no real roots, so $f(f(x)) = 0$ has exactly one root. Therefore, $c = \boxed{\frac{11 - \sqrt{13}}{2}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Find the minimum value of \[x^2 + 2xy + 3y^2 - 6x - 2y,\]over all real numbers $x$ and $y.$
Level 5
Suppose that $y$ is a fixed number, and $x$ can vary. If we try to complete the square in $x,$ we would write \[x^2 + (2y - 6) x + \dotsb,\]so the square would be of the form $(x + (y - 3))^2.$ Hence, for a fixed value of $y,$ the expression is minimized in $x$ for $x = 3 - y.$ Setting $x = 3 - y,$ we get \begin{align*} x^2 + 2xy + 3y^2 - 6x - 2y &= (3 - y)^2 + 2(3 - y)y + 3y^2 - 6(3 - y) - 2y \\ &= 2y^2 + 4y - 9 \\ &= 2(y + 1)^2 - 11. \end{align*}Hence, the minimum value is $\boxed{-11},$ which occurs when $x = 4$ and $y = -1.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $f(x) = x^2-2x$. How many distinct real numbers $c$ satisfy $f(f(f(f(c)))) = 3$?
Level 5
We want the size of the set $f^{-1}(f^{-1}(f^{-1}(f^{-1}(3)))).$ Note that $f(x) = (x-1)^2-1 = 3$ has two solutions: $x=3$ and $x=-1$, and that the fixed points $f(x) = x$ are $x = 3$ and $x=0$. Therefore, the number of real solutions is equal to the number of distinct real numbers $c$ such that $c = 3$, $c=-1$, $f(c)=-1$ or $f(f(c))=-1$, or $f(f(f(c)))=-1$. The equation $f(x) = -1$ has exactly one root $x = 1$. Thus, the last three equations are equivalent to $c = 1, f(c) = 1$, and $f(f(c))=1$. $f(c) = 1$ has two solutions, $c = 1 \pm \sqrt{2}$, and for each of these two values $c$ there are two preimages. It follows that the answer is $1+1+1+2+4 = \boxed{9}$.
Intermediate Algebra
Find the maximum value of \[\cos \theta_1 \sin \theta_2 + \cos \theta_2 \sin \theta_3 + \cos \theta_3 \sin \theta_4 + \cos \theta_4 \sin \theta_5 + \cos \theta_5 \sin \theta_1,\]over all real numbers $\theta_1,$ $\theta_2,$ $\theta_3,$ $\theta_4,$ and $\theta_5.$
Level 5
By the Trivial Inequality, $(x - y)^2 \ge 0$ for all real numbers $x$ and $y.$ We can re-arrange this as \[xy \le \frac{x^2 + y^2}{2}.\](This looks like AM-GM, but we need to establish it for all real numbers, not just nonnegative numbers.) Hence, \begin{align*} &\cos \theta_1 \sin \theta_2 + \cos \theta_2 \sin \theta_3 + \cos \theta_3 \sin \theta_4 + \cos \theta_4 \sin \theta_5 + \cos \theta_5 \sin \theta_1 \\ &\le \frac{\cos^2 \theta_1 + \sin^2 \theta_2}{2} + \frac{\cos^2 \theta_2 + \sin^2 \theta_3}{2} \\ &\quad+ \frac{\cos^2 \theta_3 + \sin^2 \theta_4}{2} + \frac{\cos^2 \theta_4 + \sin^2 \theta_5}{2} + \frac{\cos^2 \theta_5 + \sin^2 \theta_1}{2} \\ &= \frac{\cos^2 \theta_1 + \sin^2 \theta_1}{2} + \frac{\cos^2 \theta_2 + \sin^2 \theta_2}{2} \\ &\quad+ \frac{\cos^2 \theta_3 + \sin^2 \theta_3}{2} + \frac{\cos^2 \theta_4 + \sin^2 \theta_4}{2} + \frac{\cos^2 \theta_5 + \sin^2 \theta_5}{2} \\ &= \frac{5}{2}. \end{align*}Equality occurs when all the $\theta_i$ are equal to $45^\circ,$ so the maximum value is $\boxed{\frac{5}{2}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
If \begin{align*} a + b + c &= 1, \\ a^2 + b^2 + c^2 &= 2, \\ a^3 + b^3 + c^3 &= 3, \end{align*}find $a^4 + b^4 + c^4.$
Level 5
Squaring the equation $a + b + c = 1,$ we get \[a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 2ab + 2ac + 2bc = 1.\]Since $a^2 + b^2 + c^2 = 2,$ $2ab + 2ac + 2bc = -1,$ so \[ab + ac + bc = -\frac{1}{2}.\]Cubing the equation $a + b + c = 1,$ we get \[(a^3 + b^3 + c^3) + 3(a^2 b + ab^2 + a^2 c + ac^2 + b^2 c + bc^2) + 6abc = 1.\]Since $a^3 + b^3 + c^3 = 3,$ \[3(a^2 b + ab^2 + a^2 c + ac^2 + b^2 c + bc^2) + 6abc = -2. \quad (*)\]If we multiply the equations $a + b + c = 1$ and $a^2 + b^2 + c^2 = 2,$ we get \[(a^3 + b^3 + c^3) + (a^2 b + ab^2 + a^2 c + ac^2 + b^2 c + bc^2) = 2.\]Then \[a^2 b + ab^2 + a^2 c + ac^2 + b^2 c + bc^2 = -1.\]Then from equation $(*),$ \[-3 + 6abc = -2,\]so $abc = \frac{1}{6}.$ By Vieta's formulas, $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ are the roots of the equation $x^3 - x^2 - \frac{1}{2} x - \frac{1}{6} = 0.$ Hence, \begin{align*} a^3 - a^2 - \frac{1}{2} a - \frac{1}{6} &= 0, \\ b^3 - b^2 - \frac{1}{2} b - \frac{1}{6} &= 0, \\ c^3 - c^2 - \frac{1}{2} c - \frac{1}{6} &= 0. \end{align*}Multiplying these equations by $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ respectively, we get \begin{align*} a^4 - a^3 - \frac{1}{2} a^2 - \frac{1}{6} a &= 0, \\ b^4 - b^3 - \frac{1}{2} b^2 - \frac{1}{6} b &= 0, \\ c^4 - c^3 - \frac{1}{2} c^2 - \frac{1}{6} c &= 0. \end{align*}Adding these equations, we get \[(a^4 + b^4 + c^4) - (a^3 + b^3 + c^3) - \frac{1}{2} (a^2 + b^2 + c^2) - \frac{1}{6} (a + b + c) = 0,\]so \[a^4 + b^4 + c^4 = (a^3 + b^3 + c^3) + \frac{1}{2} (a^2 + b^2 + c^2) + \frac{1}{6} (a + b + c) = 3 + \frac{1}{2} \cdot 2 + \frac{1}{6} \cdot 1 = \boxed{\frac{25}{6}}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
The terms of the sequence $(a_i)$ defined by $a_{n + 2} = \frac {a_n + 2009} {1 + a_{n + 1}}$ for $n \ge 1$ are positive integers. Find the minimum possible value of $a_1 + a_2$.
Level 5
The definition gives $$a_3(a_2+1) = a_1+2009, \;\; a_4(a_3+1) = a_2+2009, \;\; a_5(a_4+1) = a_3 + 2009.$$Subtracting consecutive equations yields $a_3-a_1 = (a_3+1)(a_4-a_2)$ and $a_4-a_2=(a_4+1)(a_5-a_3)$. Suppose that $a_3-a_1\neq 0$. Then $a_4-a_2\neq 0$, $a_5-a_3\neq 0$, and so on. Because $|a_{n+2}+1| \ge 2$, it follows that \[0<|a_{n+3} - a_{n+1}| = \frac{|a_{n+2}-a_n|}{|a_{n+2}+1|} < |a_{n+2}-a_n|,\]Then \[|a_3-a_1|>|a_4-a_2|>|a_5-a_3| > \dotsb,\]which is a contradiction. Therefore, $a_{n+2}-a_n=0$ for all $n\ge 1$, which implies that all terms with an odd index are equal, and all terms with an even index are equal. Thus as long as $a_1$ and $a_2$ are integers, all the terms are integers. The definition of the sequence then implies that $a_1 = a_3 = \frac{a_1+2009}{a_2+1}$, giving $a_1a_2=2009=7^2\cdot 41$. The minimum value of $a_1+a_2$ occurs when $\{a_1,a_2\}=\{41,49\}$, which has a sum of $\boxed{90}$.
Intermediate Algebra
Let $z$ be a complex number with $|z| = \sqrt{2}.$ Find the maximum value of \[|(z - 1)^2 (z + 1)|.\]
Level 5
Let $z = x + yi,$ where $x$ and $y$ are real numbers. Since $|z| = \sqrt{2},$ $x^2 + y^2 = 2.$ Then \begin{align*} |z - 1| &= |x + yi - 1| \\ &= \sqrt{(x - 1)^2 + y^2} \\ &= \sqrt{x^2 - 2x + 1 + 2 - x^2} \\ &= \sqrt{3 - 2x}, \end{align*}and \begin{align*} |z + 1| &= |x + yi + 1| \\ &= \sqrt{(x + 1)^2 + y^2} \\ &= \sqrt{x^2 + 2x + 1 + 2 - x^2} \\ &= \sqrt{2x + 3}, \end{align*}so \[|(z - 1)^2 (z + 1)| = \sqrt{(3 - 2x)^2 (2x + 3)}.\]Thus, we want to maximize $(3 - 2x)^2 (2x + 3),$ subject to $-\sqrt{2} \le x \le \sqrt{2}.$ We claim the maximum occurs at $x = -\frac{1}{2}.$ At $x = -\frac{1}{2},$ $(3 - 2x)^2 (2x + 3) = 32.$ Note that \[32 - (3 - 2x)^2 (2x + 3) = -8x^3 + 12x^2 + 18x + 5 = (2x + 1)^2 (5 - 2x) \ge 0,\]so $(3 - 2x)^2 (2x + 3) \le 32$ for $-\sqrt{2} \le x \le \sqrt{2},$ with equality if and only if $x = -\frac{1}{2}.$ Therefore, the maximum value of $|(z - 1)^2 (z + 1)| = \sqrt{(3 - 2x)^2 (2x + 3)}$ is $\sqrt{32} = \boxed{4 \sqrt{2}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x,$ $y,$ and $z$ be nonnegative numbers such that $x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 1.$ Find the maximum value of \[2xy \sqrt{6} + 8yz.\]
Level 5
Our strategy is to take $x^2 + y^2 + z^2$ and divide into several expression, apply AM-GM to each expression, and come up with a multiple of $2xy \sqrt{6} + 8yz.$ Since we want terms of $xy$ and $yz$ after applying AM-GM, we divide $x^2 + y^2 + z^2$ into \[(x^2 + ky^2) + [(1 - k)y^2 + z^2].\]By AM-GM, \begin{align*} x^2 + ky^2 &\ge 2 \sqrt{(x^2)(ky^2)} = 2xy \sqrt{k}, \\ (1 - k)y^2 + z^2 &\ge 2 \sqrt{((1 - k)y^2)(z^2)} = 2yz \sqrt{1 - k}. \end{align*}To get a multiple of $2xy \sqrt{6} + 8yz,$ we want $k$ so that \[\frac{2 \sqrt{k}}{2 \sqrt{6}} = \frac{2 \sqrt{1 - k}}{8}.\]Then \[\frac{\sqrt{k}}{\sqrt{6}} = \frac{\sqrt{1 - k}}{4}.\]Squaring both sides, we get \[\frac{k}{6} = \frac{1 - k}{16}.\]Solving for $k,$ we find $k = \frac{3}{11}.$ Thus, \begin{align*} x^2 + \frac{3}{11} y^2 &\ge 2xy \sqrt{\frac{3}{11}}, \\ \frac{8}{11} y^2 + z^2 &\ge 2yz \sqrt{\frac{8}{11}} = 4yz \sqrt{\frac{2}{11}}, \end{align*}so \[1 = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 \ge 2xy \sqrt{\frac{3}{11}} + 4yz \sqrt{\frac{2}{11}}.\]Multiplying by $\sqrt{11},$ we get \[2xy \sqrt{3} + 4yz \sqrt{2} \le \sqrt{11}.\]Multiplying by $\sqrt{2},$ we get \[2xy \sqrt{6} + 8yz \le \sqrt{22}.\]Equality occurs when $x = y \sqrt{\frac{3}{11}}$ and $y \sqrt{\frac{8}{11}} = z.$ Using the condition $x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 1,$ we can solve to get $x = \sqrt{\frac{3}{22}},$ $y = \sqrt{\frac{11}{22}},$ and $z = \sqrt{\frac{8}{22}}.$ Therefore, the maximum value is $\boxed{\sqrt{22}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $Q(x)=a_0+a_1x+\dots+a_nx^n$ be a polynomial with integer coefficients, and $0\le a_i<3$ for all $0\le i\le n$. Given that $Q(\sqrt{3})=20+17\sqrt{3}$, compute $Q(2)$.
Level 5
We have that \[Q(\sqrt{3}) = a_0 + a_1 \sqrt{3} + 3a_2 + 3a_3 \sqrt{3} + \dotsb = 20 + 17 \sqrt{3},\]so \begin{align*} a_0 + 3a_2 + 9a_4 + 81a_6 + \dotsb &= 20, \\ a_1 + 3a_3 + 9a_5 + 81a_7 + \dotsb &= 17. \end{align*}Since $0 \le a_i < 3,$ the problem reduces to expressing 20 and 17 in base 3. Since $20 = 2 \cdot 9 + 0 \cdot 3 + 2$ and $17 = 9 + 2 \cdot 3 + 2,$ \[Q(x) = x^5 + 2x^4 + 2x^3 + 2x + 2.\]In particular, $Q(2) = \boxed{86}.$
Intermediate Algebra
The function $f$ takes nonnegative integers to real numbers, such that $f(1) = 1,$ and \[f(m + n) + f(m - n) = \frac{f(2m) + f(2n)}{2}\]for all nonnnegative integers $m \ge n.$ Find the sum of all possible values of $f(10).$
Level 5
Setting $m = n = 0,$ we get \[2f(0) = f(0),\]so $f(0) = 0.$ Setting $n = 0,$ we get \[2f(m) = \frac{f(2m)}{2}.\]Thus, we can write the given functional equation as \[f(m + n) + f(m - n) = 2f(m) + 2f(n).\]In particular, setting $n = 1,$ we get \[f(m + 1) + f(m - 1) = 2 + 2f(m),\]so \[f(m + 1) = 2f(m) - f(m - 1) + 2\]for all $m \ge 1.$ Then \begin{align*} f(2) &= 2f(1) - f(0) + 2 = 4, \\ f(3) &= 2f(2) - f(1) + 2 = 9, \\ f(4) &= 2f(3) - f(2) + 2 = 16, \end{align*}and so on. By a straight-forward induction argument, \[f(m) = m^2\]for all nonnegative integers $m.$ Note that this function satisfies the given functional equation, so the sum of all possible values of $f(10)$ is $\boxed{100}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Real numbers $x,$ $y,$ and $z$ satisfy the following equality: \[4(x + y + z) = x^2 + y^2 + z^2.\]Let $M$ be the maximum value of $xy + xz + yz,$ and let $m$ be the minimum value of $xy + xz + yz.$ Find $M + 10m.$
Level 5
Let $A = x + y + z,$ $B = x^2 + y^2 + z^2,$ and $C = xy + xz + yz.$ We are told that \[4A = B.\]Then \[A^2 = (x + y + z)^2 = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 + 2(xy + xz + yz) = B + 2C = 4A + 2C.\]Hence, \[C = \frac{1}{2} (A - 2)^2 - 2.\]Also, \[B - C = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 - (xy + xz + yz) = \frac{(x - y)^2 + (x - z)^2 + (y - z)^2}{2} \ge 0,\]so $C \le B.$ Then $A^2 = B + 2C \le 3B = 12A.$ Hence, $0 \le A \le 12,$ so $-2 \le C \le 48.$ We see that $C = -2$ when $(x,y,z) = (2,-\sqrt{2},\sqrt{2}),$ and $C = 48$ when $(x,y,z) = (4,4,4),$ so $M = 48$ and $m = -2,$ and $M + 10m = \boxed{28}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $a$, $b$, $c$, $d$, and $e$ be positive integers with $a+b+c+d+e=2010$ and let $M$ be the largest of the sum $a+b$, $b+c$, $c+d$ and $d+e$. What is the smallest possible value of $M$?
Level 5
We have that \[M = \max \{a + b, b + c, c + d, d + e\}.\]In particular, $a + b \le M,$ $b + c \le M,$ and $d + e \le M.$ Since $b$ is a positive integer, $c < M.$ Hence, \[(a + b) + c + (d + e) < 3M.\]Then $2010 < 3M,$ so $M > 670.$ Since $M$ is an integer, $M \ge 671.$ Equality occurs if $a = 669,$ $b = 1,$ $c = 670,$ $d = 1,$ and $e = 669,$ so the smallest possible value of $M$ is $\boxed{671}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Determine the largest positive integer $n$ such that there exist positive integers $x, y, z$ so that \[ n^2 = x^2+y^2+z^2+2xy+2yz+2zx+3x+3y+3z-6 \]
Level 5
The given equation rewrites as $n^2 = (x+y+z+1)^2+(x+y+z+1)-8$. Writing $r = x+y+z+1$, we have $n^2 = r^2+r-8$. Clearly, one possibility is $n=r=\boxed{8}$, which is realized by $x=y=1, z=6$. On the other hand, for $r > 8$, we have $r^2 < r^2+r-8 < (r+1)^2.$
Intermediate Algebra
For positive integers $n$, define $S_n$ to be the minimum value of the sum \[\sum_{k=1}^n \sqrt{(2k-1)^2+a_k^2},\]where $a_1,a_2,\ldots,a_n$ are positive real numbers whose sum is $17$. Find the unique positive integer $n$ for which $S_n$ is also an integer.
