MMC FOURTH YEAR SOLUTIONS

A. Elimination Round

1) Subtract x4 + 2x3 3x2 + 5 from 4x4 5x3 + x 3.

4x 4 5x 3 + x 3 x 4 + 2x 3 3x 2 + 5 = 3x 4 7x 3 + 3x 2 + x 8
2) Which of the following is/are functions? [ A and D]
a) x2 + 4y2 = 16 b) x + 3y + 2 = 9
c) y = 4x2 + x 2 d) x + y2 2y + 5 = 0
Solution #1: Graph and vertical line test
In a), the graph is a circle, and it fails the vertical line test. So it is not a
function.
In b), the graph is a line. And all lines pass the vertical line test. So it is a
function.
In c), the graph is a parabola opening upwards. Parabolas opening upwards
and downwards pass the vertical line test. Otherwise, fails. So it is a function
In d), the graph is a parabola opening to the left. And as stated in c), it fails the
vertical line test. So it is not a function.
Therefore, A and D are not functions.

Solution #2: Term observation

Key point: observe the terms with ym (for m>1)
In a), there is a term with y2. Therefore, it is not a function
In b), there are terms with variables x and y only. Therefore, its a function
In c), there are terms with more than degree it is in the variable x. and y has a
maximum degree of 1. So it is a function.

In d), there is a term with y2 in the equation. So it is not a function.

Therefore, A and D are not functions

3) What is the domain of y =

2x4
x 2 4

? [ , 2 2,2 2, or \

2, 2 ]
Identity: Domain a set of real numbers that are possible to be an x-value of a
given function so that the value of f(x) will be a defined real number.
y=

2x 4
2(x 2)
=
x2 4
x + 2 (x 2)

It is known that when a denominator becomes zero, the number will be

undefined. Therefore, x + 2 x 2 0 ~ x 2
Therefore, the domain is {2} or , 2 2,2 (2, )
x 2 cannot be cancelled because when x = 2,
2(2 2)
2(0)
f 2 =
=
2 + 2 (2 2) 4(0)
Division by zero is not allowed.

4) If f x = 2x + 1 and g x =

x 2 4, what is f + g 2 + fg 2 ? [5]

Identity: (f + g)(x) = f(x) + g(x), (fg)(x) = f(x) * g(x)

(f + g)(2) = f(2) + g(2) = 5 + 0 = 5
(fg)(2) = f(2) * g(2) = 5 * 0 = 0
(f + g)(2) + (fg)(2) = 5 + 0 = 5

5) Same with the given in 4), what is the domain of g o f?

[ ,

3
2

1
2

, ]

Solution #1 Conventional
gf x = g f x

(2x + 1)2 4 =

4x 2 + 4x 3

To get the domain, the radicand (the number inside the radical symbols) of
even roots, like the square root, should be nonnegative
4x 2 + 4x 3 0 ~ 2x 1 2x + 3 0
Critical intervals: ,

2x 1
2x + 3
2x 1 (2x + 3)

3
2

3 1

, ,

3
(, ]
2
- Or 0
+ or 0

2 2

, and

1
2

3 1
,
2 2
- or 0
+ or 0
- Or 0

1
,
2
+ or 0
+
+ or 0

The intervals that satisfy 4x 2 + 4x 3 0 is

3
1
, ,
2
2
Hence, the domain.
Solution #2 Sets
Denote {dom f} and {dom g} as the domains of g and f.
Identity: dom g o f = dom f x f x dom g}
x f x dom g}means set of x such that f(x) is an element in the domain of g.
f x = 2x + 1, since it s a linear function, dom f =
x f x dom g} =

(f x )2 4

From there, (f x )2 4 ~ (2x + 1)2 4 ~ (2x + 1)2 4 0

~ 2x + 1 2 2x + 1 + 2 = 2x 1 2x + 3 0
3
1
So, x f x dom g} = , ,
2
2

Therefore, dom g o f = ,

3
1
3
1
, = , ,
2
2
2
2

6) What is the equation of the line that is perpendicular to the line x y + 2

= 0 and passes through (1, 0)? [x + y 1 =0]
The perpendicular line can be expressed as:
-x y + k = 0.
Since (1, 0) is in x y + k = 0, substitute the coordinates,
-(1) (0) + k = 0, k = 1,
the equation will be x y + 1 = 0,
Therefore, the equation of the line is x + y 1 = 0.
7) Find the distance between the two parallel lines x 3y + 2 = 0 and
2x 6y 3 = 0. [

7
20

10 units]

Identity: given the lines a1 x + b1 y + c1 = 0 , a2 x + b2 y + c2 = 0 and given that

they are parallel, the distance between them is defined as:
| c1 c2 |
d=
A2 + B2
A = a1 = a2 and B =b1 = b2
First, we make sure that the coefficients of x and y of the two equations are the
same,
x 3y + 2 = 0 and 2x 6y 3 = 0 have different coefficients. So we multiply 2
on all sides of x 3y + 2 = 0 ~ 2x 6y + 4 = 0.
So, d =

|4 3 |
22 + (6)2

7
40

7
10 units
20

8) Four more than four times a number is the same as eight less than seven
times the number. Find the number. [4]

4N + 4 = 7N 8 ~ N = 4

9) Write the equation y = 2x 2 + 5x + 2 in the form y = a(x h)2 + k.

[y = 2 x +

5 2
4

9
8

Key point: completing the square

5
y = 2x 2 + 5x + 2 y = 2 x 2 + x + 2
2
5
25 25
y = 2 x2 + x +

+ 2
2
16 16
5
25
25
y = 2 x2 + x +

+2
2
16
8
5 2 9
y=2 x+

4
8

10)

With the same given in 9), what is the minimum value of y? [ ]

8

Identity: y = a(x + h)2 + k is the vertex for of the equation. Where k is the
minimum value of y, x = -h is the axis of symmetry, and (-h, k) is the vertex of
its graph.
Therefore, the minimum value of the function is k =

11)

9
8

With the same given in 9), what is the axis of symmetry?

5

[x = ]
4

x+

5
5
=0x=
4
4

12)
Find a quadratic equation whose roots are 2 and -5.
[x 2 + 3x 10 = 0]
Using Vietas identity,
+ = -3 and = -10.
the equation is x 2 (3)x + 10 = 0
x 2 + 3x 10 = 0

13)
1
3

Find a quadratic equation with integral coefficients whose roots are

(2 2). [9x 2 12x + 2 = 0]

Using Vietas identity,

4
2
+ = and =
3
9
4
2
x2 x + = 0
3
9
9x 2 12x + 2 = 0

14)
If x + 2 is a factor of kx3 + kx2 x + 2, what is k?
[k = 1]
Using the remainder theorem,
let P x = kx 3 + kx 2 x + 2
x + 2 = 0, therefore, x = -2,
P 2 = 0 = 8k + 4k + 2 + 2 k = 1

15)

Find the remainder when 2x3 5x2 + 3x 2 is divided by x 2. [0]

x 2 = 0, x = 2
Remainder = 16 20 + 6 2 = 0

16)

How many possible real roots can 2x3 5x2 + 3x 2 = 0 have? [1]

Key point: Descartes Rule of signs

P x = 2x 3 5x 2 + 3x 2
In P(x), there are 3 sign variations. (From 2x3 to -5x2, -5x2 to 3x, and 3x to -2),
which means there are 3 or 3-2 = 1 possible positive real root/s.
Then try P(-x),
P x = 2x 3 5x 2 3x 2
In P(-x), there are no variation of signs.
Therefore, there are 3 or 1 possible roots are all are positive.
By the Rational Root Theorem, these are the possible roots:
2
1, 2
1
= factors:
= 1, 2,
2
1, 2
2
And only P(2) = 0. Therefore x 2 is a factor of 2x3 5x2 + 3x 2.
2x3 5x2 + 3x 2 = (x 2)(2x2 x + 1)
Now, we try to find if 2x2 x + 1 has real roots.
Using its discriminant, D = (-1)2 4(1)(2) < 0
Therefore, 2x2 x + 1 have imaginary roots. Therefore, there is only 1 real
root.

17)
If 1 and 2 are the roots of x 3 8x 2 + 17x 10 = 0, what is the third
root? [5]

Solution #1 Factor Theorem

Since 1 and 2 are the roots of the equation, it means that x 1 (x 2) is a
factor of x 3 8x 2 + 17x 10.
x 3 8x 2 + 17x 10 = x 1 x 2 (x 5)
Therefore, the third root is 5
Solution #2 Vietas identity
x x x = x 3 + + x 2 + + + x
+ + = 8, + + = 17, = 10
And = 1, = 2
from the first equation, = 5, similarly, in equation 2, =5, and same with
equation 3, = 5.
Which clearly means that 5 is the third root

18)

What is the range of y = 2x2 ? [(0, )]

Key point: The domain of the inverse of a function is the range of the function.
Finding the inverse of y = 2x2 ,
x = 2y2 y = ln x + 2 f 1 (x)
Finding the domain of the inverse of f,
In logarithms, the one inside the logarithm operator should always be positive.
Therefore, dom f 1 = range f = (0, )

19)

Solve for x: 44x = 64x+1 . [x = 3]

44x = 43x+3 4x = 3x + 3 x = 3

20)
The population of a certain town is presently 100000. If the
population increases by 2% per year, what shall be the population after 3
years to the nearest thousand? [106000]
2
+ 100000 year 1
100
102 x
therefore, 100000
year x
100
102 3
(102)3
Year 3 100000
=
10600
100
10
100000

21)

If log 2 (3x + 4) = 4, what is x? [x = 4]

24 = 3x + 4 16 = 3x + 4 x = 4
4
and since 3x + 4 > 0 > , x = 4 satisfies
3

22)

If f x = 4x 7, what is f 1 x ? [f 1 x =

x+7
4

y = 4x 7 x = 4y 7 y = f 1 x =

23)

If f x = 3 2x , what is f 1 x ? [f 1 x = log 2

x+7
4

x
3

y = 3 2x x = 3 2y log 2 x = log 2 3 2y
log 2 x = log 2 3 + y log 2 2 y = log 2 x log 2 3
x
y = f 1 x = log 2
3

24)
The radius of a circle is 5cm. What is the length of an arc, to the
nearest tenth of a cm, subtending an angle of 30 degrees? [2.6 cm]

Identity: arc length =

x
360

arc length =

25)

2r

30
5
5
2 5 cm =
3.14 2.6 cm
360
6
6

The minute hand of a clock is 10 cm long. How far does its tip travel

in 25 minutes? [

25
3

cm]

Identity: In the minute hand of a clock, it moves 6 degrees per minute.

25 minutes = (25)(6) = 150 degrees
distance covered = arc length =

26)

150
360

2 10 cm =

25
3

cm

On a unit circle, what are the coordinates of the terminal point of an

7

arc in standard position of length ? [

6

3
2

1
2

Since terminates in the third quadrant, the sign of the coordinates will be
6

both negative.
And the coordinates are: cos, sin cos

27)

7
6

, sin

7
6

If sin A = 1/3, what is cos A is A is in the first quadrant? [

3
2

2
3

1
2

2]

Identity: sin2 A + cos2 A = 1 ~ the Pythagorean identity

1
3

28)

+ cosA = 1 since A is in quadrant I, cosA > 0 cos A =

2
2
3

In ABC, BC = 20 cm, sin A = 0.4, and sinB = 0.9. Find AC. [45 cm]

Find a point D on AB such that CD will be perpendicular with AB. From there,
triangles BDC and ADC are right triangles with ADC and BDC are 90 degrees.
In ADC, sin A =

DC
AC

DC = AC sin A

And in BDC, sin B =

DC
BC

DC = BC sin B

From the two equations,

AC sin A = BC sin B AC =

BC sin B
20 cm (0.9)
=
= 45 cm
sin A
(0.4)

29)
Two roads diverge from point A at an angle of 30 degrees. Pete
walks along one road at 8 km per hour. And Joe walks along the other
road at 6 km per hour. How far apart are they after two hours?
[ 400 192 3 km]
Identity: by cosine law, c 2 = a2 + b2 2ab cos C
After two hours, Pete already covered (8kph)(2hr) = 16km
while Joe covered (6kph)(2hr) = 12 km
Construct ABC such that A is the point A in the problem, so we can deduce
that BAC is 30 degrees, AB = 16 km, and AC = 12 km.
To get the distances of Pete and Joe, we will use the cosine law to get the length
of BC,
BC 2 = AC2 + AB2 2 AB AC cos 30
BC 2 = 12 km

+ 16 km

2 16km 12km

BC 2 = 144 + 256 192 3 km2

BC =

400 192 3 km, hence the final answer.

Because it cannot be simplified anymore

3
2

30)
A base angle of an isosceles triangle is 30 degrees. If the base is 24
cm, find the length of a leg of the triangle. [8 3 cm]
Construct isosceles ABC such that AB = BC, and BAC = BCA = 30 degrees,
and AC = 24 cm. The legs are AB and BC
Produce segment BD where D is on AC and BD is perpendicular to AC. By the
theorems, BD also bisects AC.
Therefore, AD = DC = 12 cm.
Now we have right triangles BDA and BDC which are congruent.
AD CD
=
AB AC
AD = CD = AB cos 30 = AC cos 30 = 12 cm
12
hence, AB = AC =
cm = 8 3 cm
cos 30
cos A = cos C = cos 30 =

31)
A wheel has radius of 25 cm. Points A and B are on its rim. Find the
length, to the nearest tenth of a cm, of the arc between A and B if the arc
subtends and angle of 160 degrees. [69.8 cm]
arc length =

160
200
200
2 25 cm =
=
3.14 = 69.8 cm
360
9
9

32)
From a certain point on a plain, the elevation of a mountain peak is
45 degrees. From a point 300 m nearer, the elevation is 60 degrees. Find
the height of the peak to the nearest meter given that (tan 60 = 1.732).
[710 m]

Let x = CB.

From the given, ABC = 45 degrees, ADC = 60 degrees.

