Combinatrics

1. Distribute 30 different mangoes (i) equally in 6 baskets. (ii) equally among 6 children.
30!
Sol;-(i) Each basket contains 5 mangoes, hence the no. of distributions required =6!5!2

30!
(ii)Equally among children is = 5!6

2. Consider the equation X1 +X2+X3=10, Then find the no. of no negative integral solutions.
And Find the positive integral solution.

Sol;- 10 + 3 131 = 122. And

10 131 = 92 .
3.Consider = 22 32 42 62 52 .

Then find (i) Total no. of divisors of N.

(ii) Total no. of divisors divisible by 5.

Sol;- = 22 32 42 62 52 = 22 32 24 22 32 52 . (i) Total divisors =(8 + 1)(4 + 1)(2 + 1) = 135.

(ii) = 22 32 42 62 52 = 5(28 34 51 ) (8 + 1)(4 + 1)(1 + 1) = 90.

4.How many arrangements can be made with the letters of the word MATHEMATICS? In how
many of them the consonants occur together?.

Sol;- There are 11 letters in the word . M.2

T..2

A..2.
11!
Required no. of arrangements = 2!2!2! = 4989600

7! 5!
No. of arrangements in which consonants come together is2!2! 2! = 1260 60 = 75600.

5. Finq the total no. of ways of selections of 4 distinct red balls , 2 identical black balls, and 3
identical white balls?.

Sol;- Total ways=(2+1)(3+1)(24 )1 = 191.

 Combinatrics
2-Day Orientation Course for JMO (GEOMETRY)

Some Useful theorems

1. Eulers Line: the Ortho centre H, Centroid G, the circumcentre O of an arbitrary triangle, lie on
a line called Eulers line and satisfy HG = 2 GO.
2. The Nine point circle: the feet of the altitude from A, B, C and the mid points of AB, BC, CA as
well as of AH, BH, CH lie on the circle called the 9-point circle (also known as midpoint circle)
3. FEAERBACHS THEOREM: the nine point circle of a triangle is tangent to the in-circle and all
three ex-circles of the triangle.
4. TORRICELLIs POINT: In a triangle ABC, let , ,and be equilateral triangles
constructed outwardly. Then , , are concurrent, and the point of concurrence is
called TORRICELLIs POINT.
5. Pedal triangle and Orthic triangle: Let ABC be a triangle, P is a point and X, Y and Z respectively
the feet of the perpendiculars from P to BC, CA, AB respectively. Now XYZ is called the pedal
triangle of ABC corresponding to point P.
The pedal triangle formed by the feet of the altitudes is called ORTHIC TRIANGLE.

The perimeter of perimeter of a pedal triangle =
.(Where is area, R is circum radius)

6. if two chords of a circle intersect , whether inside or outside the circle , the rectangles
contained by the segments of the chords are equal . In the figures below ,PO.OQ = RO.OS

QUESTION BANK

1) Let triangle ABC be a right triangle with A being the right

angle . Prove the inequality :
1
sinBsinC . Find the condition for which the equality
2

holds.
Solution:
C

B
b

c
 Combinatrics
A

sinB= = ; sinC= =

1 2
Therefore = . =

2 + 2
= ( as 2 + 2 = 2 by Pythagoras theorem)

= + which is 2

1
Ie. sinBsinC .
2

Equality holds when b=c i.e. when the right triangle

ABC is isosceles also .
2) The sides of a triangle are of lengths a,b and c where
a,b,c are integesrs and a > b. Also c is 60. Show that
the measure of side BC is not prime.
Solution:
A, B, C are angles opposite to a,b and c
C =60 ( given)
Therefore A+ B=120 as a>b, A>B
Thus A >60>B i.e. a>c>b
Now (a+a) > b+c => b+c <2a =>(b+c) is not an integral
multiple of a. ----------( I)
1
Also 2 =2 + 2 -2ab cosC = 2 + 2 -2ab( ) i.e. 2 + 2 ab
2
Therefore 2 2 =2 + 2 ab => (c+b)(c-b)=a(a-b)
If a is prime , a must divide either (c+b ) or (c-b)
 Combinatrics
But a cannot divide (b+c) in view of (I) and a cannot divide (c-
b)
Thus a cannot divide ( 2 2 )since a >(b-c) by triangle law
A is not prime.
3) The bisector of A of triangle ABC intersect side BC in
point D. Show that the segment CD is shorter than the
geometric mean of the sides CA and BA.

A\2
A\2

B C
D

Let AD extended , meet the circumcircle at E

Now BAD = EAC ( AE is the bisector of A)

ABD=AEC ( same segment AC)

Therefore triangle ABD ~ triangle AEC

 Combinatrics

Therefore = => AD.AC = AE.AC

But AD<AE and so AD.AE > AD.AD

i.e. AD2 < AB.AC
4) There are exactly 100 lattice points on the circumference of a
circle with origin as the centre. Prove that the radius of this circle
will either be an integer or 2 times an integer.
Solution:
2 + 2 = 2 is the equation to the circle with centre (0,0) and radius r
units.

The four points (0,r) , (0,-r),(r,0),(-r,0) lie on the circle

If r is an integer then there four points which are lattice points on the
circle

If n is not an integer , then these four points are not lattice points

Further , if (,) lies on the circle , then (,-) ,(-,),(-,-) also will lie
on the same circle ( by symmetry )

i.e. one point on each one of four quadrants will lie on the same circle

in every quadrant on the circle , we have 25 points

further , if (,) lies on the circle then ( ,) olso will lie on the circle,
which is nothing but a reflection of (,) on the line y=x.

this point (,) satisfies the equation 2 + 2 = 2

ie. 2 + 2 = 2
 Combinatrics
ie r= 2

ie the radius is 2 times an integer ( as is assumed to be an

integer )
5) PQRS is a square . T is the midpoint of PQ . ST is produced to M ,
such that , ST = 5 TM . prove that, M lies on the circle
circumscribing the square.
Solution:

P S

T
M

Q
R

In the right triangle PST ,

2 + 2 = 2
= = 2
Therefore
2 = 5 2 ------------(I)

Also ST.TM = ST( ) as ST=5TM ( given )
5
1
i.e. ST.TM = ST2= 2 from (I)
5
i.e. TS.TM = TP2
but ST.TM = PT.PT => PT . TQ (as TP=TQ)

this shows that S,P,M,Q are con ciclylic.

i.e. the circle through P,Q,R,S will pass through M also
 Combinatrics
i.e. M lies on the given circle .
6) If S is the circumcentre of triangle ABC , AS meets BC at M, BS
1 1 1
meets CA at N and CS meets AB at P . prove that , + + =
BN CP
2
, where R is the circumradius of the triangle.
R

solution:
A

P R
R N
s

R
B

M
C

Now = ( )

Also = (so )

+
Therefore = + =
+

+
i.e. =

+
similarly =

 Combinatrics
+
and =

therefore adding LHS and RHS separately .

1 1 1 + +
R( + + ) = 2( )
BN CP

1 1 1 2
i.e. + + = ( as triangle ASB + triangle BSC + triangle CSA =
BN CP R
triangle ABC ).
7. If the three numbers a, b, and c are measures of sides of a triangle, prove that the three sides of

measures , , are also form a triangle for all n= 2,3,4 etc.
, are three sides of triangle, so + >

( + ) > + > (Binomial theorem)

+ > Hence the proof
8. Given the vertex A, the Ortho Centre H and the Centroid G, construct the triangle. Justify your
construction.
Join AG, extend it to D such that AG = 2 GD.
Join AH, and draw DX perpendicular to extended AH.
Extend DX both sides.
Join HG and extend this line to meet the perpendicular line
to BC drawn at D at S.
S is circumcentre.
Intersect extended DX by the arcs of length equal to SA,
mark the points as B and C. Join AB, AC.
(H,G ,S are collinear- Eulers line)
9. A square sheet of paper ABCD is so folded that the point B falls on
the midpoint M of CD. Prove that the crease will divide BC in the ratio
5:3.
2
Let AB = , then CM= , CE=, in MCE, ( ) + 2 = ( )2
2 2
8
BE=EM=( ), simplify = 3

1
10. The area of ABC is given by 2 sq units, where b and c represent
the lengths of sides AC, AB respectively. AD is a median to BC.
1
Prove that = 2 .
DB=DC=DA
D is circum centre
 Combinatrics
The angle made by an arc at any point on alternate arc is half the degree measure of the arc.
1
Hence = 2 .

11. Prove in any ABC, if one angle is 120, the triangle formed by the feet of the angle bisectors is
right angled.
= = = 60
CA is angle bisector of , so F is centre of excircle opposite to B
Hence DF bisect .
Similarly,
BA is angle bisector of , so E is centre of excircle opposite to C
1 1
= + = 2 ( + ) = 2 (180) = 90
12. In ABC, the In-circle touches the sides BC, CA, AB respectively at D, E, and F respectively. Find
the sides of triangle ABC If the radius of the in-circle is 4 units and if BD, CE, AF are consecutive
integers.
Let the integers be 1, , + 1 represent BD, CE and AF respectively.
Then = 2 1, = 2 + 1, = 2, hence, 2 = + + = 6, = 3
= ( )( )( ) =32 (2 1)= = 12
Simplifying we get m=7, hence the integers are 6,7 and 8
13. The lengths of parallel sides of a trapezium are 3 cms and 9 cms, and non- parallel sides are 4 cm
and 6 cm. A line parallel to the base divides the trapezium into two trapezia of equal perimeters.
Find the ratio into which each of the nonparallel sides is divided.
Let AX=, then BX=4 , DY=, CY=6
AX+AD+DY=BX+BC+CY
+ 3 + =4 + 9 + 6 + = 8
BX+CY=10 ( + ) = 2
+ 8
4
= 6 = 4+6 = 2 = 4
: = 4: 1
14. You are given three parallel lines. Construct an equilateral triangle ABC such that A will be on
line 1 , B will be on line 2 and C will be on third line 3 . Justify your construction. ( The three
parallel lines are not of equal height )
Construct circum circle of triangle BQC which intersect L3 at A
AQBC is cyclic quadrilateral.
= = = 60
ABC is required triangle.

15. O is the circumcentre of ABC and M is the mid-point of the

median through A . Join OM and produce it to N so that OM =
MN. Prove that N lies on the altitude through A.
(ASA)
< =<
Since ODr to BC, ANr to BC
N lies on altitude through A
 Combinatrics

16. Let ABC be a right triangle with B = 90 . Let E and F be respectively the mid-points of AB and
AC. Suppose the incentre I of triangle ABC lies on the circumcircle of triangle AEF. Find the ratio
BC/AB.

Solution: Draw ID AC. Then ID = r, the inradius of 4ABC. Observe EF k BC and hence AEF =
ABC = 90 . Hence AIF = 90 . Therefore ID2 = F D DA. If a > c, then F A > DA and we have

DA = s a, and F D = F A DA = b/ 2 (s a)

Thus we obtain

r2 = (b + c a)(a c)/ 4 .

But r = (c + a b)/2. Thus we obtain

(c + a b) 2 = (b + c a)(a c).

Simplification gives 3b = 3a + c. Squaring both sides and using b2 = c 2 + a2 , we obtain

4c = 3a. Hence BC/BA = a/c = 4/3.

(If a c, then I lies outside the circumcircle of AEF.)

17. Find the area of the largest square which can be inscribed in a
right triangles
with legs 4 and 8 units.

AB=8 BC =4 ;AC2=80

Let each side of the square be x units and EC=y units

8 80
DE parallel to BC = = =

1

80
EG is parallel to AB 4
= 1

Solving we get x=8/3

Area of the square is 64/9 sq units

 Combinatrics
Q18 :- Prove that in any triangle the mid points of the feet of the perpendiculars
from the vertices on the opposite sides , and the mid points of the joins of the
ortho centre to the vertices all lie on the circle.

Z E

F Y

B D X C

Solution:- Let D , E , F be the mid points of BC , CA , AB respectively . let X , Y be

the feet of the perpendiculars drawn from A , B on BC and CA respectively , let O
be the ortho centre of the triangle , let P be the mid- point of AO.

In triangle ABO , F is the mid-point of AB and P is the mid- point of AO .

Therefore FPIIBO . Again , in triangle ABC , F is the mid point of AB and D is the
mid point of BC. Therefore FDIIAC . Now FPIIBY , FDIIAC , and BY AC .
Therefore FPFD , i.e. is a rt..

Similarly . is a rt..Also . is a rt.. Therefore F , E and X all lie on the

circle with PD as a diameter , so that P and X both lie on the circle through the
points D , E ,F .

Similarly , we can show that if Z be the feet of the perpendicular from C on AB

and Q,R be the mid point of BO and CO respectively , then Y , Z , Q , R also lie on
the circle . Thus the nine points D , E , F , P , Q , R , X , Y , Z all lie3 on the circle .

Q19 :- Prove that the nine points of a triangle is collinear with b the circum-centre
and the ortho-centre , and bisects the segment joining them . Also prove that the
 Combinatrics
radius of the nine points of the circle of a triangle is half of then radius of the
circum-circle

F P E

S V

O Y

B C

D U X

Solution :- Let S be the circum-centre of triangle ABC . Since D and X lie on the
nine point circle , therefore its centre lies on the perpendicular bisector of DX.
Let U be the mid point of DX and let the perpendicular from U on BC meet SO at
N . Since SD , NU and OX are parallel , and DU =UX , therefore SN=NO , i.e. N is
the mid point of SO . To show that N is the centre of the nine point of the circle ,
we have only to observe that nine point on the centre must also lie on the
perpendicular bisector of EY . By the same arguments as above , this
perpendicular will also meet SO at N .Thus N is the nine point centre . It follows
that the circum-centre , nine point centre and ortho-centre are all collinear , and
nine point centre is the mid point of the segment joining the circum-centre and
ortho-centre .