Level 5
For $k = 0, 1, 2, \ldots, n,$ let $P_k = (k^2,a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_k).$ Note that $P_0 = (0,0)$ and $P_n = (n^2,a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_n) = (n^2,17).$ [asy] unitsize(0.4 cm); pair[] A, P; P[0] = (0,0); A[0] = (5,0); P[1] = (5,1); A[1] = (9,1); P[2] = (9,3); P[3] = (12,6); A[3] = (15,6); P[4] = (15,10); draw(P[0]--A[0]--P[1]--cycle); draw(P[1]--A[1]--P[2]--cycle); draw(P[3]--A[3]--P[4]--cycle); draw(P[0]--P[4],dashed); label("$P_0$", P[0], W); label("$P_1$", P[1], N); label("$P_2$", P[2], N); label("$P_{n - 1}$", P[3], W); label("$P_n$", P[4], NE); label("$a_1$", (A[0] + P[1])/2, E); label("$a_2$", (A[1] + P[2])/2, E); label("$a_n$", (A[3] + P[4])/2, E); dot((21/2 - 0.5,9/2 - 0.5)); dot((21/2,9/2)); dot((21/2 + 0.5,9/2 + 0.5)); [/asy] Then for each $k = 1, 2, \ldots, n,$ we have \[\begin{aligned} P_{k-1}P_k &= \sqrt{(k^2-(k-1)^2)+((a_1+a_2+\dots+a_{k-1}+a_{k})-(a_1+a_2+\dots+a_{k-1}))^2} \\ &= \sqrt{(2k-1)^2+a_k^2}, \end{aligned}\]so that $S_n$ is the minimum value of the sum $P_0P_1 + P_1P_2 + \dots + P_{n-1}P_n.$ By the triangle inequality, \[P_0P_1 + P_1P_2 + \dots + P_{n-1}P_n \ge P_0P_n = \sqrt{n^4 + 289}.\]Furthemore, equality occurs when all the $P_i$ are collinear, so $S_n = \sqrt{n^4+289}$ for each $n.$ It remains to find the $n$ for which $S_n$ is an integer, or equivalently, $n^4+289$ is a perfect square. Let $n^4+289=m^2$ for some positive integer $m.$ Then $m^2-n^4=289,$ which factors as \[(m-n^2)(m+n^2) = 289.\]Since $n^2$ is positive and $289 = 17^2,$ the only possibility is $m-n^2=1$ and $m+n^2=289,$ giving $m = 145$ and $n^2 = 144.$ Thus $n = \sqrt{144} = \boxed{12}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x,$ $y,$ $z$ be real numbers, all greater than 3, so that \[\frac{(x + 2)^2}{y + z - 2} + \frac{(y + 4)^2}{z + x - 4} + \frac{(z + 6)^2}{x + y - 6} = 36.\]Enter the ordered triple $(x,y,z).$
Level 5
By Cauchy-Schwarz, \[(y + z - 2) + (z + x - 4) + (x + y - 6)] \left[ \frac{(x + 2)^2}{y + z - 2} + \frac{(y + 4)^2}{z + x - 4} + \frac{(z + 6)^2}{x + y - 6} \right] \ge [(x + 2) + (y + 4) + (z + 6)]^2.\]This simplifies to \[36(2x + 2y + 2z - 12) \ge (x + y + z + 12)^2.\]Let $s = x + y + z.$ Then $36(2s - 12) \ge (s + 12)^2.$ This simplifies to $s^2 - 48s + 576 \le 0,$ which then factors as $(s - 24)^2 \le 0.$ Hence, $s = 24.$ Thus, the inequality above turns into an equality, which means \[\frac{x + 2}{y + z - 2} = \frac{y + 4}{z + x - 4} = \frac{z + 6}{x + y - 6}.\]Since $x + y + z = 24,$ \[\frac{x + 2}{22 - x} = \frac{y + 4}{20 - y} = \frac{z + 6}{18 - z}.\]Each fraction must then be equal to \[\frac{(x + 2) + (y + 4) + (z + 6)}{(22 - x) + (20 - y) + (18 - z)} = \frac{x + y + z + 12}{60 - (x + y + z)} = 1.\]From here, it is easy to solve for $x,$ $y,$ and $z,$ to find $x = 10,$ $y = 8,$ and $z = 6.$ Hence, $(x,y,z) = \boxed{(10,8,6)}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x,$ $y,$ $z$ be real numbers such that \begin{align*} x + y + z &= 4, \\ x^2 + y^2 + z^2 &= 6. \end{align*}Let $m$ and $M$ be the smallest and largest possible values of $x,$ respectively. Find $m + M.$
Level 5
From the given equations, $y + z = 4 - x$ and $y^2 + z^2 = 6 - x^2.$ By Cauchy-Schwarz, \[(1 + 1)(y^2 + z^2) \ge (y + z)^2.\]Hence, $2(6 - x^2) \ge (4 - x)^2.$ This simplifies to $3x^2 - 8x + 4 \le 0,$ which factors as $(x - 2)(3x - 2) \le 0.$ Hence, $\frac{2}{3} \le x \le 2.$ For $x = \frac{3}{2},$ we can take $y = z = \frac{5}{3}.$ For $x = 2,$ we can take $y = z = 1.$ Thus, $m = \frac{2}{3}$ and $M = 2,$ so $m + M = \boxed{\frac{8}{3}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $a,$ $b,$ $c$ be positive real numbers. Find the smallest possible value of \[6a^3 + 9b^3 + 32c^3 + \frac{1}{4abc}.\]
Level 5
By AM-GM, \[6a^3 + 9b^3 + 32c^3 \ge 3 \sqrt[3]{6a^3 \cdot 9b^3 \cdot 32c^3} = 36abc.\]Again by AM-GM, \[36abc + \frac{1}{4abc} \ge 2 \sqrt{36abc \cdot \frac{1}{4abc}} = 6.\]Equality occurs when $6a^3 = 9b^3 = 32c^3$ and $36abc = 3.$ We can solve, to get $a = \frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{6}},$ $b = \frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{9}},$ and $c = \frac{1}{\sqrt[3]{32}}.$ Therefore, the minimum value is $\boxed{6}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $a > 0$, and let $P(x)$ be a polynomial with integer coefficients such that \[P(1) = P(3) = P(5) = P(7) = a\]and \[P(2) = P(4) = P(6) = P(8) = -a.\]What is the smallest possible value of $a$?
Level 5
There must be some polynomial $Q(x)$ such that $$P(x)-a=(x-1)(x-3)(x-5)(x-7)Q(x).$$Then, plugging in values of $2,4,6,8,$ we get $$P(2)-a=(2-1)(2-3)(2-5)(2-7)Q(2) = -15Q(2) = -2a,$$$$P(4)-a=(4-1)(4-3)(4-5)(4-7)Q(4) = 9Q(4) = -2a,$$$$P(6)-a=(6-1)(6-3)(6-5)(6-7)Q(6) = -15Q(6) = -2a,$$$$P(8)-a=(8-1)(8-3)(8-5)(8-7)Q(8) = 105Q(8) = -2a.$$That is, $$-2a=-15Q(2)=9Q(4)=-15Q(6)=105Q(8).$$Thus, $a$ must be a multiple of $\text{lcm}(15,9,15,105)=315$. Now we show that there exists $Q(x)$ such that $a=315.$ Inputting this value into the above equation gives us $$Q(2)=42, \quad Q(4)=-70, \quad Q(6)=42, \quad Q(8)=-6.$$From $Q(2) = Q(6) = 42,$ $Q(x)=R(x)(x-2)(x-6)+42$ for some $R(x).$ We can take $R(x) = -8x + 60,$ so that $Q(x)$ satisfies both $Q(4) = -70$ and $Q(8) = -6.$ Therefore, our answer is $ \boxed{ 315}. $
Intermediate Algebra
Find the number of ordered quadruples $(a,b,c,d)$ of nonnegative real numbers such that \begin{align*} a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2 &= 4, \\ (a + b + c + d)(a^3 + b^3 + c^3 + d^3) &= 16. \end{align*}
Level 5
Note that \[(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2)^2 = 16 = (a + b + c + d)(a^3 + b^3 + c^3 + d^3),\]which gives us the equality case in the Cauchy-Schwarz Inequality. Hence, \[(a + b + c + d)(a^3 + b^3 + c^3 + d^3) - (a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2)^2 = 0.\]This expands as \begin{align*} &a^3 b - 2a^2 b^2 + ab^3 + a^3 c - 2a^2 c^2 + ac^3 + a^3 d - 2a^2 d^2 + ad^2 \\ &\quad + b^3 c - 2b^2 c^2 + bc^3 + b^3 d - 2b^2 d^2 + bd^3 + c^3 d - 2c^2 d^2 + cd^3 = 0. \end{align*}We can write this as \[ab(a - b)^2 + ac(a - c)^2 + ad(a - d)^2 + bc(b - c)^2 + bd(b - d)^2 + cd(c - d)^2 = 0.\]Since $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $d$ are all nonnegative, each term must be equal to 0. This means for any two variables among $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $d,$ either one of them is 0, or they are equal. (For example, either $b = 0,$ $d = 0,$ or $b = d.$) In turn, this means that among $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $d,$ all the positive values must be equal. Each variable $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $d$ can be 0 or positive, leading to $2^4 = 16$ possible combinations. However, since $a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2 = 4,$ not all of them can be equal to 0, leaving $16 - 1 = 15$ possible combinations. For any of the 15 combinations, the quadruple $(a,b,c,d)$ is uniquely determined. For example, suppose we set $a = 0,$ and $b,$ $c,$ $d$ to be positive. Then $b = c = d,$ and $b^2 + c^2 + d^2 = 4,$ so $b = c = d = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}.$ Hence, there are $\boxed{15}$ possible quadruples $(a,b,c,d).$
Intermediate Algebra
An ellipse has foci at $F_1 = (0,2)$ and $F_2 = (3,0).$ The ellipse intersects the $x$-axis at the origin, and one other point. What is the other point of intersection?
Level 5
The distance between the origin and $F_1$ is 2, and the distance between the origin and $F_2$ is 3, so every point $P$ on the ellipse satisfies \[PF_1 + PF_2 = 5.\]So, if $(x,0)$ is an intercept of the ellipse, then \[\sqrt{x^2 + 4} + \sqrt{(x - 3)^2} = 5.\]We can write this as \[\sqrt{x^2 + 4} + |x - 3| = 5.\]If $x \le 3,$ then \[\sqrt{x^2 + 4} + (3 - x) = 5,\]so $\sqrt{x^2 + 4} = x + 2.$ Squaring both sides, we get \[x^2 + 4 = x^2 + 4x + 4,\]which leads to $x = 0.$ This solution corresponds to the origin. If $x \ge 3,$ then \[\sqrt{x^2 + 4} + (x - 3) = 5,\]so $\sqrt{x^2 + 4} = 8 - x.$ Squaring both sides, we get \[x^2 + 4 = 64 - 16x + x^2,\]which leads to $x = \frac{15}{4}.$ Thus, the other $x$-intercept is $\boxed{\left( \frac{15}{4}, 0 \right)}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x$ and $y$ be real numbers such that $x + y = 3.$ Find the maximum value of \[x^4 y + x^3 y + x^2 y + xy + xy^2 + xy^3 + xy^4.\]
Level 5
First, we can factor out $xy,$ to get \[xy (x^3 + x^2 + x + 1 + y + y^2 + y^3) = xy(x^3 + y^3 + x^2 + y^2 + x + y + 1).\]We know $x + y = 3.$ Let $p = xy.$ Then \[9 = (x + y)^2 = x^2 + 2xy + y^2 = x^2 + 2xy + y^2,\]so $x^2 + y^2 = 9 - 2p.$ Also, \[27 = (x + y)^3 = x^3 + 3x^2 y + 3xy^2 + y^3,\]so $x^3 + y^3 = 27 - 3xy(x + y) = 27 - 9p.$ Thus, \begin{align*} xy (x^3 + y^3 + x^2 + y^2 + x + y + 1) &= p (27 - 9p + 9 - 2p + 3 + 1) \\ &= p(40 - 11p) \\ &= -11p^2 + 40p \\ &= -11 \left( p - \frac{20}{11} \right)^2 + \frac{400}{11} \\ &\le \frac{400}{11}. \end{align*}Equality occurs when $xy = p = \frac{20}{11}.$ By Vieta's formulas, $x$ and $y$ are the roots of \[t^2 - 3t + \frac{20}{11} = 0.\]The discriminant of this quadratic is positive, so equality is possible. Thus, the maximum value is $\boxed{\frac{400}{11}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Find the largest positive integer $n$ such that \[\sin^n x + \cos^n x \ge \frac{1}{n}\]for all real numbers $x.$
Level 5
Setting $x = \pi,$ we get \[(-1)^n \ge \frac{1}{n},\]so $n$ must be even. Let $n = 2m.$ Setting $x = \frac{\pi}{4},$ we get \[\left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right)^{2m} + \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right)^{2m} \ge \frac{1}{2m}.\]This simplifies to \[\frac{1}{2^{m - 1}} \ge \frac{1}{2m},\]so $2^{m - 2} \le m.$ We see that $m = 4$ is a solution, and the function $2^{m - 2}$ grows faster than $m,$ so $m = 4$ is the largest possible value of $m.$ We must then prove that \[\sin^8 x + \cos^8 x \ge \frac{1}{8}\]for all real numbers $x.$ By QM-AM, \[\sqrt{\frac{\sin^8 x + \cos^8 x}{2}} \ge \frac{\sin^4 x + \cos^4 x}{2},\]so \[\sin^8 x + \cos^8 x \ge \frac{(\sin^4 x + \cos^4 x)^2}{2}.\]Again by QM-AM, \[\sqrt{\frac{\sin^4 x + \cos^4 x}{2}} \ge \frac{\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x}{2} = \frac{1}{2},\]so \[\sin^4 x + \cos^4 x \ge \frac{1}{2}.\]Therefore, \[\sin^8 x + \cos^8 x \ge \frac{(1/2)^2}{2} = \frac{1}{8}.\]We conclude that the largest such positive integer $n$ is $\boxed{8}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $a$ and $b$ be the roots of $k(x^2 - x) + x + 5 = 0.$ Let $k_1$ and $k_2$ be the values of $k$ for which $a$ and $b$ satisfy \[\frac{a}{b} + \frac{b}{a} = \frac{4}{5}.\]Find \[\frac{k_1}{k_2} + \frac{k_2}{k_1}.\]
Level 5
The quadratic equation in $x$ is $kx^2 - (k - 1) x + 5 = 0,$ so by Vieta's formulas, $a + b = \frac{k - 1}{k}$ and $ab = \frac{5}{k}.$ Then \begin{align*} \frac{a}{b} + \frac{b}{a} &= \frac{a^2 + b^2}{ab} \\ &= \frac{(a + b)^2 - 2ab}{ab} \\ &= \frac{(a + b)^2}{ab} - 2 \\ &= \frac{(\frac{k - 1}{k})^2}{\frac{5}{k}} - 2 \\ &= \frac{(k - 1)^2}{5k} - 2. \end{align*}So \[\frac{(k - 1)^2}{5k} - 2 = \frac{4}{5}.\]This equation simplifies to $k^2 - 16k + 1 = 0.$ Again by Vieta's formulas, $k_1 + k_2 = 16$ and $k_1 k_2 = 1,$ so \begin{align*} \frac{k_1}{k_2} + \frac{k_2}{k_1} &= \frac{k_1^2 + k_2^2}{k_1 k_2} \\ &= \frac{(k_1 + k_2)^2 - 2k_1 k_2}{k_1 k_2} \\ &= \frac{(k_1 + k_2)^2}{k_1 k_2} - 2 \\ &= 16^2 - 2 = \boxed{254}. \end{align*}
Intermediate Algebra
Find the largest real number $c$ such that \[x_1^2 + x_2^2 + \dots + x_{101}^2 \geq cM^2\]whenever $x_1,x_2,\ldots,x_{101}$ are real numbers such that $x_1+x_2+\cdots+x_{101}=0$ and $M$ is the median of $x_1,x_2,\ldots,x_{101}.$
Level 5
Since the inequality is always true for $M = 0,$ it suffices to consider the case $M \neq 0.$ For a particular $c$ and for any tuple $(x_1, \dots, x_{101})$ satisfying the conditions, the tuple $(-x_1, \dots, -x_{101})$ satisfies the conditions as well, so we may assume that $M > 0.$ Finally, we may assume that $x_1 \le x_2 \le \dots \le x_{101},$ so that $M = x_{51}.$ We want to find the largest $c$ such that the inequality \[x_1^2 + x_2^2 + \dots + x_{101}^2 \ge cx_{51}^2\]always holds, where $x_1 \le x_2 \le \dots \le x_{101}$ and $x_1 + x_2 + \dots + x_{101} = 0.$ Therefore, fixing a value of $x_{51},$ we should write inequalities that minimize $x_1^2 + x_2^2 + \dots + x_{101}^2.$ To compare the terms on the left-hand side to $x_{51}^2,$ we deal with the terms $x_1^2 + x_2^2 + \dots + x_{50}^2$ and $x_{51}^2+x_{52}^2+\dots+x_{101}^2$ separately. By Cauchy-Schwarz, \[(1 + 1 + \dots + 1)(x_1^2+x_2^2+\dots+x_{50}^2) \ge (x_1+x_2+\dots+x_{50})^2,\]so \[x_1^2 + x_2^2 + \dots + x_{50}^2 \ge \tfrac{1}{50}\left(x_1+x_2+\dots+x_{50}\right)^2.\]We have $x_1+x_2+\dots+x_{50} = -x_{51}-x_{52} -\dots - x_{101}\le -51x_{51} $ because $x_{51} \le x_{52} \le \dots \le x_{101}.$ Since $x_{51} > 0,$ both $x_1 + x_2 + \dots + x_{50}$ and $-51x_{51}$ are negative, so we can write \[\begin{aligned} x_1^2+x_2^2+\dots+x_{50}^2 &\ge \tfrac{1}{50} (x_1+x_2+\dots+x_{50})^2\\ & \ge\tfrac{1}{50} \left(-51x_{51}\right)^2 \\ &= \tfrac{51^2}{50} x_{51}^2. \end{aligned}\]On the other hand, since $0 < x_{51} \le x_{52} \le \dots \le x_{101},$ we simply have \[x_{51}^2 + x_{52}^2 + \dots + x_{101}^2 \ge 51x_{51}^2.\]Putting all this together gives \[(x_1^2 + x_2^2 + \dots + x_{50})^2 + (x_{51}^2 + x_{52}^2 + \dots + x_{101}^2) \ge \left(\tfrac{51^2}{50} + 51\right) x_{51}^2 = \tfrac{5151}{50} x_{51}^2.\]Equality holds when $x_1 = x_2 = \dots = x_{50} = -\tfrac{51}{50}$ and $x_{51} = x_{52} = \dots = x_{101} = 1,$ so the answer is $\boxed{\tfrac{5151}{50}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
A sequence is defined as follows: $a_1=a_2=a_3=1$, and, for all positive integers $n$, $a_{n+3}=a_{n+2}+a_{n+1}+a_n$. Given that $a_{28}= 6090307$, $a_{29}=11201821$, and $a_{30}=20603361$, find the remainder when $\displaystyle \sum_{k=1}^{28}a_k$ is divided by 1000.