From from a point 300 m nearer,
BD = 300 m, CD = x 300.
tan ABC = tan 45 , tan ADC = tan 60
AC
AC = x tan 45
x
AC
tan 60 =
AC = x 300 tan 60
x 300
AC = x tan 45 = x 300 tan 60 tan 60 1 x = 300 tan 60
300 tan 60
300 (1.732) 519.6
x=
=
=
= 709.8 710 m
tan 60 1
1.732 1
0.732
tan 45 =

33)
If log 2 0.3010, log 3 0.4771, and log 7 0.8451, find an
approximate value of log 42. [1.6232]
Identity: log AB = log A + log B
log 42 = log 2 + log 3 + log 7 = 0.3010 + 0.4771 + 0.8451 = 1.6232

34)
The half-life of a substance is 15 hours, how long will it take for a
given amount of the substance to decay to 25% of its original amount?
[30 hours]
Identity: Amount = Pekt
where: P = initial amount, e = 2.718281828,k = constant ,t = time
1
1
P = Pe15k e15k =
2
2
1
1
25% decay: P = Pekt ekt =
4
4
2
1
1
since
= , (e15k )2 = e30k = ekt t = 30 hours
2
4
half life: Amount =

35)
[

Solve for x in the equation 3x+1 = 22x+1 .

log 3log 2
log 4log 3

or

log 3 21
12 log 3 2

Solution #1: Common logarithm

log 3x+1 = log 22x+1
x + 1 log 3 = 2x + 1 log 2
2 log 2 x + log 2 = log 3 x + log 3
2 log 2 log 3 x = log 3 log 2
log 3 log 2
x=
log 4 log 3

Solution #2: Base 3

log 3 3x+1 = log 3 22x+1
x + 1 = 2x + 1 log 3 2
log 3 2 1
x=
1 2log 3 2

36)
Find the intersection of the lines:
x y + 2 = 0 and 5x + 4y 8 = 0. [(0, 2)]
Solve simultaneously for x and y:
x y + 2 = 0 4x 4y + 8 = 0 #1
5x + 4y 8 = 0 5x + 4y 8 = 0 #2
#1 + #2 9x = 0 x = 0, then y = 2 (0, 2)

37)
For what values of x is x 2 x 6 < 0?
[ 2, 3 or 2 < < 3]
x2 x 6 < 0 x 3 x + 2 < 0

Critical intervals: , 2 , 2, 3 , and (3, )

x+2
x3
x3 x+2

, 2
+

2, 3
+
-

(3, )
+
+
+

In the interval (-2, 3), (x 3)(x + 2) is negative, that satisfies the inequality,
thus, the answer. Or can be written as -2 < x < 3

38)
What polynomial of lowest degree must be multiplied to
P x = 4x 3 4x 2 15x + 18 to make it a perfect square polynomial? [(x
+ 2)]
Using factor theorem, remainder theorem, and the rational root theorem,
P(x) can be factored as:
P x = x + 2 (2x 3)2
since 2x 3 2 is already a perfect square,
x + 2 should be multiplied to a polynomial so that
P will be a perfect square polynomial.
and the polynomial that will be multiplied is x + 2
39)
Given the table, what is the defining quadratic equation?
[ y = 2x2 3x + 1]
Table:
x
-1
0
1
2
3
4
y
6
1
0
3
10
21
Let P(x) = ax2 + bx + c
In quadratic equations, 3 points will already be enough to define one.
Tip: choose the easiest points.
Points: (-1, 6), (0, 1), and (1, 0)

P(-1) = a b + c = 6, P(0) = c = 1, P(1) = a + b + c = 0

From there, a = 2, b = -3, c = 1
P(x) = y = 2x2 3x + 1

40)
What is the domain of y = log 5 (x 2 16)?
[ , 4 (4, )]
From the definition of logarithms,
x 2 16 > 0 x + 4 x 4 > 0
Critical intervals: , 4 , 4, 4 , and 4,
x+4
x4
x+4 x4

, 4
+

4, 4
+
-

4,
+
+
+

From the table, , 4 , and 4, satisfies the inequality.

Uniting the intervals, , 4 (4, ) hence, the domain
41)

What is the range in 40 ? [ or (, ) or all real nos.]

y = log 5 (x 2 16) x 2 = 5y + 16 x = 5y + 16

To solve for the range, we must find ALL possible values of y. the technique is
the same like solving for the domain.
5y + 16 > 0 5y > 0, , 5y + 16 > 0
Range: y

42)

Solve for x in the equation: log x 8 + log x 18 = 2.

[x = 6]

Identity: log b ac = c log b a

1
log x 8 + log x 18 = 2 log x 2 + log x 18 = 2
3
log x 36 = 2 x 2 = 6 x = 6 (x > 0)

43)
If a = log 4 x, what is log 4 (16x 1 ) in terms of a?
[2 a]
log 4 (16x 1 ) = log 4 16 + log 4 x 1 = 2 log 4 x = 2 a

44)
If f(x) = x2 + 4x 5 and x -2, find f -1 (x).
[y = 2 x + 9]
Identity:

a2 = a if a > 0
a2 = a if a < 0

f x = y = x 2 + 4x 5 and x 2
x = y 2 + 4y 5 y 2 + 4y = x + 5
y 2 + 4y + 4 = x + 9 y + 2 2 = x + 9
y 2, therefore,
y+2 =

y+2

= y+2

x + 9 y = f 1 x = 2

x+9

45)
A polygon had d diagonals. If the polygon had one more side, it
would have d+10 diagonals. How many sides does the polygon have? [11]
Identity: if there are n sides in a polygon, there are

n(n3)
2

diagonals

Let n= number of sides.

If it is an n-gon, there are d =

n(n3)
2

diagonals.

If it will be an (n+1)-gon, there will be

d + 10 =

n+1 ([n+1]3)
2

n+1 (n2)
2

diagonals

The equations will be:

d=

n(n 3)
n + 1 (n 2)
and d + 10 =
2
2

Substituting the first equation to the second,

n n3
n+1 n2
+ 10 =
2
2
n n 3 + 20 = n + 1 n 2 n2 3n + 20 = n2 n 2
2n = 22 n = 11

46)
[ =

Find all values of , where 0 < 2, so that 3 3 cos = 2sin2 .

1
3

, , 2]
3

3 3 cos = 2sin2 3 1 cos = 2 1 cos 2

3 1 cos = 2 1 cos 1 + cos
1 cos 3 [2 + 2 cos ] = 0
1
1 cos 1 2 cos = 0 cos = 1,
2
1 5
= 2, ,
3 3

47)

If sin A =

5
13

and cos B =

quadrant, find sin(A + B). [

220
221

17

, where A and B are both in the first

Identity: sin2 + cos2 = 1, sin(A + B) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B

cos A =

1 sin2 A =

sin B =

8
1
17

5
1
13

12
cos A > 0
13

15
(sin B > 0)
17

sin(A + B) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B =

48)

5
13

8
12
+
17
13

For what values of x is 3x 2 7x 6 0?

[ ,

2
3

[3, )]
3x 2 7x 6 0 3x + 2 x 3 0

Critical intervals: ,

2
3

, , 3 , [3, )
3

2
3
- Or 0
+ or 0

2
,3
3
+ or 0
- or 0
- Or 0

,
3x + 2
x3
3x + 2 x 3
Therefore, ,

49)

[3, )
+
+ or 0
+ or 0

[3, )

Divide 4 2 by 2. [ 32]
3

2 2 2
3

2 2=

1 1
23+2

5
26

32

15
220
=
17
221

50)

If 4x + 6 = 5 2x , what is x? [x = 1, log 2 3]

Let A = 2x
A2 + 6 = 5A A 3 A 2 = 0 A = 2, 3
2x = 2, 3 x = 1, log 2 3

B. Division Finals

A. 15 seconds

1) What is the slope of the line given by 2x + 3y 5 = 0? [-2/3]

a
2
slope = =
b
3

2) What is the domain of the function x =

[ , 3] [3, )]

x2 9 ?

x 2 9 0 x + 3 x 3 0 , 3] [3, )

3) If the perimeter of a rectangle is 16x + 8 cm and its width is 2x + 6 cm,

what is its length? [6x 3 cm]
P = 2(L + W) L =

P
2

W=

16x+8
2

2x + 6 = 6x 3 cm

4) For what values of x is |3x 9| = 6? [x = 1, 5]

3x 9 = 6 x 3 = 2

x3=2x=5
both satisfies, x = 1, 5
3x=2x=1
5) What are the roots of the equation 2x 2 + x 15 = 0?
5

[x = 3, ]
2

2x 2 + x 15 = 2x 5 x + 3 = 0 x = 3,
7

6) How many degrees is an angle that is radians? [210]

6

Identity: radians = 180

7
7
radians =
180 = 210
6
6

7) For what value(s) of k will (1, 0) be on the graph of

y = x 2 + 4x + k ? [k = -5]
0 = (1)2 + 4 1 + k k = 5

8) What is the range of y = x 2 3? [ [3, )]

x 2 0 for x
therefore, minimum x 2 = 0, min y = 3
range y = [3, )

9) If f x = 5x 3, what if f 1 ?[

14
15

f 1 = 51 3 =

1
14
3=
5
15

5
2

10)

What are the coordinates of the terminal point of an arc of a unit

5

circle of length , which starts at (1, 0) and is directed

6

counterclockwise? [

3 1
2

5
5
3 1
cos , sin = cos , sin =
,
6
6
2 2

B. 30 seconds

1) If y units varies inversely as the square of x, and y = 3 when x = 4, find y

when x = 2. [y = 12]
y=

k
k = x 2 y = (4)2 3 = (2)2 y y = 12
2
x

2) If 64x = 162x1 , what is x?[x = 2]

43x = 44x2 3x = 4x 2 x = 2

3) Bob stands 500 m from a point directly below a flying helicopter. The
angle of elevation of the helicopter from Bobs position is 30 degrees.
How high is the helicopter flying? [

500
3

3 m]

From the given, Bob = 30 degrees.

Let h = distance from the helicopter to the ground

tan 30 =

h
500
h = 500 m tan 30 =
3m
500
3

4) What is the remainder when 3x 3 9x 2 + 8x 5 is divided by x 3? [19]

Solution #1: Remainder theorem
x3=0x=3
P x = 3x 3 9x 2 + 8x 5 P 3 = 19

5) For what values of x is 3x 2 + 2x 5 > 0? [x > 1, x < -5/3]

3x 2 + 2x 5 > 0 3x + 5 x 1 > 0 > 1, <

5
3

C. 1 minute

1) Solve for x: log 2 (3x + 1) log 2 (x 3) = 3. [x = 5]

log 2 3x + 1 log 2 x 3 = 3 log 2

3x + 1
=3
x3

3x + 1
= 23 3x + 1 = 8x 24 x = 5
x3
1
since 3x + 1 > 0 > , and x 3 > 0 > 3
3
and x = 5 satisfies the domain, the solution is x = 5

2) For what values of on 0 < < 2 is 3 3 cos = 2sin2 ?

[=

1
3

, ]
3

3 3 cos = 2sin2 3 1 cos = 2 1 cos 1 + cos

1
1 cos 1 2 cos = 0 cos = 1,
2
cos = 1 have no solutions in 0 < < 2,
1
1 5
cos = = ,
2
3 3

3) The sides of RPQ are 8 cm, 12 cm, and 14 cm. The angle opposite the
longest side is bisected, and the bisector divides this side into two
segments. Find the length of the segments. [

28
5

cm and

We assume that RP = 8cm, PQ = 12 cm, RQ = 14 cm.

42
5

cm]

The longest sides is RQ, and the angle opposite to RQ is P. Let D be a point on
RQ such that the said angle bisector of P will be PD.
Now, Let RD = x.
Since RD + DQ = RQ, DQ = RQ RD = 14 x
By triangle similarity, RPD ~ QPD- triangle RPD is similar to QPD
So, by similar triangles,
RP RD
8
x
=

=
QP DQ
12 14 x
28
42
x = RD =
cm, 14 x = DQ =
cm
5
5

4) Let P be a point inside a square of side s such that it is equidistant from

two consecutive vertices and from the side opposite these vertices. If d
represents the common distance, express d in terms of s. [d =

5
8

s]

Let ABCD be the square. And from the given, PA = PB = d.

And it is known that the distance of P to the opposite sides of the vertices A
and B is the perpendicular distance of P to CD. Now let E be a point in CD such
that PE = PA = PB = d and PE CD.
Since A, B and P form a triangle APB, and PA = PB, APB is isosceles.
Extending PE to connect AB at F, PF = EF PE, and EF = s since
EF // AD. PF = s d.
By the properties of isosceles triangles, PF AB and PF bisects AB. So AF = FB
s
= .
2

By the Pythagorean Theorem,

AF

+ PF

= AP

or FB

+ PF

= BF

s 2
s2
2
2

+ sd =d
+ s2 2ds + d2 = d2
2
4
2
2
s + 4s 8ds = 0 5s 8d = 0 since s > 0
5
d= s
8

5) If f x = 3x 1 and g x =
8
9

3x 5, what is the domain of g o f ? [

, or x ]
9

Solution #1 Composite functions

gof x =

3 3x 1 5 =

9x 8
8
8
dom g o f = 9x 8 0 x or [ , )
9
9

Solution #2 Sets
dom g o f = dom f x g x dom g}
dom f = x since f x is linear
5
5
8
x g x dom g} = g x 3x 1 x
3
3
9
8
8
8
dom g o f = x x
= , or x
9
9
9

D. Sectoral Finals NCR-A

A. 15 seconds

1) If f x = 3 + 4x, find the function g(x) such that f g x

= x. [g x =

x3
4

f g x

= 3 + 4g x = x g x =

x3
4

2) For what value(s) of k does kx 3 5x 2 3x leave a remainder of -6 when

divided by x 1. [k = 2]
x1=0x=1
P x = kx 3 5x 2 3x
Remainder = P 1 = k 8 = 6 k = 2

3) For what value(s) of x is log(x 2 9) a real number?

[ , 3 (3, )]
x 2 9 > 0 x + 3 x 3 > 0 > 3, < 3 , 3 3,

4) What is the sum of all the real zeroes of

2

y = 4x (4x 8)(4x + 64)? [ ]

3

4x 4x 8 4x + 64 = 0, since 4x > 0 ,
2
4x and 4x + 64 0. So 4x 8 = 0 x =
3
1

5) What is the value of log 8 (log 4 16) ? [ ]

3

log 4 16 = 2 log 8 2 =

1
3

6) In rolling two dice, what is the probability of getting a sum of 8? [

5
36

The numbers given in a dice is from 1 to 6 only.

And 8 = 2 + 6, 3 + 5, and 4 + 4
So the combinations are: 2, 6 3, 5 and 4, 4
The combinations can be permuted because in 2 dice, the first can show 1 then
the second can show 2, and vice versa.
So, the number of ways that two numbers can show a sum of 8 is:
2!
=5
2!
if 4, 4 is permuted, there are 2! permutations.
but there are 2 identical numberss
2!
so the total permutations is
2!
2! + 2! +

probability =

possible ways
5
5
=
=
possible outcomes 6 6 36

Possible outcomes = 6 * 6 since there are 6 possible outcomes in the first dice
and same with the second.

7) If 42x2 = 2x , what is x? [ x =

4
3

24x4 = 2x 4x 4 = x x =

4
3

8) What is cos if the terminal side of the angle in standard position lies
on the segment joining the origin and the point
(4, -5)? [

4
41

41 ]
cos =

abscissa
=
distance

4
(4)2 + (5)2

4
41
41

9) The vertex of the parabola y = x 2 + 4x 3 lie on the line

y = k, what is k? [k = -7]
y = x 2 + 4x 3 = (x + 2)2 7 vertex 2, 7 k = 7

10)

Convert radians into degrees. [315 degrees]

4

7
7
=
180 = 315
4
4

B. 30 seconds

1) If 4x + 2x1 = , what is the value of x? [x = -1]

2

2x 1
A 1
2 + = 2x = A A2 + = 2A2 + A 1 = 0
2
2
2 2
1
1
2A 1 A + 1 = 0 A = 1, 2x = 1,
2
2
1
but 2x > 0, 2x = x = 1
2
2x

2) If the polynomial f(x) has zeroes 5, -2, and 1, and a y-intercept of -15,
what is f(x) in factored form?
[y =

3
2

x 5 x + 2 (x 1)]

The zeroes of f(x) are 5, -2, and 1.

Therefore, x = 5, x = -2, x = 1,
x 5 = 0, x + 2 = 0, x 1 = 0 x 5 x + 2 x 1 = 0

We assume that f x = x 5 x + 2 (x 1)
If the y-intercept is -15, f(x) should satisfy f(0) = -15
But, f 0 = 0 5 0 + 2 0 1 = 10 15. This means that f(x) is NOT
ONLY (x 5)(x + 2)(x 1). There must be a multiplier to the factored
polynomial. So we let it as A.
f x = A x 5 x + 2 x 1 f 0 = 10A = 15 A =
f x =

3) If log x+1

3
x 5 x + 2 (x 1)
2

1
16

= , what is x? [x = 63]
3

2
1
3
x+1
=
x + 1 3 = 16
x + 1 2 = 24
16
2
x + 1 = 212 x + 1 2 212 = 0
x + 1 + 26 x + 1 26 = 0 x + 65 x 63 = 0
x = 63, 65 but x + 1 > 0 > 1 = 63
2

4) Find the vertex of the parabola y = 4x 2 + 3x 1.