To show that the radius of the nine point circle is half the circum-radius , let us firt
observe that since PD is the diameter of nine point circle , therefore N is the mid
point of PD. Since SO and PD bisect each other at N ,therefore S , D , O , P are the
vertices of the parallelogram. This implies that SD=PO=AP(since P is the mid point
of AO.)
 Combinatrics
Now SDIIAP and SD=AP , therefore S , D , P , A are the vertices of a parallelogram .
Consequently DP=SA, But SA is the circum-radius of triangle ABC. Therefore we
find that the diameter of the nine point circle is the circum-radius i.e. radius of
the nine point of the circle is half the radius of the circum-circle .

Q20:- (SIMPONS LINE) :- Prove that the feet of the perpendiculars drawn from
the point on the circum-circle of triangle on sides are collinear.

Solution:- Let D , E , F be the feet of the perpendicular

drawn from the point P on the circum-circle of triangle
ABC on the sides BC , CA , AB respectively . We shall
prove that the points D , E , F are collinear by showing
that
+ = 1800

SINCE + = 1800

Therefore the points P ,E A , F are concyclic .

Consequently ,. therefore

= (ANGLES IN THE SAME SEGMENT ) .(1)

Since = = 900 ,THEREFORE THE POINTS P ,E ,D ,C are concyclic .

Therefore + = 1800 .(2)

Since the point P ,A ,B ,C are concyclic , therefore

= (which is same as ) (3)

From (1) and (3) , we find that = ..(4)

From (2) and (4) it follows that + =2rts,

Hence D ,E ,F are collinear .

COMMON TANGENTS TO THE TWO CIRCLES:-

R Q
 Combinatrics
A

X P S

Results:-

(1) The two direct common tangents are AB and XY

(2) The two transverse common tangents are PQ and RS
Let R and r be the radii of the circles (R > r) and d is the distance between
their centre , then
(3) Length of each direct common tangent = 2 ( )2
(4) Length of each transverse common tangent = 2 ( + )2

(5) CENTRES OF SIMILITUDE OF TWO CIRCLES :-

The direct (or transverse ) common tangents to two circles intersect each a
point on the line joining the centre . This point is called a centre of
similitude of the circles .
Here , 1 is a centre of the similitude of the direct common tangent and 2
is a centre of similitude of the transverse common tangent .
(6) A centre of similitude divides the line joining the centres externally in case
of direct common tangent and internally in case of the transverse common
tangents in the ratio of their radii, i.e.
O1 : 1 1 = R : r and O2 : 2 2 = R : r .
 Combinatrics

AREA OF THE QUADRILATERAL

= ( )( )( )( ) 2

Where a , b , c , d are the length of the sides of the quadrilateral , s is the

semi-perimeter , and 2 is the sum of a pair of opposite angles and
2s = a +b + c +d

BRAHMAGUPTAS FORMULAE FOR THE AREA OF THE CYCLIC

QUADRILATERAL
The area of cyclic quadrilateral is given by

= ( )( )( )( )
Where a , b, c , d are the lengths of the sides of the quadrilateral and
2s= a + b + c + d
Q21 . Two circles with radii a and b respectively touch each other
externally . Let c be the radius of circle that touches these two circles as
will as common tangent to two circles .Prove that
1 1 1
= +

Solution: - Suppose that the
circles of radii a , b ,c touch
the common tangent XY at P
, Q , R respectively .
Then PQ=PR+RQ
..(1)
Now , 2 = 2
( )2 =( + )2
( )2 =4ab ..(2)
 Combinatrics
Similarly 2 = 4 , 2 = 4 .(3)
From(1) , (2) , (3) , we have
4 = 4 + 4 .
i.e.
1 1 1
= + .

Q22. Prove that the area of a quadrilateral is given by

2 = ( )( )( )( ) 2 .

Solution:- Consider triangles ABD and BCD

. By cosine formulae for BD , we have

2 = 2 + 2 2,

2 = 2 + 2 2,

So that , 2 + 2 2 2 =2bc cosC -2adcosA (1)

Also , if denotes the area of quadrilateral ABCD , then

1 1
= + . ..(2)
2 2

From (1) and (2) , we find that

2 + 2 2 2 )2 +162 =4( 2 )+(4( + )2

= 4(2 2 + 2 2 8( + )

= 4( + )2 -16abcd 2 ,

Where (A+C = 2)
 Combinatrics
162 = {2( + )}2 ( 2 + 2 2 2 )2 16 2 , Where
(A+C=2)

={2(ad+bc)+( ( 2 + 2 2 2 )}{2( + ) (2 + 2 2 2 )
16 2 .

= {(( + )2 ( )2 }{( )2 ( + )2 }-16abcd 2

= 16(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)(s-d)-1616abcd 2 ,where 2s= a+ b +v c+

2 = ( )( )( )( ) 2 .

Q23. Prove that area of the cyclic quadrilateral is given by

= {( )( )( )( )},

Where a , b , c , d are the lengths of the sides of the quadrilateral , and

2s= a + b +c + d .

SOL) Put = 900 in the solution of previous example .

AILTER:- Writing equations corresponding to (1) and (2) in the solution of the
example 26 and observing that C=1800 , we have

2(ad + bc) = 2 + 2 2 2 , (1)

1
= ( + )..(2)
2

From (1) and (2) we have

4( + )2 2 = 4( + )2 ( 2 + 2 2 2 )2 ,

= {2( + )}2 ( 2 + 2 2 2 )2 ,

= 16(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)(s-d) ..(3)
 Combinatrics
From (2) and (3) , we have the desired result.

Q 24. Show that among all quadrilateral of a given perimeter , the square has the
largest area . also find the max. area .

SOL) The area of a quadrilateral having sides of the length a , b , c , d and the
semi-perimeter s is given by

2 = ( )( )( )( ) 2 ,

Where 2 is the sum of a pair of opposite angles of the quadrilateral .

The area can be changed by changing , keeping a , b , c ,d fixed.

The maximum value of 2 (and therefore of ) occurs when = ,i.e., when the
2

quadrilateral is cyclic . The value then becomes , where

( )2 = ( )( )( )( ).

By the inequality A.M. G.M. ,

1
1 1
{( )( )( )( )}4 [(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)(s-d)] = .
4 2

1
So that ( )2 4 , is the maximum value occurring when
16

s-a=s-b=s-c=s-d .

i.e. when the quadrilateral is rhombus b.

since a rhombus inscribed in a circle is a square (because each pair of opposite

angle is equal, and so is a right angle ),therefore the area is maximum when the
2
quadrilateral is a square , the maximum value being .
4

Q25. AB is a line 48 cm in length and c is its mid point . On AB , AC , CB semi

circles are described . Determine the radius of the circle inscribed in the space
enclosed by three semicircles . [RMONER 1991] .
 Combinatrics
SOL ) Let X and Y be the centres of the semicircles described on AC and CB
respectively , as diameter . O is the centre of the circle inscribed in the space
enclosed by three semi-circles and r is the radius of the circles .

Q25. Prove that the distance of any point of the circle circumscribed about a
regular triangle to one of its vertices is equal to the sum of the distances from
that point to the other two vertices .

SOL ) = , = 600

= , = 60

= = = 600 ( )

Let O be the point between C and B .

Let R be the radius of the circum-circle .

Now , OA = 2R sin (600 + 600 )

= 2R sin (1200 ) = 2 sin(900 + 300 ) = 2R cos(300 )

OB= 2R sin(600 ) OC = 2R sin .

Now , OB + OC = 2R (sin(600 ) + )) =2R (2sin300 cos(300 )

= 2R cos(300 )

OB + OC = OC.
 Combinatrics
KVS Junior Mathematics Olympiad (JMO)

ALGEBRA
Q.1 Factorize (y-z)5 + (z-x)5 + (x-y)5

Ans.1. Putting a, b, c for y-z, z-x and x-y respectively.

The expression reduces to

a5 + b5 + c5

Now a + b + c = y-z + z x + x y = 0
a+b=-c

a2 + b2 + 2ab = c2

- c5 = (a + b)5

= a5 + b5 + 5a4b + 10a3b2 + 10a2b2 + 5ab4

- (a5 + b5 + c5) = 5ab (a3 + b3) + 10a2b2 (a+b)

= 5ab (a + b) {(a2 ab + b2) + 2ab}

= 5ab (-c) {a2 + b2 + ab)

= - 5abc (a2 + b2 + ab)

 Combinatrics
putting back the values of a, b and the expression

= 5 (y-z) (z-x) (x-y) {(y-z)2 + (z-x)2 + (y-z) (z-x)}

= 5 (y-z) (z-x) (x-y) (y2+z2 -2yz + z22zx+yz+2x-x2 xy)

(y-z)5 + (z-x)5 + (x-y)5 = 5 (y-z) (z-x) (x-y) (x2+ y2+z2 -yz -zx xy)

2.Find the final digit of the millionth number of

7
7 7
7, 77 , 77 , 7 , ... ...
7

Sol: We have,

71 last digit 1 31 last digit 1

72 last digit 9 32 last digit 9

73 last digit 3 33 last digit 7

74 last digit 1 34 last digit 1

75 last digit 7 35 last digit 3

76 last digit 9 36 last digit 9

77 last digit 3 37 last digit 7

 Combinatrics

So Let digit for

N1 71 = 7

N2 7 7 3

N3 7 7 7
7

7
7
N4 7 3
7

So for N 3
2k

Hence for N 7
2k 1

Likewise,

N1000000 = 3

Q. 3. If a,b,c are real numbers such that

a 2 b2 c 2 1

then prove that

1
ab bc ca 1
2
 Combinatrics
Sol. Given that

a 2 b2 c2 1

a2 + b2 + c2 - (ab+bc+ca)

1 2 2 2 2 2 2
= a 2ab b b 2bc c c 2ac a
2

=
1
a - b2 b c2 c a 2
2

0 as a, b and c are real numbers.

a 2 b2 c2 ab bc ca

as a2 + b2 + c2 =1

so ab + bc + ca <1 [from (i)] (ii)

Again (a2 + b2 + c2) +ab + bc + ca

= (a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca)

= (a + b + c)2

>0

ab + bc + ca > (a2 + b2 + c2)

ab + bc + ca > - x 1

>- (iii)

(ii) and (iii) gives

- < ab + bc + ca < 1
 Combinatrics
Q4. In the multiplication example below p stands for prime digits. Reconstruct the

problem by replacing p.

P p p

X p p

P p p p

P p p p

p P p p p

solution 4.

7 7 5

x 3 3

2 3 2 5

2 3 2 5

2 5 5 7 5
 Combinatrics

Q5. Resolve into factors : 99899

Sol.1 99899 = f (10)

f x 9 x 4 9 x3 8 x 2 9 x 9

Then f(10) = g (10) . h(10)

9 9
f x x 2 9 x 2 9 x 8
x x 2

1 1
x2 9 x 2 9 x 8

2
x x

1
if yx
x

1
y 2 x2 2
x 2

1
x2 y2 2
x 2

So, f x x 2 9 y2 2 9 y 8

= x23 y 23 y 5
 Combinatrics

= 2 1
x 3 x x 2


1
3 x x 5

3x 2 2x 3 3x 2 5x 3
=

= g (x) . h (x)

Hence 99899 = f(10)

= g(10) x h(10)

= 283 x 353

6. Prove that :

1 1 1 1 2
......... 2
1 3 6 10 n (n 1)

Sol. Here

1x 2 2x3 3x 4 4x5
1 , 2 , 6 , 10 and so on.
2 2 2 2

2 1 1
So, 2
1x 2 1 2
 Combinatrics
2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1
2 , 2 , 2 , 2
2 x3 2 3 3x 4 3 4 4x5 4 5 4x5 4 5

2 1 1 2 1 1
2 , 2
5x 6 5 6 nx (n 1) n n 1

1 1 n
on adding LHS= 2 = 2x
n 1 n n 1

n
As
n 1 as always less than 1

So LHS < 2

7. Mr. John was x years old in year x2 When was John born if he died in 1871.

Solu: The squares of number

402 = 1600

412 = 1681

422 = 1764

432 = 1849

442 = 1936
 Combinatrics
As Mr. John died in year 1871, so he was either

42 years old in 1764 and died in 1871

or 43 years old in 1849 and died in 1871

The option of 42 years appears to be invalid

Hence he was 43 years old in 1871.

Hence born in year 1871

- 43

= 1828

Q8. Evaluate

1 1 1
1 1 ... 1
22 1 32 1 99 2 1

22 1 1 32 1 1 99 2 1 1
= ......
2 12 1 3 13 1

99 199 1

2 2 . 32 . 4 2 .... 98 2 . 99 2
=
1.3.2.4.3.5 ...... 97.99.98.100
 Combinatrics
99! 99!
=
1.2.3.4...98 3.4.5...100

2 . 99! . 99!
=
98! 100!

Q9. Show that

4
14 2 4 34 4 4 .. 4
6n 5 3 10 2 1
30

Solu: We know :

n5 (n 1)5 5n 4 10n3 n3 10n 2 5n 1

On putting n=1,2,3,4, ,, we get

15 05 5.14 10.13 10.12 5.1 1

25 15 5.24 10.23 10.22 5.2 1

35 25 5.34 10.33 10.32 5.3 1

45 35 5.34 10.43 10.32 5.4 1

...

n5 (n 1)5 5n 4 10n3 10n 2 5 n 1

 Combinatrics
n5 5 n 4 10 n3 10 n 2 5 n n

nn 1 nn 12n 1 nn 1
2
5 4
n 5 n 10 10 5 n
2 6 2

5 n 4 n n 4 nn 12 n 1 2n 1
5 5 5
n 1 1
2 2 2

4
6n 15n n 2n 1 10 2n 3n 1 15n 1 6
n 2 2
n4
30

n 4
= 6n 15n3 10n 2 1
30

Q10. Find the unit digit of

777 777

Solu:Expression Unit digit

71 7

72 9

73 3

74 1

75 7

76 9
 Combinatrics
77 3

78 1

79 7

710 9

711 3

Q11. Evaluate

1 + (1+2) + (1+2+3) + (1 +2 + 3+ 4) + upto n terms.

