NSMQ 2020 Prelims Maths 2

CONTEST 1
ROUND 1A
Find the solution set of the absolute value inequality
1|x–¼|<½
ANSWER: {x : -1/4 < x < ¾ }
[- ½ < x – ¼ < ½, - ¼ < x < ¾ ]
2 |2x + 5| < - 3
ANSWER: NO SOLUTION or THE EMPTY SET, or NULL SET
[ NB: |2x + 5| ≥ 0, so cannot be less than any negative number]
3 |2x + 1|> 5
ANSWER: {x : x > 2, or x < -3}
[ 2x + 1 > 5 or 2x + 1 < -5, 2x > 4 or 2x < - 6, x > 2 or x < -3}
CONTEST 1 ROUND 1B
Find an equation of variation if

1 y varies jointly as x and z and inversely as w, and y = 5 when x = 2, z = 3
and w = 12, ANSWER: y = 10xz/w
[y = kxz/w, 5 = k2(3)/12 = k/2, k = 10 hence y = 10xz/w]
2 y varies jointly as x and z, and inversely as w2, and y = 6 when x = 3, z = 1

and w = 4, ANSWER: y = 32xz/w2
[y = kxz/w2, 6 = k(3)1/16, k = (6/3)16 = 32 and y = 32xz/w2]
3 y varies jointly as x and z and inversely as √w, and y = 8 when x = 5, z = 3

and w = 4. ANSWER: y = (16/15)(xz/√w)
[y = kxz/√w, 8 = k(5)(3)/2, k = 16/15 and y = (16/15)xz/√w]
CONTEST 1 ROUND 2: SPEED RACE
1 For what values of x is the expression (x – 1)/(x2 + x – 6) undefined?

ANSWER: x = -3, 2
[(x2 + x – 6) = (x + 3)(x – 2) = 0, x = -3, 2]
2 Find the value of a given (5 + 2√3)(2 – a√3) = 4 + √3

ANSWER: a = 1
[10 - 6a + (5a - 4)√3 = 4 + √3, 10 – 6a = 4, a = 1, 5a – 4 = 1, a = 1]
3 Find the number of sides of a polygon if in regular form an interior angle has
measure 150 degrees.
ANSWER: 12 SIDES
[(n – 2)180 = 150n, 6(n – 2) = 5n, n = 12]
CONTEST 1 ROUND 5: RIDDLE
1 I am a 3 digit number.
2 My first digit is a square.
3 I am an even number.
4 My digits are consecutive even integers.
5 My last digit is a cube.
6 The sum of my digits is 18.

Who am I?
ANSWER: 468
CONTEST 1 ROUND 4A: TRUE OR FALSE
1 A compound statement which is always false is a contrapositive

ANSWER: FALSE
2 A compound statement which is always true is a contradiction

ANSWER: FALSE
3 An implication is a tautology
ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 1ROUND 4B: TRUE OR FALSE

In the following x is a real number
1If x + 2 > 3, then x > 0

ANSWER: TRUE
2 If x – 3 < -2, then x > 1

ANSWER: FALSE
3 If x2 + 1 < 0, then -1 < x < 1

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 2 ROUND 1A
Find the area of a circle (leave answer in π ) if
1 its area is numerically double its circumference,

ANSWER: 16π sq units
[πR2 = 2(2πR), R = 4, A = 16π ]
2 the area of its semi-circle is numerically equal to the arc-length of a quarter

circle,
ANSWER: π sq units
[ (πR2)/2 = (2πR)/4, R2 = R, R = 1, Area = π ]
3 the area of a quarter-circle is numerically equal to the length of an arc

subtending an angle of 2π/3 radians at the center]
ANSWER: 64π/9 sq units
[ (πR2)/4= (2π/3)R, R = 8/3, Area = (8/3)2π = (64π)/9]
CONTEST 2 ROUND 1B
Given that i2 = -1, evaluate (3 + 2i)(2 – 3i)

ANSWER: 12 – 5i
[6 – 9i + 4i – 6i2 = (6 + 6) – 5i = 12 – 5i
2 (4 + 3i)(3 – 4i)
ANSWER: 24 – 7i
[12 – 12i2 – 16i + 9i = (12 + 12) + (-16 + 9)i = 24 – 7i]
3 (5 + 12i)(12 – 5i)
ANSWER: 120 + 119i
[(60 – 60i2) + 144i – 25i = (60 + 60) + 119i = 120 + 119i]
1Make y the subject of the equation 2y – 1 = x(y + 2)

ANSWER: y = (1 + 2x)/(2 – x)
[2y - 1 = xy + 2x, y(2 – x) = 2x + 1, y = (1 + 2x )/(2 – x)]
2 Give the equation of a circle with center C(2, - 3) and touching the x-axis.
ANSWER: (x – 2)2 + (y +3)2 = 9
[radius is 3, hence (x – 2)2 + (y + 3)2 = 9]
3 Two fair dice are thrown once. Find the probability that the product of the
scores is 6
ANSWER: 1/9
[A = { (1, 6), (6, 1), (2, 3), (3, 2)}, P(A) = 4/36 = 1/9]
1 I am a frequency diagram
2 I can be used to determine the mode.
3 I can also be used to determine the median.
4 However I cannot be used to determine the mean.
5 I normally consist of rectangles placed side by side
6 I am partly a bit of History and partly a bit of Grammar.

Who am I?
ANSWER: HISTOGRAM
1 The function f(x) = 3x3 – 5 is an odd function

ANSWER: FALSE
2 The function f(x) = 4x2 + 3 is an even function

ANSWER: TRUE
3 The function f(x) = x/(x2 + 1) is an odd function

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 2ROUND 4B: TRUE OR FALSE
1 A quadrilateral with opposite angles congruent is a rhombus.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 The opposite angles of a rhombus are congruent.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 If the opposite sides of a quadrilateral are equal then adjacent angles are
supplementary.
ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 3 ROUND 1A
1 Find three consecutive integers such that 8 times the first, decreased by the
third is 488
ANSWER: 70, 71, 72 [ 8n – (n + 2) = 488, 7n = 490, n = 70, hence 70, 71, 72]
2 Find three consecutive odd integers such that 6 times the second, decreased
by the third is 363. ANSWER: 71, 73, 75
[ 6(n + 2) – (n + 4) = 363, 5n = 363 – 8 = 355, n = 71, hence 71, 73, 75]
3 Find three consecutive even integers such that thrice the first is 32 more
than twice the third. ANSWER: 40, 42, 44
[ 3n = 2(n + 4) + 32, n = 32 + 8 = 40, hence 40, 42, 44]
CONTEST 3 ROUND 1B
Machine A can do a job in 30 hours, Machines B and C can do the same job in
24 hours and 40 hours respectively. How long will it take to do the job using
1 the three machines at the same time?

ANSWER: 5 Hours
[ 1/T = 1/30 + 1/24 + 1/40 = (4 + 5 + 3)/120 = 12/120 = 1/10, T = 10]
2 machines A and C only?

ANSWER: 120/7 hours
[ 1/T = 1/30 + 1/40 = (4 + 3)/120 = 7/120, T = 120/7]
3 machines B and C only?

