PART 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Which of the following propositions is a contradiction?

A. (p ∧ q) ←→ (∼ p ∨ ∼ q)
B. ∼ (p → ∼ q) ∧ (p ←→ q)
C. (p → q) ←→ (∼ q ∨ p)
D. (p ←→ q) ∨ (p ∧ ∼ q)
E. (p ∨ q) ←→ (∼ q ∨ p)

Answer: A

Solution. Using the standard truth tables, observe that

p q ∼p ∼q p∧q ∼p∨∼q (p ∧ q) ←→ (∼ p ∨ ∼ q)
T T F F T F F
T F F T F T F
F T T T F T F
F F T T F T F

Hence, the proposition (p ∧ q) ←→ (∼ p ∨ ∼ q) is a contradiction.

2. ZERO is a parallelogram with ZE = 20, ER = 36, and m∠ZER = 135o . Determine the
area of the parallelogram.

√ √ √
A. 360 B. 360 2 C. 360 3 D. 720 E. 720 2

Answer: B

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 Solution. Using the formula for the area of a parallelogram, we have
√
o 2 √
A = 20 · 36 · sin 135 = 720 · = 360 2.
2

3. If x = 2023, find the value of x2024 − 2024x2023 + 2024x2022 − · · · + 2024x2 − 2024x + 1.

A. −2021 B. −2022 C. −2023 D. −2024 E. −2025

Answer: B

Solution. Let x = 2023. Then

20232024 − 2024 · 20232023 + 2024 · 20232022 − · · · + 2024 · 20232 − 2024 · 2023 + 1

= 20232024 − 2024(20232023 − 20232022 + · · · − 20232 + 2023) + 1
2023 [1 − (−2023)2023 ]
 
2024
= 2023 − 2024 +1
1 − (−2023)
2023
 
2024 2023 [1 + 2023 ]
= 2023 −2024
 +1
2024


= 20232024 − 2023 − 2023 · 20232023 + 1

2024  2024 
− 2023 − 
 
=
2023
 2023
 +1
= −2022

√
4. Find the real values of x such that log216 (x − 5) = ln 3
e − log216 (x − 10).

A. 4 B. 5 C. 10 D. 11 E. empty set

Answer: D

Solution. Solving for the value of x, we have

√
log216 (x − 5) = ln 3
e − log216 (x − 10)
1
log216 (x − 5) + log216 (x − 10) =
3
1
log216 (x − 5)(x − 10) =
3
1
log216 (x2 − 15x + 50) =
3
2
x − 15x + 50 = 6
x2 − 15x + 44 = 0

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 (x − 4)(x − 11) = 0

Hence, the two possible values are x = 4 and x = 11. But upon inspection, we cannot
take x = 4. Therefore, the real value of x is 11.

5. Find the number of integers x such that x2 − 92 < 19x.

A. 25 B. 26 C. 27 D. 28 E. 29

Answer: B

Solution. Rearranging the given inequality, we have

19x > x2 − 92 =⇒ x2 − 19x − 92 < 0 =⇒ (x + 4)(x − 23) < 0.

Here, we consider two cases:

Case 1: x + 4 > 0 and x − 23 < 0 =⇒ x > −4 and x < 23 =⇒ Solution: (−4, 23)
Case 2: x + 4 < 0 and x − 23 > 0 =⇒ x < −4 and x > 23 =⇒ Solution: ∅
Hence, the solutions for the inequality lie in (−4, 23). However, there are only 26 integers
in this interval. Therefore, the number of integral solution for the inequality is 26.
√
6. Given that 5.09 < 26 < 5.10, find the largest integer k that satisfies k 1020 ≤ 261530 .

A. 132 B. 133 C. 134 D. 135 E. 136

Answer: A

Solution. Observe that

k 1020 ≤ 261530
 1 3060  1 3060
k3 ≤ 26 2
1 1 √
k 3 ≤ 26 2 = 26 < 5.10
k < 132.651

Therefore, the largest integer that satisfies k 1020 ≤ 261530 is k = 132.