Solu: We know

nn 1
1 2 3 4 ... n
2

The nth term of series

n n 1
=
2

n2 n
=
2 2
 Combinatrics
n2 n
Now t
2 2 2

12 1
t
1 2 2

22 2
t2
2 2

32 3
t
3 2 2

42 4
t
4 2 2

n2 n
tn
2 2

S=
1 2 2 2 4 2
1 2 3 4 n
1
1 2 3 4 n
2 2

1 nn 12n 1 1 nn 1
= x x
2 6 2 2
 Combinatrics
n n 1 2n 1
= 3 1
2

n n 1 2n 4
=
2 3

n (n 1) n 2
=
6

1
Q12. Let a+b+c =1 and ab bc ca
3

a, b, c are real numbers.

Find the value of

a b c a b c
(i) (ii)
b c a ba ca a 1

Solu: a b2 b c 2 c a 2

= 2 a 2 b 2 c 2 ab bc ca

= 2 a b c2 3 ab bc ca

1
= 2 1 3
3

= 0
 Combinatrics
So, a = b, b = c, and c = a

1
So, a+b+c=1, gives a b c
3

a b c
So,
b c a

= 1+1+1

= 3

a b c
and
b 1 c a a 1

1/ 3 1/ 3 1/ 3
=
4/3 4/3 4/3

3
=
4

Q13. Resolve into factors :

a 4 b c b 4 c a c 4 a b

Ans) a 4 b c b 4 c a c 4 a b

= b c a 4 bc b 2 bc c 2 a b c b 2 c 2


 Combinatrics
= b c a 4 a b3 b 2c bc2 c 2 bc b 2 bc c 2

3
= b c 3 2 2 3
b a c b ca c bc a c a a c

3 2
= b c a c 2 2 2
b b c bc a a ac c

= b c a c c 2 a b c a 2 b 2
a 3 b3

= b c a c a - b c 2 c a b a 2 ab b 2

= b c a c a - b a 2 b 2 c 2 ab bc ca

x y yz zx

Q14. Simplify
(a x)(a y) a y a z a z a x

Ans. LCM of the denominator

= a x a y a z

so, the given expression

=
a z x y a x y z a y z x
a x a y a z
 Combinatrics
0
= = 0
a x a y a z

Q15. Factorise : x a 2 b c x b2 c a x c2 a b

Ans. x a 2 b c x b2 c a x c2 a b

= x 2 2ax a 2 b c x 2 2bx b 2 c a x 2 2cx c 2 a b

= x2 b c c a a b 2x ab c bc a ca b

a 2 b c b 2 c a c 2 a b

= x 2 0 2 x 0 b c c a a b

= b c c a a b

1
Q16. Let a+b+c =1 and ab bc ca a, b, c are real numbers.
3

a b c a b c
Find the value of (i) (ii)
b c a ba ca a 1

Ans. a b2 b c 2 c a 2

= 2 a 2 b 2 c 2 ab bc ca

 Combinatrics
= 2 a b c2 3 ab bc ca

1
= 2 1 3
3

= 0

So, a = b, b = c, and c = a

1
So, a+b+c=1, gives abc
3

a b c
So,
b c a

= 1+1+1 = 3

a b c
and
b 1 c a a 1

1/ 3 1/ 3 1/ 3 3
= =
4/3 4/3 4/3 4

1 1 2 4
Q17. Simplify :
x 1 x 1 x2 1 x4 1

1 1 2 4
Ans.
X 1 X 1 X 2 1 X 4 1
 Combinatrics
X 1 X 1 2 4
=
X 2 1 X 2 1 X 4 1

2 2 4
=
X 2 1 X 2 1 X 4 1

2 X 2 1 X 2 1
=
4
X 4 1 X 4 1

4 4
=
X 4 1 X 4 1

4 X 4 1 X 4 1
=

X 8 1

8
=
X 8 1

Q18. Factorize : (a + 1)4 + (a2 1)2 + (a-1)4

Ans. (a+1)4 + (a2 1)2 + (a-1)4

= (a+1)4 + (a + 1)2 (a-1)2 + (a-1)4

= {(a+1)2 + (a + 1) (a-1) + (a-1)2} x {(a+1)2 - (a + 1) (a-1) + (a-1)2}

= {a2 + 2a + 1 + a2 a + a2 2a + 1}{a2 + 2a + 1 - a2 + 1 + a2 2a + 1}

= (3a2 + 1) (a2 + 3)

Q19. If a x bx cx 0
 Combinatrics
Prove that (a + b + c + 3x) (a + b + c - x) = 4(bc + ca + ab)

Ans. a x bx cx 0

ax bx cx

(a b ) ( b x ) 2 a x b x c x

a+bcx=-2 a x bx

a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab 2bc 2ca 2x (a+b-c) + x2 = 4 {ab x(a+b) + x2}

(a + b + c)2 + 2x (a + b + c ) 3x2 = 4 (ab + bc + ca)

(a + b + c + 3x) (a + b + c - x) = 4 (bc + ca + ab)

xy xz yz
Q20. If a = ,b= , and c =
xy xz yz
a, b and c are other than zero. Find the value of x, y, z in terms of a,b and c.

xy 1 1 1
Ans. a (i)
xy a x y
xz 1 1 1
b (ii)
xz b x z
yz 1 1 1
c (iii)
yz c y z

Now (i) (iii)

1 1 1 1

x z a c
 Combinatrics
and (ii) + (iv) gives

2 1 1 1

x a b c

2 bc ca ab

x abc

2abc
x
ac bc ab

Q21. For the set of questions

z x y 2x , 2 z 2.4 x , x y z 16

find the integral values of x, y, z

Ans. Z x Y 2x (i)

2z 2 4x (ii)

x y z 16 (iii)

x
from (i) z x y 2 z y 2 (iv)

(ii) 2 z 212x z 1 2x (v)

y 2 1
from (iv) and (v) y 2 1 2x x (vi)
2
 Combinatrics
y 2 1
(iii), (iv) (vi) y y 2 16
2

y 2 1 2 y 2 y 2 32

3 y 2 2 y 33 0

y 3 y 11 3 3 y 11 0

11
y = 3, y
3

But they are integers.

So y = 3 x = 4 and z = 9

Q22. Solve the equation x 2 2 | x | 3 0

Ans. x2 2 x 3 0

For x 0 x x

So x 2 2x 3 0

(x-3) (x+1) =0

x=3 or x = -1

But x 0 so x=-1 is not possible x = 3

Again for x 0 x x
 Combinatrics
So x2 2 x 3 0

x 3 x 1 0

x 3 or x 1

but x 0 so x = -1 is not possible x = 3

Again for x<0 x x

So x 2 2x 3 0

x 3 x 1 0

x = -3 or x = 1

But x =1 in not possible as x<0

So x = -3 So x = 3

Q23. If a polynomial is divided by (x-1) and (x-2), we obtain remainder 2 and 1 respectively. Find the

remainder if it is divided by (x-1) (x-2).

Ans. As, on dividing by (x-1) the polynomial leaves a remainder of 2.

So, the polynomial must be, p(x) = k (x-1) + 2 for a real K.

p(x) = kx k + 2

Now, dividing p(x) by (x-2)

K
x 2 kx k 2
kx 2k
k2
 Combinatrics
i.e. remainder = k + 2

But, remainder must be 1

k+2 = 1 k = -1

p(x) = (-1) (x-1) + 2

=-x+3

Now (x-1) (x-2)

= x2 - 3x + 2

Dividing p(x) by x2 3x + 2,

x 2 3x 2 x 3

i.e. the remainder is (-x+3) only

= -x+3

Q24. In 1932, I was as old as the last two digits of my birth year. My grandfather said that that applies to

him also. How old are we ?

Ans. By simple comparison of age with year.

Year Age Year Age Year Age

1932 0 1909 23 1882 50

1931 1 1908 24 1881 51

1930 2 1907 25 1880 52

1929 3 1906 26 1879 53

 Combinatrics
1928 4 1905 27 1878 54

1927 5 1904 28 1877 55

1926 6 1903 29 1876 56

1925 7 1902 30 1875 57

1924 8 1901 31 1874 58

1923 9 1900 32 1873 59

1922 10 1899 33 1872 60

1921 11 1898 34 1871 61

1920 12 1897 35 1870 62

1919 13 1896 36 1869 63

1918 14 1895 37 1868 64

1917 15 1894 38 1867 65

*1916 16 1983 39 *1866 66

1915 17 1892 40 1865 67

1914 18 1891 41 1864 68

1913 19 1890 42 1863 69

1912 20 1889 43 1862 70

 Combinatrics
1911 21 1888 44 1861 71

1910 22 1887 45 1860 72

1886 46 1859 73

1885 47 1858 74

1884 48 1857 75

1883 49 1856 76

1855 77

We find that in 1916 the age is 16 and for grand father in 1966 the age is 66.

Q25. You need to find the age of a women. Take double the age and add 4 more than the square root of

twice the age. This sum added to its square will be equal to 2162.

Ans. Let the age of woman = x

From the question : 2x 2x 4 2x 2x 4 2 2162

it can be solved to get x = 18

Q26. Two tins containing originally 20 litres of milk and 10 liters of water respectively. Four

litres of the liquid are not drawn from each tin and placed in the other, the liquid being
 Combinatrics
thoroughly mixed. The same process is repeated a second time. Find the ratio of milk and water

in each tin after the final mixture.

Ans. 18:7 and 14:11

27. If y = |x-1| + |x-2|

Express it without using modulus sign

Ans. y = |x-1| + |x-2|

Let, x < 1 then x 1 and x-2 are negative

y = - (x-1) (x-2)= 3 2x

Let, 1< x <2 so that x 1 > 0 and x 2 < 0

y = - (x-1) + (2-x)= 1

Let x > 2 then x 1 > 0 and x- 2 > 0

y = - (x-1) (x-2)= 2x - 3

3 2x when x < 1

y= 1 when 1< x < 2

2x 3 when x > 2

1
Q28. If x + = -1
x

1
Find the value of x99 +
x 99
 Combinatrics
1 1
Ans. If x + = -1 Let an = xn +
x xn

1
So, an+1 = x n+1 +
x n 1

1 1
= xn (x + ) xn-1 -
x x n 1

1
= xn a1+x-n (x + ) x-n+1
x

a1 1
= xn a1+ (xn-1 + )
xn x n 1

=a1 an an-1

2
1 1
x 2 = x
2
a1 = -1, a2 = -2 = -1;
x x

a3 = a1a2 a1

=1+1=2

a4 = a1a3 a2

= -2 + 1 = -1

3
1
a99 = (x33)3 + 33
x
 Combinatrics
3 3
33 1 33 1
= x 33 - 3 x 33 (1)
x x

3
1 1
Here, x 33 ( x11 )3 11
33

x x

3 3
11 1 11 1
= x 11 - 3 x 11 (2)
x x

1
a9 = x9 +
x9

3
1
= (x3)3 + 3
x

3
3 1 3 1
= x 3 -3 x 3
x x

= 23 6 = 2

a10 = a1 a9 a8

8 1
= -2 x 8
x

4 1 2
= -2- x 4
x

= - 2 [1-2] = -1
 Combinatrics
a11 = a1a10 a9

= 1 2 = -1

from (2) : a33 = -1 3 x (-1) =2

from (1) : a99 = 23 - 3 x 2 =2

Q29. Show that there cannot exist any positive integral pair (x,y) satisfying the equation x2 = y2 + 2182

Ans. x2 = y2 + 2182

x2 - y2 = 2182

(x+y) (x-y) = 2182

i.e. (x+y) (x-y) is even

means both (x+y) and (x-y) are both even.

But 2182 is not divisible by 4.

So no

Q30. Two clocks showed correct time at 12 noon. After that one started gaining 40 seconds and other
started loosing 50 seconds in every 24 hours. After what interval the difference of time shown
by the two clock was 16 minutes ? What was then the correct time ?

Ans. Two clocks show a difference of 90 secs in 24 hrs.

3
minutes in 24 hrs.
2

two clocks shows a difference of 16 minutes in 2/3 x 24 x 16 = 256 hrs.

256 hrs = 10 days 16 hrs

so the actual time at the moment = 4 oclock in the morning

 Combinatrics
Questions on combinatorics

1-If 7 points are chosen on or in the interior of a unit circle, such that, their
mutual distance apart, is greater than or equal to 1. Then, prove that, one of
them must be the Centre of the circle.

2. Given a regular hexagon of side 2cm and 25 points in its region, show that,
there are at least two points among them, such that, they are utmost one
centimeter distance apart

3. a)if repetition of digits is not allowed in any number, show that, among three
4-digit numbers, two have a common digit occurring in them.
b) Show that, in base seven systems, any two 4 digit numbers, without
repetition of digits, will have a common number, occurring in their digits.

4. Given any 13 distinct real numbers, prove that, there are two of them, say x

and y, such that, 0 < <2-3
1+

5. Show that, given 12 integers, there exists two of them whose difference is
divisible by eleven

6.Given eleven triangles, show that, some three of them belong to the same
type (such as equilateral, isosceles etc.)