3

25

16

[ ,

3
9
9
3
9
9
y = 4 x2 + x +

1 = 4 x2 + x +

1
4
64 64
4
64
16
3 2 25
3 25
=4 x+

vertex ,
8
16
8 16

3
2

5) If tan = , and the terminal side of the angle in standard position

3

lies on the second quadrant, find sin 2.

[

24
25

Identity: sin 2 = 2 sin cos

In the second quadrant, cos < 0, sin > 0
In right triangles,
opposite
adjacent
sin A
opp.
, cos A =
, tan A =
=
hypotenuse
hypotenuse
cos A
adj.
sin
4
4k
tan =
=
=
sin = 4k, cos = 3k
cos 3 3k
1
from sin2 + cos 2 = 1, 4k 2 + 3k 2 = 1 k 2 =
25
1
k = ,k > 0
5
sin A =

4
3
, cos = from sin 2 = 2 sin cos ,
5
5
4
3
24
sin 2 = 2

=
5
5
25
sin =

C. 1 minute

1) Find the value(s) of k for which the minimum value of y = 4x 2 2kx + 7

is equal to the minimum of
y = k 4x x 2 . [k = -6, 2]
2

Identity: in y = ax + bx + c, the vertex is

b
2a

4ac b 2
4a

the y-coordinate of the vertex is the minimum value of a quadratic equation.

In y = 4x 2 2kx + 7, the minimum value is

4 4 7 (2k)2 112 4k 2
k2
=
=7
4(4)
16
4
In y = k 4x x 2 or y = x 2 4x + k, minimum value is
4 1 k (4)2
= k+4
4(1)
Equating the two minimum values,
k2
k+4= 7
k 2 + 4k 12 = 0 k + 6 k 2 = 0
4
k = 6, 2
2) The area of a right triangle is 12 cm2. If the length of the hypotenuse is
4 5 cm, how long are its legs? [6 2 cm, 2 2 cm]
Let b and h be the legs of the right triangle
bh
= 12, b2 + h2 = 80
2
bh = 24, and b2 + h2 = 80
Identity: a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 2ab, (a b)2 = a2 + b2 2ab
b+h

= b2 + h2 + 2bh = 80 + 2 24 = 128 b + h = 8 2

bh

= b2 + h2 2bh = 80 2 24 = 32 b h = 4 2

from the two equations, b = 6 2 cm, and h = 2 2 cm

3) For what values of x is 2 sin 2x = 2 cos x if 0 x < 360?

[x = 90, 270, 45, 135]
2 2 cos x sin x = 2 cos x

2 cos x sin x = cos x

1
2
2
1
from cos x = 0, x = 90, 270 and from sin x =
2,
2
cos x

2 sin x 1 = 0 cosx = 0, sin x =

 x = 45, 135 x = 90, 270, 45, 135

4) Two balls are drawn from an urn that contains 2 red, 3 green, and 5 black
balls. What is the probability that both balls are of the same color if the
14

first ball is not replaced? [ ]

45

Let P(X) = probability that event X will occur.

P(Same color) = P(2 red) + P(2 green) + P(2 black)
Solving for P(2 red):
In the first draw, there are 10 balls. 2 of which are red. The probability that the
first draw will be a red is

2
10

= .
5

After the first draw, there will be 9 remaining balls. And if the first draw was
1

red, there will be 1 remaining red balls. So the probability will be .

9

So the probability that the two will occur will be

P 2 red =

2
10

45

Similarly, P 2 green =

3
10

15

Therefore, P same color =

1
45

, and P 2 black =

1
15

14

45

+ =

5
10

5) For what values of a and b is x 3 ax 2 7x + b divisible by x 2 + 2x 3?

[a = 0, b = 6]
x 2 + 2x 3 = 0 x = 3, 1
P x = x 3 ax 2 7x + b
For P(x) be divisible by x 2 + 2x 3, it should satisfy,
P(1) = P(-3) = 0
P 1 = 1 a 7 + b = 0 a b = 6
P 3 = 27 9a + 21 + b = 0 9a b = 6

from the two equations, a = 0, b = 6

D. Sectoral Finals NCR-B

A. 15 seconds

1) If f x = 2 7x, find g(x) such that f g x

[g x =

2x
7

= x.

]
g x = f 1 x =

2x
7

2) For what value of k does kx 3 3x 2 5x leave a remainder of -6 when

divided by x + 1? [k = 8]
x + 1 = 0 x = 1,
P x = kx 3 3x 2 5x P 1 = k 3 + 5 = 6 k = 8

3) For what values of x is log |x 2 9| a real number? [x 3 or /{3}]

x 2 9 > 0 0
but in the inequality, it is STRICTLY > 0.
therefore, x 2 9 0 x 3 or x /{3}

4) What is the sum of all the real zeroes of

3

y = 16x 16x 8 (16x + 64)? [ ]

4

16x 8 = 0 24x = 23 4x = 3 x =

3
4

5) What is the value of log 8 log16 2 ? [ ]

3

log16 2 =

1
1
2
log 8 =
4
4
3

6) If the polynomial P(x) has zeroes -1, and 2 and y-intercept 4, what is
P(x)? [ P x = 2x 2 + 2x + 4]
P x = a x + 1 x 2 P 0 = 2a = 4 a = 2
P x = 2 x + 1 x 2 = 2 x 2 x 2 = 2x 2 + 2x + 4

7) If

4 2x1
9

2x1

4
9

3 x
2

3
=
2

= 0, what is x? [x = ]
5

4x2

2
=
3

4x 2 = x x =

8) For what angle in the third quadrant is sin

[ =

7
6

5
3

equals cos ?

Solution #1 Brute Force

sin

5
1
7
=
3 = cos in third quadrant =
3
2
6

2
5

Solution #2 Identities

Identity: sin(x + ) = cos x

2

5
5

5
= cos sin = sin x +
x+ =
3
3
2
2 3
7
x = and it is in the third quadrant
6
sin

9) What is the maximum value of the function y =

[3]

8 + 2x x 2 .

Key point: Since the radicand is a quadratic polynomial, get its maximum value
and then do the square root operation
8 + 2x x 2 = 9 x 1
maximum of y =

10)

maximum is 9

8 + 2x x 2 is 9 = 3

What is the probability that a card drawn from a standard deck of

playing cards is a diamond or a jack? [

4
13

Identity: if P(x) is the probability that the event x will occur,

P A B = P A + P B P(A B)
P Diamond OR Jack = P Diamond Jack
P Diamond Jack = P Diamond + P Jack P(Diamond Jack)
n Diamonds
13 1
=
=
n Cards
52 4
4
1
n Jack of diamonds
1
P Jack =
=
P Diamond Jack =
=
52 13
n cards
52
1 1
1
4
P Diamond Jack = +

=
4 13 52 13
P Diamond =

B. 30 seconds

1) If 4x + 2x1 = , what is the value of 9x 1? [ ]

2x 1
A 1
2 + = A = 2x A2 + = 2A2 + A = 1
2
2
2 2
1
2A2 + A 1 = 0 2A 1 A + 1 = 0 2x =
2
1
8
x = 1 91 1 = 1 =
9
9
2x

2) For what values of x is cos 2x = cos x if 0 x < 360? [x =

0, 120, 240]
Identity: cos 2x = 2cos2 x 1 = 1 2sin2 x
2cos2 x 1 = cos x 2cos2 x cos x 1 = 0
1
2 cos x + 1 cosx 1 = 0 cos x = 1, x = 0, 120, 240
2

3) If the polynomial P x = ax 5 + bx 3 + cx + 1 is divided by

x 3, the remainder is 5, What is the remainder when P(x) is divided by x
+ 3? [-3]
x 3 = 0, x = 3
P 3 = 243a + 27b + 3c + 1 = 5 243a + 27b + 3c = 4
x + 3, x = 3
P 3 = 243a 27b 3c + 1 243a + 27b + 3c + 1
= 4 + 1 = 3 P 3 = 3

4) From a top of a 60 ft building, a man observes a car moving towards the

building. If the angle of depression of the car changes from 45 degrees to
60 degrees during the observation, how far did the car travel?
[60 20 3 ft]

5) In a high school graduating class of 100 students,64 studied mathematics,

36 studied physics, and 2 studied neither subject. What is the probability
that a student selected at random from this class took only mathematics?
[

13
25

or 0.52 or 52%]

Let n(E) = the graduating class = 100,

n(M) = math = 64, n(P) = physics = 36,
Now, the number of students who did not take both subject is:
n M P = 12
So the total number of students who took any of the two subjects is
100 12 = 88 = n(M P)

Now, from the Venn Diagram, n M P = n M only + n P only + n(M P),

n M only = 64 x, and n P only = 36 x
88 = 64 x + 36 x + x x = n M P = 12
Therefore, n M only = 64 12 = 52, and n P only = 36 12 = 24
Finally, P M only =

n(M only )
n(E)

52
100

13
25

or 0.52 or 52%

C. 1 minute

1) If x log x = 1000x 2 , what are the values of x? [x = 1000, ]

10

x log x = 1000x 2 log x log x = log 1000x 2

log x log x = log 1000 + 2 log x log x 2 = 3 + 2 log x
Let A = log x A2 = 3 + 2A A2 2A 3 = 0 A 3 A + 1 = 0
1
A = 3, 1 log x = 3, 1 x = 103 , 101 x = 1000,
10

2) A committee of 4 people is chosen at random from among 6 men and 4

women. What is the probability that the committee consists of more
5

women than men? [ ]

42

Identity: C n, r means number of ways of n objects taking r at a time such that

their arrangement is not a factor. And repetition is not allowed. And
C n, r =

n!
r! nr !

Identity: n! = 1 2 3 4 n 2 n 1 n

Possible ways to choose 4 people such that n(women) > n(men):

(4Women, 0 Men), (3Women, 1Man)
(4Women, 0Men) = C(4,4)*C(6,0) = 1 way ~ 4 people are chosen from the 4
women and 0 people are chosen from the 6 men.
4!
4!
6!
C 4,4 =
=
= 1, and C 6,0 =
= 1 0! = 1
4 4 ! 4! 0! 4!
6 0 ! 0!
(3Women, 1Men)= C(4,3)*C(6,1) = 24 ways
C 4,3 =

4!
6!
= 4, C 6,1 =
=6
4 3 ! 3!
6 1 ! 1!

Total required outcomes: 1 + 24 = 25

Total Possible outcomes in choosing 4 people from 10 people:
10!
10!
7 8 9 10
C 10,4 =
=
=
= 210
10 4 ! 4! 6! 4!
234
Probability =

25
5
=
210 42

3) Identical squares are cut off from each corner of a rectangular piece of
cardboard measuring 7cm by 12 cm. The sides are then folded up to make
a box with an open top. If the volume of the box is 33 cm3, what is the
largest possible length of each side of the square? [

9 15
2

cm]

Key point: Equation manipulation

Let x be the length of the sides of the squares.
Each corner is cut by x cm. So each dimension of the rectangle will be cut by 2x
cm. And if the sides will be folded up to make a box, the height will be x cm.

So the dimensions of the rectangular box are 12 2x cm, 7- 2x cm, and x cm.
The volume can be expressed as:
12 2x 7 2x x = 33 = 11 3 1
Now, as seen at the left hand side of the equation, all factors except x has a 2x
in it. So for easier manipulation, we let t = 2x,
t
1
= 12 t 7 t t = 33
2
2
12 t 7 t t = 66 = 11 6 1
12 t 7 t

Now, we can assume that: 12 t = 11, 7 t = 6, and t = 1 and solving for the
value of t, the three equations will come up with the same value of t which is
t = 1,
1
t = 2x = 1 x =
2
This means that 2x 1 = 0 and 2x 1 is a factor of 12 2x 7 2x x 33
(from the equation for the volume)
Now, 12 2x 7 2x x 33 = 4x 3 38x 2 + 84x 33
4x 3 38x 2 + 84x 33 = 2x 1 2x 2 18x + 33 = 0
Solving for ALL values of x in the equation,
x=

1
9 15
and 2x 2 18x + 33 = 0 x =
2
2

Now from the problem, the required answer is the largest value of the side of
the squares that were cut.
From the values of x,

9+ 15
2

is the largest value. But geometrically speaking, The

side of the square should be less than the dimension of the rectangle which is
7cm by 12cm.
And since

9 15
1
and are less than the dimensions
2
2

9 15 1
> , the largest possible length of each side of the square
2
2
9 15
is x =
cm
2
and

4) Find the inverse of the function =

10 x 10 x
10 x +10 x

. [f 1 x =

1
2

log

x+1
1x

10y 10y 10y 102y 1

x=
y = 2y
x102y + x = 102y 1
y
y
10 + 10
10
10 + 1
2y
2y
x10 10 = 1 x 102y x 1 = 1 x
1 x x + 1
x+1
x+1
102y =
=
log 102y = log
2y = log
x1
1x
1x
1x
1
x+1
y = f 1 x = log
2
1x

5) The sum of all the terms of an infinite geometric sequence is 12 while the
sum of the squares of all its terms is 72. What is the first term of the
sequence? [8]
Let a=first term, r=common ratio.
Let S1 = sum of the geometric sequence = a + ar + ar 2 + ar 3 + = 12
Since the sum of the infinite geometric sequence is convergent, the sequence is
also convergent. Therefore, we will use this identity:
Identity: Sum of infinite geometric sequence =

a
1r

, where a is the first term

and r is the common ratio.

S1 = a + ar + ar 2 + ar 3 + =
Let S2 = sum of squares,

a
= 12
1r

a2
S2 = (a) + (ar) + (ar ) + = a + a r + a r + =
= 72
1 r2
2

2 2

2 2

2 4

From the equations, a = 12 1 r and a2 = 72 1 + r (1 r)

Squaring the first equation, a2 = 144(1 r)2 . Now, equating a2 = a2 ,
144 1 r

= 72 1 + r 1 r since r 1 from r < 1,

1
144 1 r = 72 1 + r r = . And from a = 12 1 r ,
3
1
a = 12 1
=8
3

E. Regional Finals

I.

Individual Written Competition (Nationwide)

A. Part I

1) What is the quotient if x 6 + y 6 is divided by x 2 + y 2 ? [x 4 x 2 y 2 + y 4 ]

Key point: Factoring
Identity: a3 + b3 = a + b (a2 ab + b2 )
x6 + y6 = x2

+ y2

= x 2 + y 2 (x 4 x 2 y 2 + y 4 )

x6 + y6
x2 + y2 x4 x2 y2 + y4
=
= x4 x2 y2 + y4
2
2
2
2
x +y
x +y

2) Solve for x in the equation 2x 2x1 = 32. [x =6]

x
x
2
2
2x = 32
= 32 2x = 64 x = 6
2
2

3) What is the smallest number, which when multiplied by 120, gives a

perfect cube? [225]
120 = 23 3 5 23 is already a cube. 3 5 should be multiplied
to a numberto make 3 5 a perfect cube which is 32 52 = 225

4) Find the remainder when x 50 2x 49 + 3x 48 4x 47 + 10x 41 when

divided by x + 1. [55]
x + 1 = 0 x = 1
P x = x 50 2x 49 + 3x 48 4x 47 + 10x 41
= x 41 x 9 2x 8 + 3x 7 10
P 1 = 1 41 1 2 3 4 10 = 1 55 = 55

5) How many different scalene triangles are possible if the measures of the
three sides are selected from the lengths 2, 3, 4, and 5? [3]
Identity: Triangle inequality a b < < + , where a, b, c are sides of a
triangle and it runs through all sides of a triangle.
Sides to be tested: (2,3,4), (2,3,5), (2,4,5), (3, 4, 5)
In (2, 3, 4), 4 2 < 3 < 4 + 2, 4 3 < 2 < 4 + 3, 3 2 < 4 < 3 + 2 the
triangle inequality is satisfied, so 2, 3, 4 can form a triangle
Similarly, (3,4,5) and (2,4,5) can also form triangles. Except for (2,3,5) because
2+3 = 5 but in the triangle inequality, the inequality symbols are strictly < or
>.