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 7. An investment opportunity provides 24% interest compounded quarterly. Determine the
percentage gain for a principal deposited for 3 years.

A. 1.22% B. 10.22% C. 11.22% D. 101.22% E. 111.22%

Answer: D
 r tm
Solution. Using the formula A = P 1 + where A is the future amount, P is the
m
principal amount deposited, r is the rate, m is the number of compounding period, and
t is the number of years, we have
 3(4)
0.24
A=P 1+ = 2.0122P.
4

Therefore, the percentage gain after 3 years is 101.22%.

8. Suppose that f (x) = 4x − 184 and the inverse of f (x) is g(x). Determine the value of
g(2024) + g −1 (2024).

A. 4468 B. 6484 C. 6844 D. 8464 E. 8644

Answer: D

Solution. Since the inverse of f (x) is g(x), this means that the inverse of g(x) is also
f (x). Solving for g(x), we interchange the roles of x and y. That is,

x + 184
f (x) = 4x − 184 =⇒ y = 4x − 184 =⇒ x = 4y − 184 =⇒ y= .
4
x + 184
Thus, f −1 (x) = g(x) = . Therefore,
4
2024 + 184
g(2024) + g −1 (2024) = + 4(2024) − 184 = 8464.
4

9. Determine the nature of the graph of the equation 3x2 + 4y 2 + 56y = 24x − 208.

A. Circle B. Ellipse C. Hyperbola D. Parabola E. Sphere

Answer: B

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 Solution. Rearranging the terms and completing the square, we have

3x2 + 4y 2 + 56y − 24x = −208

3(x2 − 8x + 16) + 4(y 2 + 14y + 49) = −208 + 48 + 196
3(x − 4)2 + 4(y + 7)2 = 36
(x − 4)2 (y + 7)2
+ = 1.
12 9

This is an equation of an ellipse with major axis at x = 4 of length 24, minor axis at
y = −7 of length 18, and center at (4, −7).

10. A certain company belongs under the 30% tax bracket. Their gross margin is 60% of
sales. Operating expenses and administrative costs mark up to 20% of sales. Determine
the percent sale profit after taxes.

A. 28% B. 30% C. 32% D. 34% E. 36%

Answer: A

Solution. First we need to get the gross profit by subtracting the expenses from the
gross margin. We have to subtract this before getting the profit after taxes. In turn, we
calculated it to be 0.60 − 0.20 = 0.40 of the sales. Then, to get the profit after taxes, we
need to get the amount of the gross profit that would be left after tax is deducted. Since
we will be calculating the amount of profits left after tax is deducted, we multiply it by
1.00 − 0.30 = 0.70. Therefore, the gross sales profit after taxes is 0.40 × 0.70 = 0.28 or
28%.

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 PART 2: OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

11. It is known that f (x) = ax3 +bx2 +cx+d, f (−1) = 4, f (0) = 7, f (1) = 10, and f (2) = 25.
Find the value of 2a + 0b + 2c + 4d.
Answer: 34
Solution: Observe that
 


 f (−1) = a(−1)3 + b(−1)2 + c(−1) + d 

 4 = −a + b − c + d

 

= a(0)3 + b(0)2 + c(0) + d

f (0) 
7 =d
=⇒


 f (1) = a(1)3 + b(1)2 + c(1) + d 

 10 =a+b+c+d

 

= a(2)3 + b(2)2 + c(2) + d

f (2) 
25 = 8a + 4b + 2c + d

By substitution and elimination, we obtain a = 2, b = 0, c = 1, and d = 7. Thus,

2(2) + 0(0) + 2(1) + 4(7) = 34.
1
12. Suppose x is complex-valued and ex × e x × e = 1. Determine the value of