Level 5
First we write down the equation $a_{n+3} = a_{n+2} + a_{n+1} + a_n$ for $n = 1, 2, 3, \ldots, 27$: \[\begin{aligned} a_4 &= a_3+a_2+a_1, \\ a_5&=a_4+a_3+a_2, \\ a_6&=a_5+a_4+a_3, \\\vdots \\ a_{30}&=a_{29}+a_{28}+a_{27}. \end{aligned}\]Let $S = a_1 + a_2 + \ldots + a_{28}$ (the desired quantity). Summing all these equations, we see that the left-hand side and right-hand side are equivalent to \[S + a_{29} + a_{30} - a_1 - a_2 - a_3 = (S + a_{29} - a_1-a_2) + (S - a_1) + (S-a_{28}).\]Simplifying and solving for $S$, we obtain \[S = \frac{a_{28} + a_{30}}{2} = \frac{6090307+20603361}{2} = \frac{\dots 3668}{2} = \dots 834.\]Therefore, the remainder when $S$ is divided by $1000$ is $\boxed{834}$.
Intermediate Algebra
Let $f : \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}$ be a function such that \[f((x - y)^2) = f(x)^2 - 2xf(y) + y^2\]for all real numbers $x$ and $y.$ Let $n$ be the number of possible values of $f(1),$ and let $s$ be the sum of all possible values of $f(1).$ Find $n \times s.$
Level 5
Setting $y = 0,$ we get \[f(x^2) = f(x)^2 - 2xf(0).\]Let $c = f(0),$ so $f(x^2) = f(x)^2 - 2cx.$ In particular, for $x = 0,$ $c = c^2,$ so $c = 0$ or $c = 1.$ Setting $x = 0,$ we get \[f(y^2) = c^2 + y^2.\]In other words, $f(x^2) = x^2 + c^2$ for all $x.$ But $f(x^2) = f(x)^2 - 2cx,$ so \[f(x)^2 - 2cx = x^2 + c^2.\]Hence, \[f(x)^2 = x^2 + 2cx + c^2 = (x + c)^2. \quad (*)\]Setting $y = x,$ we get \[c = f(x)^2 - 2xf(x) + x^2,\]or \[f(x)^2 = -x^2 + 2xf(x) + c.\]From $(*),$ $f(x)^2 = x^2 + 2cx + c^2,$ so $-x^2 + 2xf(x) + c = x^2 + 2cx + c^2.$ Hence, \[2xf(x) = 2x^2 + 2cx = 2x (x + c).\]So for $x \neq 0,$ \[f(x) = x + c.\]We can then extend this to say $f(x) = x + c$ for all $x.$ Since $c$ must be 0 or 1, the only possible solutions are $f(x) = x$ and $f(x) = x + 1.$ We can check that both functions work. Thus, $n = 2$ and $s = 1 + 2 = 3,$ so $n \times s = \boxed{6}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let \[f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 6x + 6}{2x - 4}\]and \[g(x) = \frac{ax^2 + bx + c}{x - d}.\]You are given the following properties: $\bullet$ The graphs of $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ have the same vertical asymptote. $\bullet$ The oblique asymptotes of $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ are perpendicular, and they intersect on the $y$-axis. $\bullet$ The graphs of $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ have two intersection points, one of which is on the line $x = -2.$ Find the point of intersection of the graphs of $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ that does not lie on the line $x = -2.$
Level 5
The vertical asymptote of $f(x)$ is $x = 2.$ Hence, $d = 2.$ By long division, \[f(x) = \frac{1}{2} x - 2 - \frac{2}{2x - 4}.\]Thus, the oblique asymptote of $f(x)$ is $y = \frac{1}{2} x - 2,$ which passes through $(0,-2).$ Therefore, the oblique asymptote of $g(x)$ is \[y = -2x - 2.\]Therefore, \[g(x) = -2x - 2 + \frac{k}{x - 2}\]for some constant $k.$ Finally, \[f(-2) = \frac{(-2)^2 - 6(-2) + 6}{2(-6) - 4} = -\frac{11}{4},\]so \[g(-2) = -2(-2) - 2 + \frac{k}{-2 - 2} = -\frac{11}{4}.\]Solving, we find $k = 19.$ Hence, \[g(x) = -2x - 2 + \frac{19}{x - 2} = \frac{-2x^2 + 2x + 23}{x - 2}.\]We want to solve \[\frac{x^2 - 6x + 6}{2x - 4} = \frac{-2x^2 + 2x + 23}{x - 2}.\]Then $x^2 - 6x + 6 = -4x^2 + 4x + 46,$ or $5x^2 - 10x - 40 = 0.$ This factors as $5(x + 2)(x - 4) = 0,$ so the other point of intersection occurs at $x = 4.$ Since \[f(4) = \frac{4^2 - 6 \cdot 4 + 6}{2(4) - 4} = -\frac{1}{2},\]the other point of intersection is $\boxed{\left( 4, -\frac{1}{2} \right)}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Find \[\min_{y \in \mathbb{R}} \max_{0 \le x \le 1} |x^2 - xy|.\]
Level 5
The graph of \[x^2 - xy = \left( x - \frac{y}{2} \right)^2 - \frac{y^2}{4}\]is a parabola with vertex at $\left( \frac{y}{2}, -\frac{y^2}{4} \right).$ We divide into cases, based on the value of $y.$ If $y \le 0,$ then \[|x^2 - xy| = x^2 - xy\]for $0 \le x \le 1.$ Since $x^2 - xy$ is increasing on this interval, the maximum value occurs at $x = 1,$ which is $1 - y.$ If $0 \le y \le 1,$ then \[|x^2 - xy| = \left\{ \begin{array}{cl} xy - x^2 & \text{for $0 \le x \le y$}, \\ x^2 - xy & \text{for $y \le x \le 1$}. \end{array} \right.\]Thus, for $0 \le x \le y,$ the maximum is $\frac{y^2}{4},$ and for $y \le x \le 1,$ the maximum is $1 - y.$ If $y \ge 1,$ then \[|x^2 - xy| = xy - x^2\]for $0 \le x \le 1.$ If $1 \le y \le 2,$ then the maximum value is $\frac{y^2}{4},$ and if $y \ge 2,$ then the maximum value is $y - 1.$ For $y \le 0,$ the maximum value is $1 - y,$ which is at least 1. For $1 \le y \le 2,$ the maximum value is $\frac{y^2}{4},$ which is at least $\frac{1}{4}.$ For $y \ge 2,$ the maximum value is $y - 1,$ which is at least 1. For $0 \le y \le 1,$ we want to compare $\frac{y^2}{4}$ and $1 - y.$ The inequality \[\frac{y^2}{4} \ge 1 - y\]reduces to $y^2 + 4y - 4 \ge 0.$ The solutions to $y^2 + 4y - 4 = 0$ are $-2 \pm 2 \sqrt{2}.$ Hence if $0 \le y \le -2 + 2 \sqrt{2},$ then the maximum is $1 - y,$ and if $-2 + 2 \sqrt{2} \le y \le 1,$ then the maximum is $\frac{y^2}{4}.$ Note that $1 - y$ is decreasing for $0 \le y \le -2 + 2 \sqrt{2},$ and $\frac{y^2}{4}$ is increasing for $-2 + 2 \sqrt{2} \le y \le 1,$ so the minimum value of the maximum value occurs at $y = -2 + 2 \sqrt{2},$ which is \[1 - (-2 + 2 \sqrt{2}) = 3 - 2 \sqrt{2}.\]Since this is less than $\frac{1}{4},$ the overall minimum value is $\boxed{3 - 2 \sqrt{2}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let \[\begin{aligned} a &= \sqrt{2}+\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{6}, \\ b &= -\sqrt{2}+\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{6}, \\ c&= \sqrt{2}-\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{6}, \\ d&=-\sqrt{2}-\sqrt{3}+\sqrt{6}. \end{aligned}\]Evaluate $\left(\frac1a + \frac1b + \frac1c + \frac1d\right)^2.$
Level 5
Hoping for cancellation, we first compute $\frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{d},$ since $a$ and $d$ have two opposite signs: \[\begin{aligned} \frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{d}&=\frac{a+d}{ad} \\ &= \frac{(\sqrt2+\sqrt3+\sqrt6) + (-\sqrt2-\sqrt3+\sqrt6)}{(\sqrt2+\sqrt3+\sqrt6)(-\sqrt2-\sqrt3+\sqrt6)} \\ &= \frac{2\sqrt6}{(\sqrt6)^2-(\sqrt2+\sqrt3)^2} \\ &= \frac{2\sqrt6}{1 - 2\sqrt6}.\end{aligned}\]Similar cancellation occurs when adding $\frac1b+\frac1c$: \[\begin{aligned} \frac1b+\frac1c &= \frac{b+c}{bc} \\ &= \frac{(-\sqrt2+\sqrt3+\sqrt6) + (\sqrt2-\sqrt3+\sqrt6)}{(-\sqrt2+\sqrt3+\sqrt6)(\sqrt2-\sqrt3+\sqrt6)} \\ &= \frac{2\sqrt6}{(\sqrt6)^2-(\sqrt2-\sqrt3)^2} \\ &= \frac{2\sqrt6}{1+2\sqrt6} . \end{aligned}\]It follows that \[\begin{aligned} \frac1a+\frac1b+\frac1c+\frac1d &= \frac{2\sqrt6}{1-2\sqrt6} + \frac{2\sqrt6}{1+2\sqrt6} \\ &= \frac{4\sqrt6}{1^2 - (2\sqrt6)^2}\\& = -\frac{4\sqrt6}{23}, \end{aligned}\]so $\left(\frac1a+\frac1b+\frac1c+\frac1d\right)^2 = \boxed{\frac{96}{529}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Two of the roots of \[ax^3 + (a + 2b) x^2 + (b - 3a) x + (8 - a) = 0\]are $-2$ and 3. Find the third root.
Level 5
Since $-2$ and 3 are roots, \begin{align*} a(-2)^3 + (a + 2b) (-2)^2 + (b - 3a)(-2) + (8 - a) &= 0, \\ a(3)^3 + (a + 2b) 3^2 + (b - 3a)(3) + (8 - a) &= 0. \end{align*}Solving, we find $a = \frac{8}{9}$ and $b = -\frac{40}{27}.$ By Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots is \[-\frac{a + 2b}{a} = \frac{7}{3},\]so the third root is $\frac{7}{3} - (-2) - 3 = \boxed{\frac{4}{3}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Find the value of the sum \[\binom{99}{0} - \binom{99}{2} + \binom{99}{4} - \dots - \binom{99}{98}.\]
Level 5
By the Binomial Theorem, \begin{align*} (1 + i)^{99} &= \binom{99}{0} + \binom{99}{1} i + \binom{99}{2} i^2 + \binom{99}{3} i^3 + \dots + \binom{99}{98} i^{98} + \binom{99}{99} i^{99} \\ &= \binom{99}{0} + \binom{99}{1} i - \binom{99}{2} - \binom{99}{3} i + \dots - \binom{99}{98} - \binom{99}{99} i. \end{align*}Thus, the sum we seek is the real part of $(1 + i)^{99}.$ Note that $(1 + i)^2 = 1 + 2i + i^2 = 2i,$ so \begin{align*} (1 + i)^{99} &= (1 + i)^{98} \cdot (1 + i) \\ &= (2i)^{49} (1 + i) \\ &= 2^{49} \cdot i^{49} \cdot (1 + i) \\ &= 2^{49} \cdot i \cdot (1 + i) \\ &= 2^{49} (-1 + i) \\ &= -2^{49} + 2^{49} i. \end{align*}Hence, the given sum is $\boxed{-2^{49}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x,$ $y,$ $z$ be nonnegative real numbers. Let \begin{align*} A &= \sqrt{x + 2} + \sqrt{y + 5} + \sqrt{z + 10}, \\ B &= \sqrt{x + 1} + \sqrt{y + 1} + \sqrt{z + 1}. \end{align*}Find the minimum value of $A^2 - B^2.$
Level 5
We can write \begin{align*} A^2 - B^2 &= (A + B)(A - B) \\ &= (\sqrt{x + 2} + \sqrt{x + 1} + \sqrt{y + 5} + \sqrt{y + 1} + \sqrt{z + 10} + \sqrt{z + 1}) \\ &\quad \times (\sqrt{x + 2} - \sqrt{x + 1} + \sqrt{y + 5} - \sqrt{y + 1} + \sqrt{z + 10} - \sqrt{z + 1}). \end{align*}Let \begin{align*} a_1 &= \sqrt{x + 2} + \sqrt{x + 1}, \\ b_1 &= \sqrt{y + 5} + \sqrt{y + 1}, \\ c_1 &= \sqrt{z + 10} + \sqrt{z + 1}, \\ a_2 &= \sqrt{x + 2} - \sqrt{x + 1}, \\ b_2 &= \sqrt{y + 5} - \sqrt{y + 1}, \\ c_2 &= \sqrt{z + 10} - \sqrt{z + 1}. \end{align*}Then by Cauchy-Schwarz, \begin{align*} A^2 - B^2 &= (a_1 + b_1 + c_1)(a_2 + b_2 + c_2) \\ &\ge (\sqrt{a_1 a_2} + \sqrt{b_1 b_2} + \sqrt{c_2 c_2})^2 \\ &= (1 + 2 + 3)^2 \\ &= 36. \end{align*}Equality occurs when \[\frac{a_1}{a_2} = \frac{b_1}{b_2} = \frac{c_1}{c_2},\]or equivalently, \[\frac{x + 2}{x + 1} = \frac{y + 5}{y + 1} = \frac{z + 10}{z + 1}.\]For example, if we set each fraction to 2, then we get $x = 0,$ $y = 3,$ and $z = 8.$ Hence, the minimum value is $\boxed{36}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x$ and $y$ be positive real numbers such that \[\frac{1}{x + 2} + \frac{1}{y + 2} = \frac{1}{3}.\]Find the minimum value of $x + 2y.$
Level 5
By the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, \[((x + 2) + 2(y + 2)) \left( \frac{1}{x + 2} + \frac{1}{y + 2} \right) \ge (1 + \sqrt{2})^2.\]Then \[x + 2 + 2y + 4 \ge 3 (1 + \sqrt{2})^2 = 9 + 6 \sqrt{2},\]so $x + 2y \ge 3 + 6 \sqrt{2}.$ Equality occurs when $(x + 2)^2 = 2(y + 2)^2,$ or $x + 2 = (y + 2) \sqrt{2}.$ Substituting into $\frac{1}{x + 2} + \frac{1}{y + 2} = \frac{1}{3},$ we get \[\frac{1}{(y + 2) \sqrt{2}} + \frac{1}{y + 2} = \frac{1}{3}.\]Solving, we find $y = \frac{2 + 3 \sqrt{2}}{2}.$ Then $x = 1 + 3 \sqrt{2}.$ Hence, the minimum value we seek is $\boxed{3 + 6 \sqrt{2}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Consider all polynomials of the form \[x^9 + a_8 x^8 + a_7 x^7 + \dots + a_2 x^2 + a_1 x + a_0,\]where $a_i \in \{0,1\}$ for all $0 \le i \le 8.$ Find the number of such polynomials that have exactly two different integer roots.