6) What is the value of x if 10 + 10 + 10 + + 10 100 terms = 10x5 ?

[x = 8]
10 + 10 + 10 + + 10 100 terms = 10 100 = 1000 = 103 = 10x5
x5=3x=8

7) Find x if log 3 (log x 125) = 1. [x = 5]

3log 3

log x 125

= 31 log x 125 = 3 x 3 = 125 x = 5

8) Find all possible values of x that satisfy the equation

2x + 1 = x 3 + 2. [x = 4, 12]
2x + 1 = x 3 + 2

2x + 1

x3+2

2x + 1 = x 3 + 4 x 3 + 4 x = 4 x 3
x 2 = 16 x 3 x 2 16x + 48 = 0 x 4 x 12 = 0
x = 4,12
Substituting the values of x in the original equations,
x=4
x = 12

2 4 +1= 43+23=3
2 12 + 1 = 12 3 + 2 5 = 5

Since they both satisfy the equations, x = 4,12

9) What is the domain of the function f x = x 2 1? [ , 1] [1, )]

x 2 1 0 x + 1 x 1 0 x 1, x 1 , 1] [1, )

10)
A chord of a circle of radius 10 cm is 5cm from the center. Find the
length of the chord. [10 3 cm]
Let x = length of the chord.
Identity: If the radius of a circle intersects a chord in a right angle, it bisects the
chord.
Since the 5cm distance of the center from the chord is its perpendicular
distance, the chord is already bisected. Therefore, the chord is divided into two
x
parts with length cm each.
2

Now, connect one endpoint of the chord and the center of the circle. Since the
Endpoint of the chord is in the circumference of the circle, the segment joining
the center and the endpoint of the chord is a radius of the circle which is 10cm.
Notice that there is a right triangle formed by the perpendicular distance from
the chord to the center, one bisected part of the chord, and the formed radius.
Moreover, the formed radius is opposite the right angle, therefore, it is the
hypotenuse and the legs are the bisected part of the chord and the
perpendicular distance.
So by the Pythagorean Theorem,
x
2

11)

+ 5 cm

= 10 cm

x2
+ 25 = 100 x = 10 3 cm
4

For what values of x is x 2 x < 12? [ 3,4 or 3 < < 4]

x 2 x 12 < 0 x 4 x + 3 < 0 3 < < 4 (3,4)

12)

If k n =

3 n
2n+1

, what is k 5 ? [

243
11

3 5
243
k5 =
=
2 5 +1
11

13)

Find the period of the graph of y = 2 sin

2

Identity: in y = a sin bx , the period is

Period =

14)
3

x
5

. [10]

2
= 10
1
5

Simplify: 5 50 500 5000. [2500]

3

5 50 500 5000 = 5 50 500 5000 = 5 53 103+2+1 = 5 53 106

= 5 5 102 = 2500

15)

If the half-life of a substance is 125 years, what fraction of the

1

substance remains after 500 years? [ ]

16

Amount = Pekt
1
1
P = Pe125k e125k =
2
2
e

500k

500
125k 125
e

125k 4

= e

B. Part II

1) Simplify the expression

20
4 n +2 +2

2n +2 . [ ]

1
=
2

1
16

20
=
4n+2 + 22n+2

20
=
16 4n + 4 4n

= 41 =

20
=
20 4n

1
=
4n

4n

1
n n
4

1
4

2) The graphs of x 2 + y = 12 and x + y = 12 intersect at two points. What is

the distance between these points? [ 2 units]
x + y = 12 y = 12 x
x 2 + y = 12 x 2 + 12 x = 12 x 2 x = 0 x x 1 = 0 x = 1,0
from x + y = 12
x = 1 1 + y = 12 y = 11 and x = 0 0 + y = 12 y = 12
The points of intersection are 1,11 and 0,12
Identity: distance of two points =
are x1 , y1 and (x2 , y2 )
Distance =

10

x2 x1
2

+ y2 y1

+ 12 11

where the points

= 2 units

3) How many terms of the arithmetic progression 2, 5, 8, will have a sum

of 345? [15 terms]
Identity: Sum =

n(a+l)
2

a = first term, l = last term, n = # of terms

And l = an = a + n 1 d d = common difference

From the two identities,

Sn =
From the given,

n(a + l) n 2a + n 1 d
=
2
2

Sn =

n 2 2 + n1 3
= 345
2

Since the first term is 2, and the common difference is 5 2 =8 5 = 3

n
3n + 1 = 345 n 3n + 1 = 690 3n2 + n 690 = 0
2
3n + 46 n 15 = 0 and since n should be an integer, n = 15
Sn =

4) If f x = x + 4

x+2

x 2 x , find f 0 + f 1 + f 2 . [-109]

f 0 = 0 + 4 0+2 0 2 0 = 42 1 = 16 f 1 = 53 1 = 125
and f 2 = 64 02 = 0
f 0 + f 1 + f 2 = 16 125 + 0 = 109

5) Find all solutions of 2 sin2 = 2 + cos where 0 < < 360.

[ = 90, 270, 240, 120]
2 sin2 = 2 + cos 2 1 cos2 = 2 + cos 2 cos2 + cos = 0
1
cos 2 cos + 1 = 0 cos = 0, = 90, 270, 120, 240
2
C. Part III

1) In an arithmetic sequence, the third, fifth, and eleventh terms are distinct
and form a geometric sequence. If the fourth term of the arithmetic
sequence is 6, find the 2010th term. [6024]
The fourth term of the arithmetic sequence can be expressed as:
a4 = a + 4 1 d = a + 3d = 6
Expressing the third, fifth, and eleventh terms can also be expressed as:
a3 = a + 2d, a5 = a + 4d, and a11 = a + 10d
Now, if they form a geometric sequence, therefore they have a common ratio:

a11 a5 a + 10d a + 4d
=
=
=
a5
a3
a + 4d
a + 2d
a + 3d + 7d
a + 3d + d 6 + 7d 6 + d

=
a + 3d + d
a + 3d d
6+d
6d
6 + 7d 6 d = 6 + d 2 7d2 + 36d + 36 = d2 + 12d 36
24d = 8d2 d = 3
From a + 3d = 6, a = 3
a2010 = a + 2009d = 3 + 2009 3 = 3 2008 = 6024
common ratio =

2) Show that f x =

2x
3x5

and g x =

5x
3x2

are inverses to each other.

Statement: f o g x = g o f x = x
Proof:
a) f o g x = x
First is to define the domain of f o g (x).
dom f o g x = x
Now, evaluating f o g x ,

2
3

5x
10x
10x
3x 2
fo g x =
=
=
=x
5x
15x

5(3x

2)
10
3
5
3x 2
Similarly, for b),
b) g o f x = x
2

dom g o f x = x

5
3

2x
10x
10x
3x 5
gof x =
=
=
=x
2x
6x

2
3x

5
10
3
2
3x 5
5

It shows that
fog x = gof x = x
This ends the proof. QED

3) Gas stations A, and B are located in a location map 14 km apart. A third

gas station C is 10 km from B and 6 km from A. What is the measure of the
largest angle formed by the location of the three stations? [120]
Let the triangle formed by the three stations be ABC where
AB = 14 km, BC = 10 km, and AC = 6 km.
By inspection, the largest angle formed is the opposite angle of the largest side
which is side AB that has an opposite angle of C.
By the cosine law,
AB2 = BC 2 + AC 2 2 AB AC cos C
BC 2 + AC 2 AB2
10 km 2 + 6 km 2 14 km
cos C =
=
2 AB AC
2 6 km 10 km
1
since 0 < < 180, cos C = C = 120
2

II.

1
2

Individual Written Competition (NCR)

A. Part I

1) Find the roots of x 3 + 2x 2 13x + 10 = 0. [x = 1, 2, 5]

Solution #1: Factor Theorem, Rational Root Theorem, Remainder Theorem
Let P x = x 3 + 2x 2 13x + 10
By the rational root theorem the possible roots are:
10 1, 2, 5, 10
=
= 1, 2, 5, 10
1
1
By trial and error, we will come up to:
P 1 = 0 which means x 1 is a factor

By factoring,
P x = x 3 + 2x 2 13x + 10 = x 1 x 2 + 3x 10 = x 1 x 2 (x + 5)
Therefore,
P x = 0 when x = 1, 2, 5
Hence, the roots

2) Write the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the segment joining

the points (2, -7) and (8, 3). [5x + 3y + 11 = 0]
Definition: Perpendicular Bisector = a line which is perpendicular to a given
line and also a bisector of the line.
From the definition, the perpendicular bisector should be perpendicular to the
given segment and passes through the midpoint of that segment.
a) Midpoint:
x2 + x1 y2 + y1
2 + 8 3 + 7
,
=
,
= (5, 2)
2
2
2
2
b) Perpendicular:
Let m1 and m2 be the slopes of the segment in the problem and the
required line, respectively.
1
82
3
m1 m2 = 1 m2 =
m1 =
=
m1
3 7
5
1
5
m2 = =
3
3
5
Equation:
5
y y1 = m x x1 y + 7 =
x 2 3y + 21 = 5x + 10
3
5x + 3y + 11 = 0
M=

3) Find the equation of the parabola that opens upward with vertex at (2,-2)
and passing through (3, -1). [y = x 2 4x + 2]

The equation of the parabola can be expressed as:

y = a x h 2 + k where h, k is the vertex
The vertex is (2, -2):
y=a x2
It passes through (3, -1):
1 = a 3 2

20a=1

The equation is:

y= x2

2 = x 2 4x + 2

And it opens upward

4) Centered at the origin, a circular arc begins at point (1, 0). If the arc has
length

21
4

, what are the coordinates of its terminal point? [(

cos , sin = cos

2
2

2
2

)]

21
21
5
5
2
2
, sin = cos , sin =
,
4
4
4
4
2
2

5) Find the height of the vertical cliff if 100 feet from its base the angle of
elevation is 60 degrees. [100 3 ft]
Drawing the right triangle, opposite the 60-degree angle is the height of the
cliff and adjacent to that angle is the distance of the cliff to that point where it
is observed at an angle of elevation of 60 degrees.
tan 60 =

height
height = 100ft tan 60 = 100 3 ft
100ft

6) Solve for in 2 sin 3 + csc = 0 on 0 < 360. [ =

30, 90, 150]
Identity: csc =

1
sin

1
= 0 2 sin2 3 sin + 1 = 0
sin
1
2 sin 1 sin 1 = 0 sin = 1, = 30, 90, 150
2
2 sin 3 + csc = 0 2 sin 3 +

7) What is the coefficient of a

in the expansion of a a

? [-21]

Key point: Binomial Theorem

Identity:
The r-th term of a binomial expansion of x + y

is C n, r 1 x nr+1 y r1

Expressing the r-th term of the expansion of a a

r th term = C 7, r 1 a

7r+1

1 r1
2
a

= C 7, r 1 1

The exponent of a in the r-th term of the expansion is a

17

2 r+ 2

r1

. Now the required

is a2 . Therefore, equating their exponents,

3
17
1
r+
= r=6
2
2
2
Therefore, the term with the variable a
3

C 7, 6 1 1 61 a2
So the coefficient is -21.

17
6 +2

1
2

is:

= C 7, 5 1

8) Solve for x in log x 1024 = 10. [x = 2]

x10 = 1024 x10 = 210 x = 2

17

a2r+ 2

a2 = 21a2

9) What is the domain of the function f x = log x 2 . [x 0]

y = 2 log x and y = log x 2 have different domains.
and since x 2 > 0 in logarithms, therefore, x 0

10)

Solve for x in 3x+1 = 4x7 . [x =

1+7 log 3 4
log 3 41

3x+1 = 4x7 x + 1 = x 7 log 3 4 x =

11)

1 + 7 log 3 4
log 3 4 1

If 42x+y = 256 and 4x+2y = 1024, solve for x and y. [x = 1, y = 2]

42x+y = 256 256 = 44 2x + y = 4
4x+2y = 1024 1024 = 45 x + 2y = 5
adding the two equations, 3x + 3y = 9 x + y = 3
from 2x + y = 4 and x + y = 3, x = 1
from x + 2y = 5 and x + y = 3, y = 2

12)
Find two pairs of two consecutive integers between which the graph
of P x = 2x 4 + 5x 3 3x 2 + x + 2 crosses the x-axis. [1, 0 and 4, 3]
By the rational root theorem, these are the possible roots:
2 1, 2
1
=
= 1, 2,
2 1, 2
2
1

But since the problem requires integers, will be disregarded.

2

By trial and error,

P 1 = 7 which is quite far from 0, if we try a high x-value, x =2, P 2 = 64.
This means, as the x-value starts that starts from 1, the value of P(x) will also
increase. Therefore, it goes farther from the x-axis. So trying a lower x value,
try x = 0, P(0)=2, it goes nearer to the x-axis. Another lower x-value, x = -1,
P 1 = 5. So from x = 0 to x = -1, it went from P 0 > 0 1 < 0.

Which means the graph already crossed the x-axis in the interval 1 < < 0.
So one pair is -1 and 0
Before trying another possible root, we already knew that x-values greater
than 1 will already give values of P(x) greater than 0 which means, P(x) will
not cross the x-axis on those values. So the negative values will be tried.
Trying values smaller than -1, x = -2, P 2 = 20, thats too far from the xaxis. Try x = -3, P(-3) = -1. So it went nearer to the x-axis. Another smaller xvalue, x = -4, P 4 = 142. From there, in the interval -4 < x <-3, there is
another root. Therefore another pair is -4 and -3.
Therefore, the two pairs are 0, -1 and -3,-4.

13)

Solve for x in the equation 3x + 9 3x = 10. [x = 0,2]

9
3 +9 3
= 10 3 + x = 10 32x + 9 = 10 3x Let A = 3x
3
2
2
A + 9 = 10A A 10A + 9 = 0 A 1 A 9 = 0 A = 1,9
3x = 1,9 x = 0, 2
x

14)
Find the zeroes of the function f x = cos x.

[x = + 2k where k is integer]
2

3 5
cos x = 0 x = , ,
2 2 2
finding the kth term of the sequence of the values of x,

x = + 2k where k is an integer.
2

15)
Points P and Q are both on segment AB where P divides AB in 2:3,
and Q in 3:4. If PQ = 2, find AB. [70 units]
Let P be nearer to A and Q be nearer to B. Expressing the ratios given,

AP 2 2k
AQ 3 3k
= =
AP = 2k, PB = 3k and
= =
AQ = 3k, QB = 4k
PB 3 3k
QB 4 4k
From the given line, by line segment addition/subtraction:
AQ = AP + PQ and QB = PB PQ
So, substituting to the ratio,
AQ AP + PQ 2k + 2 3
=
=
= k = 14
QB PB PQ 3k 2 4
Solving for the length of AB,
AB = AP + PB = 2k + 3k = 5k = 5 14 = 70 units

B. Part II

1) Find the equation of the line that passes through the point of intersection
of the lines 2x = 3y + 2 and 5x + 3y = 26, and parallel to the line
x + y = 4. [x + y 6 = 0]
Solution #1: Conventional
Solving for the point of intersection of the two lines, and using the slope of the
parallel line, the equation will be x + y 6 = 0.