ANSWER: 15 hours
[1/T = 1/24 + 1/40 = (5 + 3)/120 = 8/120 = 1/15, T = 15]
1Find the coefficient of x4 in the expansion of (1 + 2x)6
ANSWER: 240 [6C4(2x)4 = 6(5)/2 (24) = 15 x 16= 240]
2 Find the equation of the straight line with gradient -2 passing through the
point A(-2, -2)
ANSWER: y = 2x + 2 [y + 2 = 2(x + 2), y = 2x + 2]
3 Find the distance between the centers of the circles with equations
x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y = 6, and x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y = 0
ANSWER: 3√2 [ centers are (2, -1) and (-1, 2), d2 = 32 + 32, d = 3√2]
1 I am a simple closed curve.
2 I have the same curvature at each of my points
3 I am defined by a point and a distance
4 I am in a limiting sense a regular polygon.
5 I am a common locus in a plane
6 I am all round
Who am I?
ANSWER: CIRCLE
1 The function f(x) = x3 – 6x2 + 5 is divisible by (x – 1)

ANSWER: TRUE
2 The function f(x) = 2x3 + 7x + 9 is divisible by (x + 1)

ANSWER: TRUE
3 The function f(x) = 3x3 – 8x + 5 is divisible by (x + 1)

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 3 ROUND 4B: TRUE OR FALSE
1 The sequence 2, 2, 2, 2, . . . . is a linear sequence

ANSWER: TRUE
2 The sequence 3, 3, 3, 3, . . . is an exponential sequence

ANSWER: TRUE
3 The sequence 1, 2, 4, 7, . . . is a linear sequence

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 4 ROUND 1A
Find the area of a rectangle given that
1 the length is 3cm longer than the width and the perimeter is 6 times the
width,
ANSWER: 18 cm2 [L = W + 3, 2(L + W) = 6W, 2L = 4W, L = 2W,
W + 3 = 2W, W = 3, L = 6, Area = L x W = 3 x 6 = 18cm2]
2 the length is 6 cm more than the width and the perimeter is 100 cm,
ANSWER: 616 cm2 [ L = W + 6, 2(L + W) = 2(2W + 6) = 100, 4W = 88,
W = 22, L = 28, Area = 22 x 28 = 616 cm2]
3 the length is 10 cm more than twice the width and the perimeter is 80 cm.
ANSWER: 300 cm2 [L = 2W + 10, 2(L + W) = 42, 2(3W + 10) = 80,
6W = 60, W = 10, L = 30, Area = 10 x 30 = 300 cm2]
CONTEST 4 ROUND 1B
Find the number of permutations of
1 the letters A, E, I, O, U, T that ends in A, or I.

ANSWER: 240
[ 5! x 2 = 120 x 2 = 240]
2 letters in the word JAMES that begins with A or E

ANSWER: 48
[2 x 4! = 2 x 24 = 48]
3 letters in the word JUNIOR that ends with I or O.

ANSWER: 240
[ 2 x 5! = 2 x 120] = 240
1 Find the maximum point of the curve y = x3 – 3x

ANSWER: (-1, 2)
[dy/dx = 3x2 – 3 = 0, x = ± 1, d2y/dx2 = 6x, for x = -1, d2y/dx2 = -6, hence maximum
For x = -1, y = -1 + 3 = 2, hence (-1, 2)]
2 When the point A(2, 3) is reflected in the line L, the image is (2, -3). Find the
equation of the line L.
ANSWER: y = 0 (the x-axis)
3 Simplify (5 - 3√2)(5 + 3√2)

ANSWER: 7
[52 – (3√2)2 = 25 – 18 = 7]
1 In a parallelogram, we are congruent.
2 We tend to face each other.
3 We are a geometrical measure.
4 We are measured by degrees or in radians.
5 We are not a distance measure.

Who are we?
ANSWER: OPPOSITE ANGLES

For a quadratic equation
1 if the roots are identical, the discriminant is positive.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 if the roots are rational, the discriminant is an exact square.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 if the roots are irrational, the discriminant is negative.

ANSWER: FALSE
Consider the function y = f(x)
1 If the gradient of the gradient is positive, the function has a maximum.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 If the gradient of the gradient is zero, the function has a point of inflexion.
ANSWER: TRUE
3 If the gradient is zero and the gradient of the gradient is positive, the
function has a minimum.
ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 5 ROUND 1A
Find the value of k such that the sum or product of the roots of the given
equation has the given value
1 x2 – (k2 – 2k)x + 12 = 0, sum of roots is 24.

ANSWER: k = 6, -4
[ k2 – 2k = 24, k2 – 2k – 24 = 0, (k + 4)(k - 6) = 0, k = 6, -4]
2 x2 + x + (4k2 – 4k - 3) = 0, product of roots is 0

ANSWER: k = -½, 3/2
[(4k2 – 4k - 3) = 0, 4k2 – 4k – 3 = 0, 4k2 – 6k + 2k – 3
= 2k(2k – 3) + 1(2k – 3) = (2k + 1)(2k – 3) = 0, k = -1/2, 3/2]
3 x2 – (k2 – 6k)x + 15 = 0 with sum of roots = 7

ANSWER: k = 7, -1
[ k2 – 6k – 7 = 0, = (k – 7)(k + 1) = 0, k = 7, -1]
CONTEST 5 ROUND 1B
1 Side a of a triangle is thrice as long as side b. Side c is 2 cm longer than side
a. Find the length of each side if the perimeter is 84 cm.
ANSWER: a : 36 cm, b : 12 cm, c : 38 cm
[ x + 3x + 3x + 2 = 86, 7x = 84, x = 12, hence sides are 12 cm, 36 cm, 38 cm]
2 Side c of a triangle is 6 cm longer than side a. Side b is 8 cm shorter than side

a. The perimeter is 52 cm. Find the length of each side of the triangle.
ANSWER: a : 18 cm, b : 10 cm, c: 24 cm
[ x + (x – 8) + (x + 6) = 52, 3x = 54, x = 18, hence sides are 18, 10, 24 cm]
3 Side a of a triangle is 8 cm longer than side b. Side c is twice as long as side b.

If the perimeter is 88 cm, find the length of each side of the triangle.
ANSWER: a : 28 cm, b: 20 cm, c : 40 cm
[ x + (x + 8) + 2x = 88, 4x = 80, x = 20, hence sides are 28, 20, 40 cm]
1 State the domain of the function f(x) = √(9 – x2)

ANSWER: {x: -3 ≤ x ≤ 3}
[9 – x2 ≥ 0, x2 – 9 ≤ 0, x2 ≤ 9, -3 ≤ x ≤ 3]
2 If log5 a + 2 = 2log5b, express a in terms of b

ANSWER: a = b2/25
[log5(25a) = log5b2, hence 25a = b2, a = b2/25]
3 Solve the equation sin2x – sinx = 0 for 0 ≤ x ≤ π/2

ANSWER: x = 0, π/2
[sinx = 1, sinx = 0, x = 0, π/2]

1 I am a rule.
2 I am applicable to integration.
3 I am applicable only to definite integrals.
4 I provide an approximation for a definite integral.
5 I am associated with a quadrilateral with a pair of opposite sides parallel.
6 I am a rule for numerical integration.

Who am I?
ANSWER: TRAPEZIUM RULE

1 For any angle there are at least two angle bisectors

ANSWER: FALSE
2 If two different circles intersect, then they intersect in two points.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 If two different lines intersect, they intersect in exactly one point.

ANSWER: TRUE
1 cos27° = sin63°
ANSWER: TRUE
2 sec45° = cosec45°
ANSWER: TRUE
3 tan35° = cot65°
ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 6 ROUND 1A
1How many liters of a 72% alcohol solution must be added to 15 L of an 18%
alcohol solution to obtain a 45% alcohol solution?
ANSWER: 15 L [0.72x + 15 (0.18) = (15 + x)(0.45),
72x + 15(18) = (15 + x)45, 27x = 15 (27), x = 15]
2 How many liters of water must be evaporated from 48 L of a 12½ % saline

solution to make it a 37½ % saline solution?
ANSWER: 32 L
[48(0.125) = (48 – x)(0.375), 48 = (48 – x)3, 3x = 48(2) = 96, x = 32]
3 How many liters of a 60% acid solution must be added to 40 L of a 30% acid
solution to make it a 40% acid solution?
ANSWER: 20L
[(0.6)x + 40(0.3) = (40 + x)(0.4), 2x = 160 – 120 = 40, x = 20]
CONTEST 6 ROUND 1B
1 In how many ways can a family of 4 stand in a line for a picture if the twins
Kofi and Afua are not to be separated?
ANSWER: 12 [2! x 3! = 2 x 6 = 12]
2 In how many ways can 6 students be seated in a row of six chairs if 4

particular students are to be seated together?
ANSWER: 144 [3! x 4! = 6 x 24 = 144]
3 In how many ways can a group of 5 students be seated in a row if three girls
are to be together and two boys are to be seated together?
ANSWER: 24 [3! x 2! x 2! = 6 x 4 = 24]
1 Find the values of k such that the equation x2 – 2kx + 9 = 0 has equal roots
ANSWER: k = ± 3
[4k2 – 36 = 0, k2 = 9, k = ± 3]
2 If f(x) = x2 – 1 and g(x) = √x, find an expression for f(g(x))

ANSWER: f(g(x)) = x - 1
[f(g(x) = g(x)2 – 1 = (√x)2 – 1= x – 1]
3 Find the inverse of the function f(x) = (3 + √x)/2

ANSWER: f-1(x) = (2x – 3)2
[Let y = (3 + √x)/2, x = (3 + √y)/2, 2x = (3 + √y), √y = 2x – 3, y = (2x – 3)2,
f-1(x) = (2x – 3)2]
1 I am a type of differentiation
2 I am used for finding equation of a tangent or a normal to a circle.
3 My derivative is normally a function of both x and y
4 There is nothing explicit about me.
5 I am used for differentiating functions defined implicitly

Who am I?
ANSWER: IMPLICIT DIFFERENTIATION
1 In any regular polygon, the diagonals are congruent.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 In a regular quadrilateral, the diagonals are congruent.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 In a regular hexagon, the diagonals are congruent.