Level 5
If all the $a_i$ are equal to 0, then the polynomial becomes $x^9 = 0,$ which has only one integer root, namely $x = 0.$ Thus, we can assume that there is some coefficient $a_i$ that is non-zero. Let $k$ be the smallest integer such that $a_k \neq 0$; then we can take out a factor of $x^k,$ to get \[x^k (x^{9 - k} + a_8 x^{8 - k} + a_7 x^{7 - k} + \dots + a_{k + 1} x + a_k) = 0.\]By the Integer Root Theorem, any integer root of $x^{9 - k} + a_8 x^{8 - k} + \dots + a_{k + 1} x + a_k = 0$ must divide $a_k = 1,$ so the only possible integer roots are 1 and $-1.$ However, if we plug in $x = 1,$ we see that $x^{9 - k} = 1,$ and all the other terms are nonnegative, so $x = 1$ cannot be a root. Therefore, for the original polynomial to have two different integer roots, they must be 0 and $-1.$ For 0 to be a root, it suffices to take $a_0 = 0,$ and the polynomial is \[x^9 + a_8 x^8 + a_7 x^7 + a_6 x^6 + a_5 x^5 + a_4 x^4 + a_3 x^3 + a_2 x^2 + a_1 x = 0.\]We also want $x = -1$ to be a root. We have that $(-1)^9 = -1,$ so in order for the polynomial to become 0 at $x = -1,$ we must choose some of the $a_i$ to be equal to 1. Specifically, if $k$ is the number of $i$ such that $a_i = 1$ and $i$ is odd, then the number of $i$ such that $a_i = 1$ and $i$ is even must be $k + 1.$ There are four indices that are odd (1, 3, 5, 7), and four indices that are even (2, 4, 6, 8), so the possible values of $k$ are 0, 1, 2, and 3. Furthermore, for each $k,$ so the number of ways to choose $k$ odd indices and $k + 1$ even indices is $\binom{4}{k} \binom{4}{k + 1}.$ Therefore, the number of such polynomials is \[\binom{4}{0} \binom{4}{1} + \binom{4}{1} \binom{4}{2} + \binom{4}{2} \binom{4}{3} + \binom{4}{3} \binom{4}{4} = \boxed{56}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
Define \[c_k = k + \cfrac{1}{2k + \cfrac{1}{2k + \cfrac{1}{2k + \dotsb}}}.\]Calculate $\sum_{k = 1}^{11} c_k^2.$
Level 5
We can write \[c_k = k + \cfrac{1}{2k + \cfrac{1}{2k + \cfrac{1}{2k + \dotsb}}} = k + \cfrac{1}{k + k + \cfrac{1}{2k + \cfrac{1}{2k + \dotsb}}} = k + \frac{1}{k + c_k}.\]Then $c_k - k = \frac{1}{c_k + k},$ so $c_k^2 - k^2 = 1.$ Hence, $c_k^2 = k^2 + 1.$ Therefore, \[\sum_{k = 1}^{11} c_k^2 = \sum_{k = 1}^{11} (k^2 + 1).\]In general, \[\sum_{k = 1}^n k^2 = \frac{n(n + 1)(2n + 1)}{6},\]so \[\sum_{k = 1}^{11} (k^2 + 1) = \frac{11 \cdot 12 \cdot 23}{6} + 11 = \boxed{517}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
The line $y - x \sqrt{3} + 3 = 0$ intersects the parabola $2y^2 = 2x + 3$ at points $A$ and $B.$ Let $P = (\sqrt{3},0).$ Find $|AP - BP|.$
Level 5
First, note that $P$ lies on the line $y - x \sqrt{3} + 3 = 0.$ Solving for $x$ in $2y^2 = 2x + 3,$ we get $x = y^2 - \frac{3}{2}.$ Accordingly, let $A = \left( a^2 - \frac{3}{2}, a \right)$ and $B = \left( b^2 - \frac{3}{2}, b \right).$ We can assume that $a < 0$ and $b > 0.$ [asy] unitsize(1 cm); pair A, B, P; real upperparab(real x) { return(sqrt(x + 3/2)); } real lowerparab(real x) { return(-sqrt(x + 3/2)); } A = (0.847467,-1.53214); B = (2.94997,2.10949); P = (sqrt(3),0); draw(graph(upperparab,-3/2,4)); draw(graph(lowerparab,-3/2,4)); draw(interp(A,B,-0.1)--interp(A,B,1.2)); dot("$A$", A, S); dot("$B$", B, NW); dot("$P$", P, SE); [/asy] Then the slope of $\overline{AB}$ is \[ \begin{aligned} \sqrt{3} &= \frac{b - a}{(b^2 - \frac{3}{2}) - (a^2 - \frac{3}{2})} \\ &= \frac{b - a}{b^2 - a^2} \\ &= \frac{b - a}{(b - a)(b + a)} \\ & = \frac{1}{a + b} \end{aligned} \]The difference between the $y$-coordinates of $A$ and $P$ is $a,$ so the difference between the $x$-coordinates of $A$ and $P$ is $\frac{a}{\sqrt{3}}$. Then \[AP = \sqrt{a^2 + \left( \frac{a}{\sqrt{3}} \right)^2} = \sqrt{\frac{4}{3} a^2} = -\frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} a.\]Similarly, \[BP = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} b.\]Therefore, \[|AP - BP| = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} (a + b) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} \cdot \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} = \boxed{\frac{2}{3}}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x$ be a positive real number. Find the maximum possible value of $$\frac{x^2+2-\sqrt{x^4+4}}{x}.$$
Level 5
Rationalizing the numerator, we get \begin{align*} \frac{x^2+2-\sqrt{x^4+4}}{x}\cdot\frac{x^2+2+\sqrt{x^4+4}}{x^2+2+\sqrt{x^4+4}}&=\frac{(x^2+2)^2-(x^4+4)}{x(x^2+2+\sqrt{x^4+4})}\\ &=\frac{4x^2}{x(x^2+2+\sqrt{x^4+4})}\\ &=\frac{4}{\frac{1}{x}(x^2+2+\sqrt{x^4+4})}\\ &=\frac{4}{x+\frac{2}{x}+\sqrt{x^2+\frac{4}{x^2}}}. \end{align*}Since we wish to maximize this quantity, we wish to minimize the denominator. By AM-GM, $x+\frac{2}{x}\geq 2\sqrt{2}$ and $x^2+\frac{4}{x^2}\geq 4$, so that the denominator is at least $2\sqrt{2}+2$. Therefore, $$\frac{x^2+2-\sqrt{x^4+4}}{x}\leq \frac{4}{2\sqrt{2}+2}=\boxed{2\sqrt{2}-2},$$with equality when $x=\sqrt{2}$.
Intermediate Algebra
Compute all values of $b$ for which the following system has a solution $(x,y)$ in real numbers: \begin{align*} \sqrt{xy} &= b^b, \\ \log_b (x^{\log_b y}) + \log_b (y^{\log_b x}) &= 4b^4. \end{align*}
Level 5
Let $m = \log_b x$ and $n = \log_b y.$ Then $x = b^m$ and $y = b^n.$ Substituting into the first equation, we get \[\sqrt{b^m \cdot b^n} = b^b,\]so $b^{m + n} = b^{2b},$ which implies $m + n = 2b.$ The second equation becomes \[\log_b (b^{mn}) + \log_b (b^{mn}) = 4b^4,\]so $2mn = 4b^4,$ or $mn = 2b^4.$ By the Trivial Inequality, $(m - n)^2 \ge 0,$ so $m^2 - 2mn + n^2 \ge 0,$ which implies \[m^2 + 2mn + n^2 \ge 4mn.\]Then $(2b)^2 \ge 8b^4,$ or $4b^2 \ge 8b^4.$ Then $b^2 \le \frac{1}{2},$ so the set of possible values of $b$ is $\boxed{\left( 0, \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right]}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x,$ $y,$ $z$ be nonzero real numbers such that $x + y + z = 0,$ and $xy + xz + yz \neq 0.$ Find all possible values of \[\frac{x^5 + y^5 + z^5}{xyz (xy + xz + yz)}.\]Enter all possible values, separated by commas.
Level 5
Substituting $z = -x - y,$ we get \[\frac{x^5 + y^5 - (x + y)^5}{xy(-x - y)(xy - x(x + y) - y(x + y))}.\]Expanding the numerator and denominator, we get \begin{align*} -\frac{5x^4 y + 10x^3 y^2 + 10x^2 y^3 + 5xy^4}{xy(x + y)(x^2 + xy + y^2)} &= -\frac{5xy (x^3 + 2x^2 y + 2xy^2 + y^3)}{xy(x + y)(x^2 + xy + y^2)} \\ &= -\frac{5 (x^3 + 2x^2 y + 2xy^2 + y^3)}{(x + y)(x^2 + xy + y^2)} \\ &= -\frac{5 (x + y)(x^2 + xy + y^2)}{(x + y)(x^2 + xy + y^2)} \\ &= -5. \end{align*}Hence, the only possible value of the expression is $\boxed{-5}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $f(x) = x^4 + ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d$ be a polynomial whose roots are all negative integers. If $a + b + c + d = 2009,$ find $d.$
Level 5
Let the roots be $-r_1,$ $-r_2,$ $-r_3,$ $-r_4,$ so all the $r_i$ are positive integers. Then \[f(x) = (x + r_1)(x + r_2)(x + r_3)(x + r_4),\]and $f(1) = (1 + r_1)(1 + r_2)(1 + r_3)(1 + r_4).$ Also, $f(1) = 1 + a + b + c + d = 2010.$ The prime factorization of 2010 is $2 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \cdot 67,$ so $1 + r_1,$ $1 + r_2,$ $1 + r_3$, and $1 + r_4$ are equal to 2, 3, 5, and 67, in some order. Therefore, \[f(x) = (x + 1)(x + 2)(x + 4)(x + 66),\]and $d = 1 \cdot 2 \cdot 4 \cdot 66 = \boxed{528}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $\mathcal P$ be a parabola, and let $V_1$ and $F_1$ be its vertex and focus, respectively. Let $A$ and $B$ be points on $\mathcal P$ so that $\angle AV_1 B = 90^\circ$. Let $\mathcal Q$ be the locus of the midpoint of $\overline{AB}$. It turns out that $\mathcal Q$ is also a parabola, and let $V_2$ and $F_2$ denote its vertex and focus, respectively. Determine the ratio $\frac{F_1F_2}{V_1V_2}$.
Level 5
Since all parabolas are similar, we may assume that $\mathcal P$ is the curve $y = x^2,$ so $V_1 = (0,0).$ Then, if $A = (a, a^2)$ and $B = (b, b^2)$, the slope of line $AV_1$ is $a,$ and the slope of line $BV_1$ is $b.$ Since $\angle AV_1 B = 90^\circ,$ $ab = -1$. Then, the midpoint of $\overline{AB}$ is \[ \left( \frac{a+b}{2}, \frac{a^2 + b^2}{2} \right) = \left( \frac{a+b}{2}, \frac{(a+b)^2 - 2ab}{2} \right) = \left( \frac{a+b}{2}, \frac{(a+b)^2}{2} + 1 \right). \](Note that $a+b$ can range over all real numbers under the constraint $ab = - 1$.) It follows that the locus of the midpoint of $\overline{AB}$ is the curve $y = 2x^2 + 1$. Recall that the focus of $y = ax^2$ is $\left(0, \frac{1}{4a} \right)$. We find that $V_1 = (0,0)$, $V_2 = (0,1)$, $F_1 = \left( 0, \frac 14 \right)$, $F_2 = \left( 0, 1 + \frac18 \right)$. Therefore, $\frac{F_1F_2}{V_1V_2} = \boxed{\frac78}$.
Intermediate Algebra
The function $f(x)$ satisfies $f(1) = 1$ and \[f(x + y) = 3^y f(x) + 2^x f(y)\]for all real numbers $x$ and $y.$ Find the function $f(x).$
Level 5
Switching the roles of $x$ and $y,$ we get \[f(y + x) = 3^x f(y) + 2^y f(x).\]Hence, \[3^y f(x) + 2^x f(y) = 3^x f(y) + 2^y f(x).\]Then \[(3^y - 2^y) f(x) = (3^x - 2^x) f(y),\]so for $x \neq 0$ and $y \neq 0,$ \[\frac{f(x)}{3^x - 2^x} = \frac{f(y)}{3^y - 2^y}.\]Setting $y = 1,$ we get \[\frac{f(x)}{3^x - 2^x} = \frac{f(1)}{3^1 - 2^1} = 1,\]so $f(x) = \boxed{3^x - 2^x}.$ Note that this formula also holds for $x = 0.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x$ and $y$ be positive real numbers such that $3x + 4y < 72.$ Find the maximum value of \[xy (72 - 3x - 4y).\]
Level 5
We can consider $xy (72 - 3x - 4y)$ as the product of $x,$ $y,$ and $72 - 3x - 4y.$ Unfortunately, their sum is not constant. In order to obtain a constant sum, we consider $(3x)(4y)(72 - 3x - 4y).$ By AM-GM, \[\sqrt[3]{(3x)(4y)(72 - 3x - 4y)} \le \frac{3x + 4y + (72 - 3x - 4y)}{3} = \frac{72}{3} = 24,\]so $(3x)(4y)(72 - 3x - 4y) \le 13824.$ Then \[xy(72 - 3x - 4y) \le 1152.\]Equality occurs when $3x = 4y = 72 - 3x - 4y.$ We can solve to get $x = 8$ and $y = 6,$ so the maximum value is $\boxed{1152}.$
Intermediate Algebra
There are 2011 positive numbers with both their sum and the sum of their reciprocals equal to 2012. Let $x$ be one of these numbers. Find the maximum value of $x + \frac{1}{x}.$
Level 5
Let the other 2010 numbers be $y_1,$ $y_2,$ $\dots,$ $y_{2010}.$ Then $y_1 +y_2 + \dots + y_{2010} = 2012 - x$ and $\frac{1}{y_1} + \frac{1}{y_2} + \dots + \frac{1}{y_{2010}} = 2012 - \frac{1}{x}.$ By Cauchy-Schwarz, \[\left( \sum_{i = 1}^{2010} y_i \right) \left( \sum_{i = 1}^{2010} \frac{1}{y_i} \right) = (2012 - x) \left( 2012 - \frac{1}{x} \right) \ge 2010^2.\]Then $2012^2 - 2012 \left( x + \frac{1}{x} \right) + 1 \ge 2010^2,$ which leads to \[x + \frac{1}{x} \le \frac{8045}{2012}.\]The equation $x + \frac{1}{x} = \frac{8045}{2012}$ reduces to $x^2 - \frac{8045}{2012} x + 1 = 0,$ which has real roots. We can then set $y_i = \frac{2012 - x}{2010}$ in order to achieve equality. Thus, the maximum value is $\boxed{\frac{8045}{2012}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
The graph of an equation \[\sqrt{(x-3)^2 + (y+4)^2} + \sqrt{(x+5)^2 + (y-8)^2} = 20.\]is an ellipse. What is the distance between its foci?
Level 5
Let $F_1 = (3, -4)$ and $F_2 = (-5, 8)$. Then, given a point $P = (x, y)$, we can rewrite the given equation as \[PF_1 + PF_2 = 20\]by the distance formula. Therefore, the ellipse has foci $F_1$ and $F_2$, and so the answer is \[F_1F_2 = \sqrt{(3+5)^2 + (-4-8)^2} = \sqrt{8^2 + 12^2} = \boxed{4\sqrt{13}}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
Define \[A = \frac{1}{1^2} + \frac{1}{5^2} - \frac{1}{7^2} - \frac{1}{11^2} + \frac{1}{13^2} + \frac{1}{17^2} - \dotsb,\]which omits all terms of the form $\frac{1}{n^2}$ where $n$ is an odd multiple of 3, and \[B = \frac{1}{3^2} - \frac{1}{9^2} + \frac{1}{15^2} - \frac{1}{21^2} + \frac{1}{27^2} - \frac{1}{33^2} + \dotsb,\]which includes only terms of the form $\frac{1}{n^2}$ where $n$ is an odd multiple of 3. Determine $\frac{A}{B}.$
Level 5
We can start by taking out a factor of $\frac{1}{9}$ out of each term in $B$: \[B = \frac{1}{9} \left( \frac{1}{1^2} - \frac{1}{3^2} + \frac{1}{5^2} - \frac{1}{7^2} + \frac{1}{9^2} - \frac{1}{11^2} + \dotsb \right).\]Note that we obtain all the terms in $A,$ so \[B = \frac{1}{9} A + \frac{1}{9} \left( -\frac{1}{3^2} + \frac{1}{9^2} - \frac{1}{15^2} + \frac{1}{21^2} - \dotsb \right) = \frac{1}{9} A + \frac{1}{9} (-B).\]Then $9B = A - B,$ so $A = 10B.$ Therefore, $\frac{A}{B} = \boxed{10}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $\omega$ be a complex number such that $\omega^7 = 1$ and $\omega \ne 1.$ Let $\alpha = \omega + \omega^2 + \omega^4$ and $\beta = \omega^3 + \omega^5 + \omega^6.$ Then $\alpha$ and $\beta$ satisfy the quadratic \[x^2 + ax + b = 0\]for some real numbers $a$ and $b.$ Enter the ordered pair $(a,b).$
Level 5
From the equation $\omega^7 = 1,$ $\omega^7 - 1 = 0,$ which factors as \[(\omega - 1)(\omega^6 + \omega^5 + \omega^4 + \omega^3 + \omega^2 + \omega + 1) = 0.\]Since $\omega \neq 1,$ \[\omega^6 + \omega^5 + \omega^4 + \omega^3 + \omega^2 + \omega + 1 = 0.\]We have that \[\alpha + \beta = \omega + \omega^2 + \omega^4 + \omega^3 + \omega^5 + \omega^6 = -1.\]Also, \begin{align*} \alpha \beta &= (\omega + \omega^2 + \omega^4)(\omega^3 + \omega^5 + \omega^6) \\ &= \omega^4 + \omega^6 + \omega^7 + \omega^5 + \omega^7 + \omega^8 + \omega^7 + \omega^9 + \omega^{10} \\ &= \omega^4 + \omega^6 + 1 + \omega^5 + 1 + \omega + 1 + \omega^2 + \omega^3 \\ &= 2 + (\omega^6 + \omega^5 + \omega^4 + \omega^3 + \omega^2 + \omega + 1) \\ &= 2. \end{align*}Then by Vieta's formulas, $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are the roots of $x^2 + x + 2 = 0,$ so $(a,b) = \boxed{(1,2)}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $a,$ $b,$ $c$ be three distinct positive real numbers such that $a,$ $b,$ $c$ form a geometric sequence, and \[\log_c a, \ \log_b c, \ \log_a b\]form an arithmetic sequence. Find the common difference of the arithmetic sequence.
Level 5
Since $a,$ $b,$ $c$ form a geometric sequence, $b = \sqrt{ac}.$ Then the three logarithms become \[\log_c a, \ \log_{\sqrt{ac}} c, \ \log_a \sqrt{ac}.\]Let $x = \log_c a.$ Then by the change-of-base formula, \[\log_{\sqrt{ac}} c = \frac{\log_c c}{\log_c \sqrt{ac}} = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{2} \log_c ac} = \frac{2}{\log_c a + \log_c c} = \frac{2}{x + 1},\]and \[\log_a \sqrt{ac} = \frac{1}{2} \log_a ac = \frac{\log_c ac}{2 \log_c a} = \frac{\log_c a + \log_c c}{2 \log_c a} = \frac{x + 1}{2x}.\]Let $d$ be the common difference, so \[d = \frac{2}{x + 1} - x = \frac{x + 1}{2x} - \frac{2}{x + 1}.\]Then \[4x - 2x^2 (x + 1) = (x + 1)^2 - 4x,\]which simplifies to $2x^3 + 3x^2 - 6x + 1 = 0.$ This factors as $(x - 1)(2x^2 + 5x - 1) = 0.$ If $x = 1,$ then $\log_c a = 1,$ so $a = c.$ But $a$ and $c$ are distinct, so $2x^2 + 5x - 1 = 0,$ so $x^2 = \frac{1 - 5x}{2}.$ Then \[d = \frac{2}{x + 1} - x = \frac{2 - x^2 - x}{x + 1} = \frac{2 - \frac{1 - 5x}{2} - x}{x + 1} = \frac{3x + 3}{2(x + 1)} = \boxed{\frac{3}{2}}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
A sequence $a_1$, $a_2$, $\ldots$ of non-negative integers is defined by the rule $a_{n+2}=|a_{n+1}-a_n|$ for $n\geq1$. If $a_1=999$, $a_2<999$, and $a_{2006}=1$, how many different values of $a_2$ are possible?
Level 5
The condition $a_{n+2}=|a_{n+1}-a_n|$ implies that $a_n$ and $a_{n+3}$ have the same parity for all $n\geq 1$. Because $a_{2006}$ is odd, $a_2$ is also odd. Because $a_{2006}=1$ and $a_n$ is a multiple of $\gcd(a_1,a_2)$ for all $n$, it follows that $1=\gcd(a_1,a_2)=\gcd(3^3\cdot 37,a_2)$. There are 499 odd integers in the interval $[1,998]$, of which 166 are multiples of 3, 13 are multiples of 37, and 4 are multiples of $3\cdot 37=111$. By the Inclusion-Exclusion Principle, the number of possible values of $a_2$ cannot exceed $499-166-13+4=\boxed{324}$. To see that there are actually 324 possibilities, note that for $n\geq 3$, $a_n<\max(a_{n-2},a_{n-1})$ whenever $a_{n-2}$ and $a_{n-1}$ are both positive. Thus $a_N=0$ for some $N\leq 1999$. If $\gcd(a_1,a_2)=1$, then $a_{N-2}=a_{N-1}=1$, and for $n>N$ the sequence cycles through the values 1, 1, 0. If in addition $a_2$ is odd, then $a_{3k+2}$ is odd for $k\geq 1$, so $a_{2006}=1$.