7. A is a subset of A.P 2,7,12,.152. Prove that, there are two distrinct

elements of A whose sum is 159. what can you conclude if A has only 14
elements?

8. Given three points, in the interior of a right angled triangle, show that, two
of the, are at a distance not greater than the maximum of the lengths of the
sides containing the right angle.

9. If a line is colour9. If a line is coloured in 11 colours, show that, there exist

two points, whose distance apart, is an integer, which have the same coloured
in 11 colours, show that, there exist two points, whose distance apart, is an
integer, which have the same colour
 Combinatrics
10. Show that, in any set of 10 distinct 2 digit numbers, there exists two
subsets, which have the same sum.

11-If in a class of 15 students, the total of the marks ina subject is 600, then,
show that, there is a group of 3 students, the total of whose marks is at least
120.

12- Five letters are written to five different persons and their addresses are on 5

envelopes. Find in now many ways letters can be placed in envelopes so that no

letter is placed in the correct envelope.

13-Show that, there exists a power of 3 which ends in the digits 001.

14-It the digits 1, 2, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 are divided into three groups, show that, the

product of the numbers in one of the groups, exceeds 71.

15-). How many numbers from 1 to 1000 are not divisible by 2,3 and 5?

16. Consider the collection of three elementic subsets drawn from the set

{1,2,3,,299,300}.Determine the number of those subsets for which

the sum of the elements is a multiple of 3.

17. In any set of 181 square integers, prove that one can always find a subset of
19 numbers,the sum of whose elements is divisible by 19.

18-.If the digits 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 are divided into three groups, show that the
product of the numbers in one of the groups, exceeds 71.
 Combinatrics
19. There are 9 cells in a 3x3 square. When these cells are filled by numbers -1, 0,
1. Prove that out of 8 sums obtained ,at least two sums are equal.

20-.Find the number of Isosceles triangles with integer sides if no side exceeds
1994.

21-.Find the number of all rational numbers such that

22-How many times the digit 0 written when listing all numbers from 1 to 3333.
23-. How many numbers can be formed from some or all of the digits 2,3,4,5 if no number is to have
repeated digits?

24-. .There are n nails in a row fixed on a wall and r rings are to be placed on them. Suppose that
some, none or all the rings can be placed on a nail. In how many ways can this be done if

(i)the order of the rings on a nail is ignored

(ii) the order of the rings on a nail is taken into account?

25.Given m integers 1 , 2 ,.. , show that there exist integers k,s with 0 < such that

+1 ++2 ,.. .

26- A new flag has to be designed with 6 vertical strips using some or all of the
colours yellow,green ,blue and red. In how many ways can this be done so that no
two adjacent strips have same colour.

27.A person writes letters to 6 friends and addresses the corresponding

envelopes.In how many ways can the letter be placed in the envelopes so that

i) At least 2 of them are in the wrong envelopes.

ii) All the letters in wrong envelopes

28. In how many ways 4 boys and 4 girls can be seated in a row so that boys and
girls are alternate.
 Combinatrics
NUMBER THEORY
Elementary Number theory: Peanos Axioms, Algebric properties of N, order properties of N,
principle of mathematical induction, First principle of induction(FPI), second principle of
induction (SPI), third principle of induction, basis representation theorem, integers, properties of
integers, the greatest integer function, divisibility, tests of divisibility, greatest common divisor
of two integers, euclids algorithm, the unique factorization theorem, congruences, chinese
remainder theorem, more on divisibility, number of divisors of a composite number, number of
ways in which a composite number can be resolved into two factors, Number of ways in which a
composite number can be resolved into two factors which are prime t each other, Sum of divisors
of a number, the highest power of a prime which is contained in n!, Eulers totient function,
Divisibility of the product of k consecutive integer by k!, theorems of fermat and Wilson,
converse of wilsons theorem, solution of equations in integers.

SOME IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

Well-Ordering
The set N = {0,1,2,3,4, . . .} of natural numbers is endowed with two operations, addition and multiplication, that
satisfy the
following properties for natural numbers a,b, and c:
1. Closure: a+b and ab are also natural numbers.
2. Associative laws: (a+b)+c = a+(b+c) and a(bc) = (ab)c.
3. Distributive law: a(b+c) = ab+ac.
4. Additive Identity: 0+a = a+0 = a
5. Multiplicative Identity: 1a = a1 = a.
TheWell Ordering Principle: A least element exist in any non empty set of positive
integers.
This principle can be taken as an axiom on integers and it will be the key to proving
many theorems. As a result, we see that any set of positive integers is well ordered while the set
of all integers is not well ordered.
The Pigeonhole Principle: If s objects are placed in k boxes for s > k, then at least one box
contains more than one object.
The First Principle of Mathematical Induction: If a set of positive integers has the property
that, if it contains the integer k, then it also contains k + 1, and if this set contains 1 then it must
be the set of all positive integers.
More generally, a property concerning the positive integers that is true for n = 1,
and that is true for the integer n + 1 whenever it is true for the integer n, must be true for all
positive integers.
The Second Principle of Mathematical Induction: A set of positive integers that has the
property that for every integer k, if it contains all the integers 1 through k then it contains k + 1
and if it contains 1 then it must be the set of all positive integers.
More generally, a property concerning the positive integers that is true for n = 1, and that is
true for all integers up to n + 1 whenever it is true for all integers up to n, must be true for all
positive integers.
The second principle of induction is also known as the principle of strong induction. Also, the
first principle of induction is known as the principle of weak induction.

Integer Divisibility
 Combinatrics
Definition. If a and b are integers such that a a 0, then we say a divides b if there exists an
integer k such that b = ka.
If a divides b, we also say a is a factor of b or b is a multiple of a and we write a | b. If a
doesnt divide b, we write a b.
*** If a; b and c are integers such that a | b and b | c, then a | c.
*** If a; b; c; m and n are integers, and if c | a and c | b, then c | (ma + nb).
n
*** If a | b1, a | b2, . . . , a | bn, then for any integers c1, c2, . . . , cn, a | ci bi
i 1
Division Algorithm : If a and b are integers such that b > 0, then there exist unique integers q
and r such that a = bq + r where 0 r < b.
Greatest Common Divisor : The greatest common divisor of two integers a and b is the greatest
integer that divides both a and b.
***Two integers a and b are relatively prime if (a; b) = 1.
*** If (a; b) = d then (a|d ; b|d) = 1.
OR if a|d and b|d have no common positive divisors other than 1.
*** The greatest common divisor of two integers a and b, not both 0 is the least positive integer
such that ma + nb = d for some integers m and n.
Euclidean Algorithm : Lemma 1. If a and b are two integers and a = bq + r where also q and r
are
integers, then (a; b) = (r; b).

Q1. Find all integers n such that (n2-n-1)n+2 = 1

1.Sol. (n2-n-1) n+2 = 1
(n2-n-1) n+2 = (1)n+2
n2 n 1 = 1
n2 n 2 = 0
n2 - 2n + n 2 = 0
n (n - 2) + 1 (n 2) = 0
(n - 2) (n + 1) = 0
n = 2 or -1

Q2. Find all the positive perfect cubes that divide 99.
2 Sol. 99
= (33)9
= (3)27
The positive perfect cubes that divide 99 are :
13, 33, (32)3, (33)3, (34)3, (35)3, (36)3, (37)3, (39)3.
i.e. 10 numbers

Q3. Find the integer closest to 100 (12- 143 )

3 Sol. 100 (12- 143 )
143 144
 Combinatrics
i.e. 143 < 12
and 143 is less than 12 by a very small margin.
The closest integer to 100 (12 - 143 ) is , 100.
Q4. How many four digit numbers can be formed using the digits 1,2 only so that each of these
digits is used at least once ?
4Sol. All the four digit number , which can be formed are :-
1121, 1112, 1122
2221, 2211, 2212
1221, 1212, 1211, 1222
2121, 2112, 2111, 2122
i.e. a total of 14 numbers
Q5. Find the greatest number of four digits which when increased by 1 is exactly divisible by 2,
3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
5 Sol. First
L.C.M. of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 = 420
Now the largest four digit multiple of 420 is 420 x 23 = 9660
The req. number is = 9660 1 = 9659 Ans.
Q6. Find the largest prime factor of 203203.
6 Sol. 203203 = 7 x 7 x 11 x 13 x 29 = 72 x 11 x 13 x 29
largest prime factor of 203203 = 29

Q7. Find the last two (tens and units) digits of (2003)2003.
7Sol. To find the last two digits of (2003)2003
2003 3 (mod 100)
20032 9 (mod 100)
20034 81 (mod 100)
-19 (mod 100) (i)
2003 (-19) (-19) (mod 100)
8

361 (mod 100)

-39 (mod 100)
2003 (-39) (-39) (mod 100)
16

1321 (mod 100)

21 (mod 100) (ii)
Multiplying (i) and (ii),
200320 (-19) (21) (mod 100)
-299 (mod 100)
1 (mod 100)
2003 20
1 (mod 100)
2003 2000
1 (mod 100)
(2003)2000 x (2003)3 1 x 3 x 3 x 3 (mod 100)
(2003)2003 27 (mod 100)
The tens and units digits of (2003)2003 are 2 and 7.
 Combinatrics
Q8. Find the number of perfect cubes between 1 and 1000009 which are exactly divisible by 9.
8Sol. The numbers are :
33 x 1 3 = 27 > 1
33 x 2 3 = 216 > 1
33 x 3 3
33 x 4 3
: x :
: x :
33 x 31 3
33 x 32 3
33 x 33 3 = 970309 < 1000009
33 x 34 3 = 1061208 > 1000009
There are 33 numbers satisfying the given condition.
Q9. Find the number of positive integers less than or equal to 300 that are multiples of 3 or 5, but
are not multiples of 10 or l5.
9Sol. They are :
3x1 5
3x2 5x5
3x3 5x7
3x4 5 x 11
3x6 5 x 13
| 5 x 17
| 5 x 19
3 x 98 5 x 23
3 x 99 5 x 25
5 x 29
5 x 31
i.e. 80 numbers 5 x 41
5 x 43
5 x 47
5 x 49
5 x 53
5 x 59
i.e. 18 numbers
which accounts for a total of 98 numbers.
Q10. The product of the digits of each of the three-digit numbers 138, 262, and 432 is 24. Write
down all three-digit numbers having 24 as the product of the digits.
10Sol. 24 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3
24 can be written as
4 x 2 x 3, 8 x 1 x 3, 4 x 6 x 1, 2 x 2 x 6
All the numbers are :
with digits 4,2 and 3 423, 234, 243, 432, 342, 324
with digit 8, 1 and 3 138, 183, 318, 381, 813, 831
with digit 4, 6 and 1 164, 146, 461, 416, 641, 614
with digit 2, 2 and 6 226, 262, 622
 Combinatrics
4x 9xy
Q11. If x y 8 and 5 y 243 find the value of x-y.
2 3
4x
Sol: x y 8
2
(2 2 ) x
xy 8
2
22x
xy 8
2
2 x x y
2 8
xy
2 (2)3
x y 3
x-y= 3
Q 12. Find the number of digits in the number 22005 x 52000 when
written in full.
Sol: 22005 x 52000
= 25 x 22000 x 52000
= 25 x (2x5)2000
= 25 x 102000
= 32 x 102000
= 320000000 . (2000 zeros)
There are 2002 digits in the above number.

Q13. Find the remainder when 22005 is divided by 13.

Sol.: 21 2 (mod 13)
22 4 (mod 13)
23 8 (mod 13)
24 16 (mod 13)
3 (mod 13)
25 32 (mod 13)
6 (mod 13)
26 64 (mod 13)
-1 (mod 13)
(2 ) = (-1)
6 334 334
(mod 13)
22004 = 1 (mod 13)
22005 = 2 (mod 13)
22005 leaves a remainder 2 on division by 13.

Q. 14. Find the greatest number of four digits which when divided by 3, 5, 7, 9 leaves remainders
1, 3, 5, 7 respectively.
 Combinatrics
Sol.: L.C.M. of 3, 5, 7 and 9 = 315
Now,
The largest four digit number multiple of 315
= 315 x 31
= 9765
the required number which leaves remainders of 1, 3, 5, 7 [(3-2), (5-2), (7-2), (9-2)] on
division by 3, 5, 7 and 9.
= 9765 2
= 9763
Q.15. A printer numbers the pages of a book starting with 1. He uses 3189 digits in all. How
many pages does the book have ?

Sol: The printer printed 9 single digits numbers (1-9), upto 9

i.e. 9 x 1 = 9 digits.
No. of digits remaining to be printed = 3189 9 = 3180
Then, the printer printed 90 2 digits numbers (10-99), upto 99
i.e. 2 x 90 = 180 digits.
No. of digits remaining to be printed 3180 180 = 3000 digits.
Then, the printer printed 900, 3 digit numbers, (100 999) upto 999
i.e. 3 x 900 = 2700 digits.
No. of digits remaining to be printed = 3000 2700 = 300 digits.
Now, Only 300 more digits are left to be printed.
No. of 4-digit numbers which can be printed using 300 digits
300
75
4
75 more numbers can be written after 999.
i.e. (999 + 75) = 1074
The book has 1074 pages.

