Canadian

Mathematics
Competition
An activity of The Centre for Education
in Mathematics and Computing,
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario

2000 Solutions
Euclid Contest

(Grade12)
for

The CENTRE for EDUCATION in MATHEMATICS and

COMPUTING
Awards

2000 Waterloo Mathematics Foundation

2000 Euclid Solutions

1.

(a)

1
3

1
3

If x + 27 = 125 , what is the value of x?

Solution
1
3

1
3

125 = 5 , 27 = 3
Therefore, x = 5 3 = 2 .
(b)

The line y = ax + c is parallel to the line y = 2 x and passes through the point (1, 5) . What is
the value of c?
Solution
Since the two given lines are parallel, the line y = ax + c has slope 2 and is of the form,
y = 2 x + c . Since (1, 5) is on the line, 5 = 2(1) + c
c = 3.

(c)

The parabola with equation

y = ( x 2)2 16 has its vertex at A
and intersects the x-axis at B, as
shown. Determine the equation for
the line passing through A and B.

O
B

A
Solution
For y = 0, ( x 2)2 16 = 0

[( x 2) 4][( x 2) + 4] = 0
Therefore x = 6 or x = 2.
Thus, the x-intercepts of the parabola are 2 and 6, and B has coordinates (6, 0) .
The vertex of the parabola is at A(2, 16) .
16
Equation of line containing (6, 0) and (2, 16) has slope
= 4.
26
y0
Thus the line has equation,
= 4 y = 4 x 24 .
x6
2.

(a)

Six identical pieces are cut from a board, as shown in the diagram. The angle of each cut is x.
The pieces are assembled to form a hexagonal picture frame as shown. What is the value of x?

2000 Euclid Solutions

Solution
Each interior angle of a regular hexagon is 120.
Putting the frame together we would have the following
2 x = 120 (in degrees)
x = 60

120
x

(b)

If log10 x = 3 + log10 y , what is the value of

x
?
y

Solution
log10 x log10 y = 3
x
log10 = 3
y
x
= 103 = 1000
y
(c)

If x +

1 13
1
= , determine all values of x 2 + 2 .
x 6
x

Solution 1 Squaring both sides

2
2
x + 1 = 13 ; squaring

6
x
1 169
x2 + 2 + 2 =
36
x
1 169
2
2
x + 2 =
32
x
1 169 72 97

=
x2 + 2 =
36 36 36
x
Solution 2 Creating a quadratic equation and solving
1
13
6 x x + = 6 x

6
x
2
6 x + 6 = 13 x
6 x 2 13 x + 6 = 0
(3 x 2)(2 x 3) = 0

120
x

2000 Euclid Solutions

2
3
or x =
3
2
2 2 1
For x = , x + 2
3
x
2
2
1
= +
2
3
2
3
4 9
= +
9 4

x=

3.

(a)

81 + 16
36

97
36

1
3 3 2
For x = , +
2
2 2
3
2
9 4
= +
4 9
97
=
36

A circle, with diameter AB as shown,

intersects the positive y-axis at point
D(0, d ) . Determine d.

D 0, d

A 2, 0

Solution 1
The centre of the circle is (3, 0) and the circle has a radius of 5.
Thus

d 2 + 32 = 5
d 2 = 52 32

d 2 = 16
Therefore d = 4 , since d > 0.
Solution 2
Since AB is a diameter of the circle, ADB = 90 and AOD = 90 .
ADO ~ DBO
OD BO
Therefore,
=
AO OD
and d 2 = 2(8)
d 2 = 16
d = 4 , since d > 0.

x
B 8, 0

2000 Euclid Solutions

Solution 3
ADB = AOD = BOD = 90
In AOD, AD2 = 4 + d 2 .
In BOD, DB2 = 64 + d 2 .
In ADB, 4 + d 2 + 64 + d 2 = 100

) (

2 d = 32
d = 4 , d > 0.
(b)

A square PQRS with side of length x

is subdivided into four triangular
regions as shown so that area A +
area B = area C . If PT = 3 and
RU = 5, determine the value of x.