Intermediate Algebra
The quadratic polynomial $P(x),$ with real coefficients, satisfies \[P(x^3 + x) \ge P(x^2 + 1)\]for all real numbers $x.$ Find the sum of the roots of $P(x).$
Level 5
Let $P(x) = ax^2 + bx + c.$ Then \[a(x^3 + x)^2 + b(x^3 + x) + c \ge a(x^2 + 1)^2 + b(x^2 + 1) + c\]for all real numbers $x.$ This simplifies to \[ax^6 + ax^4 + bx^3 - (a + b)x^2 + bx - a - b \ge 0.\]This factors as \[(x - 1)(x^2 + 1)(ax^3 + ax^2 + ax + a + b) \ge 0.\]For this inequality to hold for all real numbers $x,$ $ax^3 + ax^2 + ax + a + b$ must have a factor of $x - 1.$ (Otherwise, as $x$ increases from just below 1 to just above 1, $x - 1$ changes sign, but $(x^2 + 1)(ax^3 + ax^2 + ax + a + b)$ does not, meaning that it cannot be nonnegative for all real numbers $x.$) Hence, setting $x = 1,$ we get $a + a + a + a + b = 0,$ so $4a + b = 0.$ Then by Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots of $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$ is $-\frac{b}{a} = \boxed{4}.$
Intermediate Algebra
The sequence $(a_n)$ satisfies $a_0=0$ and $a_{n + 1} = \frac{8}{5}a_n + \frac{6}{5}\sqrt{4^n - a_n^2}$ for $n \geq 0$. Find $a_{10}$.
Level 5
Define a new sequence $(b_n)$ such that $a_n = 2^n b_n$ for each $n.$ Then the recurrence becomes \[2^{n+1} b_{n+1} = \frac{8}{5} \cdot 2^n b_n + \frac{6}{5} \sqrt{4^n - 4^n b_n^2} = \frac{8}{5} \cdot 2^n b_n + \frac{6}{5} \cdot 2^n \sqrt{1 - b_n^2},\]or, dividing by $2^{n+1},$ \[b_{n+1} = \frac{4}{5} b_n + \frac{3}{5} \sqrt{1-b_n^2}.\]Compute by hand: \[\begin{aligned} b_1 & = \frac 35 \\ b_2 & = \frac 45\cdot \frac 35 + \frac 35 \sqrt{1 - \left(\frac 35\right)^2} = \frac{24}{25} \\ b_3 & = \frac 45\cdot \frac {24}{25} + \frac 35 \sqrt{1 - \left(\frac {24}{25}\right)^2} = \frac{96}{125} + \frac 35\cdot\frac 7{25} = \frac{117}{125} \\ b_4 & = \frac 45\cdot \frac {117}{125} + \frac 35 \sqrt{1 - \left(\frac {117}{125}\right)^2} = \frac{468}{625} + \frac 35\cdot\frac {44}{125} = \frac{600}{625} = \frac{24}{25} \end{aligned}\]Since $b_2 = b_4,$ the sequence $(b_n)$ starts to repeat with period $2.$ Thus, $b_{10} = b_2 = \frac{24}{25},$ so $a_{10} = 2^{10} b_{10} = \frac{2^{10} \cdot 24}{25} = \boxed{\frac{24576}{25}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Compute the value of $k$ such that the equation \[\frac{x + 2}{kx - 1} = x\]has exactly one solution.
Level 5
Assume $k \neq 0.$ Then \[x + 2 = x(kx - 1) = kx^2 - x,\]so $kx^2 - 2x - 2 = 0.$ This quadratic has exactly one solution if its discriminant is 0, or $(-2)^2 - 4(k)(-2) = 4 + 8k = 0.$ Then $k = -\frac{1}{2}.$ But then \[-\frac{1}{2} x^2 - 2x - 2 = 0,\]or $x^2 + 4x + 4 = (x + 2)^2 = 0,$ which means $x = -2,$ and \[\frac{x + 2}{kx - 1} = \frac{x + 2}{-\frac{1}{2} x - 1}\]is not defined for $x = -2.$ So, we must have $k = 0.$ For $k = 0,$ the equation is \[\frac{x + 2}{-1} = x,\]which yields $x = -1.$ Hence, $k = \boxed{0}$ is the value we seek.
Intermediate Algebra
Let $p(x)$ be a quadratic polynomial such that $[p(x)]^3 - x$ is divisible by $(x - 1)(x + 1)(x - 8).$ Find $p(13).$
Level 5
By Factor Theorem, we want $[p(x)]^3 - x$ to be equal to 0 at $x = 1,$ $x = -1,$ and $x = 8.$ Thus, $p(1) = 1,$ $p(-1) = -1,$ and $p(8) = 2.$ Since $p(x)$ is quadratic, let $p(x) = ax^2 + bx + c.$ Then \begin{align*} a + b + c &= 1, \\ a - b + c &= -1, \\ 64a + 8b + c &= 2. \end{align*}Solving this system, we find $a = -\frac{2}{21},$ $b = 1,$ and $c = \frac{2}{21}.$ Hence, \[p(x) = -\frac{2}{21} x^2 + x + \frac{2}{21},\]so $p(13) = -\frac{2}{21} \cdot 13^2 + 13 + \frac{2}{21} = \boxed{-3}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ be two monic cubic polynomials, and let $r$ be a real number. Two of the roots of $f(x)$ are $r + 1$ and $r + 7.$ Two of the roots of $g(x)$ are $r + 3$ and $r + 9,$ and \[f(x) - g(x) = r\]for all real numbers $x.$ Find $r.$
Level 5
By Factor Theorem, \[f(x) = (x - r - 1)(x - r - 7)(x - a)\]and \[g(x) = (x - r - 3)(x - r - 9)(x - b)\]for some real numbers $a$ and $b.$ Then \[f(x) - g(x) = (x - r - 1)(x - r - 7)(x - a) - (x - r - 3)(x - r - 9)(x - b) = r\]for all $x.$ Setting $x = r + 3,$ we get \[(2)(-4)(r + 3 - a) = r.\]Setting $x = r + 9,$ we get \[(8)(2)(r + 9 - a) = r.\]Then $-8r - 24 + 8a = r$ and $16r + 144 - 16a = r,$ so \begin{align*} 8a - 9r &= 24, \\ -16a + 15r &= -144. \end{align*}Solving, we find $r = \boxed{32}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $a_1 = a_2 = a_3 = 1.$ For $n > 3,$ let $a_n$ be the number of real numbers $x$ such that \[x^4 - 2a_{n - 1} x^2 + a_{n - 2} a_{n - 3} = 0.\]Compute the sum $a_1 + a_2 + a_3 + \dots + a_{1000}.$
Level 5
Consider a quartic equation of the form $x^4 - 2px^2 + q = 0,$ where $p$ and $q$ are nonnegative real numbers. We can re-write this equation as \[(x^2 - p)^2 = p^2 - q.\]$\bullet$ If $p^2 - q < 0,$ then there will be 0 real roots. $\bullet$ If $p^2 - q = 0$ and $p = 0$ (so $p = q = 0$), then there will be 1 real root, namely $x = 0.$ $\bullet$ If $p^2 - q = 0$ and $p > 0$, then there will be 2 real roots, namely $x = \pm \sqrt{p}.$ $\bullet$ If $p^2 - q > 0$ and $q = 0$, then there will be 3 real roots, namely $x = 0$ and $x = \pm \sqrt{2p}.$ $\bullet$ If $p^2 - q > 0$ and $q > 0$, then there will be 4 real roots, namely $x = \pm \sqrt{p \pm \sqrt{p^2 - 1}}.$ Using these cases, we can compute the first few values of $a_n$: \[ \begin{array}{c|c|c|c|c} n & p = a_{n - 1} & q = a_{n - 2} a_{n - 3} & p^2 - q & a_n \\ \hline 4 & 1 & 1 & 0 & 2 \\ 5 & 2 & 1 & 3 & 4 \\ 6 & 4 & 2 & 14 & 4 \\ 7 & 4 & 8 & 8 & 4 \\ 8 & 4 & 16 & 0 & 2 \\ 9 & 2 & 16 & -12 & 0 \\ 10 & 0 & 8 & -8 & 0 \\ 11 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 12 & 1 & 0 & 1 & 3 \\ 13 & 3 & 0 & 9 & 3 \\ 14 & 3 & 3 & 6 & 4 \\ 15 & 4 & 9 & 7 & 4 \\ 16 & 4 & 12 & 4 & 4 \end{array} \]Since $a_{16} = a_7,$ $a_{15} = a_6,$ and $a_{14} = a_5,$ and each term $a_n$ depends only on the previous three terms, the sequence becomes periodic from here on, with a period of $(4, 4, 4, 2, 0, 0, 1, 3, 3).$ Therefore, \begin{align*} \sum_{n = 1}^{1000} a_n &= a_1 + a_2 + a_3 + a_4 + (a_5 + a_6 + a_7 + a_8 + a_9 + a_{10} + a_{11} + a_{12} + a_{13}) \\ &\quad + \dots + (a_{986} + a_{987} + a_{988} + a_{989} + a_{990} + a_{991} + a_{992} + a_{993} + a_{994}) \\ &\quad + a_{995} + a_{996} + a_{997} + a_{998} + a_{999} + a_{1000} \\ &= 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 110(4 + 4 + 2 + 0 + 0 + 1 + 3 + 3) + 4 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 0 + 0 \\ &= \boxed{2329}. \end{align*}
Intermediate Algebra
Determine the value of $-1 + 2 + 3 + 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 + \dots + 10000$, where the signs change after each perfect square.
Level 5
We can express the sum as \begin{align*} \sum_{n = 1}^{100} (-1)^n \sum_{k = (n - 1)^2 + 1}^{n^2} k &= \sum_{n = 1}^{100} (-1)^n \cdot \frac{(n - 1)^2 + 1 + n^2}{2} \cdot (2n - 1) \\ &= \sum_{n = 1}^{100} (-1)^n (2n^3 - 3n^ 2+ 3n - 1) \\ &= \sum_{n = 1}^{100} (-1)^n (n^3 + (n - 1)^3) \\ &= -0^3 - 1^3 + 1^3 + 2^3 - 2^3 - 3^3 + \dots + 99^3 + 100^3 \\ &= \boxed{1000000}. \end{align*}
Intermediate Algebra
Let $p,$ $q,$ $r,$ $s$ be real numbers such that $p +q + r + s = 8$ and \[pq + pr + ps + qr + qs + rs = 12.\]Find the largest possible value of $s.$
Level 5
Squaring the equation $p + q + r + s = 8,$ we get \[p^2 + q^2 + r^2 + s^2 + 2(pq + pr + ps + qr + qs + rs) = 64.\]Hence, $p^2 + q^2 + r^2 + s^2 = 64 - 2 \cdot 12 = 40.$ By Cauchy-Schwarz, \[(1^2 + 1^2 + 1^2)(p^2 + q^2 + r^2) \ge (p + q + r)^2.\]Then $3(40 - s^2) \ge (8 - s)^2.$ Expanding, we get $120 - 3s^2 \ge 64 - 16s + s^2,$ so $4s^2 - 16s - 56 \le 0.$ Dividing by 4, we get $s^2 - 4s - 14 \le 0.$ By the quadratic formula, the roots of the corresponding equation $x^2 - 4x - 14 = 0$ are \[x = 2 \pm 3 \sqrt{2},\]so $s \le 2 + 3 \sqrt{2}.$ Equality occurs when $p = q = r = 2 - \sqrt{2},$ so the maximum value of $s$ is $\boxed{2 + 3 \sqrt{2}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x,$ $y,$ and $z$ be positive real numbers such that $x + y + z = 1.$ Find the minimum value of \[\frac{x + y}{xyz}.\]
Level 5
By the AM-HM inequality, \[\frac{x + y}{2} \ge \frac{2}{\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{y}} = \frac{2xy}{x + y},\]so $\frac{x + y}{xy} \ge \frac{4}{x + y}.$ Hence, \[\frac{x + y}{xyz} \ge \frac{4}{(x + y)z}.\]By the AM-GM inequality, \[\sqrt{(x + y)z} \le \frac{x + y + z}{2} = \frac{1}{2},\]so $(x + y)z \le \frac{1}{4}.$ Hence, \[\frac{4}{(x + y)z} \ge 16.\]Equality occurs when $x = y = \frac{1}{4}$ and $z = \frac{1}{2},$ so the minimum value is $\boxed{16}$.
Intermediate Algebra
The equation \[(x - \sqrt[3]{13})(x - \sqrt[3]{53})(x - \sqrt[3]{103}) = \frac{1}{3}\]has three distinct solutions $r,$ $s,$ and $t.$ Calculate the value of $r^3 + s^3 + t^3.$
Level 5
Let the roots of $(x - \sqrt[3]{13})(x - \sqrt[3]{53})(x - \sqrt[3]{103}) = 0$ be $\alpha,$ $\beta,$ and $\gamma.$ Then by Vieta's formulas, \begin{align*} r + s + t &= \alpha + \beta + \gamma, \\ rs + rt + st &= \alpha \beta + \alpha \gamma + \beta \gamma, \\ rst &= \alpha \beta \gamma + \frac{1}{3}. \end{align*}We have the factorization \[r^3 + s^3 + t^3 - 3rst = (r + s + t)((r + s + t)^2 - 3(rs + rt + st)).\]Thus, from the equations above, \[r^3 + s^3 + t^3 - 3rst = \alpha^3 + \beta^3 + \gamma^3 - 3 \alpha \beta \gamma.\]Hence, \begin{align*} r^3 + s^3 + t^3 &= \alpha^3 + \beta^3 + \gamma^3 + 3(rst - \alpha \beta \gamma) \\ &= 13 + 53 + 103 + 1 \\ &= \boxed{170}. \end{align*}
Intermediate Algebra
For a certain positive integer $n,$ there exist real numbers $x_1,$ $x_2,$ $\dots,$ $x_n$ such that \begin{align*} x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + \dots + x_n &= 1000, \\ x_1^4 + x_2^4 + x_3^4 + \dots + x_n^4 &= 512000. \end{align*}Find the smallest positive integer $n$ for which this is possible.
Level 5
By Cauchy-Schwarz, \[(1^2 + 1^2 + \dots + 1^2)(x_1^2 + x_2^2 + \dots + \dots + x_n^2) \ge (x_1 + x_2 + \dots + x_n)^2 = 1000^2,\]so $x_1^2 + x_2^2 + \dots + x_n^2 \ge \frac{1000^2}{n}.$ Again by Cauchy-Schwarz, \[(1^2 + 1^2 + \dots + 1^2)(x_1^4 + x_2^4 + \dots + \dots + x_n^4) \ge (x_1^2 + x_2^2 + \dots + x_n^2)^2,\]so \[n \cdot 512000 \ge \frac{1000^4}{n^2}.\]Then \[n^3 \ge \frac{1000^4}{512000} = \frac{1000^3}{512} = 5^9,\]so $n \ge 125.$ For $n = 125,$ we can take $x_1 = x_2 = \dots = x_{125} = 8,$ so the smallest such $n$ is $\boxed{125}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Find a monic cubic polynomial $P(x)$ with integer coefficients such that \[P(\sqrt[3]{2} + 1) = 0.\](A polynomial is monic if its leading coefficient is 1.)
Level 5
Let $x = \sqrt[3]{2} + 1.$ Then $x - 1 = \sqrt[3]{2},$ so \[(x - 1)^3 = 2.\]This simplifies to $x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 3 = 0.$ Thus, we can take $P(x) = \boxed{x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 3}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Six congruent copies of the parabola $y = x^2$ are arranged in the plane so that each vertex is tangent to a circle, and each parabola is tangent to its two neighbors. Find the radius of the circle. [asy] unitsize(1 cm); real func (real x) { return (x^2 + 3/4); } path parab = graph(func,-1.5,1.5); draw(parab); draw(rotate(60)*(parab)); draw(rotate(120)*(parab)); draw(rotate(180)*(parab)); draw(rotate(240)*(parab)); draw(rotate(300)*(parab)); draw(Circle((0,0),3/4)); [/asy]
Level 5
Let $r$ be the radius of the circle. Then we can assume that the graph of one of the parabolas is $y = x^2 + r.$ Since $\tan 60^\circ = \sqrt{3},$ the parabola $y = x^2 + r$ will be tangent to the line $y = x \sqrt{3}.$ [asy] unitsize(1 cm); real func (real x) { return (x^2 + 3/4); } path parab = graph(func,-1.5,1.5); draw(dir(240)--3*dir(60),red); draw(parab); draw(Circle((0,0),3/4)); draw((-2,0)--(2,0)); label("$60^\circ$", 0.5*dir(30)); dot((0,0),red); [/asy] This means the equation $x^2 + r = x \sqrt{3},$ or $x^2 - x \sqrt{3} + r = 0$ will have exactly one solution. Hence, the discriminant will be 0, so $3 - 4r = 0,$ or $r = \boxed{\frac{3}{4}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $x,$ $y,$ $z$ be nonzero complex numbers such that \[a = \frac{b + c}{x - 2}, \quad b = \frac{a + c}{y - 2}, \quad c = \frac{a + b}{z - 2},\]and $xy + xz + yz = 5$ and $x + y + z = 3,$ find $xyz.$
Level 5
We have that \[x - 2 = \frac{b + c}{a}, \quad y - 2 = \frac{a + c}{b}, \quad z - 2 = \frac{a + b}{c},\]so \[x - 1 = \frac{a + b + c}{a}, \quad y - 1 = \frac{a + b + c}{b}, \quad z - 1 = \frac{a + b + c}{c}.\]Then \[\frac{1}{x - 1} = \frac{a}{a + b + c}, \quad \frac{1}{y - 1} = \frac{b}{a + b + c}, \quad \frac{1}{z - 1} = \frac{c}{a + b + c},\]so \[\frac{1}{x - 1} + \frac{1}{y - 1} + \frac{1}{z - 1} = \frac{a + b + c}{a + b + c} = 1.\]Multiplying both sides by $(x - 1)(y - 1)(z - 1),$ we get \[(y - 1)(z - 1) + (x - 1)(z - 1) + (x - 1)(y - 1) = (x - 1)(y - 1)(z - 1).\]Expanding, we get \[xy + xz + yz - 2(x + y + z) + 3 = xyz - (xy + xz + yz) + (x + y + z) - 1,\]so \[xyz = 2(xy + xz + yz) - 3(x + y + z) + 4 = 2 \cdot 5 - 3 \cdot 3 + 4 = \boxed{5}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
If $n$ is the smallest positive integer for which there exist positive real numbers $a$ and $b$ such that \[(a + bi)^n = (a - bi)^n,\]compute $\frac{b}{a}.$
Level 5
We start with small cases. For $n = 1,$ the equation becomes \[a + bi = a - bi,\]so $2bi = 0,$ which means $b = 0.$ This is not possible, because $b$ is positive. For $n = 2,$ the equation becomes \[a^2 + 2abi - b^2 = a^2 - 2abi - b^2 = 0,\]so $4abi = 0,$ which means $ab = 0.$ Again, this is not possible, because both $a$ and $b$ are positive. For $n = 3,$ the equation becomes \[a^3 + 3a^2 bi + 3ab^2 i^2 + b^3 i^3 = a^3 - 3a^2 bi + 3ab^2 i^2 - b^3 i^3,\]so $6a^2 bi + 2b^3 i^3 = 0,$ or $6a^2 bi - 2b^3 i = 0.$ Then \[2bi (3a^2 - b^2) = 0.\]Since $b$ is positive, $3a^2 = b^2.$ Then $a \sqrt{3} = b,$ so $\frac{b}{a} = \boxed{\sqrt{3}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
A polynomial $p(x)$ is called self-centered if it has integer coefficients and $p(100) = 100.$ If $p(x)$ is a self-centered polynomial, what is the maximum number of integer solutions $k$ to the equation $p(k) = k^3$?