Solution #2: Existence of a real number k

The required equation can be expressed as:
2x 3y 2 + k 5x + 3y 26 = 0 where k
This was derived from the two equations, 2x=3y+2 ~ 2x - 3y - 2=0 and
5x + 3y = 26 ~ 5x+3y - 26 =0
Rewriting the expression of the required equation,
5k + 2 x + 3k 3 y 2 26k = 0

Now, expressing its slope,

5k + 2
3k 3
But the line is parallel to x + y = 4, so they have equal slopes.
m=

5k + 2
5
= 1 k =
3k 3
2

Substituting to the expression of the required equation,

5
2x 3y 2 5x + 3y 26 = 0 x + y 6 = 0
2

2) The vertices of the base of an isosceles triangle are at (1, 2) and (4, -1).
Find the y-coordinate of the third vertex if its x-coordinate is 6. [4]
Let A(1, 2), B(4, -1) and C(6, y)
Since ABC is isosceles with base AB, the congruent legs are AC and BC.
AC = BC AC 2 = BC 2
Expressing the squares of their respective distances,
AC 2 = 6 1 2 + y 2 2 = y 2 2 + 25
2

BC 2 = 6 4 2 + y 1
= y+1 2+4
y 2 2 + 25 = y + 1 2 + 4 21 = 2y + 1 + 4y 4 y = 4

3) In counting n colored balls, some red and some black, it was found that 49
of the first 50 counted were red. Thereafter, 7 out of every 8 counted
were red. If, in all, 90% or more of the balls counted were red, find the
maximum value of n. [210]
Key point: In terms of the number of red balls.
Finding the total number of red balls:
After the first 50 balls, there are 49 red balls. After it, there are n 50 balls are
7

left. And it is given that of the remaining balls are also red. So the total
8

number of red balls is:

7
49 + (n 50)
8
It is also given that all in all, the total number of red balls is 90% or more of the
total number of balls. So it can be expressed as:
9
n or more
10
To solve for the maximum value of n, the two expressions can be written as an
inequality because as said in the given, it is not exactly 90% of the total is red.
It is 90% or more. So the inequality is:
7
9
49 + n 50
n 49 40 50 35 n n 210
8
10
Therefore, the maximum number of n is 210.

4) If 1 is placed after the last digit of a 30digit number, the resulting fourdigit number is three times the four-digit number formed when 2 is
placed before the first digit of the original number. [857]
To know how to express in algebraic expression the placing of digits to the first
or last digit of a number, we will try to look at these examples:
If 4 is placed in the number 567 after its last digit, the resulting number will be
5674. It is like multiplying 567 by 10 to make it 5670 then add 4 to have the
same result, 5674.
Now, instead of placing 4 after the last digit, we will try to place 4 before the
first digit. So the resulting number will be 4567. It is like simply adding 4000 ti
567 to make it 4567.
Applying the examples given, let N be the 3-digit number.
If 1 is placed after the last digit, the number will be 10N+1.
and If 2 is placed before the first digit of N, the resulting number would be
2000+N. and 10N+1 is thrice 2000+N, as cited in the given.
Solving for N,

10N + 1 = 3 2000 + N N = 857

5) Prove that any polynomial equation P x = 0 that contains only odd

powers of x and positive coefficients has no nonzero real roots.
Let P x = a1 x n + a2 x n+2 + a3 x n+4 + + am x m
The exponents are odd so there are no constant terms.
P x can be rewritten as P x = x m Q(x) by factoring.
Since P(x) have positive coefficients Q(x) also has positive coefficients. Thus,
Q x > 0 for x . Thus Q(x) has no real root. Which means that x = 0 is the
only real root of P(x). Therefore, there are no nonzero real roots of any
polynomial P(x) with positive coefficients and odd exponents. QED

C. Part III

1) Two ships leave the same pier at the same time. One ship sails on a course
of 110 at 34 km/hr, while the other ship sails on a course of 230 at
40 km/hr. Find the distance between them after 3 hours. [42 21 km]
After 3 hours, the first ship will have covered 3(34) = 102 km while the other
ship will have covered 3(40) = 120 km.
The first ship is travelling 110 degrees with the pier and the other at 230
degrees along the same pier. The angle formed by the track made by the two
ships is 230 110 = 120 degrees.
Using the cosine law, and letting d be the distance between them after 3 hours,
d2 = 102

+ 120

2 102 120 cos 120 = 37044 d = 42 21 km

2) Find the coordinates of the centroid of the triangle ABC, given that
A(-3, -3), B(7, 1), and C(5, 9). [ 3,

Definition: Centroid = the point of intersection of the medians of a triangle

Solution #1: Concurrency of the medians
Since there exist a centroid, the medians of a triangle are concurrent. So by
simply finding the equations of any two medians of a triangle and getting their
point of intersection, the point is the centroid which is 3,

7
3

In writing the equation of the medians, connect the midpoint of a certain side
of a triangle and its opposite vertex and then get its equation.
Solution #2: If theres half, theres third.
Generalizing solution #1, we get the identity to immediately solve for the
centroid/center of mass of a triangle.
Identity: The center of mass =

x 1 +x 2 +x 3 y 1 +y 2 +y 3
3

By applying the identity, The center of mass or the centroid is:

3 + 7 + 5 3 + 1 + 9
7
,
= 3,
3
3
3

3) Point F is taken on the extension of side AD of parallelogram ABCD, where

D is between A and F. The line FB intersects segments AC and CD at E and
G, respectively. If FG = 24 cm, GE = 8cm, find BE. [16 cm]

As seen from the figure, we can see that there are similar triangles.
FG DG
GC GE
FDG ~ FAB
=
and GEC ~ BEA
=
FB AB
AB BE
From FDG ~ FAB, FG = 24, and FB = FG+GE+EB = 32+BE,
FG DG
24
DG
24AB
=

=
DG =
FB AB BE + 32 AB
BE + 32
Now, we see that GC = DC DG. But AB = DC, So GC = AB DG.
So from GC = AB DG, GE = 8, and GEC ~ BEA,
GC GE
AB DG
8
=

=
8AB = AB DG BE
AB BE
AB
BE
24AB
24AB
but DG =
, 8AB = AB
BE
BE + 32
BE + 32
24
8= 1
BE 8BE + 256 = BE 2 + 8BE BE = 16 cm
BE + 32

III.

Team Orals (Nationwide)

A. 15 seconds

1) What is the slope of the line 3x 2y + 7 = 0? [ ]

2

slope =

A
3
3
=
=
B
2 2

2) What is the difference between the roots of x 2 12x + 35 = 0. [2]

From a b 2 = a + b 2 4ab
Let A and B be the roots of the equation.
A + B = 12, and AB = 35
A B 2 = A + B 2 4AB = 12
AB =2

4 35 = 144 140 = 4

3) If a + b = 4 and a b = 2, what is 3a? [9]

Adding the two equations, 2a = 6 a = 3 3a = 9

4) If 8x = 16, what is x? [ ]
3

23x = 24 3x = 4 x =

4
3

5) For what values of x is the graph of y = 2x 6 below the x-axis? [x < 3]

2x 6 < 0 < 3

6) What is the value of cos 120? [ ]

2

120 is obtuse, so cosine is negative. cos 180 x = cos x cos 120 =

cos 60 =

1
2

7) If the third term of a geometric progression is 12 and the first term is 3,

what is the second term? [6]
Identity: an of a GP = ar n1
a3 = ar 2 = 12, and a = 3 r 2 = 4 r = 2 a2 = ar = 6

8) If the remainder is 3 when divided by 7, what is the remainder when 9n is

divided by 7? [6]
Solution #1: High School way
n = 7Q + 3 9n = 63Q + 27

9n 27
=
= remainder 6
7
7

Solution #2: Modular Arithmetic

n 3 mod7 9n 27 mod7 1 mod7 = 6 (mod7)

9) What is the value of k if x + 2 is a factor of 2x 2 + 3x + k? [k=-2]

x + 2 = 0 x = 2
2 2 2 + 3 2 + k = 0 k = 2

10)

For what values of , where 0 2, is cos < 0? [ < < ]

A trivial question: cos < 0

3
Therefore, < <
2
2

B. 30 seconds

1) For what values of x is x 2 + 3x + 2 > 0? [x < 2, > 1]

x 2 + 3x + 2 > 0 x + 1 x + 2 > 0 > 1, < 2

2) The terminal point of an arc of length in standard position lies on the

4

segment joining the origin and the point (-3, 4). Determine sin . [ ]
5

y
d = distance of the points
d
the points are the origin and (-3, 4). Their distance is 5. Therefore,
y 4
sin = =
d 5
sin =

3) A wheel of radius 8 cm made 7 revolutions. Find the distance traveled by

a point on the rim of the wheel in terms of . [112 cm]
1 revolution = circumference = 2r = 2 8 cm = 16
7 revolutions = 7 16 = 112 cm

4) If 5x+9 = 25x , find x. [x = 3]

5x+9 = 25x 5x+9 = 52x x + 9 = 2x x = 3

5) Find the inverse of the function y =

3x5
x+4

. [y =

4x+5
3x

y = f(x) =
y = f 1

3x 5
3y 5
x=
xy + 4x = 3y 5 y x 3 = 5 4x
x+4
y+4
5 4x 4x + 5
x =
=
x3
3x

C. 1 minute

1) If 3y 2x = 6 and 3 x 9, what is the range of values of y?

[0 y 8]
Since the equation is linear, using the extreme values of x,
x = 3, y = 0 and x = 9, y = 8 0 y 8

2) If g x = x 2 9, what is the domain of g(x)? [ , 3] [3, )]

x 2 9 0 x + 3 x 3 0 x > 3, < 3 , 3] [3, )

3) A rectangle is divided into four smaller rectangles by drawing two

perpendicular lines. The areas of three of the rectangles are 6, 15, and 25
square units. What is the area of the fourth rectangle? [10 units2 ]

By arranging the rectangles, the only arrangement is the one in the figure. The
arrangement is done by factoring.
25 can be factored as 5*5, 15=5*3, and 6=3*2. 25 and 15 can be adjacent
rectangles because the common side can be 5 units long. Then 6 and 15 can
have a common side with length 3 units. Now the fourth rectangle also has
common sides with the rectangle with area 25 and 6, respectively. X and the
25-area rectangle have a common side with length 5 units. While X and 6 have
2 since the factor 3 is already the common side of 6 and 15. Therefore, the
dimensions of the fourth rectangle are 5 units and 6 units. So the area of the
fourth rectangle is 10 square units.

4) What is the remainder when 2x 4 3x 3 + 4x 2 x + 4 is divided by

x + 1? [14]
x + 1 = 0 x = 1 2 1

3 1

+ 4 1

1 + 4 = 14

5) Find an equation of the line through the points (-4, 3) that is parallel to
the line 2y + 3x 7 = 0. [3x + 2y + 6 = 0]
2y + 3x 7 = 0 3x + 2y 7 = 0
The equation of the line is:
3x + 2y + k = 0 3 4 + 2 3 + k = 0 k = 6 3x + 2y + 6 = 0

IV.

Team Orals (NCR-A)

A. Part I

1) What are the coordinates of the vertex of the parabola y = x 2 + 6x?

[(3,9)]
Solution #1: Completing the square
y = x 2 + 6x y = x 3

+ 9 (3, 9)

Solution #2: Midway of zeroes

The zeroes of y = x 2 + 6x is x = 0, 6. Since a parabola is symmetric to a
vertical axis, therefore, any two values of x, say A and B, such that P A = P(B),
A+B
2

is the x-coordinate of the vertex of that parabola.

The x-coordinate of the vertex is

0+6
2

= 3, and substituting to the equation, y=9

therefore, the vertex is (3, 9)

2) What is the period of the graph of y = 2 + 3 sin

period =

x
3

? [6]

2
= 6
1
3

3) The circumference of a circle is numerically equal to its area. How long is

its diameter? [4]
2r = r 2 r = radius = 2 diameter = 2r = 4

4) If 4x + 41+x = 80, find x. [x=2]

4x + 41+x = 80 4x + 4 4x = 80 5 4x = 80 4x = 16 x = 2

5) What is the exact value of sin 75 cos 45 + cos 75 sin 45? [

1
2

3]

Identity: sin(A + B) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B

sin 75 cos 45 + cos 75 sin 45 = sin(75 + 45) = sin(120) =

1
3
2

6) Solve for x if log x 64 = 2. [x = 8]

x 2 = 64 x > 0 = 8

7) If x 1 is a factor of f x = x 3 + kx 2 + 1, what is the value of k? [k = -2]

x 1 = 0 x = 1 f 1 = 13 + k 1

+ 1 = 0 k = 2

8) How many integers are there between log 2 3 and log 2 100? [5]
The expression, log 2 x will give an integer value if and only if x is a power of 2.
Therefore, to count the number of integers between log 2 3 and log 2 100, we
will find the number of powers of 2 between 3 and 100. The powers are: 4, 8,
16, 32, and 64. Therefore, there are 5 integers.

9) If

3
2

< < 2, find the radian measure of for which cos = sin .

[ =

11
6

2
1
11
sin =
3 = cos =

3
2
6

10)

A card is drawn from a standard deck of playing cards. What is the

4

probability that the card drawn is either a queen or a spade? [ ]

13

P Queen Spade = P Queen + P Spade P Queen Spade

4
1
13 1
1
P Queen =
=
P Spade =
= P Queen Spade =
52 13
52 4
52
1 1 1
4
P Queen Spade =
+
=
13 4 52 13

B. 30 seconds

1) What is the inverse of y = 4 + log 3 x? [y = 3x4 ]

y = 4 + log 3 x x = 4 + log 3 y log 3 y = x 4 y = 3x4

2) Let p and q be the highest and smallest roots of the equation

x 3 3x 2 x = 0, respectively. What is the value of p q? [ 13]
Clearly, x = 0 is neither the highest nor the smallest root. Therefore, we will
consider the equation x 2 3x 1 = 0.
Now, p + q = 3, and pq = -1.
pq

= p+q

4pq = 3

3) For what values of x is x x

3 +3x 2 +2x

Consider this: AB = 1 is satisfied if:

4 1 = 13 p q = 13

= 1? [x = -1, -2, 1]

Case 1: A=1, B
x = 1, x 3 + 3x 2 + 2x satisfied
Case 2: A 0, B = 0
x 3 + 3x 2 + 2x = 0, x 0 x 2 + 3x + 2 = 0, x = 1, 2
Case 3: A = 1, B = even
x = 1, now we will prove that x 3 + 3x 2 + 2x = even for x = 1.
x 3 + 3x 2 + 2x 1 3 + 3 1 2 + 2 1 = 0 even
Therefore, the values of x are x = 1, 2, 1

4) A 5x5x5 cube is built out of 1x1x1 cubes. If the outside surface of the large
cube is painted, how many small cubes will have paint on at least one
face? [98 cubes]
Key point: To count it fast, subtract the number of 1x1x1 cubes to the number
of cubes that are not painted of any face.
The number of 1x1x1 cubes is 5x5x5=125
The number of 1x1x1 cubes that is not painted on any face:
In an edge of the cube, there are 5 little cubes. The two ends are then painted.
Therefore, 5-2 = 3 cubes are not painted which means, there are 3x3x3 = 27
cubes that are not painted.
Therefore the required number cube is: 125 27 =98 cubes.
5) Find the exact value of sin 2x if sin x =
[

120
169

13

, and x is in the second quadrant?

From sin2 x + cos2 x = 1, and sin x =

quadrant.

5
13

, cos x =

12
13

since it is in the second

sin 2x = 2 sin x cos x = 2

5
13

12
120
=
13
169

C. Part III

1) How many three-digit numbers are there for which the sum of its digits is
5? [15]
5 = 0 + 0 + 5, 0 + 1 + 4, 0 + 2 + 3, 1 + 1 + 3, 1 + 2 + 2
In 0,0,5 , only 500 is the accepted permutation.
In 0,1,4 , 0 cannot be the first digit. So there are 3! 2! = 4 numbers. The 3! is
the number of permutations of 0,1,4. The we will subtract it by 2! because 2! Is
the number of permutations of 0,1,4 such that 0 is in the first digit.
Similarly, 0,2,3, there are 3! - 2! =4 numbers.
Now in 1,1,3, there are

3!
2!