ANSWER: FALSE
1 sin-1(1/2) = cos-1 (√3/2)

ANSWER: TRUE
2 sin-1(-1/2) = cos-1(-√3/2)
ANSER: FALSE
3 tan-11 + cot-11 = π/2

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 7 ROUND 1A
A pair of fair dice is thrown. Find the probability that the product of the scores
is
1 12
ANSWER: 1/9
[A = {(2, 6), (6, 2), (3, 4), (4, 3)}, P(A) = 4/36 = 1/9]
2 8
ANSWER: 1/18
[ B = {(2, 4), (4, 2)}, P(B) = 2/36 = 1/18]
3 6
ANSWER: 1/9
[C = {(1, 6), (6, 1), (2, 3), (3, 2)}, P(C ) = 4/36 = 1/9]
CONTEST 7 ROUND 1B
Find the first four terms in the expansion of the given exponential in
ascending powers of x
1 (1 + x)6
ANSWER: 1 + 6x + 15x2 + 20x3
[Use Pascal’s triangle, 1, 6, 15, 20, 15, 6, 1]
2 (1 + 2x)5
ANSWER: 1 + 10x + 40x2 + 80x3
[ 1 + 5(2x) + 10(2x)2 + 10(2x)3 =1 + 10x + 40x2 + 80x3]
3 (1 + 3x)4
ANSWER: 1 + 12x + 54x2 + 108x3
[ 1 + 4(3x) + 6(3x)2 + 4(3x)3 = 1 + 12x + 54x2 + 108x3 ]
1 Find the maximum and minimum of the trigonometric expression
y = 7sin(2x – π) + 5
ANSWER: MAXIMUM = 12 and minimum = - 2
2 Evaluate log125 5
ANSWER: 1/3
[log55/log5125 = 1/3]
3 Find the center C and the radius R of the circle with equation
x2 + y2 – 4x + 8y + 11 = 0
ANSWER: C(2, -4), R = 3 [(x – 2)2 + (y + 4)2 = 4 + 16 – 11 = 9, C(2, -4), R = 3]

1 I am a nondescript object.
2 Frankly, I am not defined.
3 I am the least in the kingdom of Pythagoras, yet I am the starting point.
4 Without me, there are no geometrical objects.
5 I am the ultimate building block.
6 You still do not get the point?

Who am I?
ANSWER: THE POINT
f(x) and g(x) are functions
1 d/dx(f(g(x)) = (df/dx) (dg/dx)

ANSWER: FALSE
2 d/dx(f(x)/g(x)) = df/dx)/(dg/dx)
ANSWER: FALSE
3 d/dx(f(x)g(x)) = f(dg/dx) + g(df/dx)

ANSWER: TRUE

On a curve
1 a stationary point is a critical point,

ANSWER: TRUE
2 a critical point is a stationary point,

ANSWER: FALSE
3 a point at which the derivative is undefined is a critical point.

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 8 ROUND IA
Classify the given function as linear, quadratic, cubic, quartic, rational

or exponential.
1 y = (2x + 3)/4
ANSWER: LINEAR or RATIONAL (Accept any one)
2 y = (1/3)x
ANSWER: EXPONENTIAL
3 y = x4 – 4x2 – 5
ANSWER: QUARTIC
CONTEST 8 ROUND 1B
Determine the amplitude A, and the period T of the trigonometric function
1 y = -2cos(3x – π)
ANSWER: A = 2, T = 2π/3
[y = -2cos[3(x – π/3)], A = |-2| = 2, T = 2π/3]
2 y = 5sin(4x + π)
ANSWER: A = 5, T = π/2
[y = 5[sin4(x +π/4)], hence A = 5, T = 2π/4 = π/2]
3 y = 10tan(3x – π/2)
ANSWER: A = ∞ (or undefined), T = π/3
[y = 10tan(3(x – π/6)), hence A = ∞, T = π/3]
1 Differentiate y = x2 – 2/x2 with respect to x.
ANSWER: dy/dx = 2x + 4/x3
2
∫ (kx 2 +x +2)dx=0
2 If 0 , evaluate k
ANSWER: k = -9/4
[kx /3 + x /2 + 2x| = 8k/3 + 2 + 4 = 0, 8k = -3(6), k = -9/4]

2
3 2 0
3 Evaluate 8C5 (Read as ‘8 combination 5’ )

ANSWER: 56
[8!/5!3! = 8(7)(6)/6 = 8(7) =56]

1 I am an integer between 200 and 300
2 I am an odd number.
3 I am an exact square.
4 The sum of my digits is a single digit odd square.
5 My second digit is same as my first digit.
6 The number formed from my last two digits is an exact square.

Who am I?
ANSWER: 225
In a right-angle triangle,
1 the hypothenuse is a diameter of the circumscribing circle,

ANSWER: TRUE
2 the angle opposite the hypothenuse is neither acute nor obtuse,

ANSWER: TRUE
3 the two acute angles are complementary

ANSWER: TRUE

If the polynomial f(x) is divisible by (ax - b), then
1 f(b) = 0
ANSWER: FALSE
2 f(-b) = 0
ANSWER: FALSE
3 f(-b/a) = 0
ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 9 ROUND 1A
In how many ways can a group of four women and three men be arranged in a
row if
1 the women are to be together,

ANSWER: 576
[4! x 4! = 24 x 24 = 576]
2 the men are to be together,

ANSWER: 720
[3! x 5! = 6 x 120 = 720]
3 the women are to be together and the men are to be together?

ANSWER: 288
[4! x 3! x 2! = 24 x 12 = 288]
CONTEST 9 ROUND 1B
Find the area of a right-angle triangle if
1 one leg is 3 cm longer than the other leg and the hypothenuse is 15 cm long,
ANSWER: 54 cm2
[x2 + (x + 3)2 = 225, x2 + x2 + 6x +9 = 225, 2x2 + 6x - 216 = 0,
x2 + 3x – 108 = (x – 9)(x + 12) = 0, x = 9, legs are 9, 12, Area = 9 x 6 = 54]
2 the hypothenuse is 10 cm long and one leg is 2 cm longer than the other leg,
ANSWER: 24 cm2
[ x2 + (x + 2)2 = 100, 2x2 + 4x – 96 = 0, x2 + 2x – 48 = (x + 8)(x - 6) = 0,
x = 6, legs are 6 cm, 8 cm, area = 3 x 8 = 24 cm2]
3 the hypothenuse is 17 cm long and one leg is 7 cm longer than the other leg.
ANSWER: 60 cm2
[x2 + (x + 7)2 = 289, 2x2 + 14x + 49 = 289, x2 + 7x – 120 = (x – 8)(x + 15) =
0, x = 8, the legs are 8 cm and 15 cm, area = 4 x 15 = 60 cm2]
1 Find the coordinates of the turning point of the function f(x) = x 2 - 2x + 3
ANSWER: (1, 2)
[x2 - 2x + 3 = (x - 1)2 + 2, turning point is (1, 2)]
2 Find the equation of the line through the point A(1, -2) and parallel to the
line 2x + y = 5
ANSWER: y = -2x
[slope of line is -2, hence (y + 2) = -2(x – 1), y = -2x]
3 Express (4 + √3)/(2 - √3) in the form a + b√3, where a, b are integers.

ANSWER: 11 + 6√3
[(4 + √3)(2 + √3)/(4 – 3) = 8 + 3 + (4 + 2)√3 = 11 + 6√3]

1 I am a line segment associated with a regular polygon.
2 In a circle I am the radius.
3 In a regular polygon, I am the radius of the inscribed circle.
4 I am the shortest distance from the center of a regular polygon to a side.
5 Part of me is A POT.
6 The other part is a part of THEM

Who am I?
ANSWER: APOTHEM
In the following, a is a natural number.
1 If a2 is even then a is even.