2024  
1X 3 1
x + 3 .
2 x=1 x

Answer: 2024
1 1 1
Solution: Note that ex × e x × e = 1 means x + + 1 = 0 which implies that x + = −1.
x x
Also, observe that
 3
1 3 1
x+ = x3 + 3x + + 3
x x x
 3  
3 1 1 1
x + 3 = x+ −3 x+
x x x
1
x3 + 3 = (−1)3 − 3(−1)
x
3 1
x + 3 = 2.
x

Moreover,
2024   2024
1X 3 1 1X 1
x + 3 = 2 = (2024)(2) = 2024.
2 x=1 x 2 x=1 2

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 13. Suppose log6 (log4 (log8 a)) = log8 (log4 (log6 b)) = log8 (log6 (log4 c)) = log2024 1. Deter-
mine the value of a + b + c.
Answer: 9488
Solution: Note that log2024 1 = 0. Also, observe that

log6 (log4 (log8 a)) = 0

log4 (log8 a) = 1
log8 a = 4
a = 84 .

Similarly, log8 (log4 (log6 b)) = 64 and log8 (log6 (log4 c)) = 46 . Thus,

a + b + c = 84 + 64 + 46 = 4096 + 1296 + 4096 = 9488.

2186  5
X
n 1
14. Determine the exact value of (−1) log3 2
.
n=1
n +n
Answer: −35
Solution: Observe that
2186  5 2186
X 1 X
n
(−1) log3 = (−1)n log3 (n2 + n)−5
n=1
n2 + n n=1
2186
X
= −5 (−1)n · [log3 (n)(n + 1)]
n=1
2186
X
= −5 (−1)n · [log3 (n) + log3 (n + 1)]
n=1

= −5 (− log3 2 + log3 2 + log3 3 − · · · + log3 2186 + log3 2187)

= −5 log3 2187
= −5(7)
2186  5
X 1
(−1)n log3 = −35.
n=1
n2 +n

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 √ √ !2024
2 2
15. The expression + i can be simplified into the form x + yi. Determine the
2 2
value of x + y.
Answer: 1
√ √
2 2
Solution: To convert the rectangular form of the complex number + i to its polar
2 2
form, we compute first its argument θ and its modulus r as follows:

u √ !2 √ !2
v
√ !
2
π u 2 2
θ = tan−1 2
√ = and r=t + = 1.
2 4 2 2
2

π  π 
Hence, its corresponding polar form is cos + i sin . Moreover, using the De
4 4
Moivre’s Theorem, we have
√ √ !2024 h  
2 2 π  π i2024
+ i = cos + i sin
2 2 4 4
π  π 
= cos 2024 · + i sin 2024 ·
4 4
= cos (506π) + i sin (506π)
√ √ !2024
2 2
+ i = 1 + 0i.
2 2

Thus, x = 1 and y = 0 implying that x + y = 1.

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 1 x−2
16. Given that (f ◦ g)(x) = 2
− 1 and f (x) = , find g(45).
x 1−x
Answer: 2026
Solution: Note that

(f ◦ g)(x) = f (g(x))
1
− 1 = f (g(x))
x2  
−1 1
g(x) = f −1 .
x2

Solving for the inverse of f , we interchange the roles of x and y and obtain

y−2
x=
1−y
y = xy = x + 2
x+2
y= .
x+1

x+2
Hence, f −1 (x) = . Moreover,
x+1

1

1
 −1+2
g(45) = f −1 − 1 = 452 = 1 + 452 = 2026.
45 2 1
−1+1
452
 5
2 2 1
17. Find the coefficient of x in the expansion of 2x + 5x + .
x
Answer: 1500
Solution: Using the expansion of the trinomial, we have
 5 X  5  X  5 
2 1 2 a b −1 c
· 2a · 5b · x2a+b−c