P 3 T

x
U
5

B
Q

Solution
Since the side length of the square is x, TS = x 3 and VS = x 5
1
Area of triangle A = (3)( x ) .
2
1
Area of triangle B = (5)( x )
2
1
Area of triangle C = ( x 5)( x 3) .
2
1
1
1
From the given information, (3 x ) + (5 x ) = ( x 5)( x 3) . Labelled diagram
2
2
2
2
3 x + 5 x = x 8 x + 15
x3 S
P 3 T
A

x 2 16 x + 15 = 0

( x 15)( x 1) = 0
Thus x = 15 or x = 1.
Therefore x = 15 since x = 1 is inadmissible.

4.

(a)

x5

x
U
B
Q

5
R

A die, with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 on its six faces, is rolled. After this roll, if an odd
number appears on the top face, all odd numbers on the die are doubled. If an even number
appears on the top face, all the even numbers are halved. If the given die changes in this way,
what is the probability that a 2 will appear on the second roll of the die?

2000 Euclid Solutions

Solution
There are only two possibilities on the first roll - it can either be even or odd.
Possibility 1 The first roll is odd
1
.
3
After doubling all the numbers, the possible outcomes on the second roll would now be 2, 2, 6,
1
4, 6, 8 with the probability of a 2 being .
3
1 1 1
Thus the probability of a 2 on the second roll would be = .
3 3 9
The probability of an odd outcome on the first roll is

Possibility 2 The first is even

2
.
3
After halving all the numbers, the possible outcomes on the second roll would be 1, 1, 3, 2, 3, 8.
1
The probability of a 2 on the second die would now be .
6
2 1 1
Thus the probability of a 2 on the second roll is = .
3 6 9

The probability of an even outcome on the first roll is

The probability of a 2 appear on the top face is

b)

1 1 2
+ = .
9 9 9

The table below gives the final standings for seven of the teams in the English Cricket League in
1998. At the end of the year, each team had played 17 matches and had obtained the total
number of points shown in the last column. Each win W, each draw D, each bonus bowling
point A, and each bonus batting point B received w, d, a and b points respectively, where w, d, a
and b are positive integers. No points are given for a loss. Determine the values of w, d, a and
b if total points awarded are given by the formula: Points = w W + d D + a A + b B.
Final Standings

Sussex
Warks
Som
Derbys
Kent
Worcs
Glam

W
6
6
6
6
5
4
4

Losses
7
8
7
7
5
6
6

D
4
3
4
4
7
7
7

A
30
35
30
28
18
32
36

B
63
60
54
55
59
59
55

Points
201
200
192
191
178
176
176

2000 Euclid Solutions

Solution
There are a variety of ways to find the unknowns.
The most efficient way is to choose equations that have like coefficients. Here is one way to
solve the problem using this method.
For Sussex:
For Som:
Subtracting,

6 w + 4 d + 30 a + 63b = 201
6 w + 4 d + 30 a + 54b = 192
9b = 9 b = 1

If b = 1
For Derbys:

6 w + 4 d + 28a + 55 = 191
6 w + 4 d + 28a = 136
(1)
For Sussex:
6 w + 4 d + 30 a + 63 = 201
6 w + 4 d + 30 a = 138
(2)
Subtracting, (2) (1)
2a = 2
a = 1.
We can now calculate d and w by substituting a = 1, b = 1 into a pair of equations.
An efficient way of doing this is by substituting a = 1, b = 1 into Som and Worcs.
For Som:
6 w + 4 d + 84 = 192
6 w + 4 d = 108
(3)
For Worcs:
6 w + 3d + 85 = 200
6 w + 3d = 105
(4)
Subtracting, (3) (4)
d = 3.
Substituting d = 3 in either (3) or (4), 6 w + 4(3) = 108 (substituting in (3))
6 w = 96
w = 16.
Therefore w = 16, d = 3, a = b = 1.

5.

(a)

In the diagram, AD = DC ,
sin DBC = 0.6 and ACB = 90 .
What is the value of tan ABC ?

B
Solution
Let DB = 10.
Therefore, DC = AD = 6.
By the theorem of Pythagoras, BC 2 = 10 2 62 = 64 .
Therefore, BC = 8.