Level 5
Let $q(x) = p(x) - x^3,$ and let $r_1,$ $r_2,$ $\dots,$ $r_n$ be the integer roots to $p(k) = k^3.$ Then \[q(x) = (x - r_1)(x - r_2) \dotsm (x - r_n) q_0(x)\]for some polynomial $q_0(x)$ with integer coefficients. Setting $x = 100,$ we get \[q(100) = (100 - r_1)(100 - r_2) \dotsm (100 - r_n) q_0(100).\]Since $p(100) = 100,$ \[q(100) = 100 - 100^3 = -999900 = -2^2 \cdot 3^2 \cdot 5^2 \cdot 11 \cdot 101.\]We can then write $-999900$ as a product of at most 10 different integer factors: \[-999900 = (1)(-1)(2)(-2)(3)(-3)(5)(-5)(-11)(101).\]Thus, the number of integer solutions $n$ is at most 10. Accordingly, we can take \[q(x) = (x - 99)(x - 101)(x - 98)(x - 102)(x - 97)(x - 103)(x - 95)(x - 105)(x - 111)(x - 1),\]and $p(x) = q(x) + x^3,$ so $p(k) = k^3$ has 10 integer roots, namely 99, 101, 98, 102, 97, 103, 95, 105, 111, and 1. Thus, $\boxed{10}$ integer roots is the maximum.
Intermediate Algebra
There exist positive integers $a,$ $b,$ and $c$ such that \[3 \sqrt{\sqrt[3]{5} - \sqrt[3]{4}} = \sqrt[3]{a} + \sqrt[3]{b} - \sqrt[3]{c}.\]Find $a + b + c.$
Level 5
Squaring both sides, we get \[9 \sqrt[3]{5} - 9 \sqrt[3]{4} = \sqrt[3]{a^2} + \sqrt[3]{b^2} + \sqrt[3]{c^2} + 2 \sqrt[3]{ab} - 2 \sqrt[3]{ac} - 2 \sqrt[3]{bc}.\]To make the right side look like the left-side, some terms will probably have to cancel. Suppose $\sqrt[3]{a^2} = 2 \sqrt[3]{bc}.$ Then $a^2 = 8bc,$ so $c = \frac{a^2}{8b}.$ Substituting, the right-hand side becomes \begin{align*} \sqrt[3]{b^2} + \sqrt[3]{\frac{a^4}{64b^2}} + 2 \sqrt[3]{ab} - 2 \sqrt[3]{a \cdot \frac{a^2}{8b}} &= \sqrt[3]{b^2} + \frac{a}{4b} \sqrt[3]{ab} + 2 \sqrt[3]{ab} - \frac{a}{b} \sqrt[3]{b^2} \\ &= \left( 1 - \frac{a}{b} \right) \sqrt[3]{b^2} + \left( \frac{a}{4b} + 2 \right) \sqrt[3]{ab}. \end{align*}At this point, we could try to be systematic, but it's easier to test some small values. For example, we could try taking $b = 2,$ to capture the $\sqrt[3]{4}$ term. This gives us \[\left( 1 - \frac{a}{2} \right) \sqrt[3]{4} + \left( \frac{a}{8} + 2 \right) \sqrt[3]{2a}.\]Then taking $a = 20$ gives us exactly what we want: \[\left( 1 - \frac{20}{2} \right) \sqrt[3]{4} + \left( \frac{20}{8} + 2 \right) \sqrt[3]{40} = 9 \sqrt[3]{5} - 9 \sqrt[3]{4}.\]Then $c = \frac{a^2}{8b} = 25.$ Thus, $a + b + c = 20 + 2 + 25 = \boxed{47}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let the ordered triples $(x,y,z)$ of complex numbers that satisfy \begin{align*} x + yz &= 7, \\ y + xz &= 10, \\ z + xy &= 10. \end{align*}be $(x_1,y_1,z_1),$ $(x_2,y_2,z_2),$ $\dots,$ $(x_n,y_n,z_n).$ Find $x_1 + x_2 + \dots + x_n.$
Level 5
Subtracting the equations $y + xz = 10$ and $z + xy = 10,$ we get \[y + xz - z - xy = 0.\]Then $y - z + x(z - y) = 0,$ so $(y - z)(1 - x) = 0.$ Hence, $y = z$ or $x = 1.$ If $x = 1,$ then $yz = 6$ and $y + z = 10.$ Then by Vieta's formulas, $y$ and $z$ are the roots of $t^2 - 10t + 6 = 0.$ Thus, $x = 1$ for two ordered triples $(x,y,z).$ If $y = z,$ then \begin{align*} x + y^2 &= 7, \\ y + xy &= 10. \end{align*}Squaring the second equation, we get $(x + 1)^2 y^2 = 100.$ Then $(x + 1)^2 (7 - x) = 100,$ which simplifies to $x^3 - 5x^2 - 13x + 93 = 0.$ By Vieta's formulas, the sum of the roots is 5, so the sum of all the $x_i$ is $2 + 5 = \boxed{7}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Consider the region $A^{}_{}$ in the complex plane that consists of all points $z^{}_{}$ such that both $\frac{z^{}_{}}{40}$ and $\frac{40^{}_{}}{\overline{z}}$ have real and imaginary parts between $0^{}_{}$ and $1^{}_{}$, inclusive. Find the area of $A.$
Level 5
Let $z = x + yi.$ Then $\frac{z}{40} = \frac{x}{40} + \frac{y}{40} \cdot i,$ so \[0 \le \frac{x}{40} \le 1\]and \[0 \le \frac{y}{40} \le 1.\]In other words $0 \le x \le 40$ and $0 \le y \le 40.$ Also, \[\frac{40}{\overline{z}} = \frac{40}{x - yi} = \frac{40 (x + yi)}{x^2 + y^2} = \frac{40x}{x^2 + y^2} + \frac{40y}{x^2 + y^2} \cdot i,\]so \[0 \le \frac{40x}{x^2 + y^2} \le 1\]and \[0 \le \frac{40y}{x^2 + y^2} \le 1.\]Since $x \ge 0,$ the first inequality is equivalent to $40x \le x^2 + y^2.$ Completing the square, we get \[(x - 20)^2 + y^2 \ge 20^2.\]Since $y \ge 0,$ the second inequality is equivalent to $40y \le x^2 + y^2.$ Completing the square, we get \[x^2 + (y - 20)^2 \ge 20^2.\]Thus, $A$ is the region inside the square with vertices $0,$ $40,$ $40 + 40i,$ and $40i,$ but outside the circle centered at $20$ with radius $20,$ and outside the circle centered at $20i$ with radius $20.$ [asy] unitsize (0.15 cm); fill((40,0)--(40,40)--(0,40)--arc((0,20),20,90,0)--arc((20,0),20,90,0)--cycle,gray(0.7)); draw((0,0)--(40,0)--(40,40)--(0,40)--cycle); draw(arc((20,0),20,0,180)); draw(arc((0,20),20,-90,90)); draw((20,0)--(20,40),dashed); draw((0,20)--(40,20),dashed); label("$0$", 0, SW); label("$40$", (40,0), SE); label("$40 + 40i$", (40,40), NE); label("$40i$", (0,40), NW); dot("$20$", (20,0), S); dot("$20i$", (0,20), W); [/asy] To find the area of $A,$ we divide the square into four quadrants. The shaded area in the upper-left quadrant is \[20^2 - \frac{1}{4} \cdot \pi \cdot 20^2 = 400 - 100 \pi.\]The shaded area in the lower-right quadrant is also $400 - 100 \pi.$ Thus, the area of $A$ is \[2(400 - 100 \pi) + 400 = \boxed{1200 - 200 \pi}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
There are three pairs of real numbers $(x_1,y_1)$, $(x_2,y_2)$, and $(x_3,y_3)$ that satisfy both $x^3-3xy^2=2005$ and $y^3-3x^2y=2004$. Compute $\left(1-\frac{x_1}{y_1}\right)\left(1-\frac{x_2}{y_2}\right)\left(1-\frac{x_3}{y_3}\right)$.
Level 5
By the given, \[2004(x^3-3xy^2)-2005(y^3-3x^2y)=0.\]Dividing both sides by $y^3$ and setting $t=\frac{x}{y}$ yields \[2004(t^3-3t)-2005(1-3t^2)=0.\]A quick check shows that this cubic has three real roots. Since the three roots are precisely $\frac{x_1}{y_1}$, $\frac{x_2}{y_2}$, and $\frac{x_3}{y_3}$, we must have \[2004(t^3-3t)-2005(1-3t^2)=2004\left(t-\frac{x_1}{y_1}\right)\left(t-\frac{x_2}{y_2}\right)\left(t-\frac{x_3}{y_3}\right).\]Therefore, $$\left(1-\frac{x_1}{y_1}\right)\left(1-\frac{x_2}{y_2}\right)\left(1-\frac{x_3}{y_3}\right)=\frac{2004(1^3-3(1))-2005(1-3(1)^2)}{2004}=\boxed{\frac{1}{1002}}.$$
Intermediate Algebra
Compute \[\sum_{1 \le a < b < c} \frac{1}{2^a 3^b 5^c}.\](The sum is taken over all triples $(a,b,c)$ of positive integers such that $1 \le a < b < c.$)
Level 5
Let $x = a,$ $y = b - a,$ and $z = c - b,$ so $x \ge 1,$ $y \ge 1,$ and $z \ge 1.$ Also, $b = a + y = x + y$ and $c = b + z = x + y + z,$ so \begin{align*} \sum_{1 \le a < b < c} \frac{1}{2^a 3^b 5^c} &= \sum_{x = 1}^\infty \sum_{y = 1}^\infty \sum_{z = 1}^\infty \frac{1}{2^x 3^{x + y} 5^{x + y + z}} \\ &= \sum_{x = 1}^\infty \sum_{y = 1}^\infty \sum_{z = 1}^\infty \frac{1}{30^x 15^y 5^z} \\ &= \sum_{x = 1}^\infty \frac{1}{30^x} \sum_{y = 1}^\infty \frac{1}{15^y} \sum_{z = 1}^\infty \frac{1}{5^z} \\ &= \frac{1}{29} \cdot \frac{1}{14} \cdot \frac{1}{4} \\ &= \boxed{\frac{1}{1624}}. \end{align*}
Intermediate Algebra
Find the sum of the real roots of $x^4 - 4x - 1 = 0.$
Level 5
We look for a factorization of $x^4 - 4x - 1$ of the form $(x^2 + ax + b)(x^2 + cx + d).$ Thus, \[x^4 + (a + c) x^3 + (ac + b + d) x^2 + (ad + bc) x + bd = x^4 - 4x - 1.\]Matching coefficients, we get \begin{align*} a + c &= 0, \\ ac + b + d &= 0, \\ ad + bc &= -4, \\ bd &= -1. \end{align*}From the first equation, $c = -a.$ Substituting, we get \begin{align*} -a^2 + b+ d &= 0, \\ ad - ab &= -4, \\ bd &= -1. \end{align*}Then $b + d = a^2$ and $b - d = \frac{4}{a},$ so $b = \frac{a^3 + 4}{2a}$ and $d = \frac{a^3 - 4}{2a}.$ Hence, \[\frac{(a^3 + 4)(a^3 - 4)}{4a^2} = -1.\]This simplifies to $a^6 + 4a^2 - 16 = 0.$ This factors as \[(a^2 - 2)(a^4 + 2a^2 + 8) = 0,\]so we can take $a = \sqrt{2}.$ Then $b = 1 + \sqrt{2},$ $c = -\sqrt{2},$ and $d = 1 - \sqrt{2},$ so \[x^4 - 4x - 1 = (x^2 + x \sqrt{2} + 1 + \sqrt{2})(x^2 - x \sqrt{2} + 1 - \sqrt{2}).\]Checking the discriminants, we find that only the second quadratic factor has real roots, so the sum of the real roots is $\boxed{\sqrt{2}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
The graph of the rational function $\frac{p(x)}{q(x)}$ is shown below, with a horizontal asymptote of $y = 0$ and a vertical asymptote of $ x=-1 $. If $q(x)$ is quadratic, $p(2)=1$, and $q(2) = 3$, find $p(x) + q(x).$ [asy] size(8cm); import graph; Label f; f.p=fontsize(6); real f(real x) {return (x-1)/((x-1)*(x+1));} int gridsize = 5; draw((-gridsize,0)--(gridsize,0), black+1bp, Arrows(8)); draw((0,-gridsize)--(0, gridsize), black+1bp, Arrows(8)); label("$x$", (gridsize, 0), E); label("$y$", (0, gridsize), N); label("$0$", (0,0),SE, p=fontsize(8pt)); for (int i=-gridsize+1; i<0; ++i){ label("$"+string(i)+"$",(i,0),S, p=fontsize(8pt)); label("$"+string(i)+"$",(0,i),E, p=fontsize(8pt));} for (int i=1; i<=gridsize-1; ++i){ label("$"+string(i)+"$",(i,0),S, p=fontsize(8pt)); label("$"+string(i)+"$",(0,i),E, p=fontsize(8pt));} draw(graph(f,-5,-1.2)); draw(graph(f,-.8,0.85)); draw(graph(f,1.15,5)); draw((-1,-5)--(-1,5), dashed); draw(circle((1,.5),.15)); [/asy]
Level 5
Since $q(x)$ is a quadratic, and we have a horizontal asymptote at $y=0,$ we know that $p(x)$ must be linear. Since we have a hole at $x=1,$ there must be a factor of $x-1$ in both $p(x)$ and $q(x).$ Additionally, since there is a vertical asymptote at $x=-1,$ the denominator $q(x)$ must have a factor of $x+1.$ Then, $p(x) = a(x-1)$ and $q(x) = b(x+1)(x-1),$ for some constants $a$ and $b.$ Since $p(2) = 1$, we have $a(2-1) = 1$ and hence $a=1$. Since $q(2) = 3$, we have $b(2+1)(2-1) = 3$ and hence $b=1$. So $p(x) = x - 1$ and $q(x) = (x + 1)(x - 1) = x^2 - 1,$ so $p(x) + q(x) = \boxed{x^2 + x - 2}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Find the number of positive integers $n \le 1000$ that can be expressed in the form \[\lfloor x \rfloor + \lfloor 2x \rfloor + \lfloor 3x \rfloor = n\]for some real number $x.$
Level 5
Let $m = \lfloor x \rfloor.$ If $m \le x < m + \frac{1}{3},$ then \[\lfloor x \rfloor + \lfloor 2x \rfloor + \lfloor 3x \rfloor = m + 2m + 3m = 6m.\]If $m + \frac{1}{3} \le x < m + \frac{1}{2},$ then \[\lfloor x \rfloor + \lfloor 2x \rfloor + \lfloor 3x \rfloor = m + 2m + 3m + 1 = 6m + 1.\]If $m + \frac{1}{2} \le x < m + \frac{2}{3},$ then \[\lfloor x \rfloor + \lfloor 2x \rfloor + \lfloor 3x \rfloor = m + 2m + 1 + 3m + 1 = 6m + 2.\]If $m + \frac{2}{3} \le x < m + 1,$ then \[\lfloor x \rfloor + \lfloor 2x \rfloor + \lfloor 3x \rfloor = m + 2m + 1 + 3m + 2 = 6m + 3.\]Thus, an integer can be expressed in the from $\lfloor x \rfloor + \lfloor 2x \rfloor + \lfloor 3x \rfloor$ if and only if it is of the form $6m,$ $6m + 1,$ $6m + 2,$ or $6m + 3.$ It is easy to count that in the range $1 \le n \le 1000,$ the number of numbers of these forms is 166, 167, 167, 167, respectively, so the total is $166 + 167 + 167 + 167 = \boxed{667}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Determine all real numbers $ a$ such that the inequality $ |x^2 + 2ax + 3a|\le2$ has exactly one solution in $ x$.