Q16.Without actually calculating, find which is greater 31 11 or 17 14

Sol.: 3111 or 1714

31 < 32
or 31 < 25
or 3111< (25)11
or 3111< 255
17 > 16
or 17 > 24
or 1714> (24)14
or 1714> 256
3111< 255
and 1714> 256
and 256> 255
1714> 3111
 Combinatrics
Q. 17. Find the largest prime factor of 312 + 212 2.66

Sol: 312 + 2 12 2.66

= (36)2 + (26)2 2. (3 x 2)6
= (36)2 + (26)2 2. (36) x (2)6
= (36 26)2
= 3 3 2

23
2 2

=
3 2 3 2
3 3
3 3

2

= [(33+23) + (33-23)]2
= [(3+2) (32 - 3 x 2 + 22) (3-2) (32 + 3 x 2 + 22)]2
= [(5) x (9 - 6 + 4 ) (1) x (9 + 6 + 4)]2
= [(5) x (19) x (7)]2
= [5 x 19 x 7]2
= 52 x 192 x 72
The largest prime factor of (312 + 212 2.66)
= 19

Q.18. Find the value of S = 12 22 + 32 42 + .-982 + 992

Sol: Let
S = 12 22- 32 42 + - 982 + 992
= 12 (-22+32) (-42+52) (62+72) .
- 982 + 992
= 12 + (3+2) (3-2) + (4+5) (5-4)
+ (6 + 7) (7 - 6) + + (99 - 98) (99 + 98)
= 1+ 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 +7 + + 98 + 99
Further,
S = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + + 98+ 99
+S = 99+ 98 + 97 + 96 + 95 + 94+ 93 + + 2 + 1
2S= 100+100+100 +100+100 + 100+ 100 + 100 +100
= 99 x 100
S = 50 x 99
= 4950
Q. 19. Find the smallest multiple of 15 such that each digit of the multiple is either 0 or 8.

Ans: Smallest multiple of 15, such that each digit of the multiple in either 0 or 8are
Two & Three digit nos Four digit and Five digit nos
80 8000
880 8008
808 8080
800 8800
8880
80888
80888
 Combinatrics
88088
So only possibility for multiple of 15 i.e. divisible by 5
islast digit is 0 i.e.
(i) 2 digits 80
(ii) 3 digits 880, 800
(iii) 4 digit s 8000, 8800, 8880, 8080
(iv) 5 digit 88880 80000
88800 88000
88080
As 15 = 5x3
So the number should be divisible by 3 the sum of digit should be divisible by 3.
Hence let us analyze the sum of digits in (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv),
(i) 2 digit : not possible
(ii) 3 digit : not possible
(iii) 4 digit : with 888
sum in 8+8+8 = 24
that is divisible by 3
But last digit should be 0 and it should contain three numbers of 8.
i. e.
8880

Q. 20. A number X leaves the same remainder while dividing 5814, 5430, 5958. What is the
largest possible value of X?
Sol.: Let p, q, r and s be any number from the question, if r in remainder.
5814 = p X + r . (i)
5430 = q X + r . (ii)
5958 = s X + r .. (iii)
from (i) & (ii)
384 = (p-q) X
from (ii) & (iii)
5430 5958 = (q - s) X
528 = (s - q) X
from (iii) & (i)
5814 5958 = (p - s) X
144 = (s - p) X
so we get three equation
384 = (p - q) X
528 = (s - q) X
144 = (s - p) X
(p - q) X = 2x2x2x2x2x2x2x3
(s - q) X = 2x2x2x2x x3x 11
(s - q) X = 2x2x2x2x x3x x3
So the HCF of these three numbers
= 2x2x2x2x3
= 48
 Combinatrics
So the required largest number is 48
Check:
48 x 121 = 5808 then + 6 = 5814
48 x 113 = 5424 then + 6 = 5430
48 x 124 = 5952 than + 6 = 5958

Q 21. Find all the integers which are equal to 11 times the sum of their digits.
Sol. It can be easily proved that such numbers can be only of 3-digits.
Let the number be 100H+10T+U 11(H+T+U) =
100H+10T+U
T=89H-10U . (1)
As H, T, U are all 0 and 9
Hence the only solution of the above equation is
H=1, T=9, U=8.
Therefore the only number is 198.

Q.22 Prove that is rational number.

Sol. Let =p
Cubing we get
) =p3
4-3p= p3 p3+3p=4
p (p2+3)=4
=> p=1 which is rational.
OR

We can easily show that and

Hence the value of the given expression is 1, which is a rational number, proved.

Q.23 How many times is digit zero written when listing all numbers from 1 to 3333?
Sol.

From - to No of Zeros

1-100 11

101-990 178

991-1000 3

1001-2000 300

2001-3000 300

3001-3300 159
 Combinatrics
3301-3333 12

Total 963

Q.24 . A natural number ends in 2. If we move this digit 2 to the beginning of the number, then
the number will be doubled. Find the smallest number with this property.
The Solution is
105263157894736842

Q 25. Prove that 22225555 + 55552222 is divisible by 7.

Sol. 22 22225555 + 55552222
= 22225555 + 45555 + 55552222 42222 45555 + 42222
= (22225555 +45555) + (55552222 42222) 42222 (43333-1)
As, 22225555 +45555 is divisible by 2222+4
i.e. 2226
= 7x318
and 55552222 42222 is divisible by 5555-4
i.e. 5551
= 7x793
also 43333 1 =
= 641111-1 is divisible by
64-1 = 63
=7x9
So, 22225555 + 55552222 can be split into 3 terms each divisible by 7.
 Combinatrics

Solution of combinatorics(group 4)
1.Divide the circle into six equal parts by drawing radii with two adjacent radii
making an angle of 60
Then, two of the seven points cannot be in the interior of a sector i.e. in the
interior of only of six sectors(since, the distance between the two points is not
greater than or equal to 1(given). If at all, in any sector, with boundaries included,
two of the points only lie on the circular arc as end points.(of the arc of any one of
these sectors) or one at the end point of the arc and one at the centre of the
circle. Even, if two lie at the ends of a circular arc, we have only six points
satisfying the condition, thus forcing the seventh point to lie at the centre.

2. If ABCDEF is a regular hexagon of side 2cm and P, Q, R, S, T, U are

respectively the midpoints of AB, BE, CD, DE, EF, FA, then, by joining
opposite vertices and joining PR, US, UQ, TR, QS and PT, we get in all 24
equilateral triangles of side 1cm (all are congruent). We have, 25 points and
there are 24 congruent equilateral triangles. So, of these 25 points inside
the hexagon ABCDEF, at least two points lie inside in any one of these
maximum distance between any two points in the equilateral triangle. So,
at least two points, among the given 25 points. Will be 1cm apart.

3.a) For base seven system, we have seven digits only, viz 0,1,2,3,4,5,6. for two
four-digit numbers, without repetition, we have to use eight digits in all and again,
by PHP, they have at least one common number (digit) occurring in their digits.
base ten, we have ten digits,0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
b) Thus, for three four digit numbers without repetition of digits, we have to use
in all 12 digits but we have only 10 digits (in base ten) at our disposal. Thus, at
least, two of three four-digit numbers have a common digit occurring

4.Given a real number a we can find a real number A lying between -

/2 and /2 ie lying in the open interval (-/2, /2), such that, tanA =a
as the tangent function, in the open interval (-/2, /2) is continuous,
strictly increasing and covers the real number set R completely.
 Combinatrics
Therefore, corresponding to the 13 distinct real numbers(given) ie
= {1,2,3,13} we can find {i= 1,2,3,13} lying between -/2 and /2 such
that, tan =
Divide the open interval (-/2, /2) into 12 equal parts each of length /2
6 5 4 3 2 2 3 4 5 6
0
12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Now, by PHP, at least two of the with > lie in the same interval
Then 0< - < /2, Therefore, tan 0 < tan ( - ) < tan (/2)
tan
Ie 0 < < tan 15 ie, 0 < < 2- 3
1+ tan 1+
Hence, there are two real numbers x= , y=

0< <2-3
1+

5.Possible remainders, when any integer is divided by 11 are

0,1,2,310
Treat the remainders as Holes and the given 12 integers as pigeons.
By PHP, two of them should lie in the same hole i.e. two of these 12 integers
should have the same remainder, when divided by11.
The difference of these(same) remainders is zero and 0 is divided by 11

6.Any triangle must belong to one of the five types

a) Equilateral
b) Isosceles but not equilateral
c) Acute angled but not isosceles
d) Obtuse angled but not isosceles
e) Right angled but not isosceles
By distributing the triangles given equally in the above types, we see that, if we
choose more than 10 triangles, then three of them must belong to the same type
by PHP.
7. The terms of the progression can be divided into 15 pairs as follows.
(7,152), (12, 147).(77, 82); call it set X making the sum in each pair as 159
Now choose one element from each pair and form the set B of 15 elements
X= {(7,152), (12, 147).(77, 82)} (15 elements)
 Combinatrics
B= {(7, 12, 17,. 77)} ( 15 elements)
The sum of any two elements in this set is not 159.
th
If we have to choose 16 elements from the given set {7,12,152} then the 16
element must be one of the complements of members from set X
This together, with its complement will make a total159. If 16 members are to be
chosen, at least two must belong to the same pair.
If the given set has only 14 elements, instead of 15, this pairing in not possible

8. The altitude to the hypotenuse divides the triangles into two triangles, one of
which contains two points by PHP.
Each part is a right triangle.
The distance between any two
points in a right triangle, is at the most,
the length of the longest side. The longest side of the two smaller right triangles
are nothing but the leHence the resultgs of the original triangle.

9.Consider 12 or more points 1 , 2 , with 1 +1 = 1 for each I

Distribute the colours evenly
We find two of them will have the same colour.(by PHP)
The distance between any two of them is am integer

10.There are (210 -1)-10 = 1013 subsets(proper) having at least two

elements.
Since the sum of tem two-digits numbers is at most 990, we see that the sum of
the elements in these 1013 subsets is a positive integer less than 990. So, at least
two of the subsets must be equal, by PHP

11-1 , 2 Let, 3 . 15 be the marks.

 Combinatrics
Suppose that + + <120 for all distinct i,j,k.

There are 153 inequalities of this type.

Add them.

Each is repeated 142 (1 +2 +3 +.+15 ) < 153 120

i.E 91 x 600 < 5 x 91 x 120, i.e 54600< 54600

This is a contradiction.

Hence we can conclude that there is a group of 3 students, the total of whose
marks is at least 120

12- Lets mae a table as below. If letters are represented by a,b,c,d, and e. The

addresses by A, B, C, D and E.
 Combinatrics

Similarly if c is sent to A there will be 11 ways. Hence total - 4x11 = 44

ways.

13-Consider the remainders when the powers 3,32 ,33 , are divided by 1000.

They cannot all be different since there are only 1000 possible values for the
remainders

If 3+ and 3 give the same remainder, then 3+ - 3 = 3 [3 1] is divisible

by 1000.
 Combinatrics
But 3 and 10000 are co-prime to each other. So (3 -1) is divisible by 1000. i.e
the last three digits in 3 are 001.

14-If a,b,c are the products of the three groups, then

abc= 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9 = 362880

This is greater than 71 x 71 x 71 = 357911

If a 71, b 71, c 71, then abc 713

Hence one of the products of the groups exceeds 71 ( as 713 < 362880 where abc
= 362880)

15- Let 1 being the property of being divisible by 2,

2 being the property of being divisible by 3,

3 being the property of being divisible by 5,

Then 1 2 will denote the property of being divisible by 6,

1 3 will denote the property of being divisible by 10,

2 3 will denote the property of being divisible by 15,

1 2 3 will denote the property of being divisible by 30,

We wish to find N ( 1 2 3)

Now, N ( 1 2 3) = NN(1 ) N(2 ) N(3 )+ N(1 )+ N(1 2 )+ N(2 3 ) N(1 2 3)

1000 1000 1000

We are given that N = 1000, N(1 )=[ 2
]= 500, N(2 ) =[ 3
]= 333, N(3 ) = [ 5
] =200

1000 1000
N (1 2 )= [ ] = 166, N(2 3 )= [ ] = 66,
2.3 3.5

1000 1000
N (1 3 )= [ 2.5
] = 100, N(1 2 3 )= [ 30
]=33

Substituting these values in (i) we get,

N ( 1 2 3) = 1000-500-333+166+100+66-33=266

16-:-Let us separate the elements of the set {1,2,3,,299,300} into residue classes modulo
3.
 Combinatrics
0 = {3,6,9..,300} is the set of all those numbers which are multiples of 3;

1 = {1,4,7,.,298} is the set of all those numbers which when divided by 3 leave a
remainder 1;

2 = {2,5,8,.,299} is the set of all those numbers which when divided by 3 leave a
remainder 2;

Each of the sets 0 , 1 , 2 has 100 elements.

The sum of the elements of a three elementic subset of the given set will be divisible by 3 iff

Either i) All the three elements belong to any one of the sets 0, 1, 2. (OR)

ii).the subsets contains exactly one element from each of the sets 0 , 1 , 2 .

there are 3 1003 subsets of type (i) and (100)3 subsets of type (ii)

Therefore the desired number of subsets is 3 1003 + (100)3 .

17- Soln:-Since every natural number can be written in the form 19t k, where t is an integer, and
k=0,1,2.,9,therefore every square integer is of the form (19 )2.since the numbers 12 , 22 , 92

Leave remainders 1,4,9,16,17,11,7,5 respectively when divided by 19, therefore every square integer is
of the form19m + s, where s = 0,1,4,5,6,7,11,16,17.

Let us divide the given set of 181 numbers into ten classes, so that two numbers belong to the same
class if and only if they leave the same remainder when divided by 19.since there are 10 classes,
therefore at least one class must contain at least 19 numbers(PHP),The sum of any 19 numbers
belonging to this class will be a multiple of 19.

18..

Soln:- If a, b, c are the products of the three groups, then

abc = 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9 = 362880.

This is greater than 71x71x71 = 357911.

If a 71, b 71, c 71, then abc (71)3

Hence one of the products of the groups exceeds 71.

19..