2000 Euclid Solutions

Thus, tan ABC =

(b)

12 3
= .
8 2

On a cross-sectional diagram of the

Earth, the x and y-axes are placed so
that O(0, 0) is the centre of the Earth
and C(6.40, 0.00) is the location of
Cape Canaveral. A space shuttle is
forced to land on an island at
A(5.43, 3.39) , as shown. Each unit
represents 1 000 km. Determine the
distance from Cape Canaveral to the
island, measured on the surface of the
earth, to the nearest 10 km.

A 5.43, 3.39

O 0, 0

C 6.40, 0.00

Solution
Calculating AOC
Calculating arc length
Distance
Solution
tan AOC =

3.39
5.43

3.39
AOC = tan 1
= 31.97
5.43
31.97
The arc length AC =
[(2 )(6.40)] = 3.57 units
360
The distance is approximately 3570 km.

6.

(a)

Let x represent the greatest integer which is less than or equal to x. For example, 3 = 3 ,
2.6 = 2 . If x is positive and x x = 17, what is the value of x?
Solution
We deduce that 4 < x < 5 .
Otherwise, if x 4, x x 16 , and if x 5, x x 25 .
Therefore x = 4
Since x x = 17
4 x = 17
x = 4.25

2000 Euclid Solutions

(b)

The parabola y = x 2 + 4 has vertex

P and intersects the x-axis at A and B.
The parabola is translated from its
original position so that its vertex
moves along the line y = x + 4 to the
point Q. In this position, the parabola
intersects the x-axis at B and C.
Determine the coordinates of C.

x 4

. .
O

Solution 1
The parabola y = x 2 + 4 has vertex P(0, 4) and intersects the x-axis at A( 2, 0) and B(2, 0) .
The intercept B(2, 0) has its pre-image, B on the parabola y = x 2 + 4 . To find B , we find
the point of intersection of the line passing through B(2, 0) , with slope 1, and the parabola
y = x2 + 4 .
The equation of the line is y = x 2.
Intersection points, x 2 = x 2 + 4
x2 + x 6 = 0
( x + 3)( x 2) = 0.
Therefore, x = 3 or x = 2.
For x = 3, y = 3 2 = 5. Thus B has coordinates ( 3, 5) .
If ( 3, 5) (2, 0) then the required general translation mapping y = x 2 + 4 onto the
parabola with vertex Q is ( x, y) ( x + 5, y + 5) .
Possibility 1
Using the general translation, we find the coordinates of Q to be,
P(0, 4) Q(0 + 5, 4 + 5) = Q(5, 9) .
If C is the reflection of B in the axis of symmetry of the parabola, i.e. x = 5, C has coordinates
(8, 0) .
Possibility 2
If B has coordinates ( 3, 5) then C is the reflection of B in the y-axis. Thus C has
coordinates ( 3, 5) .
If we apply the general translation then C has coordinates (3 + 5, 5 + 5) or (8, 0) .
Thus C has coordinates (8, 0) .
Possibility 3
Using the general translation, we find the coordinates of Q to be,
P(0, 4) Q(0 + 5, 4 + 5) = Q(5, 9) .
The equation of the image parabola is y = ( x 5)2 + 9 .

2000 Euclid Solutions

10

To find its intercepts, ( x 5)2 + 9 = 0

( x 5)2 = 9

x 5 = 3.

Therefore x = 8 or x = 2.
Thus C has coordinates (8, 0) .
Solution 2
The translation moving the parabola with equation y = x 2 + 4 onto the parabola with vertex Q
is T (t, t ) because the slope of the line y = x + 4 is 1.
The pre-image of B is (2 t, t ) .
Since B is on the parabola with vertex P, we have
t = ( 2 t )2 + 4
t = 4 + 4t t 2 + 4
t 2 5t = 0
t (t 5) = 0.
Therefore, t = 0 or t = 5.
Thus B is ( 3, 5) .
Let C have coordinates (c, 0) .
The pre-image of C is (c 5, 5) .