Level 5
Let $f(x) = x^2+2ax+3a.$ Then we want the graph of $y=f(x)$ to intersect the "strip" $-2 \le y \le 2$ in exactly one point. Because the graph of $y=f(x)$ is a parabola opening upwards, this is possible if and only if the minimum value of $f(x)$ is $2.$ To find the minimum value of $f(x),$ complete the square: \[f(x) = (x^2+2ax+a^2) + (3a-a^2) = (x+a)^2 + (3a-a^2).\]It follows that the minimum value of $f(x)$ is $3a-a^2,$ so we have \[3a - a^2 = 2,\]which has solutions $a = \boxed{1, 2}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $a$ and $b$ be positive real numbers with $a\ge b$. Let $\rho$ be the maximum possible value of $\frac {a}{b}$ for which the system of equations $$ a^2 + y^2 = b^2 + x^2 = (a - x)^2 + (b - y)^2 $$has a solution in $(x,y)$ satisfying $0\le x < a$ and $0\le y < b$. Find $\rho^2.$
Level 5
Expanding, we get \[b^2 + x^2 = a^2 - 2ax + x^2 + b^2 - 2by + y^2.\]Hence, \[a^2 + y^2 = 2ax + 2by.\]Note that \[2by > 2y^2 \ge y^2,\]so $2by - y^2 \ge 0.$ Since $2by - y^2 = a^2 - 2ax,$ $a^2 - 2ax \ge 0,$ or \[a^2 \ge 2ax.\]Since $a > 0,$ $a \ge 2x,$ so \[x \le \frac{a}{2}.\]Now, \[a^2 \le a^2 + y^2 = b^2 + x^2 \le b^2 + \frac{a^2}{4},\]so \[\frac{3}{4} a^2 \le b^2.\]Hence, \[\left( \frac{a}{b} \right)^2 \le \frac{4}{3}.\]Equality occurs when $a = 1,$ $b = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2},$ $x = \frac{1}{2},$ and $y = 0,$ so $\rho^2 = \boxed{\frac{4}{3}}.$ Geometrically, the given conditions state that the points $(0,0),$ $(a,y),$ and $(x,b)$ form an equilateral triangle in the first quadrant. Accordingly, can you find a geometric solution? [asy] unitsize(3 cm); pair O, A, B; O = (0,0); A = dir(20); B = dir(80); draw((-0.2,0)--(1,0)); draw((0,-0.2)--(0,1)); draw(O--A--B--cycle); label("$(a,y)$", A, E); label("$(x,b)$", B, N); label("$(0,0)$", O, SW); [/asy]
Intermediate Algebra
Find the number of distinct numbers in the list \[\left\lfloor \frac{1^2}{1000} \right\rfloor, \ \left\lfloor \frac{2^2}{1000} \right\rfloor, \ \left\lfloor \frac{3^2}{1000} \right\rfloor, \ \dots, \ \left\lfloor \frac{1000^2}{1000} \right\rfloor.\]
Level 5
Let $n$ be a positive integer. Then \[\frac{(n + 1)^2}{1000} - \frac{n^2}{1000} = \frac{2n + 1}{1000}.\]Thus, the inequality $\frac{(n + 1)^2}{1000} - \frac{n^2}{1000} < 1$ is equivalent to \[\frac{2n + 1}{1000} < 1,\]or $n < 499 + \frac{1}{2}.$ Hence, for $n \le 499,$ the difference between $\frac{n^2}{1000}$ and $\frac{(n + 1)^2}{1000}$ is less than 1, which means the list \[\left\lfloor \frac{1^2}{1000} \right\rfloor, \ \left\lfloor \frac{2^2}{1000} \right\rfloor, \ \left\lfloor \frac{3^2}{1000} \right\rfloor, \ \dots, \ \left\lfloor \frac{500^2}{1000} \right\rfloor\]includes all the numbers from 0 to $\left\lfloor \frac{500^2}{1000} \right\rfloor = 250.$ From this point, the difference between $\frac{n^2}{1000}$ and $\frac{(n + 1)^2}{1000}$ is greater than 1, so all the numbers in the list \[\left\lfloor \frac{501^2}{1000} \right\rfloor, \ \left\lfloor \frac{502^2}{1000} \right\rfloor, \ \left\lfloor \frac{503^2}{1000} \right\rfloor, \ \dots, \ \left\lfloor \frac{1000^2}{1000} \right\rfloor\]are different. Therefore, there are a total of $251 + 500 = \boxed{751}$ distinct numbers.
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x,$ $y,$ $z$ be real numbers such that $x + y + z = 5$ and $xy + xz + yz = 8.$ Find the largest possible value of $x.$
Level 5
Squaring the equation $x + y + z = 5,$ we get \[x^2 + y^2 + z^2 + 2(xy + xz + yz) = 25.\]Then $x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 25 - 2 \cdot 8 = 9.$ By Cauchy-Schwarz, \[(1^2 + 1^2)(y^2 + z^2) \ge (y + z)^2.\]Then $2(9 - x^2) \ge (5 - x)^2,$ which expands as $18 - 2x^2 \ge 25 - 10x + x^2.$ This simplifies to $3x^2 - 10x + 7 \le 0,$ which factors as $(x - 1)(3x - 7) \le 0.$ Hence, $x \le \frac{7}{3}.$ Equality occurs when $y = z = \frac{4}{3},$ so the maximum value of $x$ is $\boxed{\frac{7}{3}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
There exists a constant $c,$ so that among all chords $\overline{AB}$ of the parabola $y = x^2$ passing through $C = (0,c),$ \[t = \frac{1}{AC^2} + \frac{1}{BC^2}\]is a fixed constant. Find the constant $t.$ [asy] unitsize(1 cm); real parab (real x) { return(x^2); } pair A, B, C; A = (1.7,parab(1.7)); B = (-1,parab(-1)); C = extension(A,B,(0,0),(0,1)); draw(graph(parab,-2,2)); draw(A--B); draw((0,0)--(0,4)); dot("$A$", A, E); dot("$B$", B, SW); dot("$(0,c)$", C, NW); [/asy]
Level 5
Let $y = mx + c$ be a line passing through $(0,c).$ Setting $y = x^2,$ we get \[x^2 = mx + c,\]or $x^2 - mx - c = 0.$ Let $x_1$ and $x_2$ be the roots of this equation. By Vieta's formulas, $x_1 + x_2 = m$ and $x_1 x_2 = -c.$ Also, $A$ and $B$ are $(x_1,mx_1 + c)$ and $(x_2,mx_2 + c)$ in some order, so \begin{align*} \frac{1}{AC^2} + \frac{1}{BC^2} &= \frac{1}{x_1^2 + m^2 x_1^2} + \frac{1}{x_2^2 + m^2 x_2^2} \\ &= \frac{1}{m^2 + 1} \left (\frac{1}{x_1^2} + \frac{1}{x_2^2} \right) \\ &= \frac{1}{m^2 + 1} \cdot \frac{x_1^2 + x_2^2}{x_1^2 x_2^2} \\ &= \frac{1}{m^2 + 1} \cdot \frac{(x_1 + x_2)^2 - 2x_1 x_2}{(x_1 x_2)^2} \\ &= \frac{1}{m^2 + 1} \cdot \frac{m^2 + 2c}{c^2}. \end{align*}For this expression to be independent of $m,$ we must have $c = \frac{1}{2}.$ Hence, the constant $t$ is $\boxed{4}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Find the minimum value of \[f(x) = x + \frac{x}{x^2 + 1} + \frac{x(x + 4)}{x^2 + 2} + \frac{2(x + 2)}{x(x^2 + 2)}\]for $x > 0.$
Level 5
We can write \begin{align*} f(x) &= x + \frac{x}{x^2 + 1} + \frac{x(x + 4)}{x^2 + 2} + \frac{2(x + 2)}{x(x^2 + 2)} \\ &= \frac{x(x^2 + 1) + x}{x^2 + 1} + \frac{x^2 (x + 4)}{x(x^2 + 2)} + \frac{2(x + 2)}{x(x^2 + 2)} \\ &= \frac{x^3 + 2x}{x^2 + 1} + \frac{x^3 + 4x^2 + 2x + 4}{x(x^2 + 2)} \\ &= \frac{x(x^2 + 2)}{x^2 + 1} + \frac{4x^2 + 4}{x(x^2 + 2)} + \frac{x(x^2 + 2)}{x(x^2 + 2)} \\ &= \frac{x(x^2 + 2)}{x^2 + 1} + 4 \cdot \frac{x^2 + 1}{x(x^2 + 2)} + 1. \end{align*}By AM-GM, \[\frac{x(x^2 + 2)}{x^2 + 1} + 4 \cdot \frac{x^2 + 1}{x(x^2 + 2)} \ge 2 \sqrt{\frac{x(x^2 + 2)}{x^2 + 1} \cdot 4 \cdot \frac{x^2 + 1}{x(x^2 + 2)}} = 4,\]so $f(x) \ge 5.$ Equality occurs when \[\frac{x(x^2 + 2)}{x^2 + 1} = 2,\]or $x(x^2 + 2) = 2x^2 + 2.$ This simplifies to $x^3 - 2x^2 + 2x - 2 = 0.$ Let $g(x) = x^3 - 2x^2 + 2x - 2.$ Since $g(1) = -1$ and $g(2) = 2,$ there exists a root of $g(x) = 0$ between 1 and 2. In particular, $g(x) = 0$ has a positive root. Therefore, the minimum value of $f(x)$ for $x > 0$ is $\boxed{5}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $x$ and $y$ be positive real numbers. Find the minimum value of \[\left( x + \frac{1}{y} \right) \left( x + \frac{1}{y} - 2018 \right) + \left( y + \frac{1}{x} \right) \left( y + \frac{1}{x} - 2018 \right).\]
Level 5
By QM-AM, \[\sqrt{\frac{(x + \frac{1}{y})^2 + (y + \frac{1}{x})^2}{2}} \ge \frac{(x + \frac{1}{y}) + (y + \frac{1}{x})}{2},\]so \[\left( x + \frac{1}{y} \right)^2 + \left( y + \frac{1}{x} \right)^2 \ge \frac{1}{2} \left( x + \frac{1}{y} + y + \frac{1}{x} \right)^2.\]Then \begin{align*} &\left( x + \frac{1}{y} \right) \left( x + \frac{1}{y} - 2018 \right) + \left( y + \frac{1}{x} \right) \left( y + \frac{1}{x} - 2018 \right) \\ &= \left( x + \frac{1}{y} \right)^2 + \left( y + \frac{1}{x} \right)^2 - 2018 \left( x + \frac{1}{y} \right) - 2018 \left( y + \frac{1}{x} \right) \\ &\ge \frac{1}{2} \left( x + \frac{1}{y} + y + \frac{1}{x} \right)^2 - 2018 \left( x + \frac{1}{y} + y + \frac{1}{x} \right) \\ &= \frac{1}{2} u^2 - 2018u \\ &= \frac{1}{2} (u - 2018)^2 - 2036162, \end{align*}where $u = x + \frac{1}{y} + y + \frac{1}{x}.$ Equality occurs when $u = 2018$ and $x = y.$ This means $x + \frac{1}{x} = 1009,$ or $x^2 - 1009x + 1 = 0.$ We can check that this quadratic has real roots that are positive, so equality is possible. Thus, the minimum value is $\boxed{-2036162}.$
Intermediate Algebra
The four positive integers $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $d$ satisfy \[a \times b \times c \times d = 10!.\]Find the smallest possible value of $a + b + c + d.$
Level 5
By AM-GM, \[a + b + c + d \ge 4 \sqrt[4]{abcd} = 4 \sqrt[4]{10!} \approx 174.58.\]Since $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $d$ are all integers, $a + b + c + d \ge 175.$ Note that $a = 40,$ $b = 42,$ $c = 45,$ and $d = 48$ satisfy $abcd = 10!,$ and $a + b + c + d = \boxed{175},$ so this is the minimum.
Intermediate Algebra
Let $b_1$, $b_2$, $b_3$, $c_1$, $c_2$, and $c_3$ be real numbers such that for every real number $x$, we have \[ x^6 - x^5 + x^4 - x^3 + x^2 - x + 1 = (x^2 + b_1 x + c_1)(x^2 + b_2 x + c_2)(x^2 + b_3 x + c_3). \]Compute $b_1 c_1 + b_2 c_2 + b_3 c_3$.
Level 5
Let $P$ be the polynomial defined by $P(x) = x^6 - x^5 + x^4 - x^3 + x^2 - x + 1$. Note that $(x+1)P(x) = x^7 + 1$. So the roots of $P$ are on the unit circle. Hence the roots of each quadratic factor $x^2 + b_kx + c_k$ are also on the unit circle. Because each quadratic factor has real coefficients, its roots come in conjugate pairs. Because the roots are on the unit circle, each $c_k$ is $1$. When we expand the product of the three quadratic factors, we get a polynomial of the form $$x^6 + (b_1 + b_2 + b_3)x^5 + \dotsb $$Because the coefficient of $x^5$ in $P$ is $-1$, we see that $b_1+b_2+b_3 = -1$. So we have $$b_1c_1+b_2c_2+b_3c_3 = b_1+b_2+b_3 = \boxed{-1}$$.
Intermediate Algebra
Compute the smallest positive integer $n$ such that \[\sum_{k = 0}^n \log_2 \left( 1 + \frac{1}{2^{2^k}} \right) \ge 1 + \log_2 \frac{2014}{2015}.\]
Level 5
First, \[\sum_{k = 0}^n \log_2 \left( 1 + \frac{1}{2^{2^k}} \right) = \log_2 \left[ \prod_{k = 0}^n \left( 1 + \frac{1}{2^{2^k}} \right) \right].\]We want to evaluate \[(1 + x)(1 + x^2)(1 + x^4) \dotsm (1 + x^{2^n})\]at $x = \frac{1}{2}.$ By difference of squares, \begin{align*} (1 + x)(1 + x^2)(1 + x^4) \dotsm (1 + x^{2^n}) &= \frac{1 - x^2}{1 - x} \cdot \frac{1 - x^4}{1 - x^2} \cdot \frac{1 - x^8}{1 - x^4} \dotsm \frac{1 - x^{2^{n + 1}}}{1 - x^{2^n}} \\ &= \frac{1 - x^{2^{n + 1}}}{1 - x}. \end{align*}At $x = \frac{1}{2},$ \[\frac{1 - x^{2^{n + 1}}}{1 - x} = \frac{1 - (\frac{1}{2})^{2^{n + 1}}}{1 - \frac{1}{2}} = 2 \left( 1 - \frac{1}{2^{2^{n + 1}}} \right),\]and \[\log_2 \left[ 2 \left( 1 - \frac{1}{2^{2^{n + 1}}} \right) \right] = \log_2 \left( 1 - \frac{1}{2^{2^{n + 1}}} \right) + 1.\]Thus, we want the smallest positive integer $n$ such that \[1 - \frac{1}{2^{2^{n + 1}}} \ge \frac{2014}{2015}.\]This is equivalent to \[\frac{1}{2^{2^{n + 1}}} \le \frac{1}{2015},\]or $2^{2^{n + 1}} \ge 2015.$ For $n = 2,$ $2^{2^{n + 1}} = 2^{2^3} = 2^8 = 256,$ and for $n = 3,$ $2^{2^{n + 1}} = 2^{2^4} = 2^{16} = 65536,$ so the smallest such $n$ is $\boxed{3}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Each of $a_1,$ $a_2,$ $\dots,$ $a_{100}$ is equal to $1$ or $-1.$ Find the minimum positive value of \[\sum_{1 \le i < j \le 100} a_i a_j.\]
Level 5
Let $S$ denote the given sum. Then \begin{align*} 2S &= (a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_{100})^2 - (a_1^2 + a_2^2 + \dots + a_{100}^2) \\ &= (a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_{100})^2 - 100. \end{align*}To find the minimum positive value of $2S,$ we want $(a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_{100})^2$ to be as close to 100 as possible (while being greater than 100). Since each $a_i$ is $1$ or $-1,$ $a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_{100}$ must be an even integer. Thus, the smallest we could make $(a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_{100})^2$ is $12^2 = 144.$ This is achievable by setting 56 of the $a_i$ to be equal to $1,$ and the remaining 44 to be equal to $-1.$ Thus, the minimum positive value of $S$ is $\frac{144 - 100}{2} = \boxed{22}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Let $a_1, a_2, \dots$ be a sequence defined by $a_1 = a_2=1$ and $a_{n+2}=a_{n+1}+a_n$ for $n\geq 1$. Find \[ \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{a_n}{4^{n+1}}. \]
Level 5
Let $X$ denote the desired sum. Note that \begin{align*} X &= \phantom{\frac{0}{4^0} + \frac{0}{4^1} +\text{}} \frac{1}{4^2} + \frac{1}{4^3} + \frac{2}{4^4} + \frac{3}{4^5} + \frac{5}{4^6} +\dotsb \\ 4X &= \phantom{\frac{0}{4^0} + \text{}} \frac{1}{4^1} + \frac{1}{4^2} + \frac{2}{4^3} + \frac{3}{4^4} + \frac{5}{4^5} + \frac{8}{4^6} +\dotsb \\ 16X&= \frac{1}{4^0} + \frac{1}{4^1} + \frac{2}{4^2} + \frac{3}{4^3} + \frac{5}{4^4} + \frac{8}{4^5} + \frac{13}{4^6} +\dotsb \end{align*}so that $X + 4X = 16X-1$, and $X=\boxed{\frac{1}{11}}$.
Intermediate Algebra
Let $r$ be a complex number such that $r^5 = 1$ and $r \neq 1.$ Compute \[(r - 1)(r^2 - 1)(r^3 - 1)(r^4 - 1).\]
Level 5
We can write $r^5 - 1 = 0,$ which factors as \[(r - 1)(r^4 + r^3 + r^2 + r + 1) = 0.\]Since $r \neq 1,$ $r^4 + r^3 + r^2 + r + 1 = 0.$ To compute the product, we can arrange the factors in pairs: \begin{align*} (r - 1)(r^2 - 1)(r^3 - 1)(r^4 - 1) &= [(r - 1)(r^4 - 1)][(r^2 - 1)(r^3 - 1)] \\ &= (r^5 - r - r^4 + 1)(r^5 - r^2 - r^3 + 1) \\ &= (1 - r - r^4 + 1)(1 - r^2 - r^3 + 1) \\ &= (2 - r - r^4)(2 - r^2 - r^3) \\ &= 4 - 2r^2 - 2r^3 - 2r + r^3 + r^4 - 2r^4 + r^6 + r^7 \\ &= 4 - 2r^2 - 2r^3 - 2r + r^3 + r^4 - 2r^4 + r + r^2 \\ &= 4 - r - r^2 - r^3 - r^4 \\ &= 5 - (1 + r + r^2 + r^3 + r^4) = \boxed{5}. \end{align*}
Intermediate Algebra
In the complex plane, $z,$ $z^2,$ $z^3$ form, in some order, three of the vertices of a non-degenerate square. Enter all possible areas of the square, separated by commas.