Soln:- The three numbers -1, 0, 1 can give the following sums with different combinations.
 Combinatrics
i) (-1) + (-1) + (-1) = -3
ii) (-1) + (-1) + (0) = -2
iii) (-1) + (0) + (0) = -1
iv) (0) + (0) + (0) = 0
v) (0) + (1) + (1) = 2
vi) (-1) + (0) + (1) = 0
vii) (-1) + (-1) + (-1) = -3
viii) (-1) + (1) + (1) = 2
ix) (0) + (0) + (1) = 1
x) (1) + (1) + (1) = 3
Thus these are 10 sums in all ,viz, -3,-2,-1,0,2,0,-3,2,1,3
But there are only 7 distinct sums viz -3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3
Now there are 8 totals-Three row-wise,three column wise and two diagonal wise.
Hence by HPP, some total has to repeat which means that some total must have the same
sum.

20..

Soln:- Let the two equal sides of an Isosceles triangle be p units each, and let the remaining side be q
units. Two different cases arises.

Case-1. p> q

take the values 1,2,3,p-1(provided p >0).the condition for p, p, q to be the sides of the triangle is
automatically satisfied here.

For each positive integer p> 1, we can have p-1 isosceles triangles therefore the total number of
isosceles triangles is

1994
=2 ( 1) =1+2+3++1994 =1998721.

Case 2. p<q

In order that p,p,q may be the sides of a triangle,

we must have 2p>q i.e p<q< 2

Also we must have 2
< p <q.

If q is even, there are q 1 - 2 = 2 1 possible values of p.

1 1
If q is odd, there are q 1 2
= 2
possible values of p.

Thus there are in all isosceles

 Combinatrics
2 1
+ Triangles,
11994 2 11994
2

= (1+2+.996) + (1+2+.996) triangles,

=993012 triangles.

Therefore total number of isosceles triangle s = 993012 + 1998721 = 2991733.

21.

Soln:- Since m and n are relatively prime, and mn = 25!, therefore we have to resolve 25! Into a pair of
factor which are relatively prime. For each such pair (p,q), exactly one of the rational numbers p/q and
q/p will be less than 1(and of course both will be greater than zero).therefore there will be exactly as
many rational numbers m/n satisfying the given conditions as there are pair of factors (p,q) described
above.

The distinct primes occurring in the expression for 25! As a product of primes(or prime powers) are
2,3,5,7,11,13,17,19,23.
1
Since there are 9 distinct primes occurring in the expression for 25!,there will be 2
29 =256 ways of
expressing 25! As the product of two factors of desired type,and consequently 256 numbers m/n such

that I), 0<
< 1 ii) m and are relatively prime iii) mn = 25!

22-
Soln:- We have to consider integers t such that 1 3333.

There largest number t having 0 in the units place is 3330.

There are 333 numbers t having 0 in the units place they are 10,20,30,..3330.

We can describe these numbers as t=x0 where x is any one of 1,2,3,333.

Similarly, number t = x0y i.e number having 0 in the tens place are in all 33x10 because x can be anyone
of 1,2,3,.33, y can be any one of0,1,2,.,9,there are 33x10=330 number like x0yz

In the same way there are 3 x 102 =300 number with 0 in the hundred place i.e

X0yz where 1 3 , 0 z 10

Hence the total number of times 0 is written as

333 + 330 + 300 = 963

23 The number can be of 1,2,3 or 4 digits. Of these types there are respectively 4, 4x3, 4x3x2 and
4x3x2x1 numbers that can be formed from the digits 2,3,4,5 without repetition. So in all there are
 Combinatrics
4+12+24+24= 64 numbers.

24. . (i)the order of the rings on a nail is ignored

(ii) the order of the rings on a nail is taken into account?

Soln :Each ring can be put on any one of the nails.Hence the number of ways is nr

ii) Let xi denote the number of rings on the ith nail, 1 . Then x1 ++xn =r and there are
1+
( ) non negative integer solutions of this equation.Consider any one solution, say x1 ,,xn

Now without changing any of the numbers x1 ,,xn . we can permute the r rings in
! ! Different arrangements of the rings since the order of the rings is considered.

1+
Hence the total number of ways ! ( ).

25-Consider the sequences1 , 1+ 2 ,. 1+ 2 . . If anyone of these m sums is divisible by m

then we are through. Otherwise ,suppose that none of them is divisible bym . so each leaves a non-zero
remainder 1,2,3,..(m-1) . Since there are m sums and (m-1) possible values of the remainders, by the
pigeonhole principle PP1,two of the sums leave the same remainder after division by m so let

1 + 2 +.. = bm + r

And 1 + 2 +.. = cm + r

This gives (if < ), +1 + +2 + + = ( )

Thus m divides +1 + +2 + + .

26- Let a, b, c,d,e,f denotes 6 vertical stripes in order from left.

Then a can be any one of the 4 colours ,b can be any one of the other three
colours,c can be any one of the 3 colours (as colour used in a can be used in c).

Similarly ,there are 3 possible colours for each of d,e f.

Hence by multiplication principle ,there are 4x35 ways of designing the flag.

27-Solution. I) the number of ways in which at least 2 of them are in wrong places

=2 D2 +3 D3 +4 D4 +5 D5 +6 D6

Here n=6
 Combinatrics
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
=64 2!(1 - - + ) + 63 3! ( 1 - + - ) + 64 4! (1- - + - + ) +65 5! ( 1 -
1! 2! 1! 2! 3! 1! 2! 3! 4!
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
+ - + - ) +66 6!(1- - + - + - + )
1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 6!

15 40 +135 +264 +265 =719

ii)The number of ways in which all the letters be placed in wrong envelopes
1 1 1 1 1 1
= 6!( 1- - + - + - + )
1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 6!

= 360 -120 +30 -6 +1

=265

28-Solution. Number of things ,n =8( 4+4)

Number of places to be filled up , r =8

Case i) when a boy comes at first place number of places for the boys are 4.

Number of arrangement of 4 girls is =4!

Number of arrangements in this case =4! 4!

Case ii) when a girl comes at first place,here similarly number of arrangements
=4! 4!

So total number of arrangements in this case =2 x4!x4!

 Combinatrics

References

The previous RMO and INMO question papers and their solutions give a good
indication of the levels and the types of problems that appear at the regional and
the national level Olympiad examinations.
Many useful concepts built from high school mathematics are taught at various
Olympiad camps. Some notes from such camps are available here.
There are many books that can help students to prepare for Olympiad
examinations.

1. Problem Primer for the Olympiads

C.R. Pranesachar, B.J. Venkatachala and C.S. Yogananda (Prism Books Pvt. Ltd.,
Bangalore, 2008)

2. Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College mathematics

V. Krishnamurthy, C.R. Pranesachar, K.N. Ranganathan and B.J. Venkatachala
(New Age International Publishers, New Delhi - 2007).

3. An Excursion in Mathematics
Editors: M. R. Modak, S.A. Katre and V.V. Acharya (Bhaskaracharya
Pratishthana, Pune, 2008).

4. Problem Solving Strategies

Arthur Engel (Springer-Verlag, Germany, 1999).

5. Functional Equations
B.J. Venkatachala (Prism Books Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, 2008).
 Combinatrics

6. Mathematical Circles: Russian Experience

Fomin and others (University Press, Hyderabad, 2008).

Many other interesting references are given in An Excursion in Mathematics.

www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 1 SET III SECTION A 1. Prove that