Therefore, 5 = (c 5)2 + 4 .
Or, (c 5)2 = 9 .
Therefore c 5 = 3 or c 5 = 3 .
c = 8 or
c=2
Thus C has coordinates (8, 0) .

Solution 3
The translation moving the parabola with equation y = x 2 + 4 onto the parabola with vertex Q
is T ( p, p) because the slope of the line y = x + 4 is 1.
Q will have coordinates ( p, p + 4) .
Thus the equation of the image parabola is y = ( x p) + p + 4.
Since (2, 0) is on the parabola,
2

0 = (2 p) + p + 4
2

p2 5 p = 0
p( p 5) = 0.
Therefore p = 0 or p = 5.
The coordinates of Q are (5, 9) .
As in solution 1, we can use either reflection properties or the equation of the parabola
to find that C has coordinates (8, 0) .

2000 Euclid Solutions

7.

(a)

11

A cube has edges of length n, where n is an integer. Three faces, meeting at a corner, are
painted red. The cube is then cut into n3 smaller cubes of unit length. If exactly 125 of these
cubes have no faces painted red, determine the value of n.
Solution
If we remove the cubes which have red paint, we are left with a smaller cube with measurements,
(n 1) (n 1) (n 1)
Thus, (n 1)3 = 125
n = 6.

(b)

In the isosceles trapezoid ABCD,

AB = CD = x .
The area of the
trapezoid is 80 and the circle with
centre O and radius 4 is tangent to the
four sides of the trapezoid.
Determine the value of x.

C
x

x
O
A

Solution
Using the tangent properties of a circle, the
lengths of line segments are as shown on the
diagram.
1
Area of trapezoid ABCD = (8)( BC + AD)
2
= 4(2b + 2 x 2b)

Bb b C

(a)
(b)

(a)

In parallelogram ABCD, AB = a and

BC = b , where a > b . The points of
intersection of the angle bisectors are
the vertices of quadrilateral PQRS .
Prove that PQRS is a rectangle.
Prove that PR = a b .

A xb

xb
xb D

N
Q
P

O4

xb

= 8 x.
Thus, 8 x = 80 .
Therefore, x = 10.

8.

R
S
M

Solution
In a parallelogram opposite angles are equal.
Since DF and BE bisect the two angles, let ADF = CDF = ABE = CBE
= x (in degrees)
Also CDF = AFD = x (alternate angles)
Let DAM = BAM = DCN = BCN = y (in degrees)

2000 Euclid Solutions

12

For any parallelogram, any two

consecutive angles add to
180, 2 x + 2 y = 180
or, x + y = 90 .

A
y y
P
x

Therefore in PAF , APF = 90 .

B
x

R
y y
C

S
M

N
Q

Using similar reasoning and properties of parallel lines we get right angles at Q, R and S.
Thus PQRS is a rectangle.

(b)

Solution
Since AM is a bisector of DAB, let DAM = BAM = y.
Also, DMA = y (alternate angles)
This implies that ADM is isosceles.
Using the same reasoning in CBN , we see that it is also isosceles and so the diagram may
now be labelled as:
a b
A
y
y
P
x
D

x
E
b

N
Q

y S
M

y y
C

b
x

B
x
b

AN = a b

a
Thus ADM and CBN are identical isosceles triangles.
Also, AM NC (corresponding angles)
or, AP NR .
By using properties of isosceles triangles (or congruency), AP = NR implying that APRN is a
parallelogram.
Thus AN = PR and since AN = a b , PR = a b (as required)

2000 Euclid Solutions

9.

(a)
(b)

(a)

A permutation of the integers 1, 2, ..., n is a listing of these integers in some order. For
example, (3, 1, 2) and (2, 1, 3) are two different permutations of the integers 1, 2, 3. A
permutation ( a1, a2 , ..., an ) of the integers 1, 2, ..., n is said to be fantastic if a1 + a2 + ... + ak
is divisible by k, for each k from 1 to n. For example, (3, 1, 2) is a fantastic permutation of 1, 2,
3 because 3 is divisible by 1, 3 + 1 is divisible by 2, and 3 + 1 + 2 is divisible by 3. However,
(2, 1, 3) is not fantastic because 2 + 1 is not divisible by 2.
Show that no fantastic permutation exists for n = 2000.
Does a fantastic permutation exist for n = 2001? Explain.
Solution
In our consideration of whether there is a fantastic permutation for n = 2000, we start by
looking at the 2000th position.
Using our definition of fantastic permutation, it is necessary that 2000 (1 + 2 + 3 + L + 2000) .
(2000)(2001)
Since 1 + 2 + 3 + L + 2000 =
= (1000)(2001) , it is required that
2
2000 1000(2001) .
This is not possible and so no fantastic permutation exists for n = 2000.
Solution