= 3 numbers. We divided it by 2! because there are 2

identical numbers.
Similarly, 1,2,2 also have

3!
2!

= 3 numbers.

Therefore, there are 1 + 4 + 4 + 3 + 3 = 15 numbers

2) Find all ordered pairs (x, y) that satisfy the equations x = y and
x 2 + y 2 = 1.
Since x = y , x 2 = y 2
substituting to x 2 + y 2 = 1, 2x 2 = 1 x = y =
Therefore, the ordered pairs are:

2
2

2
2

2
2

3) In how many ways can the letters of the word PENCIL be arranged in a
row if the consonants are in alphabetical order? [30 ways]
Since the vowels will be in alphabetical order, there should only have 1
permutation of the consonants, which means we can treat the vowels as
identical.
Permutations =

(number of letters in PENCIL)! 6!

= = 30
number of consonants !
4!

4) Suppose that the angle between the minute hand and the hour hand of a
clock is 120 degrees. If the minute hand is 21 cm long and the hour hand
is 3 cm long, what is the distance between the tips of the hands of the
clock? [ 37 cm]
Using the cosine law,
d2 = 21

+ 3

2 21 3 cos 120 = 37 d = 37 cm

5) Three positive numbers form an arithmetic sequence, the common

difference being 1. If the first number is decreased by 6, the second is
decreased by 1, and the third is doubled, the resulting numbers now form
a geometric sequence. What is the biggest among the three numbers in
the original sequence? [36]
The arithmetic progression is expressed as: a, a + d, a + 2d and since the
common difference is 11, it will be a, a + 11, a + 22.
If the first is decreased by 6, ~ a 6

If the second is decreased by 1, ~ a + 11 1 = a + 10

If the third is doubled, ~ 2 a + 22 = 2a + 24
Now they would form a geometric sequence:
2a + 24 a + 10
=
2a2 + 32a 264 = a2 + 20a + 100 a = 14 (a > 0)
a + 10
a6
The original sequence is 14, 25, and 36. Therefore, the largest is 36.

V.

Team Orals (NCR-A)

A. 15 seconds

1) How many integers are there between 3 and 2010? [43]

Since 3 < 4, the least integer is 2
and 2010 > 44, 44 .
Therefore, there are 44 2 + 1 = 43 integers.

2) If the parabola y = x 2 6x + 7 is tangent to y = k, what is k? [k=-2]

x 2 6x + 7 = k should have only one root. So we can deduce that x 2 6x +
7 k = y is tangent to the x-axis, therefore, x 2 6x + 7 k should be a perfect
square trinomial. So 7 k = 9 ~ k=-2

3) For what values of x is 9x < 243? [x < ]

2

9x < 243 32x < 35 2x < 5 <

5
2

4) If four fair coins are tossed, what is the probability that exactly 2 heads
3

and two tails come up? [ ]

8

We can simply solve for the probability that exactly 2 heads comes up when
1

4 coins are tossed. The probability that a head will come up in one coin is .
2

And the probability that it is not head is also . Therefore, in four tosses, the
probability of 4 heads is

1 2
2

1 2
2

1
16

. But there are C (4,2) = 6 ways

that 2 head that will come up in 4 coins. Therefore, the probability is

6

1
16

= .
8

Or by independent trials, C 4,2

1 2
2

1 42
2

3
8

5) Find k if f x = x 3 + kx + 1 leaves the same remainder when divided by

x 2 and x + 1. [k=-3]
f 2 = f 1 8 + 2k + 1 = 1 k + 1 k = 3
6) Give the radian measure of the smallest positive angle that is co-terminal
3

with 585. [ radians]

4

585 is co terminal with 360 + 585

3
= 225and with 360 + 225 = 135 = radians
4

7) If log 2 x + log 2 (x 2) = 3, find x. [x = 4]

log 2 x + log 2 x 2 = 3 log 2 x 2 2x = 3 x 2 2x = 8 x 4 x + 2

= 0 x = 4, 2
But x > 0 2 > 0~ > 2 = 4

8) Find the area of the triangle formed by the coordinate axes and the line
2x + 3y = 16. [

64
3

units2 ]

Key point: This line forms a right triangle because the coordinate axes are
perpendicular. The distance of each intercept to the origin is the length of the
leg of that triangle.
The intercepts are: 0,
therefore are:

16
3

16
3

and (8, 0). The respective lengths of the legs

1

1 16

units and 8 units area = bh =

8 =

64
3

units2

9) What is the largest integer value of n for which 20! Is divisible by 3n .

[n=8]
Since 20! = 2 3 4 5 19 20, when divided by 3n where n satisfies the
problem, will give a quotient that does not have any prime factor of 3. So to
make it possible, we will do this algorithm:
20! = product of positive integers from 1 to 20, so there are

20
3
6

6 integers

that has a prime factor of 3. And in that 6 integers, there are = 2 integers that
3

has a factor of 9 which has a prime factor of 3. Therefore, the power of 3 if 20!
is prime factorized is 9. Therefore n = 9.

10)
If the area of the square is increased from 32 cm2 to 72 cm2 , by how
much is the length of its diagonal increased? [4 cm]
The side of the square with area 32 cm2 is 32 = 4 2 cm, and the length of the
diagonal is 4 2 2 = 8 cm.

Also, the square with area 72 cm2 is 6 2 cm and has diagonal 12 cm.
The change in the length of its diagonal is 12 cm 8 cm = 4 cm.

B. 30 seconds

1) For what values of k is y =

x2
x+k

its own inverse? [k = -1]

x2
y2
kx + 2
x=
y = f 1 x =
x+k
y+k
1x
x 2 kx + 2
=
kx 2 + 2x + k 2 x + 2k = x 2 + 3x 2
x+k
1x
2
kx + k 2 x + 2k = x 2 + x 2
y=f x =

Now comparing the coefficient of the variables,

k = 1, k 2 = 1, 2k = 2 all satisfy the same value of k = 1

2) Find the value of sin 2 if sin < 0 and the terminal side of the standard
angle lies on the line 4x + 5y = 0. [

40
41

The graph of the line is both in the first and fourth quadrant. So cos > 0.
Identity: slope = tan
Applying the identity,
4
4
4
5
tan = sin =
=
and cos =
5
41
41
42 + 52
4
5
40
sin 2 = 2 sin cos = 2
=
41
41
41

3) Solve for x if log 25

2x1
x+1

= . [x = 2, ]

log 25

2x 1
x+1

1
2x 1
1
2x 1
1
log 25
= and log 25
=
2
x+1
2
x+1
2

1
1
2x 1
2x 1
1
= 252 = 5 and
= 252 =
x+1
x+1
5
2
2x 1
1
x = 2, and
> 0 2x 1 x + 1 > 0 < 1, > ,
3
x+1
2
2
x = 2,
3

4) One base of a triangle measures 30 degrees, and the side opposite this
angle is 2 in. What is its perimeter? [4 + 2 3 in]
The two base angles of the triangle measure 30 degrees and the vertex angle is
60 degrees. The other leg of the isosceles triangle also has length 2 inches.
Identity: Sine law

a
sin A

b
sin B

c
sin C

where the small letters are the length of

the sides of the triangles and the capital letters correspond to their respective
opposite angles. Applying it,
2
x
=
x = 2 3 in
sin 30 sin 60
Therefore the perimeter of the triangle is
2 + 2 + 2 3 = 4 + 2 3 inches

5) A number is selected at random from the set {1, 2, 3, , 100}. What is the
probability that the number selected is neither divisible by 3 nor 5? [
Let n E = 1, 2, 3, , 100 = 100, P x be the probability function and
P x =

n x
n E

Note that:
n not divisible by 3 or 5 = n E n divisible by 3 OR 5

53
100

n divisible by 3 OR 5 = n divi. by 3 + n divi. by 5 n both 3 and 5

n both 3 and 5 = n divisible by 15 since LCM 3, 5 = 15
Now, finding n both 3 and 5 :
15, 30, , 15 6 = 6 elements
Similarly, n divi. by 3 and n(divi. by 5):
3, 6, 9, , 3 33 = 33 elements, and 5, 10, 15, , 5 20 = 20 elements
Finding n divisible by 3 OR 5 ,
n divisible by 3 OR 5 = 33 + 20 6 = 47 elements
To solve for n not divisible by 3 or 5
n not divisible by 3 or 5 = 100 47 = 53 elements
Finally,
P not divi. by 3 OR 5 =

53
100

C. 1 minute

1) Suppose that x + 1 is a factor of f x = ax 4 + 2x 3 13x 2 + bx + 4. If f(x)

leaves a remainder of 12 when divided by x 1, what will be the
remainder when f(x) is divided by x + 2? [168]
From the given, f 1 = 0, f 1 = 12, and f 2 = unknown
f 1 = a 2 13 b + 4 = 0 a b = 11
f 1 = a + 2 13 + b + 4 = 12 a + b = 19
a = 15, b = 4
f 2 = 16a 16 52 2b + 4 = 16a 2b 64 16 15 2 4 64
= 168

2) If 3x = 52x+1 , then the value of x can be written in the form

log a
log b

, where a

and b are positive rational numbers. Find ab. [ ]

5

3x = 52x+1 x = 2x + 1 log 3 5 x log 3 25 + log 3 5 = x

log 3 5
log 3 5
x log 3 25 1 = log 3 5 x =

1 log 3 25 log 3 3 log 3 25

log 3 5
log 5
3
3
=
=
a = 5, b =
ab =
3
3
25
5
log 3
log
25
25

3) In how many ways can the letters of the word COSECANT be arranged in
a row so that the vowels are in alphabetical order? [3360]
The number of ways to jumble COSECANT can INITIALLY be counted as 8!
Now, notice that there are 2 identical letter Cs. So 8! Will be divided by 2! So
8!

the running total now is .

2!

Lastly, treat the vowels as identical letters so that it will only have 1
permutation since alphabetically arranged letters only have 1 permutation.
There are 3 vowels so the running total will be divided by 3!
Therefore, the total ways is

4) If 16cos

2x

16cos

+ 2 16si n

2x

8!
2!3!

2x

= 3360

3 1

= 12, what are the possible values of cos2 x? [ , ]

4 2

+ 2 16si n x = 12 16cos x + 2 161cos x = 12

2 16
32
2
2
16cos x + cos 2 x = 12 Let A = 16cos x A +
= 12
A
16
A2 12A + 32 = 0 A 8 A 4 = 0 A = 4, 8

16cos

2x

= 4 cos2 x =

3 1
cos2 x = ,
4 2

1
3
2
, 16cos x = 8 cos2 x =
2
4

5) A farmer wishes to fence a rectangular field along a river. No fencing is

needed for the side adjacent to the river. The fencing costs Php 30 per
foot for the side parallel to the river and Php 20 per foot for the other two
sides. If the farmer plans to spend a total of Php 2400 for fencing, what
dimensions will maximize the area of the field? [30ft by 40ft]
Note that the side adjacent to the river is not fenced; therefore, only three sides
of the field will be fenced.
Let x be the length of the side parallel to the river. And y be the other two sides.
From the given, x is Php 30 per feet. And y is Php 20 per feet.
The total fencing can be expressed as:
30x + 2 20y = 2400 3x + 4y = 240
Solving for y,
y=

240 3x
3
= 60 x
4
4

Multiplying by x to make it xy so that it can express the area of the field,

3
b
60
xy = 60x x 2 Max is at x = =
= 40 ft
3
4
2a
2
4
and y = 30 ft by solving for y. Therefore the dimensions are 40 ft by 50 ft.
VI.

National Finals

I.

Individual Written Round

A. Part I

1) Find the digit x in 18! = 6402370572x00. [x = 8]

Note that 10! = 800 8 is the last nonzero digit
Algorithm:
18
1 81 = 8 18! ~ 8 8! = 80 8 is the last nonzero digit
10
In 8 8! , 8 is from 10!, and 8! is from the algorithm
Therefore, x = 8

2) If 2 is a root of the quadratic equation 2x 2 + bx = 6, what is the other

3

root? [ ]
2

2x 2 + bx = 6 2x 2 + bx 6 = 0 2 2
The quadratic equation is,

+ b 2 6 = 0 b = 1

2x 2 x 6 = 0 2x + 3 x 2 = 0 other root is

3
2

3) If a two-digit number is divided by the sum of its digits, the quotient and
the remainder are 2. If the number is multiplied by the sum of its digits,
the product is 112. What is the number? [16]
Let 10x + y be the two-digit number. So the sum of its digits is x + y.
If the number is divided by the sum of its digits,
10x + y
2
=2+
10x + y = 2 x + y + 2 8x y = 2 y = 8x 2
x+y
x+y
If the number is multiplied to the sum of its digits,
10x + y x + y = 112
By substitution,

10x + 8x 2 x + 8x 2 = 112 18x 2 9x 2 = 112

9x 1 9x 2 = 56 9x 2 3 9x + 2 56 = 0
9x 2 3 9x 54 = 0 9x 9 9x + 6 = 0
Since x is a digit of a number, 9x 9 = 0 x = 1, and y = 6
Therefore,
10x + y = 10 1 + 6 = 16

4) In a given arithmetic sequence, the first term is 2, the last term is 29, and
the sum of all the terms is 155. What is the common difference? [3]
Let a = first term, l = last term, S = the sum, d = common difference
And n = number of terms
Expressing the sum,
S=

n a+l
= 155
2

And expressing the terms,

a = 2, l = a + n 1 d = 29
Substituting,
S=

n 2 + 29
31n
n
= 155
= 155 = 5 n = 10
2
2
2

Now to solve for the common difference,

a + n 1 d = 29 2 + 10 1 d = 29 d = 3

5) In ABC, the exterior angle at C is 60 degrees. If A: B = 1: 3, find the

measure of the smallest angle of ABC. [30]
A: B = 1: 3 = k: 3k A = k, B = 3k
Since the sum of the interior angles of a triangle is 180 degrees,

A + B + C = 180 k + 3k + 60 = 180 k = 30
A = 30, B = 90
Therefore, the smallest angle of the triangle is 30.

6) The sequence an is defined as follows: a1 = 1, a2 = 3, and

an = an1 an2 for n 3. What is the sum of the first one thousand
terms of the sequence? [5]
The sequence goes:
a3 = a2 a1 = 3 1 = 2, a4 = 2 3 = 1, a5 = 3, a6 = 2, a7 = 1
OR
1, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2,
The sequence only repeats the numbers 1, 3, 2, -1, -3, -2.
The sequence repeats

1000
6

= 166 times in the first 166 6 = 996 terms.

Finding the last four terms:

Since the last term in the first six terms is -2, it is also the last term in the first
996 terms. The next term or the 997th term now is 1, then 3, 2 and the 1000th
term which is the end of the desired number of terms to be summed up is -1.
To sum up the 1000 terms, first notice that the first 6 terms has a sum of zero.
And since the 6 terms will be repeated 166 times, the whole 996 terms will
already have a sum of zero. The only terms that are not included in the sum is
the 997th to the 1000th term. Which is:
a997 + a998 + a999 + a1000 = 1 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 5
Therefore, 5 is the sum of the first 1000 terms
7) Which positive integers x satisfy the equation log 3 x log x 5 = log 3 5?
[x 1 or /{1}]
log 3 x log x 5 = log 3 5

log x
log 3

log 5
= log 3 5
log x

So it looks like all real numbers are the solutions of the equation. But x 1
because the quantities will have a zero denominator in the equation and 0
numerator and denominator will never cancel each other. Negative numbers
and zero are not included in the condition because the problem already said
that the values of x are positive integers.
Therefore, x 1 and /{1}

8) In ABC, let D, E and F be the midpoints of AB, BD, and BC, respectively.
The area of ABC is 96 in2. What is the area of AEF? [36 in2]

Key Point: Area subtraction and Medians

Using the area subtraction,
AEF = ABC BEF AFC
Since F is the midpoint of the side BC, the segment AF is the median of ABC to
the side BC. And by definition, AFC = AFB =

96
2

= 48 in2

Now, in AFB, D is the midpoint of AB. So constructing a segment FD, that will
be the median to the side AB. So FDA = FDB =

48
2

= 24 in2 .