2x + 5x + = · (2x ) · (5x) · x =
x a,b,c≥0
a, b, c a,b,c≥0
a, b, c

 
5 5!
where a, b, c ≥ 0, a + b + c = 5 and = . Since a + b + c = 5, the only
a, b, c a!b!c!
possible triples (a, b, c) so that 2a + b − c = 2 is (1, 2, 2). Therefore, the coefficient of x2
is given by
 
5 5!
· 21 · 52 = · 21 · 52 = (30)(2)(25) = 1500.
1, 2, 2 1!2!2!
 5
1
Therefore, the coefficient of x2 in the expansion of 2x2 + 5x + is 1500.
x

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 ln 34 ln 54 ln 114 ln 134
18. Simplify √ + √ + √ + √ .
ln 4 2145 ln 4 2145 ln 4 2145 ln 4 2145
Answer: 16
Solution: Applying the rules for logarithms, we have

ln 34 ln 54 ln 114 ln 134 4 ln 3 4 ln 5 4 ln 11 4 ln 13
√ + √ + √ + √ = 1 + 1 + 1 + 1
ln 4 2145 ln 4 2145 ln 4 2145 ln 4 2145 ln 2145
4 4
ln 2145 4
ln 2145 4
ln 2145
 
ln 3 + ln 5 + ln 11 + ln 13
= 16
ln 2145
 
ln(3 · 5 · 11 · 13)
= 16
ln 2145
 
ln 2145
= 16
ln 2145
ln 34 ln 54 ln 114 ln 134
√ + √ + √ + √ = 16.
ln 4 2145 ln 4 2145 ln 4 2145 ln 4 2145
√ √ √
19. Find the value of x if log2024 x + 1 + 3 log2024 x − 1 − 1 = log2024 x2 − 1.
Answer: 2025
Solution: Using the properties of logarithms, we have
√ √ √
log2024 x + 1 + 3 log2024 x2 − 1
x − 1 − 1 = log2024
√ √ √ √
log2024 x + 1 + 3 log2024 x − 1 − 1 = log2024 ( x + 1)( x − 1)
√ √ √ √
log2024 x + 1 + 3 log2024 x − 1 − 1 = log2024 x + 1 + log2024 x − 1
√
2 log2024 x − 1 = 1
x − 1 = 20241
x = 2025.

20. In △ABC, AB = 48, AC = 55, and BC = 73. Find the difference between the radii of
the circumcircle and the inscribed circle of △ABC.
43 1
Answer: or 21 or 21.5
2 2
Solution: Observe that the side lengths of △ABC constitute a Pythagorean triple, i.e.,
△ABC is a right triangle. Consequently, this means that the diameter of the circumcircle
73
is exactly the hypotenuse of △ABC, i.e., r = . Now, the radius of the inscribed circle
2
of △ABC is given by

1
A△ABC · 48 · 55 1320
r= = 2 = = 15
s 48 + 55 + 73 88
2

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 where s is the semiperimeter of △ABC. Therefore, the difference of the radii of the
73 43
circumcircle and the inscribed circle of △ABC is − 15 = .
2 2
21. A sphere is placed inside a regular octahedron of side length 8. Find the greatest possible
radius of the sphere.
√
4 6
Answer:
3
Solution: Each face of the octahedron is an equilateral triangle of side length 8, the
√
altitude of which is 8 sin 60o = 4 3. Consequently, half of q
the octahedron (i.e. the square
√ √
pyramid in which every edge has length 8) has altitude (4 3)2 − 42 = 4 2, i.e. the
volume of the octahedron is
√
1 2
√ 512 2
2× ×8 ×4 2= .
3 3

On the other hand, if we let r be the radius of the inscribed sphere of the regular octa-
hedron and A be the surface area of the octahedron, then the volume of the octahedron
1
would also be equal to Ar. Now,
3
1 √ √
A=8× × 8 × 4 3 = 128 3.
2