ANSWER: TRUE
2 If a3 is odd, then a is odd

ANSWER: TRUE
3 If a2 – 1 is even, then a is even.

ANSWER: FALSE
In the following, x is a real number
1 If (x + 3)(x – 2) < 0, then x > 2 or x < -3

ANSWER: FALSE
2 If (x - 3)(x – 2) > 0, then 2 < x < 3

ANSWER: FALSE
3 If (x - 4)(x + 2) < 0, then -2 < x < 4.

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 10 ROUND 1A
Solve for x from the logarithmic equation
1 logx + log(x + 2) = 3log2 ANSWER: x = 2

[x(x + 2) = 8, x + 2x – 8 = (x – 2)(x + 4) = 0, x = 2]
2
2 log(x + 1) + log(x – 1) = log24 ANSWER: x = 5

[log(x2 – 1) = log24, x2 – 1 = 24,x2 = 25, x = 5]
3 log(2x + 26)– log(x + 1) = 1 ANSWER: x = 2

[log(2x + 26)/(x + 1) = log10, (2x + 26)/(x + 1) = 10, 2x + 26 = 10(x + 1)
8x = 16, x = 2]
CONTEST 10 ROUND 1B
Evaluate the definite integral
1 ANSWER: 12
[x4/4 – x2 + 3x = (4 – 4 + 6) – (4 – 4 – 6) = 12]
2 ANSWER: 27
|
2
[2x3 + 2x2 + x −1 = (16 + 8 + 2)- (-2 + 2 – 1) = 26 + 1 = 27]
3 ANSWER: 9
[x4 – 3x2 + 3x = (16 – 12 + 6) –(1 – 3 + 3) = 10 - 1 = 9]

1Evaluate (tan 45° + tan30°)/(tan 45° - tan 30°) and simplify your result.
ANSWER: 2 + √3 [(1 + 1/√3)/(1 – 1/√3) = (√3 +1)/(√3 – 1) =
(√3 + 1) /2 = (4 + 2√3)/2 = 2 + √3]
2
2 Find the derivative of y = √(6x2 – 5) with respect to x.

ANSWER: dy/dx = 6x/√(6x2 – 5) or 6x(6x2 – 5)-1/2
[y = (6x2 – 5)1/2 , dy/dx = ½ (12x)(6x2 – 5) -1/2 = 6x/√(6x2 – 5)]
3 Find the number of ways of arranging 6 students around a circular table.

ANSWER: 120
[(6 – 1)! = 5! = 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 120]
1 I am a rule in Mathematics.
2 I am used in differentiation.
3 There are a few of such rules.
4 I can be used to differentiate expressions like tanx and cotx.
5 I am used in differentiating rational functions.
6 In general I am used to differentiate a quotient of two functions.

Who am I?
ANSWER: QUOTIENT RULE

A triangle is a right angle triangle if it has sides of lengths
1 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm
ANSWER: TRUE
2 10cm, 10√2cm, 10√3 cm

ANSWER: TRUE
3 8 cm, 17 cm, 20 cm
ANSWER: FALSE
If limit of a function f(x) exists at x = a, then
1 f(a) exists at x = a
ANSWER: FALSE
2 limit of f(x) at x = a is f(a)

ANSWER: FALSE
3 the function f(x) is continuous at x = a.

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 11 ROUND 1A
Differentiate the given function with respect to x and simplify as much as
possible
1 y = (4x2 + 4x – 5)/x
ANSWER: dy/dx = 4 + 5/x2 or (4x2 + 5)/x2
[y = 4x + 4 – 5/x, dy/dx = 4 + 5/x2 = (4x2 + 5)/x]
2 y = (2x3 – 5x + 3)/x2
ANSWER: dy/dx = (2 + 5/x2 – 6/x3) or (2x3 + 5x – 6)/x3
[ y = 2x – 5/x + 3/x2, dy/dx = 2 + 5/x2 – 6/x3 = (2x3 + 5x – 6)/x3]
3 y = (3x2 + 7x – 4)/x3
ANSWER: dy/dx = (-3x2 – 14x + 12)/x4
[ y = 3/x + 7/x2 – 4/x3, dy/dx = -3/x2 – 14/x3 + 12/x4 = (-3x2 – 14x + 12)/x4]
CONTEST 11 ROUND 1A
Find the value of n if in the expansion of (1 + x)n the coefficients of the given
terms are equal: (Assume n is a positive integer)
1 x5 and x8
ANSWER: n = 13
[nC5 = nC8, hence n = 5 + 8 = 13]
2 x2 and x5
ANSWER: n = 7
[nC2 = nC5, hence n= 2 + 5 = 7]
3 x4 and x6
ANSWER: n = 10
[nC4 = nC6, hence n = 4 + 6 = 10]
1 Solve for x if 5(2x) = 4x + 4

ANSWER: x = 0, 2
[Let u = 2x, 5u = u2 + 4, u2 – 5u + 4 = (u – 4)(u – 1) = 0, u =1, 4,
2x = 1, 4, x = 0, 2]
2 Find the sum of the first 100 natural numbers.

ANSWER: 5,050
[S100 = (100/2)(1 + 100) = 50(101) = 5050]
3 Solve for sinx = -1/2 in the interval 0 < x < π.

ANSWER: NO SOLUTION
1I am a 2-digit number
2 I am between 50 and 100.
3 I am a prime number.
4 The number obtained by reversing my digits is also a prime number.
5 I am almost halfway between 50 and 100.
6 The sum of my digits is the base of the decimal system.

Who am I?
ANSWER: 73
1 Any two regular polygons are similar.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 Any two equiangular pentagons are similar.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 Any two equiangular hexagons are similar.

ANSWER: FALSE
11 ROUND 4A: TRUE OR FALSE
1 In a cyclic quadrilateral, opposite angles are right angles.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 A rectangle is a cyclic quadrilateral

ANSWER: TRUE
3 A rhombus is a cyclic quadrilateral.

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 12 ROUND 1A
Expand and simplify
1 (1 + √3)4 ANSWER: 28 + 16√3

[1 + 4√3 + 6(√3) + 4(√3)3 + (√3)4 = (1 + 18 + 9) + (4 + 12)√3
2
= 28 + 16√3]
2 (1 + 2√2)4 ANSWER: 113 + 72√2

[1 + 4(2√2) + 6(2√2)2 + 4(2√2)3 + (2√2)4 = (1 + 48 + 64) + (8 + 64)√2
= 113 + 72√2]
3 (1 + √5)4 ANSWER: 56 + 24√5

[1 + 4√5 + 6(√5) + 4(√5)3 + (√5)4 = (1 + 30 + 25) + (4 + 20)√5 =
2
56 + 24√5]
CONTEST 12 ROUND 1B
Given dy/dx, express y in terms of x for the given condition
1 dy/dx = 3x2 – 2/x2 and y = 3 when x = 1

ANSWER: y = x3 + 1/x
[y= , for x = 1, 3 = 1 + 2 + C, C = 0, y = x3+ 1/x]
2 dy/dx = 4x3 + 2/x3 and y = 4 when x = 1

ANSWER: y = x4 – x-2 + 2
[y= = x4 – x-2 + C, 4 = 1 – 1 + C, C = 4, y = x4 – x-2 + 4]
3 dy/dx = 6x2 – 6x-3 and y = -4 when x = 1

ANSWER: y = 2x3 + 3x-2 - 9
[y= = 2x3 + 3x-2 + C, -4 = 2 + 3 + C, C = -9, y = 2x3 + 3x-2 – 9]
1 Find the coordinates of the center of the circle 2x 2 + 2y2 – 3x + 5y – 6 = 0

ANSWER: (3/4, -5/4)
[x2 + y2 – (3/2)x + (5/2)y – 3 = 0, hence center is (3/4, -5/4)]
2 Express (2x + 1)/(x + 1) in partial fractions

ANSWER: 2 – 1/(x + 1)
[2(x + 1)/(x + 1) – 1/(x + 1) = 2 – 1/(x + 1)]
3 If logy - 2logx = 2, express y in terms of x

ANSWER: y = 100x2
[log(y/x2) = log100, y/x2 = 100, y = 100x2]
1 I am a 3-digit number
2 I am a palindromic number
3 Whichever way you read me, forward or backward, the value is the same.
4 My middle digit is a special prime.
5 The number formed by my last two digits is an odd cube.
6 The sum of my digits is a square just less than 20.