Moreover, in BFD, FE is the median so DEF = BEF =

24
2

= 12 in2 .

So the areas of AFC and BEF are already known,

AEF = ABC BEF AFC = 96 in2 12 in2 48 in2 = 36 in2

9) The bases of a trapezoid are 5cm and 8cm, respectively. The legs are 4cm
and 6cm, respectively, and they are produced to meet. How long has each
leg been produced? [10 cm,

20
3

cm]

From the figure, we let ABDC be the trapezoid. The bases are AB and CD with
lengths 5cm and 8cm, respectively. And the legs are AC and BD with lengths
6cm and 4cm, respectively. Now the legs are produced to meet, so the legs are
extended and they will meet at point E.
Now,
CED AEB, and AB||CD EAB ECD, and EBA EDC
From the three angle congruencies, we can conclude that CED ~ AEB.
(Triangle CED is similar to triangle AEB)
So if the two triangles are similar,

CD EC ED
=
=
AB EA EB
And since,
ED = EB + BD and EC = EA + AC
CD EC
EC
8
EC
=
=
=
EC = 16cm
AB EA EC AC 5 EC 6
CD ED
ED
8
ED
32
=
=
=
ED =
cm
AB EB ED 4 5 ED 4
3
Therefore, each leg has been produced by:
EA = EC AC = 16cm 6cm = 10cm
32
20
and EB = ED BD =
cm 4cm =
cm
3
3

10)
Each diagonal of a rectangle is 10cm. The area of a similar rectangle
is 6cm2, and one of its sides is 2cm. Find the area of the first rectangle.
[

600
13

cm2 ]

The similar rectangle has an area of 6cm2 and a side of 2cm. So the other side
has a length of 3cm. So the length of the diagonal is 13 cm by the Pythagorean
Theorem.
By similarity,
side1 2
diagonal1
=
side2
diagonal2

11)

area1
=

area2

10cm

13 cm

R
600 2

R
=
cm
6 cm2
13

If f 2 3x = x 2 x, what is f(7)? [6]

To get f(-7), 2 3x should be -7. So solving for x, 2 3x = 7 x = 3

f 7 = 3

12)

3 =6

Simplify: log 9 54 log 9 2. [ ]

4

log 9 54 log 9 2 = log 9

=

54
2

= log 9

54
1
= log 9 27 = log 9 27
2
2

1 log 3 27 1 3 3

= =
2 log 3 9
2 2 4

13)
The angles of a polygon are in arithmetic progression. If the smallest
angle is 100 degrees and the largest angle is 140 degrees, how many sides
does the polygon have? [6]
Key point: Sums of interior angles and Arithmetic progression
n

Identities: Sum of A. P = (a + l) where n = number of terms, a = first term,

2

and l = last term.

Sum of interior angles of a polygon = n 2 (180) where n =number of sides
The smallest angle is the first term of the progression, while the largest is the
last term. So expressing the sums and equating the necessary expressions,
n
100 + 140 = n 2 180 n = 6 sides
2

14)
Let be and acute angle such that sin 2 = a. Express sin + cos
in terms of a. [ 1 + a]
Derivation of an identity:
sin + cos 2 = sin2 + cos2 + 2 sin cos sin2 + cos2 = 1

sin + cos

= 1 + 2 sin cos sin 2 = 2 sin cos

sin + cos

= 1 + sin 2 sin + cos = 1 + sin 2 , but sin 2 = a

sin + cos = 1 + a

15)
How many sets X satisfy the relationship a, b X a, b, c, d, e .
[8]
The relationship a, b X a, b, c, d, e means the set {a, b} is a subset of X
and X is a subset of the set {a, b, c, d, e}.
So to X be a set that satisfies the relation, X should have the elements a and b.
So in counting the number of sets X, we should count the number of subsets the
set {c, d, e} has. The elements {a, b} does not count because the two elements
should not be separated. So the number of subsets {c, d, e} has is 23 = 8. Since
null set is also a subset of {c, d, e}.

B. Part II

1) A circle of radius 8 cm is divided into four arcs: AB = 60 BC = 90,

CD = 120, and DA = 90.What is the area of ABCD? [64 + 32 3 cm2 ]
Key point: Area addition
the points A, B, C, and D form a quadrilateral. Let O be the center. The measure
of the arcs is the same as the measure of the central angles.
Definition: Central Angles An angle formed by two points in the
circumference of a circle and its vertex is the center of the circle
Now, the quadrilateral will be divided into four triangles AOB, BOC, COD, and
DOA. Where AOB = 60, BOC = DOA = 90 and COD = 120.

So the area of ABCD can be expressed as:

[ABCD] = [AOB] + [BOC] + [COD] + [DOA]
Where [ABCD] means the area of ABCD.
1

Identity: Area of a triangle = ab sin C. Where a and b are two sides of a

2

triangle and C is the included angle.

Now since the four points, A, B, C, and D are on the circumference of the circles
and O is the center, OA, OB, OC, and OD are all radii with length 8 cm.
Now, calculating the areas of the four triangles,
[AOB] =

1
1
OA OB sin 60 = 8 cm 8 cm sin 60 = 16 3 cm2
2
2

Similarly,
[BOC] = 32 cm2 , [COD] = 16 3 cm2 , and [DOA] = 32 cm2
Therefore,
[ABCD] = 16 3 + 32 + 16 3 + 32 = 64 + 32 3 cm2

2) Three equal circles are externally tangent to each other so that each circle
touches the other two. A belt that is placed around these circles has a
length of 50 feet. What is the length of the radius of each circle? [

25
+3

ft]

The belt formed is the perimeter of the figure MNOPQR where it is divided
by the line segments MN, OP, and QR and the arcs NO, PQ, and RM.
Now, to find the measure of the arcs:
Since the circles A, C, and E are congruent, they also have congruent radii.
Connecting their respective centers, the triangle ACE is equilateral. Denote R
as the radius of each circle. So the length of each side of the equilateral
triangle ACE is 2R. So the measure of each interior angle of ACE is 60
degrees. So in circle A, EAC = 60 degrees.
MN and RQ are segments tangent to the circle A. So AM MN and ARRQ,
which implies that AMN = ARQ = 90 degrees. And also, in circle C and E,
CNM = EQR = 90 degrees. We can conclude that the quadrilaterals AEQR,
CEPO, and CAMN are rectangles.

Going back to circle A, since CAMN and AEQR are rectangles, CAM = EAR
= 90 degrees.
Knowing that circle A is 360 degrees,
CAM + EAR + EAC + MAR = 360 90 + 90 + 60 + MAR = 360
Therefore, MAR = 120
So the angle MAR is the same as the measure of arc RM. Similarly, the arcs
PO and NQ are also 120 degrees each, which implies that the three arcs RM,
PO, and NQ are congruent.
From the three rectangles, it also implies that RQ = AE, OP = CE, MN = AC.
But ACE is equilateral and AC = CE = AE. So RQ = OP = MN = 2R.
Finding the perimeter of the figure MNOPQR,
MNOPQR = MN + arc NO + OP + arc PQ + QR + arc RM = 50
120
2
= 3 MN + 3 arc NO = 3 2R + 3
2R = 3 2R + 3 R = 50
360
3
25
6R + 2R = 50 R 6 + 2 = 50 + 3 R = 25 R =
feet
+3

3) Five points O, A, B, C, D are taken in order (left to right) on a horizontal

line with distances OA = a, OB = b, OC = c, OD = d. Let P be a point on BC
such that AP: PD = BP: PC. Assuming that a + c b + d, express OP in
terms of a, b, c, and d. [ OP =

ac bd
a+cbd

The given says that,

AP: PD = BP: PC

AP BP
=
PD PC

Expressing AP, PD, BP, and PC by segment subtraction,

AP = OP a, PD = d OP, BP = OP b, and PC = c OP
Substituting to the ratio,

OP a OP b
=
OP a c OP = OP b d OP
d OP c OP
OP 2 ac + OP a + OP c = OP 2 bd + OP b + OP d
OP a + c OP b + d = ac bd OP a + c b d = ac bd
ac bd
OP =
a+cbd

4) Prove that the sum of the three medians of a triangle is greater than
three-fourths of the perimeter of the triangle.

Statement: ma + mb + mc > (a + b + c)
4

Proof:
Denote G as the centroid of the triangle.
Let a = BC, b = AC, c = AB, ma = AF, mb = BE, and mc = CD
Identity: ma , mb , and mc are the medians of the triangle with centroid G,
CG =

2
2
2
mc , BG = mb , and AG = ma
3
3
3

Using the triangle inequality to the triangles BGC, CGA, and AGB,
BG + CG > , + > , + > ,

2
2
2
2
2
2
mb + mc > , mc + ma > , ma + mb >
3
3
3
3
3
3
For easier calculations, modifying the inequalities,
mb + mc >

3
3
3
a, mc + ma > b, and ma + mb > c
2
2
2

Adding the three inequalities,

2 ma + mb + mc >

3
3
a + b + c ma + mb + mc > (a + b + c)
2
4

This satisfies the statement. The left hand side of the inequality denotes the
sum of the medians while the right hand side of the inequality denotes the
perimeter of the triangle. So the sum of the medians is three-fourths the
perimeter of the triangle. QED

5) The perimeter of a triangle is 60 inches. The bisector of an angle divides

the opposite side into two segments of 9 and 12 inches. Find the lengths
of the other two sides of the triangle. [

117
7

in and

156
7

in ]

The angle bisector of the triangle divides the triangle into two similar triangles.
So, letting ABC be the triangle and let B be the angle bisected. Let BD be the
bisector and D is on AC. So BDA ~ BDC,
BA AD BA
9
3 3k
=

=
= =
BA = 3k, BC = 4k
BC CD BC 12 4 4k
The perimeter of the triangle is 60 inches. And AC = 9 + 12 = 21 inches. So,
39
BA + BC = 60 21 = 39 3k + 4k = 39 k =
7
39
117
39
156
BA = 3
=
in and BC = 4
=
in
7
7
7
7
Therefore, the other sides have lengths

117
7

in and

156
7

in

C. Part III

1) Let P be a point on AC of a parallelogram ABCD and is nearer to A than to

C. Draw a line through P, cutting AD at K, AB at M, CD extended at T, and
CB extended at R. Prove that PK PT = PM PR.

The figure above is the figure given in the problem.

Statement: PK PT = PM PR
Since AD||BC, K is on AD, and R is on BC, KAP = PCR, and AKP = PRC.
And from the Vertical Angle Theorem, APK = RPC, so from the three angle
equations, APK~CPR from the Angle-Angle-Angle Theorem. And:
AP PK
PK CP
=
AP =
CP PR
PR
Similarly, AM||CD, T is on CD, and M is on AB, PTC = PMA, and
PAM = PCT. And from the VAT, TPC = MPA, so APM~CPT. And:
PM AP
PM CP
=
AP =
PT CP
PT

From the two equations,

PK CP PM CP PK PM
=

=
PK PT = PM PR
PR
PT
PR PT
QED

2) It is given that N is a positive integer such that both 2N + 1 and 3N + 1

are perfect squares. It is true that N is divisible by 40? Justify your
answer. [ Yes ]
To decide if N is divisible by 40 or not, N should be tested if it is divisible by 5
and 8
Since 2N + 1 and 3N + 1 are perfect squares, we can express the two terms as:
2N + 1 = k 2 and 3N + 1 = l2
If 2N+1 is divided by 2, its remainder is 1, so 2N+1 is odd. So k is odd. Say:
k = 2A + 1 for some integer A, k 2 = 2N + 1 N = 2A(A + 1)
Notice that 2 is a factor of N and one of A and A+1 is an even integer. So N is
divisible by 4.
Since N is even 3N+1 is also odd, so l is odd. Say:
l = 2B + 1 l2 = 3N + 1 3N = 4B(B + 1)
3 is a prime, N is divisible by 4 and either B or B+1 is an even integer. So N is
divisible by 8.
Now, say N is not divisible by 5. So we can express that N = 5Q + R for Q is an
integer and R = 1, 2, 3, or 4. Since N is not divisible by 5.
Before testing the four cases, look at these conditions for a perfect square:
If an integer has last digit x, x = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. The last digit of x 2 can be:
x 2 = 1, 4, 9, 6, 5. If the last digit is not one of 1, 4, 9, 6, and 5, It is not a perfect
square.

Case 1 = N = 5Q + 1
2N + 1 = 2 5Q + 1 + 1 = 10Q + 3
It has a last digit of 3. So it cannot be a perfect square, R 1
Case 2 = N = 5Q + 2
Q is even since 2 is the remainder when N is divided by 5. Say Q = 2C
3N + 1 = 3 5 2C + 2 + 1 = 10 3C + 7
It has a last digit of 7 which cannot be a perfect square. R 2
Case 3 = N = 5Q + 3
2N + 1 = 10Q + 7
It is not a square because 7 is the last digit. R 3
Case 4 = N = 5Q + 4
So Q is even. Say Q = 2D
3N + 1 = 10 3D + 1 + 3
It is not a square. So R 4
From the four cases, R cannot be 1 to 4. So it means that N should be divisible
by 5.
From GCD 5, 8 = 1, N is divisible by 40.

3) A polynomial P(x) has integral coefficients. When P(x) is divided by x + 1,

the remainder is 2. Moreover, when P(x) is divided by x 2, the
remainder is 1. What is the remainder when P(x) is divided by
1

x 2 x 2? [ x + ]
From the given, P(x) can be expressed as:
P x = x + 1 x 2 Q x + R(x)
x + 1 = 0, x = 1, and x 2 = 0, x = 2
P 1 = R 1 = 2, and P 2 = R 2 = 1

Since the divisor x 2 x 2 has a degree 2, R(x) should be at most degree 1.

So, R x = Ax + B
From R 1 = 2, and R 2 = 1,
R 1 = A 1 + B = A + B = 1
R 2 = A 2 + B = 2A + B = 1
Solving for A and B,
1
5
A = ,B =
3
3
Therefore, the remainder is
1
5
R x = x+
3
3

II.

Individual Oral Round

A. 15 seconds

1) What is the remainder when 4x 4 + 3x 3 + 2x 2 + x is divided by x + 1? [2]

x + 1 = 0 x = 1 4 1

+ 3 1

+ 2 1

+ 1 = 2

2) A smaller square is formed by joining the midpoints of the adjacent sides

of the bigger square. If the diagonals of the bigger square are 5 cm long,
what is the area of the smaller? [

25
4

cm2 ]

diagonal = side 2 = 5 side =

The length of a side of the smaller square is

5 2
cm
2

s
2

s
+
2

s 2
=
=
2

5 2
2
2

2
=

5
cm
2

Area of the smaller square:

5
2

25
cm2
4

3) What is the least integer that satisfies the inequality 25 2x < 5? [ 11 ]

25 2x < 5 5 < 25 2 < 5
Subtract 25 on both sides
30 < 2 < 20 30 > 2 > 20 15 > > 10
Since 10 is not included in the solution set, 11 is the least integer that satisfy
the inequality.