Level 5
First, consider the case where $z$ is between $z^2$ and $z^3.$ The diagram may look like the following: [asy] unitsize(0.4 cm); pair z, zsquare, zcube, w; z = (0,0); zsquare = (5,-2); zcube = (2,5); w = zsquare + zcube - z; draw(z--zsquare,Arrow(8)); draw(z--zcube,Arrow(8)); draw(rightanglemark(zcube,z,zsquare,20)); draw(zcube--w--zsquare,dashed); label("$z^2 - z$", (z + zsquare)/2, S); label("$z^3 - z$", (z + zcube)/2, NW); dot("$z$", z, SW); dot("$z^2$", zsquare, SE); dot("$z^3$", zcube, NW); dot(w); [/asy] The arrows in the diagram correspond to the complex numbers $z^3 - z$ and $z^2 - z,$ which are at $90^\circ$ angle to each other. Thus, we can obtain one complex number by multiplying the other by $i.$ Here, $z^3 - z = i (z^2 - z).$ Another possible diagram is as follows: [asy] unitsize(0.4 cm); pair z, zsquare, zcube, w; z = (0,0); zsquare = (2,5); zcube = (5,-2); w = zsquare + zcube - z; draw(z--zsquare,Arrow(8)); draw(z--zcube,Arrow(8)); draw(rightanglemark(zcube,z,zsquare,20)); draw(zcube--w--zsquare,dashed); label("$z^2 - z$", (z + zsquare)/2, NW); label("$z^3 - z$", (z + zcube)/2, S); dot("$z$", z, SW); dot("$z^2$", zsquare, NW); dot("$z^3$", zcube, SE); dot(w); [/asy] Here, $z^3 - z = -i(z^2 - z).$ Thus, we can combine both equations as \[z^3 - z = \pm i (z^2 - z).\]We can factor as \[z(z - 1)(z + 1) = \pm iz(z - 1).\]Since the square is nondegenerate, $z \neq 0$ and $z \neq 1.$ We can then safely divide both sides by $z(z - 1),$ to get \[z + 1 = \pm i.\]For $z = -1 + i,$ the area of the square is \[|z^2 - z|^2 = |z|^2 |z - 1|^2 = |-1 + i|^2 |-2 + i|^2 = 10.\]For $z = -1 - i,$ the area of the square is \[|z^2 - z|^2 = |z|^2 |z - 1|^2 = |-1 - i|^2 |-2 - i|^2 = 10.\]Another case is where $z^2$ is between $z$ and $z^3.$ [asy] unitsize(0.4 cm); pair z, zsquare, zcube, w; z = (2,5); zsquare = (0,0); zcube = (5,-2); w = z + zcube - zsquare; draw(zsquare--z,Arrow(8)); draw(zsquare--zcube,Arrow(8)); draw(rightanglemark(z,zsquare,zcube,20)); draw(z--w--zcube,dashed); label("$z - z^2$", (z + zsquare)/2, NW); label("$z^3 - z^2$", (zsquare + zcube)/2, SSW); dot("$z$", z, NW); dot("$z^2$", zsquare, SW); dot("$z^3$", zcube, SE); dot(w); [/asy] This gives us the equation \[z^3 - z^2 = \pm i (z - z^2).\]We can factor as \[z^2 (z - 1) = \pm iz(z - 1).\]Then $z = \pm i.$ For $z = i,$ the area of the square is \[|z^2 - z|^2 = |z|^2 |z - 1|^2 = |i|^2 |i - 1|^2 = 2.\]For $z = -i$, the area of the square is \[|z^2 - z|^2 = |z|^2 |z - 1|^2 = |-i|^2 |-i - 1|^2 = 2.\]The final case is where $z^3$ is between $z$ and $z^2.$ [asy] unitsize(0.4 cm); pair z, zsquare, zcube, w; z = (2,5); zsquare = (5,-2); zcube = (0,0); w = z + zsquare - zcube; draw(zcube--z,Arrow(8)); draw(zcube--zsquare,Arrow(8)); draw(rightanglemark(z,zcube,zsquare,20)); draw(z--w--zsquare,dashed); label("$z - z^3$", (z + zcube)/2, NW); label("$z^2 - z^3$", (zsquare + zcube)/2, SSW); dot("$z$", z, NW); dot("$z^2$", zsquare, SE); dot("$z^3$", zcube, SW); dot(w); [/asy] This gives us the equation \[z^3 - z^2 = \pm i(z^3 - z).\]We can factor as \[z^2 (z - 1) = \pm i z(z - 1)(z + 1).\]Then $z = \pm i(z + 1).$ Solving $z = i(z + 1),$ we find $z = \frac{-1 + i}{2}.$ Then the area of the square is \[|z^3 - z^2|^2 = |z|^4 |z - 1|^2 = \left| \frac{-1 + i}{2} \right|^4 \left| \frac{-3 + i}{2} \right|^2 = \frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{5}{2} = \frac{5}{8}.\]Solving $z = -i(z + 1),$ we find $z = \frac{-1 - i}{2}.$ Then the area of the square is \[|z^3 - z^2|^2 = |z|^4 |z - 1|^2 = \left| \frac{-1 - i}{2} \right|^4 \left| \frac{-3 - i}{2} \right|^2 = \frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{5}{2} = \frac{5}{8}.\]Therefore, the possible areas of the square are $\boxed{\frac{5}{8}, 2, 10}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Positive integers $a$, $b$, $c$, and $d$ satisfy $a > b > c > d$, $a + b + c + d = 2010$, and $a^2 - b^2 + c^2 - d^2 = 2010$. Find the number of possible values of $a.$
Level 5
Note that \[2010 = a^2 - b^2 + c^2 - d^2 = (a-b)(a+b) + (c-d)(c+d).\]If either $a-b > 1$ or $c-d > 1,$ then \[(a-b)(a+b) + (c-d)(c+d) > (a+b) + (c+d) = 2010,\]which is a contradiction. Therefore, we must have $a-b=1$ and $c-d=1.$ In other words, setting $b=a-1$ and $d=c-1,$ we have \[a+b+c+d = 2a+2c-2 = 2010 \implies a+c = 1006,\]and we must have $a \ge c+2,$ $c \ge 2.$ The pairs $(a, c)$ satisfying these conditions are $(a, c) = (1004, 2), (1003, 3), \ldots, (504, 502),$ which makes $\boxed{501}$ possible values for $a.$
Intermediate Algebra
The four complex roots of \[2z^4 + 8iz^3 + (-9 + 9i)z^2 + (-18 - 2i)z + (3 - 12i) = 0,\]when plotted in the complex plane, form a rhombus. Find the area of the rhombus.
Level 5
Let $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $d$ be the roots of the quartic. Let $A$ be the point corresponding to complex number $a,$ etc. Let $O$ be the center of the rhombus. Then the complex number corresponding to $O$ is the average of $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $d.$ By Vieta's formulas, $a + b + c + d = -\frac{8i}{2} = -4i,$ so their average is $\frac{-4i}{4} = -i.$ Hence, $O$ is located at $-i.$ [asy] unitsize(2 cm); pair A, B, C, D, O; A = (-1.3362,0.8539); C = (1.3362,-2.8539); D = (-0.5613,-1.4046); B = (0.5613,-0.59544); O = (A + C)/2; dot("$A$", A, NW); dot("$B$", B, NE); dot("$C$", C, SE); dot("$D$", D, SW); dot("$O$", O, S); draw(A--B--C--D--cycle); draw(A--C); draw(B--D); label("$p$", (A + O)/2, SW, red); label("$q$", (B + O)/2, SE, red); [/asy] Let $p = OA$ and $q = OB.$ Then we want to compute the area of the rhombus, which is $4 \cdot \frac{1}{2} pq = 2pq.$ We see that $p = |a + i| = |c + i|$ and $q = |b + i| = |d + i|.$ Since $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ $d$ are the roots of the quartic in the problem, we can write \[2z^4 + 8iz^3 + (-9 + 9i)z^2 + (-18 - 2i)z + (3 - 12i) = 2(z - a)(z - b)(z - c)(z - d).\]Setting $z = -i,$ we get \[4 - 3i = 2(-i - a)(-i - b)(-i - c)(-i - d).\]Taking the absolute value of both sides, we get \[5 = 2 |(a + i)(b + i)(c + i)(d + i)| = 2p^2 q^2.\]Then $4p^2 q^2 = 10,$ so $2pq = \boxed{\sqrt{10}}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Evaluate the infinite sum $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{n}{n^4+4}$.
Level 5
First, we can factor the denominator with a little give and take: \begin{align*} n^4 + 4 &= n^4 + 4n^2 + 4 - 4n^2 \\ &= (n^2 + 2)^2 - (2n)^2 \\ &= (n^2 + 2n + 2)(n^2 - 2n + 2). \end{align*}Then \begin{align*} \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{n}{n^4 + 4} & = \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{n}{(n^2 + 2n + 2)(n^2 - 2n + 2)} \\ &= \frac{1}{4} \sum_{n = 1}^\infty \frac{(n^2 + 2n + 2) - (n^2 - 2n + 2)}{(n^2 + 2n + 2)(n^2 - 2n + 2)} \\ &= \frac 1 4 \sum_{n=1}^\infty \left( \frac{1}{n^2 - 2n + 2} - \frac{1}{n^2 + 2n + 2} \right) \\ &= \frac 1 4 \sum_{n=1}^\infty \left( \frac{1}{(n-1)^2 + 1} - \frac{1}{(n+1)^2 + 1} \right) \\ &= \frac{1}{4} \left[ \left( \frac{1}{0^2 + 1} - \frac{1}{2^2 + 1} \right) + \left( \frac{1}{1^2 + 1} - \frac{1}{3^2 + 1} \right) + \left( \frac{1}{2^2 + 1} - \frac{1}{4^2 + 1} \right) + \dotsb \right]. \end{align*}Observe that the sum telescopes. From this we find that the answer is $\dfrac 1 4 \left( \dfrac{1}{0^2 + 1} + \dfrac 1 {1^2 + 1} \right) = \boxed{\dfrac 3 8}$.
Intermediate Algebra
For a certain square, two vertices lie on the line $y = 2x - 17,$ and the other two vertices lie on the parabola $y = x^2.$ Find the smallest possible area of the square.
Level 5
The two vertices that lie on $y = x^2$ must lie on a line of the form $y = 2x + k.$ Setting $y = x^2,$ we get $x^2 = 2x + k,$ so $x^2 - 2x - k = 0.$ Let $x_1$ and $x_2$ be the roots of this quadratic, so by Vieta's formulas, $x_1 + x_2 = 2$ and $x_1 x_2 = -k.$ The two vertices on the parabola are then $(x_1, 2x_1 + k)$ and $(x_2, 2x_2 + k),$ and the square of the distance between them is \begin{align*} (x_1 - x_2)^2 + (2x_1 - 2x_2)^2 &= 5(x_1 - x_2)^2 \\ &= 5[(x_1 + x_2)^2 - 4x_1 x_2] \\ &= 5 (4 + 4k) \\ &= 20(k + 1). \end{align*}[asy] unitsize(0.3 cm); real parab (real x) { return(x^2); } pair A, B, C, D; A = (-1,1); B = (3,9); C = (11,5); D = (7,-3); draw(graph(parab,-3.5,3.5)); draw(interp(D,C,-0.4)--interp(D,C,1.4)); draw(interp(A,B,-0.4)--interp(A,B,1.4)); draw(A--D); draw(B--C); label("$y = x^2$", (3.5,3.5^2), N); label("$y = 2x - 17$", interp(D,C,1.4), N); [/asy] The point $(0,k)$ lies on the line $y = 2x + k,$ and its distance to the line $y - 2x + 17 = 0$ is \[\frac{|k + 17|}{\sqrt{5}}.\]Hence, \[20 (k + 1) = \frac{(k + 17)^2}{5}.\]This simplifies to $k^2 - 66k + 189 = 0,$ which factors as $(k - 3)(k - 63) = 0.$ Hence, $k = 3$ or $k = 63.$ We want to find the smallest possible area of the square, so we take $k = 3.$ This gives us $20(k + 1) = \boxed{80}.$
Intermediate Algebra
Compute \[\sum_{n = 1}^\infty \frac{2n + 1}{n(n + 1)(n + 2)}.\]
Level 5
First, we decompose $\frac{2n + 1}{n(n + 1)(n + 2)}$ into partial fractions. Let \[\frac{2n + 1}{n(n + 1)(n + 2)} = \frac{A}{n} + \frac{B}{n + 1} + \frac{C}{n + 2}.\]Then \[2n + 1 = A(n + 1)(n + 2) + Bn(n + 2) + Cn(n + 1).\]Setting $n = 0,$ we get $2A = 1,$ so $A = \frac{1}{2}.$ Setting $n = -1,$ we get $-B = -1,$ so $B = 1.$ Setting $n = -2,$ we get $2C = -3,$ so $C = -\frac{3}{2}.$ Hence, \[\frac{2n + 1}{n(n + 1)(n + 2)} = \frac{1/2}{n} + \frac{1}{n + 1} - \frac{3/2}{n + 2}.\]Therefore, \begin{align*} \sum_{n = 1}^\infty \frac{2n + 1}{n(n + 1)(n + 2)} &= \sum_{n = 1}^\infty \left( \frac{1/2}{n} + \frac{1}{n + 1} - \frac{3/2}{n + 2} \right) \\ &= \left( \frac{1/2}{1} + \frac{1}{2} - \frac{3/2}{3} \right) + \left( \frac{1/2}{2} + \frac{1}{3} - \frac{3/2}{4} \right) + \left( \frac{1/2}{3} + \frac{1}{4} - \frac{3/2}{5} \right) + \dotsb \\ &= \frac{1/2}{1} + \frac{3/2}{2} \\ &= \boxed{\frac{5}{4}}. \end{align*}
Intermediate Algebra
The ellipse whose equation is \[\frac{x^2}{25} + \frac{y^2}{9} = 1\]is graphed below. The chord $\overline{AB}$ passes through a focus $F$ of the ellipse. If $AF = \frac{3}{2},$ then find $BF.$ [asy] unitsize (0.6 cm); pair A, B, F; F = (4,0); A = (35/8,3*sqrt(15)/8); B = (55/16,-9*sqrt(15)/16); draw(xscale(5)*yscale(3)*Circle((0,0),1)); draw(A--B); draw((-6,0)--(6,0)); draw((0,-4)--(0,4)); dot("$A$", A, NE); dot("$B$", B, SE); dot("$F$", F, NW); [/asy]
Level 5
In the given ellipse, $a = 5$ and $b = 3,$ so $c = \sqrt{a^2 - b^2} = 4.$ We can take $F = (4,0).$ Let $A = (x,y).$ Then $\frac{x^2}{25} + \frac{y^2}{9} = 1$ and \[(x - 4)^2 + y^2 = \left( \frac{3}{2} \right)^2 = \frac{9}{4}.\]Solving for $y^2$ in $\frac{x^2}{25} + \frac{y^2}{9} = 1,$ we get \[y^2 = \frac{225 - 9x^2}{25}.\]Substituting, we get \[(x - 4)^2 + \frac{225 - 9x^2}{25} = \frac{9}{4}.\]This simplifies to $64x^2 - 800x + 2275 = 0,$ which factors as $(8x - 65)(8x - 35) = 0.$ Since $x \le 5,$ $x = \frac{35}{8}.$ Then \[\frac{(35/8)^2}{25} + \frac{y^2}{9} = 1.\]This leads to $y^2 = \frac{135}{64},$ so $y = \frac{\sqrt{135}}{8} = \pm \frac{3 \sqrt{15}}{8}.$ We can take $y = \frac{3 \sqrt{15}}{8}.$ Thus, the slope of line $AB$ is \[\frac{\frac{3 \sqrt{15}}{8}}{\frac{35}{8} - 4} = \sqrt{15},\]so its equation is \[y = \sqrt{15} (x - 4).\]To find $B,$ we substitute into the equation of the ellipse, to get \[\frac{x^2}{25} + \frac{15 (x - 4)^2}{9} = 1.\]This simplifies to $128x^2 - 1000x + 1925 = 0.$ We could try factoring it, but we know that $x = \frac{35}{8}$ is a solution (because we are solving for the intersection of the line and the ellipse, and $A$ is an intersection point.) Hence, by Vieta's formulas, the other solution is \[x = \frac{1000}{128} - \frac{35}{8} = \frac{55}{16}.\]Then $y = \sqrt{15} (x - 4) = -\frac{9 \sqrt{15}}{16}.$ Hence, \[BF = \sqrt{ \left( \frac{55}{16} - 4 \right)^2 + \left( -\frac{9 \sqrt{15}}{16} \right)^2} = \boxed{\frac{9}{4}}.\]
Intermediate Algebra
Compute \[\frac{5}{3^2 \cdot 7^2} + \frac{9}{7^2 \cdot 11^2} + \frac{13}{11^2 \cdot 15^2} + \dotsb.\]
Level 5
The $n$th term of the series is given by \[\frac{4n + 1}{(4n - 1)^2 (4n + 3)^2}.\]Note that \begin{align*} (4n + 3)^2 - (4n - 1)^2 &= [(4n + 3) + (4n - 1)][(4n + 3) - (4n - 1)] \\ &= (8n + 2)(4) = 8(4n + 1), \end{align*}so we can write \begin{align*} \frac{4n + 1}{(4n - 1)^2 (4n + 3)^2} &= \frac{1}{8} \left[ \frac{(4n + 3)^2 - (4n - 1)^2}{(4n - 1)^2 (4n + 3)^2} \right] \\ &= \frac{1}{8} \left( \frac{1}{(4n - 1)^2} - \frac{1}{(4n + 3)^2} \right). \end{align*}Thus, \begin{align*} \frac{5}{3^2 \cdot 7^2} + \frac{9}{7^2 \cdot 11^2} + \frac{13}{11^2 \cdot 15^2} + \dotsb &= \frac{1}{8} \left( \frac{1}{3^2} - \frac{1}{7^2} \right) + \frac{1}{8} \left( \frac{1}{7^2} - \frac{1}{11^2} \right) + \frac{1}{8} \left( \frac{1}{11^2} - \frac{1}{15^2} \right) + \dotsb \\ &= \frac{1}{8} \cdot \frac{1}{3^2} = \boxed{\frac{1}{72}}. \end{align*}
Intermediate Algebra
Suppose that there exist nonzero complex numbers $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ and $d$ such that $k$ is a root of both the equations $ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d = 0$ and $bx^3 + cx^2 + dx + a = 0.$ Enter all possible values of $k,$ separated by commas.
Level 5
We have that \begin{align*} ak^3 + bk^2 + ck + d &= 0, \\ bk^3 + ck^2 + dk + a &= 0. \end{align*}Multiplying the first equation by $k,$ we get \[ak^4 + bk^3 + ck^2 + dk = 0.\]Subtracting the equation $bk^3 + ck^2 + dk + a = 0,$ we get $ak^4 = a.$ Since $a$ is nonzero, $k^4 = 1.$ Then $k^4 - 1 = 0,$ which factors as \[(k - 1)(k + 1)(k^2 + 1) = 0.\]This means $k$ is one of $1,$ $-1,$ $i,$ or $-i.$ If $a = b = c = d = 1,$ then $-1,$ $i,$ and $-i$ are roots of both polynomials. If $a = b = c = 1$ and $d = -3,$ then 1 is a root of both polynomials. Therefore, the possible values of $k$ are $\boxed{1,-1,i,-i}.$
Intermediate Algebra