(53)103 + (103)53 is divisible by 39. [4 marks] Sol : 53 is congruent to 14 and 103 is congruent to 14
with respect to 39, therefore replacing 53 and 103 by 14 and 14 respectively, we get (14)103 + (
14)53 = (14)103 + ( 14)53 = 1453 (1450 1) Since 1453 and 39 are co-prime, therefore 1453 cannot be
multiple of 39. So let us consider 1450-1 only 1450 1 = (142)25 1 = (196)25 1 196 is congruent to 1
with respect to 39, therefore replacing 1996 by 1, we get (1)25 1 = 0 (remainder when 1450 1 is
divided by 39) Thus 1450 1 is divisible by 39 Hence (53)103 + (103)53 is divisible by 39 2. Six persons go
to a birthday party. They leave their top-coats in the lounge and pick them while returning back. In how
many ways can they pick up the top-coats, so that (i) exactly one person picks up his own top-coat; (ii)
exactly two persons pick up their own top coats Sol : (i) Since any one of the six persons can be the one
to pick up this own top-coat, and the remaining five persons all pick-up the wrong top-coats, therefore
the desired number of ways = 6 D5 = 6 44 = 264. (ii) Two persons (who pick-up their own top-coats)
can be selected out of 6 persons www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 2
in 6C2 ways. For each such selection the remaining four persons pick-up wrong topcoats in D4 ways.
Therefore by the fundamental multiplication principle, the desired number of ways = 6C2 D4 = 15 9 =
135 [4 marks] 3. A person who left home between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. returned between 5 p.m. and 6
p.m. and found that the hands of his watch exactly changed places. When did he go out? Sol : The dial of
a clock is divided into 60 equal divisions. In one hour the minute hand makes one complete revolution,
i.e., it moves through 60 divisions, and the hour-hand moves through 5 divisions. Suppose that when the
man the man went out the hourhand was x divisions ahead of the zeroth mark (the point labelled 12 on
the dial), where 20 < x < 25. Also suppose that when the man came back, the hour-hand was y divisions
ahead of the zeroth mark, when 25 < y < 30. Since the minute-hand and hour-hand exactly interchanged
places during the interval that the man remained out, it follows that when the man went out, the
minute-hand was at y and hour-hand was at x, and when the man came back the minute-hand was at x
and the hour-hand was at y. Since the minute-hand moves 12 times as fast as the hour-hand, therefore
considering the positions of the hands at the time of going out and coming back separately, we have y =
12 (x 20), .(1) and x = 12 (y 25). (2) Solving the above equations for x and y, we have 3180 x
, 143 www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 3 3840 y , 143 122 26 .
143 Therefore the man went out at 122 26 143 minutes past 4 [4 marks] 4. In ABC, AB = AC, P and Q
 Combinatrics
are points on AC and AB respectively such that CB = BP = PQ = QA. Then prove that AQP = 5. 7 Sol :
[Hint : If AQP = x, then QAP = QPA = 900 1 2 x PQB = PBQ = 1800 x BCA = ABC = BPC
Since = 0 1 45 4 x, APQ + QPB + BPC = 1800, - 1800. Therefore 0 0 0 0 1 1 90 x 2x 180 45 x 180 ,
2 4 so that x = 5 /7.] [4 marks] 5. In a right triangle ABC right-angled at A, the
radius of the inscribed circle is 2 cm. Further, the radius of the ex-circle touching the side BC and also the
sides AB and AC produced is 15 cm. Determine the sides a, b, c of the triangle. Sol : Radius of the
inscribed circle = 2. s www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 4 Radius
of ex-circle opposite A = s a = 15. s a 2 , s 15 so that s = 15 13 a. Substituting the value of s in 2
s , we get 30 13 a, or 1 30 bc a, 2 13 so that 60 bc a. 13 Also b + c =2s a = 2 . 15 17 a a a. 13
13 The equations b + c = 17 60 a, bc 13 13 a give 5 12 b a, c a ; 13 13 or 12 5 b a, c a. 13 13
From these values of b, c we get bc / 2 2 s b c a / 2 13 a, so that a = 13. Thus the sides are
5, 12, 13 [4 marks] 6. The centre of each of three unit circles is an intersection of the remaining two as
shown in the figure. Find the area of the shaded portion Sol : A, B, C are the centres of the three circles.
Therefore AB = BC = CA = 1. www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 5 Also
AB = AD = DB = 1. BAD = 600. Also, area of the smaller segment of circle III cut off by AB = area of
the smaller segment of circle II cut off by AD. Therefore we find that area of the shaded potion ABD =
area of sector BAD. By symmetry, the areas of the three shaded portions AEC, BFC, ADB are equal.
Therefore area of the shades portion = 3 area of sector BAD. Since BAD = 600, therefore area of the
shaded portion = 1 2 area of one of the circles= 2 . [4 marks] 7. Let ABC be a triangle and a circle r be
drawn lying inside the triangle touching the two sides AB and AC. Show that the radii of the circles r and
r is equal to 2 A tan . 4 Sol : Let I be the incentre, r the inradius and E the point of contact of
the incircle with AB. Also, let I be the centre of the touching AB, AC and the incircle, r the radius of this
circle and F its point of contact with AB. Since AB and AC both touch this circle, its centre must also lie
on AI. From I' draw I'D IE. in II'D, ID r r', II' r r', IDI' , 2 A Dl'l 2
www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 6 r r' A sin cos , r r' 2
A where . 2 r' 1 cos A 2 2 tan tan . r 1 cos 2 4 [4 marks] 8. A
rigid square plate ABCD of unit side rotates in its own plane about the middle point of CD unit the new
position of A coincides with the old position of B. How far is the new position of B from old position of
A? Sol : Let O be the mid-point of CD. Since the new position of A coincides with the old position of B,
therefore, the rotation is in the counter clockwise sense about O, through the angle AOB. Let B, C, D
be the new positions of B, C, D respectively. Let OB and A B intersect at P. Then BOB = AOB. Also
OA = OB = OB. Therefore OB is the internal bisector of AOB of isosceles triangle AOB. Therefore OP
AB' and AP = PB. Also, [AOB] = 1 2 area of square ABCD = 1 2 . But, [AOB] = 1 2 AP. OB, OB = 2 2 5
OC CB . 2 2 AP , 5 so that AB = 2AP = 4 4 5 . 5 5 [4 marks] www.pioneermathematics.com
www.pioneermathematics.com Page 7 9. Five men A, B, C, D, and E are wearing caps of black or white
colour without each knowing the colour of his cap. It is known that a man wearing a black cap always
speaks the truth while the ones wearing white tell lies. If they make the following statements, find the
colour worn by each of them: A: I see three black caps and one white. B : I see four white caps. C : I see
one black cap and three white. D: I see four black caps. Sol : Suppose A is speaking the truth, Then he
must he wearing a black cap, so that four persons are wearing black caps and one person is wearing a
 Combinatrics
white cap. The statements made by B and C are both in contradiction with this statement. Therefore B
and C must be wearing white caps. This implies that A s statement is false. The contradiction show that
A is telling a lie, and therefore A is wearing a white cap. Suppose now that B is speaking the truth. Then
B must be wearing a black cap, and the caps of C, D, E must be all white. Since Bs cap is black and caps
of A, D, E are white, therefore Cs statement is true and consequently his cap must be black. We have a
contradiction, which shows that B is telling a lie, and therefore B is wearing a white cap. Since A and B
are both wearing white caps, therefore D is telling a lie. Therefore we find that D is wearing a white cap.
If C is speaking the truth, then Es cap must be black and Cs own cap must also be black . If on the other
hand, C is telling a lie, then Es cap must be white (because that is the only way in which his statement
can be false) and Cs cap must also be white. This implies all the five caps are white. But this means that
B is speaking the truth and so his cap must be black. The contradiction shows that Cs statement cannot
be false. Thus C is speaking the truth, and the caps of C and E must be both black. Hence A, B, D are
wearing white caps, and C, E are wearing black caps. www.pioneermathematics.com
www.pioneermathematics.com Page 8 Aliter. Since E has not made any statement, we shall start with
the colour of Es cap. Two different cases arise : Es cap is either white or black. Let us first suppose that
E is a wearing a white cap. Since D cannot see four black caps (at least Es cap is white), therefore D must
be telling a lie and colour of his cap must be white. Since D and E have white caps, As statement is false
and his cap is also white. Suppose now that Bs cap is black. Then he is speaking the truth and Cs cap is
white. But the caps of A, D, E being white and that of B being black (he is speaking the truth), Cs
statement is true and his cap must be black. This is a contradiction and consequently Bs cap must be
white. If Bs cap is white , he is telling a lie and so Cs cap must be black (since caps of A, D, E are already
white). Since Cs cap is black, Bs cap must be black because C sees one black cap. We again have a
contradiction and consequently Bs cap cannot be white. From the a contradiction and consequently Bs
cap cannot be white. From the above we conclude that Es cap cannot be white. Now Es cap being
black, B cannot see four white caps, and consequently his own cap must be white. Since Bs cap is white,
D cannot see four black caps and therefore his own cap must be white. Since caps of B and D are white,
A cannot see three black caps. Consequently his own cap must be white. Now caps of A, B, D are white
and that of E is black, therefore Cs statement is true and his own cap must be black. Thus A, B and D are
wearing white caps, and C and E are wearing black caps [4 marks] www.pioneermathematics.com
www.pioneermathematics.com Page 9 10. Find the least natural number whose last digit is 7 such that it
becomes 5 times larger when this last digit is carried to the beginning of this number. Sol : Suppose the
given number is n n 1 n 2 1 a a a ....a 7, i.e., n n 1 n n 1 1 a .10 a . 10 ... 10a 7. i.e., 10x + 7,
where x = n 1 n 2 n n 1 1 a 10 a 10 .... a . When the last digit is carried to the beginning of the
number, it becomes n n 1 1 7 a a ...a , i.e., n n 1 n 2 7.10 a 10 a 10 .... a , n n 2 1 i.e., n
7.10 x. We are given that 7.10n+ x = 5(10x + 7), so that 7x = 10n 5. .(i) We shall find the least value
of n, and consequently that of x as well, for which (i) has an integer solution for x. The smallest value of
n for which 10n leaves a remainder 5 when divided by 7 turns out to be 5 (by actually dividing 1000.0
by 7. In fact 100000 = (14285) 7+ 5. The smallest number in than 142857. [4 marks]
www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 10 SECTION B 11. Prove that for
any natural number n, the expression A = 2903n 803n 464n + 261n is divisible by 1897. Sol: Let us
first observe that 1897 = 271 7. Since 271 and 7 are prime to each other (actually they are both
 Combinatrics
primes), therefore it is enough to show that A is divisible by 7 as well as by 271. Let us write A = (2903n
803n) (464n 261n). Since an bn is always divisible by a b, therefore 2903n 803n is divisible by
2903 803 = 2100 and 464n 261n is divisible by 464 261, i.e., 203. Since 2100 and 203 are both
divisible by 7, it follows that A is divisible by 7. Again, let us write A = (2903n 464n) (803n 261n). Now
2903n 464n is divisible by 2903 464, i.e., 2439, which is a multiple of 271, so that 2903n 464n is
divisible by 271. Also 803n 261n is divisible by 803 261, i.e., 542 which is multiple of 271, so that
803n 261n is a multiple of 271. Since 2903n 464n and 803n 261n are both multiples of 271,
therefore A is a multiple of 271 7, i.e., 1897 [6 marks] 12. Solve the equation 3x4 40x3 + 130x2
120x + 27= 0, given that the product of two of its roots is equal to the product of the other two. Sol : Let
the roots of the given equation be , , , . Then 1 40 , 3 .(i)
www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 11 2 130 , 3
.(ii) 40, 3 .(iii) . 9. 4 .(iv) Since the product of two
of the roots is equal to the product of the other two, therefore, . .(v) From (iii) and (v), we have
40. .(vi) From (i), (v) and (vi), we have 3. .(vii) From (ii) and (vii), we
have 112 . 3 (viii) From (i) and (viii), we find that and are the roots of the
equation 2 40 112 t t 0. 3 3 Solving the above equation, we have t = 4, 28/3. Therefore, , 4,
28/ 3. (ix) From(vii) and (ix), we find that two of the numbers , , , are the roots of the
equation y2 4y + 3 = 0. (x) and the remaining two are the roots of the equation y2 (28/3) y + 3 = 0.
...(xi) www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 12 Solving (x) and (xi), we
find that the roots of the given equation are 1 1, 3, , 9. 3 [6 marks] 13. If 1, 2 2 2 2,
3 3 3 3, find the value of 4 4 4 . Sol: We shall first determine the equation whose
roots are , , and then find the sum of the fourth powers of the roots of the same. Let the equation
whose roots are , , be x3 + px2 + qx + r = 0. ..(i) Then p, (ii) q, (iii)
r. (iv) Substituting the value of in (ii), we have p = 1 (v) Also , by substituting the
values of and 2 2 2 in the identity 2 2 2 , we have 1 q 2
(vi) Since , , are the roots of (i), by substituting , , for x in (i) in succession and adding,
we have S3 + pS2 + qS1 + 3r = 0 www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 13
Substituting S1 = 1, S2 = 2, S3 = 3, p = 1 and q = 1 2 in (vii) we have 1 r . 6 (viii) From (i), (v), (vi)
and (viii), we find that , , are the roots of the equation 3 2 1 1 x x x 0. 2 6 (ix) Multiplying
(ix) throughout by x, we have 4 3 2 1 1 x x x x 0. 2 6 (x) Since , , satisfy (x), therefore, by
substituting , , for x in (x) and adding, we get 4 3 2 1 1 1 S S S S 0, 2 6 or 4
3 2 1 1 1 1 1 25 S S S S 3 2 1 . 2 6 2 6 6 [6 marks] 14. Determine all functions f satisfying the
functional relation 1 2 1 2x f x f , 1 x x 1 x where x is a real number, x 0, x 1,
[Here f : R {0, 1} R. ] Sol: We are given that 1 2 2 2 1 2x f x f , 1 x x 1 x x 1 x
(1) www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 14 For all real
values of x other than 0 and 1. Let us introduce another variable y = 1 1 x 1 so that x 1 . y
From (1), we have f(x) + f(y) = 2 2 x y (2) (2) holds for all values of x and y except 0 and 1. (See
what happens for y = 0 or 1.) Also, we have 1 2 2 f y f 1 y y 1 y .. (3) for all real
values of y other than 0 and 1. (This is simply (1)). Introduce another variable z = 1 1 y 1 so that y 1 . z
In the same manner as above, we have f(y) + f(z) = 2 2z y (4) whenever y, z 0 or 1.
 Combinatrics
The relations y = 1 1 x and 1 z , 1 y give x = 1 1 z , so that z = 1 - 1 x . Consider the relation 1 2 2
f z f , 1 z z 1 z (5) Substituting 1 x 1 z , we have f(z) + f(x) = 2 2x z ..(6)
whenever x, z 0 or 1. Adding corresponding sides of (2), (4) and (6) and dividing throughout by 2,
www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 15 we have f(x) + f(y) + f (z) = 1
1 1 x y z . x y z By (4), we get 1 1 1 f x x y z x z y 1 1
1xyz,xyz111xx1x1x1xxx1
x 1. x 1 Thus f(x) = x 1 x 1 for all real values of x except x = 0 or 1. [6 marks]
15. (i) If the internal bisectors of the base angles of a triangle be equal, prove that the triangle is
isosceles. (Lehmus Steiner Theorem) [3 marks] (ii) Prove that in a cyclic quadrilateral ABCD, AB. CD + BC.
AD = AC. AD. (Ptolemys Theorem) Sol: (i) Suppose BE and CF, the internal bisectors of s B and C, are
equal. BE = 2 4ca s s b c a , CF = 2 4 abs s c . a b 2 2 4cas s b 4abs s c c a a b
www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 16 c (a + b)2 (s b) =
b (c + a)2 (s c), s {c (a + b)2 b (c + a)2} + bc {(c + a)2 (a + b)2} = 0, s {c(a2 + b2) b(c2 + a2)} +
bc (c b) (2a + b + c) = 0, s (c b) {a2 bc} + bc (c b) (2s +a) = 0. (c b) {bcs + a2 s + abc} = 0, c
= b, since bc s + a2 s + abc > 0 [3 marks] (ii) Choose a point E in BD so that BAE = DAC. In s ABE and
ACD, 1 = 2 (by const.) 3 = 4 (angles in the same segment of a circle). Therefore the s are
equiangular and hence similar. Consequently, BE AB , DC AC i.e., AB . CD = AC. BE. (1) Let us now
consider triangles BAC and DAE. BAC = EAD (Add EAC to equal s 1 and 2). 5 = 6 (angles in the
same segment of a circle). Therefore the triangles are equiangular and hence similar. Consequently, BC
AC , ED AD i.e., BC . AD = AC. ED. (2) Adding corresponding sides of (1) and (2), we have AB . CD + BC
. AD = AC. BE + AC. ED = AC . BD [3 marks] www.pioneermathematics.com
www.pioneermathematics.com Page 17 16. Suppose A1A2 An is an n-sided regular polygon such
that 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 1 1 . A A A A A A Determine n, the number of sides of the polygon. Sol: Let each
side of the polygon be of length a. Since 1 2 3 A A A n 2 , n A A A A a, 1 2 2 3 therefore
from A A A , 1 2 3 A1A3 = 2a cos / n. Also, from A A A , 2 3 4 A2A4 = 2a cos / n. Since the
polygon A1A2 An is regular, its vertices lie on a circle. In particular, the quadrilateral A1A2A3A4 is
cyclic. By Ptolemys theorem, A1A2 . A3A4 + A1A4 . A2 A3 = A1A3 . A2A4. 2 2 1 4 2 3 a A A .A A
[2a cos / n ] , i.e., 2 A A a 4 cos 1 4 / n 1 . Since 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 1 1 , A A A A A A therefore,
2 1 1 1 , a 2a cos / n a[4 cos / n 1] 2 2 2 cos / n [4cos / n 1] 4 cos /
n 1 2 cos / n , 3 2 8 cos / n 4 cos / n 4 cos / n 1 0,
www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 18 x cos / n is a root of the
equation 8x3 4x2 4x + 1 = 0. (1) We shall show that the roots of (1) are cos / 7, cos 3 /7, cos
5 /7. Let 7 2n 1 , so that 4 2n 1 3. cos4 cos[ 2n 1 3] cos 3,
2 3 2 cos 2 1 4 cos 3 cos , 2 2 3 2 2 cos 1 1 4 cos 3 cos 0, 4 3 2
8 cos 4 cos 8 cos 3 cos 1 0, 3 2 cos 1 [8 cos 4 cos 4 cos 1] = 0. ..(2)
Now (2) is satisfied by /7, 3 /7, 5 /7, , ...... Rejecting the factor cos 1 which corresponds to
, and putting cos y, we find that cos /7, cos3 /7, 5 /7 are the roots of 8y3 4y2 4y + 1 = 0.
..(3) Since equations (1) and (3) are the same, therefore the roots of (1) are cos / 7, cos 3 / 7 ,
cos 5 / 7. But cos / n is a root of (1). Therefore we must have n = 7 [6 marks] 17. Two pedestrians
started simultaneously towards each other and met each other after 3 hours and 20 minutes. How much
 Combinatrics
time will it take each of them to cover the whole distance if the first arrived at the place of departure of
the second 5 hours later than the second arrived at the point of departure of the first. Sol: Suppose a
pedestrian A starts from X towards Y with a velocity V1 m/min, and B starts from Y towards X with a
velocity V2 m/min at the same instant. www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com
Page 19 Let V1 + V2 = V, XY = d. We are given that d 200, V .(1) 1 2 d d 300. V V .(2) Writing V V
1 2 x, y, V V we are have x + y = 1. .(3) Also from (1) and (2), we have 1 1 3 , x y 2 .(4) i.e., 2(y
x) = 3xy. From (3) and (4), we have 2 2 2 1 y x y x 4. y x , 3 so that 2 3 y x 8 y x 3
0, i.e., [3 y x 1][y x 3] 0 . Since y > x, we get 1 y x . 3 (5) From (3) and (5), we
have 1 2 x , y , 3 3 i.e., 1 2 1 2 V 2V d d V , V , 600, 300. 3 3 V V Therefore to cover the whole
distance A takes 10 hours and B takes 5 hours. [6 marks] www.pioneermathematics.com
www.pioneermathematics.com Page 20 18. In a group of ten persons, each person is asked to write the
sum of the ages of all the other nine persons. If all the ten sums from the nine-element set {82, 83, 84,
85, 87, 89, 90, 91, 92}, find the individual ages of the persons, assuming then to be whole numbers (of
years). Sol: Let the ages of the ten persons (in years) be x1, x2, x3, ., x10 respectively, and let S = x1 +
x2 + . + x10. Since x1, x2, , x10 are whole numbers, therefore S is also a whole number. The sums
written by the ten persons are S x1, S- x2, , S x10, which are also whole numbers. By adding these
we get the sum S x S x ..... S x , 1 2 10 10S x x ....... x 9S, 1 2 10 since x1 +
x2 + . + x10 = S. Therefore the sum of all ten sums written by individual persons is a multiple of 9. Since
the sums S x1, S x2, ., S x10 from a nine-elementic set, therefore two of them must be
identical, say S x1 and S x2, which show that x1 = x2. The total of all the nine sums given is 82 + 83 +
84 + .. + 92 = 783, which it itself a multiple of 9. Therefore the tenth sum, which must be one of the
nine given sums, must be a multiple of 9 is 90, therefore the tenth sum must be 90. Consequently the
sum of all the ten sums = 783 + 90 = 873. The equation 9S = 873 gives S = 97. Subtracting the numbers
82, 83, ., 89, 90, 91, 92 from 97, we get the individual ages to be 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8, 7, 7, 6, and 5
years respectively. [6 marks] www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 21
19. 29th February of the year 2000 will fall on a Tuesday, for your information. Show that, after this
date, 29th February will fall on Tuesday s only thrice in the whole next century. What are the three years
when this will happen? Sol: Since365 1 (mod. 7), therefore 28th February (the last day of February) of
2001 will be a Wednesday (the day next to Tuesday). Let us agree to express this by saying that there is
an excess of one day in any ordinary year. With this terminology, there will be an excess of two days in a
leap year. The next leap year after the year 2000 will be the year 2004. There will be 1 + 1 + 1 + 2, i.e., 5
excess days upto 29th February, 2004. The day of the week of 29th February will be Tuesday when the
number of excess day is an exact multiple of 7. Therefore our problem is to find those positive integers k
for which the number of excess days in 4k years after the years 2000 is an exact multiple of 7 and for
which 4k < 100. The number of excess days in 4k years is 5k. This is a multiple of 7 when k = 7, 14, 21, .,
i.e., in 4 7, 4 14, 4 21, .. years after the year 2000. Since only three of these numbers are less than
100, therefore in the 21st century there are only three years, namely 2028, 2056 and 2084 in which 29th
February is a Tuesday [6 marks] 20. Show how will you cut a rectangular sheet of paper along two-line
segments parallel to a side and two parallel to an adjacent side, into five pieces whose areas are in the
ratio 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5. Sol : Since 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15, therefore really speaking the rectangle has to be
divided into 15 equal parts, and then we have to take 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 parts respectively to get the five
 Combinatrics
pieces. We take two points E and G in AD so that AE = EG = GD and draw GH, EF parallel to AB. Also, take
points J, K , L, M in DC such that DJ = JK = KL = LM = MC and draw JP, KQ parallel to CD.
www.pioneermathematics.com www.pioneermathematics.com Page 22 Clearly areas of rectangles
DJRG, GSTE ,SHFT, JCHR, EFBA are in the ratio 1 :2 : 3 : 4 : 5. The division has been made by two lines GH,
EF parallel to DC, and two lines JP, KQ parallel to DA. [6 marks]