Who am I?
ANSWER: 727
1 The inscribed circle of a triangle passes through the vertices of the triangle
ANSWER: FALSE
2 The circum-center of a triangle lies in the interior of the triangle.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 The in-center of a triangle lies inside the triangle.

ANSWER: TRUE
1 If 4x = 2y, then y = x/2

ANSWER: FALSE
2 If 3x + 3 = 9y, then 2y = x + 3
ANSWER: TRUE
3 If 125x = 5y, then y = 3x

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 13 ROUND 1A
Find the set of values of k such that the quadratic equation
1 x2 + (3 – k)x + k = 0 has real roots

ANSWER: {k: k ≥ 9, or k ≤ 1}
[ (3 – k)2 – 4k ≥ 0, k2 – 10k + 9 = (k - 1)(k – 9) ≥ 0, k ≥ 9 or k ≤ 1]
2 x2 + (k + 2)x + (2k + 1) = 0 has real distinct roots

ANSWER: { k : k > 4, or k < 0 } [(k + 2)2 – 4(2k + 1) > 0,
k2 + 4k + 4 – 8k - 4 = k2 – 4k > 0, k(k – 4) > 0, k > 4 or k < 0]
3 x2 – 2kx + (2 – k) = 0 has no real roots

ANSWER: {k : -2 < k < 1}
[4k2 - 4(2 – k) < 0, k2 + k – 2 < 0, (k + 2)(k – 1) < 0, -2 < k < 1]
CONTEST 13 ROUND 1B
Find the exact value of
1 sin(cos-1(1/3))
ANSWER: 2√2/3 3 2√ 2
[ Let u = cos-1(1/3), cos u = 1/3, sinu = 2√2/3] u 1
2 cos(tan-1(1/3))
ANSWER: 3/√10, or 3√10/10 √ 10 1
[Let u = tan-1(1/3), tanu = 1/3, cosu = 3/√10] u 3
3 tan(sin-1(2/3))
ANSWER: 2/√5, or 2√5/5 3 2
[Let u = sin-1(2/3), sinu = 2/3, tanu = 2/√5]
√5

1 Find the sum of the interior angles (in radians) of a polygon of 15 sides.
ANSWER: 13π radians
[(15 – 2)π = 13π radians]
2 The line y – x = 4 makes an angle α with the negative direction of the x-axis.
Find the degree measure of α. y
ANSWER: 45 (accept 135° )
°
4
-4 x
45°
3 The sum of the first n terms of a sequence is Sn = (n + 1)2. Find the nth term
Un of the series.
ANSWER: Un = 2n + 1
[Un = Sn – Sn – 1 = (n + 1)2 – n2 = n2 + 2n + 1 – n2 = 2n + 1]
1 We are angles associated with a polygon.
2 In a triangle, each one of us is equal to the sum of the interior opposite

angles.
3 We are not inside the polygon.
4 Strangely, for any polygon our sum is two straight angles.
5 Each angle is formed from a side and an extended side of the polygon.
Who are we?

ANSWER: EXTERIOR ANGLES
1 Every triangle can be circumscribed
ANSWER: TRUE
2 Each square can be circumscribed

ANSWER: TRUE
3 A parallelogram is a cyclic quadrilateral.

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 4B: TRUE OR FALSE
1An implication is true if the conclusion is true.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 An implication is true if the hypothesis is true.

ANSWER: FALSE
3An implication is true if the hypothesis is false.

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 14 ROUND 1A
Describe the transformation that turns the graph of f(x) = √x into the graph of
g(x) given
1 g(x) = -√x
ANSWER: The graph of g is a reflection of the graph of f in the x-axis.
[g(x) = -f(x), hence reflection in the x-axis]
2 g(x) = √(-x)
ANSWER: The graph of g is a reflection of the graph of f in the y-axis.
[h(x) = f(-x), hence reflection in the y-axis]
3 g(x) = √(x - 2)
ANSWER: The graph of g is a right shift of 2 units of the graph of f
[k(x) = f(x – 2), hence a right shift by 2 units]
CONTEST 14 ROUND 1B
Simplify
1 (cosecx)(tanx)
ANSWER: secx or 1/cosx
[1/sinx)(sinx/cosx) = 1/cosx or secx]
2 1/(1 + cos x) + 1/(1 – cosx)

ANSWER: 2/sin2x or 2cosec2x
[(1 – cosx + 1 + cosx)/(1 – cos2x) = 2/sin2x = 2cosec2x]
3 1/(1 – sinx) + 1/(1 + sinx)

ANSWER: 2/cos2x or 2sec2x
[(1 + sinx + 1 – sinx)/(1 – sin2x) = 2/cos2x = 2sec2x]
CONTEST 14 ROUND 2: SPEED RAC1E
1 Find the value of k if the line y = (2k + 1)x + 5 is parallel to the line
y = 5x + k
ANSWER: k = 2 [2k + 1 = 5, k = 2]
2 The velocity of a particle in rectilinear motion is v = t 2 – 2t + 5 ms-1 at time t

seconds. Find the acceleration after 3 seconds.
ANSWER: 4 ms-2
[a = dv/dt = 2t – 2, at t = 3, a = 2(3) – 2 = 4 ms-2]
3 An event A occurs with a probability of ¾. Find the probability the event A

does not occur.
ANSWER: ¼
[ 1 – P(A) = 1 – ¾ = ¼ ]
1 In Latin my name means a location.
2 Throw the letter T into the mix and I am a migratory pest.
3 I may be a line, a circle, a curve or a region.
4 I am simply a set of points.
5 I am a set of points subject to some constraints.
Who am I?
ANSWER: LOCUS
P(A) is the probability of an event A
1 P(A) > 1
ANSWER: FALSE
2 -1 < P(A) < 1

ANSWER: FALSE
3 P(A) = 0 implies A is an impossible event

ANSWER: TRUE
Lim ( x 2−2)=4
1 x →2
ANSWER: FALSE
Lim ( x 2−4 )/( x−2 )=0 / 0=1

2 x →2
ANSWER: FALSE
Lim x3 =8
3 x →2
ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 15 ROUND 1A
Find the values of b and c given that the quadratic inequality
1 x2 + bx + c < 0 has the solution set {x: -1 < x < 5}

ANSWER: b = -4, c = -5
[ (x + 1)(x – 5) < 0, x2 – 4x – 5 < 0, hence b = -4, c = -5}
2 x2 + bx + c > 0 has the solution set {x: x < -3 or x > 2}

ANSWER: b = 1, c = -6
[(x + 3)(x – 2) > 0, x2 + x – 6 > 0, hence b = 1, c = -6]
3 x2 + bx + c < 0 has the solution set {x : -3 < x < -2}

ANSWER: b = 5, c = 6
[ (x + 3)(x + 2) < 0, x2 + 5x + 6 < 0, hence b = 5 , c = 6]
CONTEST 15 ROUND 1B
Find the sum to infinity of the exponential series
1. 1 + 2/3 + 4/9 + 8/27 + . . .

ANSWER: 3
[a = 1, r = 2/3, a/(1 – r) = 1/(1 – 2/3 ) = 1/(1/3) = 3]
2. 9 - 3 + 1 - 1/3 + . . .
ANSWER: 27/4
[ a = 9, r = -1/3, a/(1 – r) = 9/(1 + 1/3) = 9/(4/3) = 27/4]
3. 10 + 5 + 5/2 + 5/4 + . . .
ANSWER: 20
[a = 10, r = ½, a/(1 – r) = 10/(1 – ½) = 10/(1/2) = 20]
1 Find the set of values of k if the equation x2 = kx + k has no real roots.