Hence we have √
1 √ 512 2
× 128 3 × r = ,
3 3
√
4 6
which gives r = . This is also the greatest possible radius of a sphere which can be
3
placed inside the tetrahedron.
√ √
22. The area of ∆ABC where AB = 24, BC = 16, ∠ACB = 60◦ is of the form a 2 + b 3.
Find the value of a − b.
Answer: 64
Solution: Let AD be the height of side BC where D is on BC. Also, let x = AC. Using
the Cosine Law, we have

x2 + 162 − 2 · 16 · x · cos 60◦ = 242

 
2 1
x + 256 − 32x = 576
2
x2 − 16x − 320 = 0
√
Using the quadratic formula, we have x = 8 + 8 6. Moreover,
√
◦ AD 3
sin 60 = =⇒ AD = x.
x 2

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 Therefore, the area of ∆ABC is given by
√
1 1 3 √ √ √
A∆ABC = × BC × AD = × 16 × (8 + 8 6) = 32 3 + 96 2 sq. units.
2 2 2

This means that a = 96 and b = 32. Consequently, a − b = 96 − 32 = 64.

16x
     
1 2 2024
23. Let f (x) = x . Evaluate f +f + ··· + f .
16 + 4 2025 2025 2025
Answer: 1012
Solution: Note that

161−x 16 · 16−x 16 4·4 4

f (1 − x) = 1−x
= −x
= x
= x
= x .
16 +4 16 · 16 + 4 16 + 4 · 16 4 · 4 + 4 · 16 16 + 4

Hence,
16x 4 16x + 4
f (x) + f (1 − x) = + = = 1.
16x + 4 16x + 4 16x + 4
Thus,
      2024  
1 2 2024 X k
f +f + ··· + f = f
2025 2025 2025 k=1
2025
1012     
X k 2025 − k
= f +f
k=1
2025 2025
1012     
X k k
= f +f 1−
k=1
2025 2025
= 1012.

24. Determine the number of ordered pairs (a, b) of positive integers satisfying the equation
√ √ √ √ √
a b + b a − 2025a − 2025b + 2025ab = 2025.

Answer: 6
Solution: Rewriting the equation we have
√ √ √ √ √
a b + b a − 2025a − 2025b + 2025ab = 2025
√ √ √ √ √
a b + b a + 2025ab = 2025a + 2025b + 2025
√ √ √ √  √ √ √ √ 
ab a + b + 2025 = 2025 a + b + 2025

√ √ √
Since the common factor a + b + 2025 is positive, we must have ab = 2025 but
2025 = 34 × 52 . Note that 2025 has 5 · 3 = 15 positive factors But a and b must be perfect

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level

 squares, i.e., a, b ∈ {1, 9, 25, 81, 225, 2025}. Thus, there are only 6 ordered pairs (a, b)
satisfying the given equation.

25. Let [x] denote the greatest integer not exceeding x. Find the last three digits of
" q 2024 #
3 √ 3 √
q
5+2+ 5−2 .

Answer: 625
3 √ 3 √
q q
Solution: Let x = 5+2+ 5 − 2. Using the formula (a+b)3 = a3 +b3 +3ab(a+b),
we have
3
√ √
q q
3 3 3
x = 5+2+ 5−2
√  √  r
√  √ 3 √
 q 3 √
q 
3 3
x = 5+2 + 5−2 +3 5+2 5−2 5+2+ 5−2
√
x3 = 2 5 + 3x
 √  √ 
Rearranging and factoring the equation we obtain x − 5 x2 + 5x + 2 = 0. Since
√
the quadratic has no real roots, we must have x = 5. Thus,
" q 2024 #   
3 √ 3 √ √ 2024
q
= 51012 = 51012 .
 
5+2+ 5−2 = 5

The last three digit of the powers of 5 follow the pattern 005, 025, 125, 625, 125, 625, . . ..
It follows that the three digit of 51012 is 625.

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 2 Senior Secondary Level