Mathematical Olympiad concepts :

a) Number Theory :
i. Introduction Principle
ii. The greatest integer function
iii. Linearity Property
iv. Euclid's Algorithm
v. Congruencies
vi. Euler's Totient Function
vii. Euler's Theorem
viii. Fermat's Little Theorem
ix. Wilson's Theorem
b) Inequalities:
i. Introduction
ii. Triangular Inequalities
iii. Jensens Inequality
iv. Weierstrass Inequality
v. Cauchy Schwartz Inequality :
vi. Tchebychev Inequality
vii. Holders Inequality
viii. AM/GM Inequality
c) Geometry:
i. Applied Euclidian Geometry
ii. Ceva's Theorem
iii. Converse of Ceva's Theorem
iv. The Nine-Point Circle Theorem
v. Feuerbach's Theorem
vi. Pedal Line Theorem
d) Combinotrics
e) Algebra
i. Identities
ii. Periodic function
iii. Pigeon Hole Principle (PHP)
 Combinatrics
iv. Polynomials
v. Equations( Quadratic, Cubic & Biquadretic )
vi. Algebraic Integers
vii. Functional equations
 Combinatrics
f) Geometry:
1. The internal (or external) bisector of A of ABC divides the opposite side BC
internally (or externally) in the ratio of the sides AB andAC containing the A.
Definition : if a line segment AB is divided internally and externally in the same
ratio at P and Q respectively, then AB is said to be divided harmonically at P and Q.
The points P and Q are called harmonic conjugates with respect to AB.
Note :
(a) If P and Q are harmonic conjugates with respect to AB hen A and B are
harmonic conjugates with respect to PQ.
(b) If P and Q divide AB harmonically, then AP, AB and AQ are in harmonic
progression, i.e.,
2 1 1
.
AB AP AQ
(c) If O is the mid point of AB and P,Q divide AB harmonically then
OB2 OP.OQ.
2. Given a harmonic range (ABCD) and a point O outside the line ABCD, if a parallel
through B to OA meets OC, OD at P,Q and PB BQ then ABCD is a harmonic
range.
3. Given four collinear points A, B, C, D and a point outside that line, if the parallel
through B to OA meets OC, OD at P,Q and PB BQ then ABCD is a harmonic
range.
4. Given a harmonic range ABCD and a point O out side the line ABCD, any
transversal cuts the four lines OA, OB, OC, OD in four harmonic points.
Definition : Four concurrent lines OA, OB, OC, OD which are cut by one
transversal, and therefore by every transversal, in four harmonic points are said to
form a harmonic pencil.
5. If two conjugate rays of a harmonic pencil are rectangular, they are the bisectors of
the angles formed by the other to rays of the pencil.
Item if C, D divide AB harmonically, and C', D' divide A'B' harmonically and if AA',
BB', C' meet in a point O then DD' passes through O.
6. If ABCD and AB'C'D' are tow harmonic ranges and the lines ABCD and AB'C'D'
are distinct, then the lines BB', CC', DD' are concurrent.
7. The areas of two similar triangles are proportional to the squares on corresponding
sides.
If two straight line segments AB and CD (or both being produced) intersect at P so that
PA.PB PC.PD then the four points A, B, C and D are concyclic.
8. If AD bisects the vertical angle A of ABC meeting the base BC at D then
AB. AC BD.DC AD2
 Combinatrics

9. If AD is the altitude through A of ABC and if R is the circum radius of ABC

then AB.AC 2R.AD.
abc
10 Area of ABC .
4R
11. (Ptolemy's Theorem) The rectangle contained by the diagonals of a cyclic
quadrilateral is equal to the sum of the rectangles contained by pairs of opposite
sides.
12. If ABCD is a quadrilateral which is not cyclic, then
AB.CD BC.AD AC.BD.

13 Quadrilateral ABCD is cyclic if and only if AC.BD AB.CD AD.BC.

14 In ABC let AD be the altitude through A and AK the circum diameter through A.
Then DAK B C. Further the angular bisector AX of A bisects DAK.

15 In ABC , if the internal and external bisectors of A meet of the circum circle at X
and Y, then XY circum diameter perpendicular to BC.
 Combinatrics

16 A triangle and its medial triangle have the same centroid.

17 If ma , mb , mc are the lengths of the medians of ABC , through A, B, C
respectively then
a2
2ma2 b2 c2 ,
2
b2
2mb2 c2 a 2 ,
2
c2
2mc2 a 2 b2 .
2
where a, b, c are the lengths of the sides BC , CA, AB of ABC.
18 If G is the centoid of ABC , then
3 2
1. 1.ma2 mb2 mc2 (a b 2 c 2 )
4
1
2. GA2 GB2 GC 2 (a 2 b2 c2 )
3
19 If P is any point in the plane of ABC and G is the centroid of ABC then
PA2 PB2 PC 2 GA2 GB2 GC 2 3PG 2 .
20 If R is the circumradius and S is the circumcenter of ABC then
1
SG 2 R2 (a2 b2 c2 ).
9
21 In any ABC , if B C then the internal bisector BE of B is shorter than the
internal bisector CF of C.
22 If two internal bisectors are equal then the triangle is isosceles.
23 The external bisectors of any two angles of a triangle are concurrent with the
internal bisector of the third angle.
24 The incentre I and the excentre I a opposite to A divide the bisector AU
harmonically, where U is the point of intersection of the internal bisector of A and
BC.
 Combinatrics
Mathematical Olympiad concepts :

e) Number Theory :
i. Introduction Principle
ii. The greatest integer function
iii. Linearity Property
iv. Euclid's Algorithm
v. Congruencies
vi. Euler's Totient Function
vii. Euler's Theorem
viii. Fermat's Little Theorem
ix. Wilson's Theorem
f) Inequalities:
ix. Introduction
x. Triangular Inequalities
xi. Jensens Inequality
xii. Weierstrass Inequality
xiii. Cauchy Schwartz Inequality :
xiv. Tchebychev Inequality
xv. Holders Inequality
xvi. AM/GM Inequality
g) Geometry:
vii. Applied Euclidian Geometry
viii. Ceva's Theorem
ix. Converse of Ceva's Theorem
x. The Nine-Point Circle Theorem
xi. Feuerbach's Theorem
xii. Pedal Line Theorem
h) Combinotrics
e) Algebra
viii. Identities
ix. Periodic function
x. Pigeon Hole Principle (PHP)
xi. Polynomials
xii. Equations( Quadratic, Cubic & Biquadretic )
xiii. Algebraic Integers
xiv. Functional equations
Combinatrics
 Combinatrics
f) Geometry:

1. The internal (or external) bisector of of divides the opposite side BC

internally (or externally) in the ratio of the sides AB andAC containing the
Definition : if a line segment AB is divided internally and externally in the same
ratio at P and Q respectively, then AB is said to be divided harmonically at P and Q.
The points P and Q are called harmonic conjugates with respect to AB.
Note :
(a) If P and Q are harmonic conjugates with respect to AB hen A and B are
harmonic conjugates with respect to PQ.
(b) If P and Q divide AB harmonically, then AP, AB and AQ are in harmonic
progression, i.e.,

(c) If O is the mid point of AB and P,Q divide AB harmonically then

2. Given a harmonic range (ABCD) and a point O outside the line ABCD, if a parallel
through B to OA meets OC, OD at P,Q and then ABCD is a harmonic
range.
3. Given four collinear points A, B, C, D and a point outside that line, if the parallel
through B to OA meets OC, OD at P,Q and then ABCD is a harmonic
range.
4. Given a harmonic range ABCD and a point O out side the line ABCD, any
transversal cuts the four lines OA, OB, OC, OD in four harmonic points.
Definition : Four concurrent lines OA, OB, OC, OD which are cut by one
transversal, and therefore by every transversal, in four harmonic points are said to
form a harmonic pencil.
5. If two conjugate rays of a harmonic pencil are rectangular, they are the bisectors of
the angles formed by the other to rays of the pencil.
Item if C, D divide AB harmonically, and C', D' divide A'B' harmonically and if AA',
BB', C' meet in a point O then DD' passes through O.
6. If ABCD and AB'C'D' are tow harmonic ranges and the lines ABCD and AB'C'D'
are distinct, then the lines BB', CC', DD' are concurrent.
7. The areas of two similar triangles are proportional to the squares on corresponding
sides.
If two straight line segments AB and CD (or both being produced) intersect at P so that
then the four points A, B, C and D are concyclic.
8. If AD bisects the vertical angle A of meeting the base BC at D then
 Combinatrics

9. If AD is the altitude through A of and if R is the circum radius of

then

10 Area of

11. (Ptolemy's Theorem) The rectangle contained by the diagonals of a cyclic

quadrilateral is equal to the sum of the rectangles contained by pairs of opposite
sides.
12. If ABCD is a quadrilateral which is not cyclic, then

13 Quadrilateral ABCD is cyclic if and only if

14 In let AD be the altitude through A and AK the circum diameter through A.
Then Further the angular bisector AX of bisects

15 In if the internal and external bisectors of meet of the circum circle at X

and Y, then XY circum diameter perpendicular to BC.
 Combinatrics

16 A triangle and its medial triangle have the same centroid.

17 If are the lengths of the medians of through
respectively then

where are the lengths of the sides of

18 If G is the centoid of then

1.

2.

19 If P is any point in the plane of and G is the centroid of then

20 If R is the circumradius and S is the circumcenter of then

21 In any if then the internal bisector BE of is shorter than the

internal bisector CF of
22 If two internal bisectors are equal then the triangle is isosceles.
23 The external bisectors of any two angles of a triangle are concurrent with the
internal bisector of the third angle.
24 The incentre I and the excentre opposite to A divide the bisector AU
harmonically, where U is the point of intersection of the internal bisector of and