ANSWER: {k : - 4 < k < 0}
[x2 – kx – k = 0, k2 + 4k < 0, k(k + 4) < 0, -4 < k < 0]
2 If 32x + y = 81 and y = 2x, solve for x and y

ANSWER: x = 1, y = 2
[2x + y = 4, y = 2x, 4x = 4, x = 1, y = 2]
3 If 125, p, and 5 are consecutive terms of an exponential sequence and p is

positive, evaluate p.
ANSWER: p = 25
[p2 = 125(5) = 625, p = ± 25, hence p = 25]
1 I am a limit.
2 I am a rate of change.
3 I am a gradient.
4 I am the basis of differential calculus.
5 I am a derived function.
Who am I?
ANSWER: DERIVATIVE

The equation x2 – 2 = 0 has
1 two roots in the set of whole numbers.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 no root in the set of rational numbers.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 two roots in the set of real numbers.

ANSWER: TRUE
1 There is an integer x such that 1 < x < 2

ANSWER: FALSE
2 For any whole number a, the equation x2 = a has 2 real roots.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 For any integer n, n3 > 1

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 16 ROUND 1A
A binary operation is defined on the set Z of integers by a∗b = a + b + ab.
Find x given
1 x ∗ 4 = 19,
ANSWER: x = 3
[x + 4 + 4x = 19, 5x = 15, x = 3]
2 (-3) ∗ x = - 15
ANSWER: x = 6
[ -3 + x – 3x = -15, -2x = -12, x = 6]
3 2 ∗ x = - 13
ANSWER: x = -5
[2 + x + 2x = -13, 3x = -15, x = -5]
CONTEST 16 ROUND 1B
Find inverse of the rational function f(x) given
1 f (x) = (2x + 1)/(3x + 2) ANSWER: f-1(x) = (1 – 2x)/(3x – 2)

[x = (2y + 1)/(3y + 2), x(3y + 2) = (2y + 1), y(3x - 2) = 1 – 2x,
y = (1 – 2x)/(3x – 2), hence f-1(x) = (1 – 2x)/(3x - 2)]
2 f (x) = 2x/(x – 3) ANSWER: f-1(x) = 3x/(x – 2)

[x = 2y/(y – 3), x(y – 3) = 2y, y(x – 2) = 3x, y = 3x/(x – 2),
f-1(x) = 3x/(x – 2)]
3 f (x) = (x + 2)/3x ANSWER: f-1(x) = 2/(3x – 1)

[x = (y + 2)/3y, 3xy = y + 2, y(3x – 1) = 2, y = 2/(3x – 1), f-1(x) = 2/(3x – 1)]
1 Given that 2sinx = √3, find the value of x in the interval 0 < x < π
ANSWER: x = π/3, 2π/3
[sinx = √3/2, hence x = π/3, (π - π/3) = π/3, 2π/3]
2 The equation of a circle is given by 3x2 + 15x + ky2 – 20y = 10, find the
value of k.
ANSWER: k = 3
3 Find the measure of the interior angle of a regular heptagon in radians.

ANSWER: 5π/7 radians
[π - 2π/7 = 5π/7]
1 I am an association of elements of two sets.
2 I take it two steps at a time.
3 I always have an inverse.
4 You can say I am a relation.
5 Like a binary operation I involve two elements at a time.
Who am I?
ANSWER: BINARY RELATION

Let n be a natural number
1 If n is divisible by 6, then n2 is divisible by 9

ANSWER: TRUE
2 If n2 is divisible by 6, then n is divisible by 6

ANSWER: TRUE
3 If n is even and divisible by 3, then n2 is divisible by 36.

ANSWER: TRUE
1 A limit is a derivative.
ANSWER: FALSE
2 A derivative is a limit.
ANSWER: TRUE
3 A gradient is a limit.
ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 17 ROUND 1A
Solve for x. Leave answer as a quotient of two logarithms.
1. 3x + 1 = 4x ANSWER: x = log (3)/log(4/3)

[ (x + 1)log 3 = xlog4, x(log 4 – log 3) = log3, x = log 3/log(4/3)]
2. 5x + 2 = 41 – x ANSWER: x = log(4/25)/log(20)
[(x + 2)log 5 = (1 – x)log4, x(log5 + log4) = log 4 – 2log5 = log(4/25),
x = log(4/25)/log(20)]
3. 22x + 1 = 3x + 2 ANSWER: x = log(9/2)/log(4/3)

[(2x + 1)log 2 = (x + 2)log 3, x(2log2 – log3) = 2log3 – log2 = log(9/2),
x(log4/3) = log(9/2), x = log(9/2)/log(4/3)]
CONTEST 17 ROUND 1B
Given matrices A = and B = , find the matrix
1. 2A + B ANSWER: [ ]
2. A – 2B ANSWER: [
3. 3A + 2B ANSWER: [ ]
1If the equation 3x + 2y = 12 is expressed in the form x/a + y/b = 1,

determine a and b.
ANSWER: a = 4, b = 6
[3x/12 + 2y/12 = 1, x/4 + y/6 = 1, a = 4, b = 6]
2 If log74 = a, find log47 in terms of a.

ANSWER: 1/a
[log74 x log47 = 1, log47 = 1/log74 = 1/a]
3 Find the coefficient of x2 in the binomial expansion of (2 + 3x)5

ANSWER: 720
[5C2(23)(3x)2 = 10(8)(9x2) = 720x2, hence coefficient of x2 is 720]
1 I am a 2-digit number.
2 I am a prime number.
3 The sum of my digits is the base of the decimal system.
4 The number obtained by reversing my digits is also a prime.
5The difference of my digits is a square.
6 I am less than half a century.

Who am I?
ANSWER: 37
1 x = -3 is a solution of the compound inequality |2x – 3| > 5

ANSWER: TRUE
2 x = 7 is a solution of the inequality |2x – 5| < 7

ANSWER: FALSE
3 x = -2 is a solution of the inequality |2x – 3| > 7

ANSWER: FALSE
1 If 7 > 8, then -7 < - 8

ANSWER: TRUE
2 If 3 < 4, then 4 < 3

ANSWER: FALSE
3 If 5 < -5, then 4 < -5

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 18 ROUND 1A
Find the coordinates of the turning points of the given function.
1 y = 2x3 – 3x2 – 12x

ANSWER: (2, -20) and (-1, 7)
[dy/dx = 6x2 – 6x – 12 = 6(x – 2)(x + 1) = 0, x = 2, -1. For x = 2, y = 16 – 12 -
24 = -20, for x = -1, y = -2 – 3 + 12 = 7, hence (2, -20), (-1, 7)]
2 y = x3 - 3x + 2
ANSWER: (1, 0) and (-1, 4)
[dy/dx = 3(x2 – 1) = 3(x + 1)(x – 1) = 0, x = ±1. For x = 1, y = 1 – 3 + 2 = 0.
For x = -1, y = -1+ 3 + 2 = 4, hence (1, 0), (-1, 4)]
3 y = x3 – 6x2 + 9x
ANSWER: (1, 4) and (3, 0)
[dy/dx = 3x2 – 12x + 9 = 3(x2 – 4x + 3 ) = 3(x – 1)(x – 3) = 0, x = 1, 3.
For x = 1, y = 1 – 6 + 9 = 4, for x = 3, y = 27 – 54 + 27 = 0]
CONTEST 18 ROUND 1B
If α and β are the roots of the equation x2 – px + q = 0, find a relation between
p and q given that
1 α = 4β
ANSWER: 4p2 = 25q
[α + β = p, 5β = p, β = p/5, αβ = 4β2 = q, 4(p/5)2 = q, 4p2 = 25q]
2 α = 2β
ANSWER: 2p2 = 9q
[ α + β = p, 3β = p, αβ = 2β2 = q, β = p/3, 2(p/3)2 = q, 2p2 = 9q]
3α=β
ANSWER: p2 = 4q
[ α + β = p, 2β = p, β = p/2, αβ = β2 = q, (p/2)2 = q, p2 = 4q]
1 If the binomial (1 - x)-1/2 is to be used to approximate (100/98)1/2 find an

appropriate value for x.
ANSWER: x = 0.02 [(1 – 0.02)-1/2 = (0.98)-1/2 = (100/98)1/2]
2 Solve the quadratic inequality (x + 5)(x – 3) > 0

ANSWER: {x: x > 3, or x <- 5}
3 If the vectors a and b are a = 3i – 2j and b = -2i + j, find the unit vector in the
direction of a + b
ANSWER: (i – j)/√2 [a + b = i – j, unit vector is (i – j)/√2]
1 I am a set.
2 I am quite a special set.
3 I am not the null set.
4 Neither am I the universal set.
5 I am a set with a cardinal number of one.