(b)

13

(2001)(2002)

= (2001)(1001) which is divisible by

2
2001. If t1, t2 , ..., t2001 is a fantastic permutation, when we remove t2001 from the above sum,
and what remains must be divisible by 2000.
We now consider t1 + t2 + L + t2000 and determine what integer is not included in the
permutation.
(2001)(2002)
t1 + t2 + L + t2000 =
t2001
2
= (1001)(2001) t2001

The sum of the integers from 1 to 2001 is

Since (1001)(2001) = 2 003 001 , t2001 must be a number of the form k001 where k is odd.
The only integer less than or equal to 2001 with this property is 1001. Therefore t2001 = 1001 .
So the sum up to t2000 is 2 003 001 1001 = 2 002 000 .
When we remove t2000 we must get a multiple of 1999.
The largest multiple of 1999 less than 2 002 000 is (1999)(1001) = 2 000 999 . This would
make t2000 = 2 002 000 2 000 999 = 1001 which is impossible since t2000 t2001 . If we
choose lesser multiples of 1999 to subtract from 2 002 000 we will get values of t2000 which
are greater than 2001, which is also not possible.
Thus, a fantastic permutation is not possible for n = 2001.

2000 Euclid Solutions

10.

An equilateral triangle ABC has side

length 2. A square, PQRS , is such
that P lies on AB, Q lies on BC , and
R and S lie on AC as shown. The
points P, Q, R, and S move so that P,
Q and R always remain on the sides
of the triangle and S moves from AC
to AB through the interior of the
triangle. If the points P, Q, R and S
always form the vertices of a square,
show that the path traced out by S is a
straight line parallel to BC .

14

A
S
P
R
B

In essence, this solution establishes that the perpendicular distance from S to BC is

s(sin + cos ) and then showing that this is a constant by finding s(sin + cos ) as part of
the base which is itself a constant length.
Solution
Let RQC = and from S draw a line
perpendicular to the base at P.
Then TQB = 180 (90 + ) = 90 .
Let s be the length of the side of the square.
From R draw a line perpendicular to BC at D
and then through S draw a line parallel to BC .
From R draw a line perpendicular to this line at
E.

A
S

E
R

30
60

P Q

90

From RQD, RD = s sin .

Since QRD = 90 then SRE = .
From SER , ER = s cos .
The perpendicular distance from S to BC is RD + ER = s sin + s cos which we must now
show is a constant.
We can now take each of the lengths DC, DQ, PF, FB and express them in terms of s.
From RDC which is a 30 60 90 triangle,
Since RD = s sin (from above)
1
3
DC =
(s sin ) = s sin .
3
3

DC
1
=
.
RD
3

2000 Euclid Solutions

From RDQ,

15

QD
= cos , QD = s cos .
RQ

FQ
TF
and cos =
.
s
s
or, FQ = s sin and TF = s sin .

From TFQ, sin =

From TFB,

BF
1
1
1
3
=
, BF =
TF =
s cos =
s cos .
TF
3
3
3
3

Since DC + QD + FQ + BF = 2 ,

3
3
s sin + s cos + s sin +
s cos = 2 .
3
3
3
(s cos + s sin ) + (s cos + s sin ) = 2
3
s cos + s sin =

2
3
+ 1

Thus s cos + s sin is a constant and the path traced out by S is a straight line parallel to BC .
Note:

A number of enquiries have been made about this question. Several individuals have made the
comment that it is not possible to do this under the given conditions. What is not mentioned,
and what is not realized, is that the size of the square changes. This makes it possible for the
square to exist under the given conditions.