4) If three arithmetic means are inserted between 28.5 and 82.5, what is the
middle term? [55.5]
If three means are inserted between 28.5 and 82.5, 28.5 will be the first term
and 82.5 will be the 5th term.
Expressing the terms,
a = 28.5, a + 5 1 d = a + 4d = 82.5
The middle term is unknown which is a + 3 1 d = a + 2d
From a = 28.5 and a + 4d = 82.5,
4d = 82.5 28.5 = 54 2d = 27
Middle term:
a + 2d = 28.5 + 27 = 55.5

5) Solve for x in 16x = 32. [ x =

2

16x = 32 24x = 25 4x 2 = 5 x 2 =

5
5
x=
4
2

6) Find the area of the circle that is centered at (2, 1) and passes through the
point (4, 0). [ 5 units2 ]
The distance from the point on the circumference of the circle to the center is
the radius.
r2 = 4 2

+ 01

=5

Area of the circle:

r 2 = 5 units2

7) A box contains six slips of papers numbered 1 to 6. Two slips are drawn
from the box. What is the probability that the numbers on these slips are
1

consecutive? [ ]
3

The only consecutive numbers that can be picked are: 1, 2 , 2, 3 , (5, 6)

that has a total of five required outcomes. The total number of outcomes is
C( 6, 2). Therefore, the probability is:
5
5
1
=
=
C 6, 2
15 3

8) In a triangle, an altitude is twice its base. If their sum is 12 cm, what is the
area of the triangle? [ 16 cm2 ]
Altitude = 2Base, Base + Altitude = 12 Base = 4 cm, Altitude = 8 cm
bh
8 cm 4 cm
Area =
=
= 16 cm2
2
2

9) If xy + x + y = 5, solve for y in terms of x. [ y =

5x
x+1

xy + x + y = 5 y x + 1 = 5 x y =

10)
If the expression 1 2x
coefficients? [ 1 ]

2010

5x
x+1

is expanded, what is the sum of the

Identity: In the expansion of a + b n , the sum of the coefficients of a and b is

achieved when substituting a = b = 1 to the expression and get its value.
So on the problem, x = 1.
1 2x

2010

12 1

2010

=1

Even though 1 is a constant term in the expansion, it is still considered a

coefficient because it is the coefficient of x 0 .

B. 30 seconds

1) A fruit vendor buys 3 oranges for Php 20. He will sell them at 5 pieces for
Php 40. In order to make a profit of Php 40, how many oranges must he
sell? [ 30 oranges ]
Let x = number of oranges.
The price of 3 oranges is Php 20. So the price of 1 orange is Php

20
3

. He will buy

x oranges and then add a certain amount to it. So denote the total amount that
the vendor spent in buying the oranges he will sell is

20x
3

Now when he sells the oranges, 5 oranges costs Php 40. So 1 orange costs
Php 8. So if he sell x oranges, the total amount is 8x.

Now, there will be a profit of Php 40. It is simply the difference of the total
selling price and the total price when the vendor bought the oranges,
expressing it,
20x
8x
= 40
3
Solving for x, x = 30 oranges

2) Solve for x in 5x 5x1 =

x

5 5

x1

4
125

. [ x = -2]

4
5x
4
4
4
1
x
=
5 =
5x =
5x =
x = 2
125
5
125 5
125
25

3) When the base of a triangle is increased by 20%, and its altitude to this
base is decreased by 20%, what is the change in its area? [ 4% decrease]
Base 120%Base, Altitude 80%Altitude
Base Altitude
1.2Base 0.8Altitude
Area:

~ BH = 0.96BH 4% decrease
2
2

4) Two tangents to a circle form an angle of 72 degrees. Find the degree

measure of the major intercepted arc. [ 252 degrees ]
Denote X as the measure of the major intercepted arc. So 360 X is the minor
intercepted arc.
Applying geometry identities,
360 X X
= 72 X = 252 degrees
2

24

25

5) If sin = , and is acute, what is sin 2? [

From the Pythagorean identity,

3
1
5

cos =

4
if is acute
5

sin 2 = 2 sin cos = 2

3
5

4
24
=
5
25

C. 1 minute

1) Find a quadratic equation whose roots are the squares of the roots of the
equation x 2 3x + 4 = 0. [ x 2 x + 16 = 0 ]
Solution #1: Vieta Identity
A + B = 3, AB = 4 are the relationship of the roots.
The relationship of the required equation is A2 + B2 and A2 B2 which should be
solved.
A2 + B2 = A + B

2 AB = 3

2 4 = 1, A2 B2 = AB

= 4

= 16

So the quadratic equation is:

x 2 1 x + 16 = 0 x 2 x + 16 = 0

Solution #2: Algorithm

Since the squares of the roots of the quadratic equation will be used to produce
the desired equation, we let y = x 2 x =
equation,
x 2 3x + 4 = 0

y. Substituting to the quadratic

y +4=0y3 y+4=0

3 y = y + 4 9y = y 2 + 8y + 16 y 2 y + 16 = 0
x 2 x + 16 = 0 is the desired equation

2) The areas of two equilateral triangles are in the ratio 9:25. If the
perimeter of the smaller is 36 inches, what is the area of the larger?
[100 3 in2 ]
The perimeter of an equilateral triangle can be expressed as 3*side. And the
smaller has perimeter of 36. So the side length of the smaller is 12 inches.
So its area is

s2 3
4

12 2 3
4

= 36 3 in2

Getting the area of the larger by ratio and proportion,

9
36 3
=
A = 100 3 in2
25
A
And that is the area of the larger equilateral triangle.

3) If sin 5 = , how many acute angles satisfy this equation? [ 2 ]

2

1
sin 5 = since 0 < < 90 acute 0 < 5 < 450
2
5 = 210, 330 = 42, 66 2 acute angles

4) A chord AB is 12 cm long, and E is its midpoint. Another chord CD, 13 cm

in length, cuts AB at E. What is CE 2 + ED2 ? [ 97 cm2 ]
Using geometry identities (2 chords theorem), Let x = ED
CE ED = AE EB 13 x x = 6 6 x = 4, 9 13 x = 9, 4
13 x = CE, x = ED. AE = EB = 6 because E is the midpoint.
CE 2 + ED2 = 92 + 42 = 97 cm2

5) An arithmetic progression and geometric progression have the same first

term, which is 4. Their 3rd terms are also equal and nonzero, but the
second term of the arithmetic progression exceeds the second term of the
geometric progression by 2. Find the term of both progressions. [ 16 ]
Arithmetic progression: 4, 4 + d, 4 + 2d,
Geometric progression: 4, 4r, 4r 2 ,
From the given,
4 + 2d = 4r 2 d = 2r 2 2, and 4 + d = 4r + 2 d = 4r 2
2r 2 2 = 4r 2 r 2 1 = 2r 1 r 2 2r = 0 r 0 r = 2, d = 6
3rd terms = 4 + 2d = 4r 2 = 16

III.

Team Oral Competition

A. 15 seconds

1) Ricky has (4a + 1) 100-peso bills, while Emil has (2a + 2) 50-peso bills.
How much more money has Ricky have than Emil? [ 300a pesos ]
4a + 1 100 2a + 2 50 = 4a + 1 100 a + 1 100
= 100 (4a + 1) a + 1 = 100 3a = 300a

2) The graph of y = 10 x 2 and y + 1 = 0 intersect at two points. Find the

distance of these two points. [ 2 11 units ]
From y + 1 = 0 y = 1,
y = 10 x 2 1 = 10 x 2 x 2 = 11 x = 11

The points are:

11, 1 and 11, 1

So the distance is 11 11 = 2 11 units

3) If r and s are the roots of x 2 = x + 30, what is |r s|? [ 11 ]

The quadratic equation is: x 2 x 30 = 0. The relationship of the roots is:
r + s = 1, rs = 30
From r s

= r+s

rs

4rs,

= 1

4 30 = 121 r s = 121 = 11

4) A triangle has sides with integral lengths. If its perimeter is 12 cm, what is
the longest possible side of the triangle? [ 5 cm ]
To maximize the length of one side and still following the triangle inequality,
the triangle may have sides 4cm, 4cm, 4cm. Increase the length of one side by
1cm. The sides will be 3cm, 4cm, 5cm which still follows the triangle inequality.
If we try increasing the side with length 5cm again by 1 cm, the lengths will be
2cm, 4cm, 6cm OR 3cm, 3cm, 6cm. But they no longer follow the triangle
inequality. So the longest possible integral side of the triangle is 5cm.

5) If the length of a rectangle is increased by 10% and the area is also

increased by 120%, how many percent is the width increased? [ 100% ]
L 110%L, and LW 220%LW
So if the length is 110%L and the area is 220%LW, the width is 2W. So the
original width was doubled when the increased of measurements happened. So
the width increased by 100%

6) If ab + bc + ac = x, what is a in terms of b, c, and x? [ a =

ab + bc + ac = x a b + c = x bc a =

xbc
b+c

x bc
b+c

7) Triangle ABC is isosceles with AB = BC = 3 cm and AC = 4 cm. How long

is the altitude to the base? [ 5 cm ]
The base is AC. So if the altitude to AC is constructed, AC will be bisected into
two parts with length 2 cm each. It will form a right triangle with legs 2 cm and
the altitude and hypotenuse 3 cm. So by the Pythagorean theorem, the length
of the altitude is:
32 22 = 5 cm

8) Solve for x in the equation 4 x = x 2 4 x. [ x = 1, 4 ]

4 x = x2 4 x x2 1

4 x = 0 x = 1, 4

And since the values of x is in the domain of 4 x, those are the values of x.

9) A diameter of a circle is 24 inches long. Two points divide this diameter

into three parts that are in the ratio of 1:2:3. Through the two points of
division, chords are drawn perpendicular to the diameter. How long is the
longest among these chords? [ 24 inches ]
Solving for the three divisions of the diameter,
1: 2: 3 k: 2k: 3k k + 2k + 3k = 24 k = 4 4 in, 8 in, 12 in
So one chord is between the 4 in and 8 in division of the diameter, and the
other is between the 8 in and 12 in division of the diameter. Notice that the
12 in division of the diameter is the radius. And the endpoint of a radius is the
center and a point on the circumference of the circle. One endpoint of the

radius 12 in long is on the circumference, so the other is at the center.

Therefore the chord between the 8 in and the 12 in division of the diameter is
also the diameter of the circle. Thus, it is 24 inches long.

10)

If x = log 8 2, what is 27x ? [ 3 ]

log 8 2 =

1
1
= x 27x = 273 =
3

27 = 3

B. 30 seconds

1) Let P units be the increase in the circumference of a circle resulting from

an increase of units in the diameter. What is P? [ 2 units ]
Circumference = 2 radius = diameter
If the diameter is added units, the circumference will be:
Circumference = diameter + = diameter + 2
But diameter is the circumference of the original circle. And then when
units are added to the diameter, the circumference became larger by 2 units.
Hence, it is the value of P.

2) If y = log x log x 1 , solve for x in terms of y. [ x =

10 y
10 y 1

x
x

= 10y
x1
x1
10y
y
y
y
y
x = x 10 10 x 10 1 = 10 x = y
10 1
y = log x log x 1 y = log

3) If x 1 x + 1 + 1 = 0, what is 4x? [ 4x = 5 ]
x1 x+1+1=0 x1+1= x+1
x1

+ 2 x 1 1 + 12 =

2 x1=1 x1=

x+1

x1 +1+2 x1=x+1

1
1
5
x 1 = x = 4x = 5
2
4
4

4) The area of the ring between two concentric circles is 18 square inches.
What is the length of a chord of the larger circle tangent to the smaller
circle? [ 6 2 in ]

Concentric circles have a common center. The figure above is the figure in the
problem. So the chord of the larger circle which is tangent to the smaller circle
is named GH. The area of the ring is the area of the space outside the smaller
circle which is enclosed by the larger circle. So in the figure, the radius of the

smaller circle is AF and the radius of the larger is AH. By theorems, AF bisects
GH and AFGH.
Expressing the area of the ring,
AH2 AF 2 = AH2 AF 2 = 18 AH2 AF 2 = 18
Also, by the Pythagorean Theorem,
AH2 = AF 2 + FH2 FH2 = AH2 AF 2
Substituting,
FH2 = AH2 AF 2 FH2 = 18 FH = 3 2
But FH is just a bisected part of GH. So GF+FH= 2FH = GH
2FH = GH = 6 2 inches

5) If a = log 8 225, and b = log 2 15, write a in terms of b. [ a = b ]

3

log 225 log 152 2 log 15 2

2
a = log 8 225 =
=
=
=
log
15
=
b
2
log 8
log 23
3 log 2
3
3
2
a= b
3

C. 1 minute

1) Two angles of a triangle measure 30 degrees and 45 degrees. If the side

opposite the 45-degree angle has length 8 cm. What is the length of the
side opposite the 30-degree angle? [ 4 2 cm ]
By the sine law,
1
8
x
8 sin 30 8 2
=
x=
=
= 4 2 cm
sin 45 sin 30
sin 45
2
2

2) Find all values of x that satisfy the equation 4x 8 2x + 12 = 0.

[x = log 2 6 , 1]
4x 8 2x + 12 = 0 22x 8 2x + 12 = 0 2x = A
A2 8A + 12 = 0 A 6 A 2 = 0 2x = 2, 6
x = log 2 2 , log 2 6 x = 1, log 2 6

3) If the circle x 2 + y 2 = m is tangent to x + y = m, what is m? [ m = 2 ]

Solution #1: Discriminant
x+y=my=mx
x 2 + m x 2 = m 2x 2 2mx + m2 m = 0
2x 2 + 2m x + m2 m = 0
Discriminant = b2 4ac = 2m 2 4 2 m2 m
The purpose of discriminant in that equation is to determine the number of
points of intersection of the line and the circle. So if the discriminant will be
zero, they will have 1 point of intersection.
If the discriminant is positive, there will be two points of intersection,
otherwise, no points of intersection.
So if the line is tangent to the circle, they should have only 1 point of
intersection. So the discriminant should be zero.
Discriminant = b2 4ac = 2m
m2 2m = 0 m 0 m = 2

4 2 m2 m = 0

Solution #2: Purely Analytic Geometry

Identity: If a circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 is tangent to a line at point (x1 , y1 ), the
equation of the line is x1 x + y1 y = r 2
Applying the identity,
The line is x + y = m 1 x + 1 y = m. So the point of tangency is (1, 1).

And the point of tangency is obviously at the circumference of the circle. Which
means the circle passes through (1, 1). So substituting the coordinates to the
equation of the circle,
x2 + y2 = m 1 2 + 1 2 = m m = 2

4) A circle and a square have equal perimeters. What is the ratio of the area
of the circle to that of the square? [ 4: ]
Let C = circumference of the circle and P = perimeter of the square
C = P C = 2r, P = 4s r =

C
P
,s =
2
4

Expressing the area of the circle and square in terms of their perimeters,
C 2 C2
P 2 P2
2
2
Acircle = r =
=
,A
=s =
=
2
4 square
4
16
Getting their ratios,
Acircle : Asquare

C2 P2
=
:
= 4C 2 : P 2 C = P, C 2 = P 2 4:
4 16

5) Find the solution set of the inequality 0 < |3 2| 7. [ 2,

3
2

0 < 3 2x 7 3 2x > 0 |3 2| 7
3 2x > 0 A 0 for A but it is strictlygreater than 0
3
3 2x 0, x
2
3 2x 7 7 3 2x 7 10 2x 4 5 x 2
To get the final solution set, x should satisfy the two separate sets. So the
solution set is:
3
3
3
5 x 2 but x 2, , 5
2
2
2

3
2

,5 ]

Sources: MMC Questions (for all the questions and the answer key), Geogebra
and Microsoft Paint for the figures.
Solutions by: Daniel James A. Molina