6 I have just a single element.
Who am I?
ANSWER: SINGLETON
1 435 > 346

ANSWER: TRUE
2 268 > 356

ANSWER: FALSE
3 538 > 617

ANSWER: FALSE
1 In a parallelogram, the diagonals bisect each other and the vertex angles.
ANSWER: FALSE
2 A parallelogram has a center of symmetry and a center of rotation.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 ln a rectangle, the diagonals bisect each other and are congruent.

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 19 ROUND 1A
Find the next three terms of the sequence Un defined by the recurrence
relation
1 Un + 2 = Un + 1 + Un, U1 = 1, U2 = 2 ANSWER: U3 = 3, U4 = 5, U5 = 8
[U3 = U2 + U1 = 1 + 2 = 3, U4 = U3 + U2 = 3 + 2 = 5, U5 = U4 + U3 = 5 + 3 = 8]
2 Un + 1 = 2Un – 5, U1 = 3 ANSWER: U2 = 1, U3 = -3, U4 = -11

[U2 = 2U1 – 5 = 2(3) – 5 = 1, U3 = 2U2 – 5 = 2(1) – 5 = -3,
U4 = 2U3 – 5 = 2(-3) -5 = -11]
3 Un + 1 = Un – 2n, U1 = 5 ANSWER: U2 = 3, U3 = -1, U4 = -7

[U2 = U1 – 2(1) = 5 – 2 = 3, U3 = U2 – 2(2) = 3 – 4 = -1,
U4 = U3 – 2(3) = -1 – 6 = -7]
CONTEST 19 ROUND 1B
Find the value of x given that
1. √75 – √(12x) + √27 = 0

ANSWER: x = 16
[5√3 - 2√(3x) + 3√3 = 0, 2√(3x) = 8√3, √(3x) = 4√3, 3x = 16(3), x = 16]
2. √32 - √(6x) + √50 = 0

ANSWER: x =27
[4√2 - √(6x) + 5√2 = 0, √(6x) = 9√2, 6x = 81(2), 3x = 81, x = 27]
3. √45 - √(10x) + 7√5 = 0

ANSWER: x = 50
[3√5 - √(10x) + 7√5 = 0, √(10x) = 10√5, 10x = 100(5), x = (10)(5) = 50]
1 Find the coordinates of the vertex as well as the axis of symmetry of the
curve y = x2 – 6x + 7
ANSWER: vertex is (3, -2), axis of symmetry is x = 3
[ y = (x2 – 6x + 9) – 2 = (x – 3)2 – 2, vertex is (3, - 2), axis of symmetry x = 3]
2 Two fair dice are thrown. Find the probability that the total score is a
multiple of 6.
ANSWER: 1/6 [Total is 6 or 12, A = {(1, 5), (5, 1), (2, 4), (4, 2), (3, 3), (6, 6)}
P(A) = 6/36 = 1/6]
3 Find the sum of the interior angles of a polygon of 32 sides in degrees

ANSWER : 5400°
[ (32 – 2)180 = 30(180) = 5400°]
1 I am a special point on a curve.
2 At me the tangent to the curve crosses the curve.
3 I am not necessarily a stationary point.
4 At me the first derivative need not be zero but the second derivative is zero.
5 I am a boundary point between the curve turning up and the curve turning
down.
6 Upon a sound reflection you should get me.

Who am I?
ANSWER: POINT OF INFLECTION
The absolute value function y = |x|
1 has a stationary point at x = 0.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 is differentiable at x = 0
ANSWER: FALSE
3 has a critical value at x = 0

ANSWER: TRUE
The following function is a continuous function in the given interval
1 y = (x + 1)/(x + 2) for x > 0

ANSWER: TRUE
2 y = x/(x – 1) for the interval 0 < x < 2

ANSWER: FALSE
3 y = √ (x−1) for x > 1

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 20 ROUND 1A
Find the set of values of k such that the quadratic equation
1 2x2 + kx + 8 = 0 has two real distinct roots,

ANSWER: {k: k > 8, or k < - 8}
[ k2 – 4(2)8 > 0, k2 > 64, k > 8 or k < - 8]
2 2x2 + (k + 1)x + 18 = 0 has no real roots,

ANSWER: {k: - 13 < k < 11}
[ (k + 1)2 – 4(2)18 < 0, (k + 1)2< 144, -12 < k + 1 < 12, -13 < k < 11]
3 kx2 – 9x + 4k = 0 has equal roots.

ANSWER: k = ± 9/4
[ 81 – 16k2 = 0, k2 = 81/16, k = ±9/4]
CONTEST 20 ROUND 1B
In how many ways can a 4-digit number be formed from the digits
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 if
1 no digit is to be repeated
ANSWER: 360
[6 x 5 x 4 x 3 = 30 x 12 = 360]
2 any digit may be repeated,

ANSWER: 1296
[6 x 6 x 6 x 6 = 36 x 36 = 1080 + 216 = 1296]
3 any digit may be repeated and the number is even,

ANSWER: 648
[ 6 x 6 x 6 x 3 = 36 x 18 = 360 + 288 = 648]
1 Find the maximum value of the expression 10sinx + 24cosx

ANSWER: 26
[ √(102 + 242) = √(100 + 576) = √676 = 26]
2 A curve has gradient dy/dx = 3x2 – 2x. Find its equation if it passes through
the point A(1, 5)
ANSWER: y = x3 – x2 + 5
[y = x3 – x2 + C, 5 = 1 - 1 + C, C = 5, y =x3 - x2 + 5]
3 Solve for x from the equation log2x + logx2 = 2

ANSWER: x = 2
[log2x + 1/log2x = 2, (log2x)2 – 2log2x + 1 = 0, (log2x – 1)2 = 0, log2x = 1,
x = 2]
1 I am a function of the form y = f(x)
2 I am a trigonometric function
3 My period is π but I am not a tangent function
4 I have a maximum of 1 at x = π/4.
5 I am not a cosine function.
6 I am definitely a sine function.

Who am I?
ANSWER: y = sin2x

Let m, and n be integers
1If the product mn is even, then both m and n are even

ANSWER: FALSE
2 If the product mn is odd, then both m and n are odd.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 If one of the numbers is even and the other number is odd then mn is even.
ANSWER: TRUE
1 The function f(x) = (√x + 1)/(x2 - 1) is a rational function

ANSWER: FALSE
2 The function f(x) = sinx/cosx is a rational function.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 The function f(x) = (4x3 – 2x)/x2 is a rational function

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 21 ROUND 1A
A biased coin is tossed twice. If the probability of a head appearing is 2/5, find
1 the probability of exactly 1 head appearing,

ANSWER: 12/25
[P(H) = 2/5, P(T) = 3/5, A = {HT, TH} P(A) = 2(2/5)(3/5) = 12/25]
2 the probability of at most 1 head appearing,

ANSWER: 21/25
[B = {HT, TH, TT}, P(B) = 2(2/5)(3/5) + (3/5)(3/5) = (12 + 9)/25 = 21/25]
3 the probability of at least one head appearing.

ANSWER: 16/25
[C = {HT, TH, HH}, P(C) = 2(2/5)(3/5) + (2/5)(2/5) = (12 + 4)/25 = 16/25]
CONTEST 21 ROUND 1B
1 Find 3 consecutive even integers such that the product of the first and the
second integers is 24 ANSWER: 4, 6, 8 or –6, -4, -2 (Accept any triple)
[x(x + 2) = 24, x + 2x – 24 = (x + 6)(x – 4) = 0, x = 4, - 6, hence 4, 6, 8 or
2
-6, -4, - 2]
2 Find 3 consecutive integers such that the sum of the squares of the first and
third integers is 100. ANSWER: 6, 7, 8 or -8, -7, -6 (Accept any triple)
[(x – 1)2 + (x + 1)2 = 2x2 + 2 = 100, 2x2 = 98, x = ± 7, hence 6, 7, 8 or
-8, -7, -6]
3 Find 3 consecutive multiples of 5 such that the product of the first and the
third is 200.
ANSWER: 10, 15, 20 or -20, -15, -10 (Accept any triple)
[(x – 5)(x + 5) = 200, x2 = 225, x = ±15, hence 10, 15, 20 or -20, -15, -10]
1 Find the value of x if (x – 3), (2x – 3) and (x + 7) are consecutive terms of a

linear sequence and state the three terms of the sequence.
ANSWER: x = 5, terms are 2, 7, 12
[(x – 3 + x + 7) = 2(2x – 3), 2x = 4 + 6 = 10, x = 5, terms are 2, 7, 12]
2 Given that A, B are acute angles and sinA = 3/5 and sinB = 5/13,
find cos(A – B).
ANSWER: 63/65 [cos(A – B) = cosAcosB + sinAsinB = (4/5)(12/13) +
(3/5)(5/13) = (48 + 15)/65 = 63/65]
3 The second and fifth terms of an exponential sequence are 8/3 and 64/81.
Find the common ratio r.
ANSWER: r = 2/3
[ar = 8/3, ar4 = 64/81, r3 = (64/81)/(8/3) = 8/27, r = 2/3]
1 I am a 2-digit odd number.
2 Both my digits are consecutive prime numbers.
3 I am a multiple of 3, but none of my digits is 3.
4 When my digits are reversed, the number formed is also a multiple of 3.
5 The sum of my digits is a dozen.
6 I am a multiple of 5.
Who am I?
ANSWER: 75
In the interval 0 < x < π/2
1 sinx < cosx

ANSWER: FALSE
2 cosx < sinx

ANSWER: FALSE
3 sinx < tanx

ANSWER: TRUE
1 All equiangular polygons are similar.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 All equiangular quadrilaterals are similar.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 All equiangular rhombuses are similar.

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 22 ROUND 1A
For what values of k will the quadratic equation have exactly one root?
1 9x2 – 15kx + 25 = 0
ANSWER: k = ± 2
[225k2 – 4(25)9 = 0, k2 = 4, k = ± 2]
2 kx2 = 8x – 2
ANSWER: k = 8
[ kx2 – 8x + 2 = 0, 64 – 4(2)k = 0, 8k = 64, k = 8,]
3 4x2 + (k - 3)x + 9 = 0
ANSWER: k = -9, 15
[(k - 3)2 – 4(9)4 = 0, (k - 3)2 = 144, k - 3 = ±12, k = -9, 15]
CONTEST 22ROUND 1B
Expand and simplify
1 (x + 3)(x2 – 3x + 9)
ANSWER: x3 + 27
[sum of two cubes x3 + 33 ]
2 (8a2 – 6b)(8a2 + 6b)

ANSWER: 64a4 – 36b2
[Difference of 2 squares]
3 (2x – y)(4x2 + 2xy + y2)

ANSWER: 8x3 – y3
[difference of 2 cubes]
1Solve the equation 2sinx – 1 = 0 for 0 < x < π

ANSWER: x = π/6, 5π/6
[sinx = 1/2, x = π/6, (π - π/6) = π/6, 5π/6]
2 Find the area of the circle with equation x2 + y2 – 6x + 8y = 11

ANSWER: 36π sq. units
[(x – 3)2 + (y + 4)2 = 9 + 16 + 11 = 36, hence area = πr2 = 36π]
3 The deviations of a set of numbers from 25 are 7, -6, 0, 3, 10, -2. Find the
mean of the numbers.
ANSWER: 27
[mean = 25 + (7 + -6 + 0 + 3 + 10 - 2)/6 = 25 + 12/6 = 25 + 2 = 27]

1 I am a polygon.
2 The sum of my interior angles is an odd multiple of π.
3I have no center of symmetry.
4 In my regular form, I have n axis of symmetry where n is a single digit odd

square.
5 All things being equal with respect to sides and angles, an interior angle has
measure 7π/9 radians
Who am I?
ANSWER: NONAGON
1 The inverse of an exponential function is a logarithmic function.

ANSWER: TRUE
2 The inverse of a quadratic function is a linear function.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 The inverse of a linear function is a linear function

ANSWER: TRUE
1 If a triangle has two sides, then a quadrilateral has five sides

ANSWER: TRUE
2 If a triangle has four sides, a pentagon has five sides.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 If a triangle has three sides, then a pentagon has six sides

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 23 ROUND 1A
Solve for x from the radical equation
1 x – 1 = √ 8 x+1
ANSWER: x = 10
[8x + 1 = (x – 1)2 = x2 – 2x + 1, x2 – 10x = 0, x = 10]
2 √(2 x−3 )=x−3

ANSWER: x = 6
[(2x – 3) = (x – 3)2 = x2 – 6x + 9, x2 – 8x + 12 = (x – 2)(x – 6) = 0, x = 6]
3 x +6=√32 x
ANSWER: x = 2, 18
[(x + 6)2 = x2 + 12x + 36 = 32x, x2 – 20x + 36 = (x – 2)(x – 18) = 0,
x = 2, 18]
CONTEST 23 ROUND 1B
Find the sum of the first n terms of the sequence
1. 3, 5, 7, 9, . . .
ANSWER: n(n + 2)
[Linear sequence, a = 3, d = 2, Sn = (n/2) (6 +2(n – 1)) = n(n + 2)]
2. 10, 6, 2, -2, . . .
ANSWER: 2n(6 - n) or n(12 – 2n)
[linear sequence, a = 10, d = -4, Sn = (n/2)(20 – 4(n – 1)) = n(12 – 2n)]
3. -8, -4, 0, 4, . . .
ANSWER: 2n(n – 5) or n(2n – 10)
[Linear sequence, a = -8, d = 4, Sn = (n/2)(-16 + 4(n – 1)) = n(2n – 10)]
1 Solve for x from the equation log2x + log2(x - 2) = 3

ANSWER: x = 4
[log2(x - 2)x = log28, x2 - 2x - 8 = (x - 4)(x + 2) = 0, x = 4]
2 Find the mean deviation of the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

ANSWER: 1.2
[Mean = 15/5 = 3, mean deviation =(|-2| + |-1| + 0 + 1+ 2)/5 = 6/5 = 1.2]
3 Given that f(x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + 2 has a maximum at x = -1 and a minimum

at x = 1, find the value of a and the value of b.
ANSWER: a = 0, b = -3
[dy/dx = 3x2 + 2ax + b = 0, for x = 1, 3 + 2a + b = 0, x = -1, 3 – 2a + b = 0
6 + 2b = 0, b = -3, a = 0]
1 I am a special point on a curve.
2 To be precise, there are two such points.
3 One of us is on top of the hill and the other at the bottom of the valley.
4 None of us is the greatest value or the least value inspite of our names
5 At me, everything seems to come to rest.
6 At me, the tangent is always horizontal.

Who am I?
ANSWER: STATIONARY POINT
1 sin(x + π/2) = cosx

ANSWER: TRUE
2 cos(x + π/2) = sinx

ANSWER: FALSE
3 tan(x + π/2) = cotx

ANSWER: FALSE
In the following a, b, and c are real numbers.
1 If a > b, then -a < -b

ANSWER: TRUE
2 If a > b, then ac > bc

ANSWER: FALSE
3 If a > b, then c – a > c – b

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 24 ROUND 1A
Find the inverse of the given matrix if possible
1 [DetA = 6 – 6 = 0, hence A has no inverse]

ANSWER: A has no inverse
2 ANSWER:
[DetB = 12 – 11 = 1]
3 ANSWER:
[DetC = 10 – 9 = 1]
CONTEST 24 ROUND 1B
Factorise completely
1 x2 – 6x + 9 – 4y2
ANSWER: (x + 2y – 3)(x – 2y – 3)
[(x – 3)2 – 4y2 = (x + 2y – 3)(x – 2y – 3)
2 4x2 + 4x + 1 - 9y2
ANSWER: (2x + 3y + 1)(2x – 3y + 1)
[(2x +1)2 – 9y2 = (2x + 3y + 1)(2x – 3y + 1)]
3 9x2 – 6x + 1 – 25y2
ANSWER: (3x + 5y – 1)(3x – 5y – 1)
[(3x – 1)2 – 25y2 = (3x + 5y – 1)(3x – 5y – 1)]
1 Find the coordinates of the image of the point A(-3, 7) after reflection in the
line y = 5.
ANSWER: (-3, 3)
[7 – 5 = 2 and 5 – 2 = 3, hence (-3, 3)]
2 Find the largest part if the number 360 is divided in the ratio 3 : 4 : 5.
ANSWER: 150
[(5/12) x 360 = 5 x 30 = 150]
3 Solve for x from the equation 5/(x – 3) – 6/(x2 – 9) = 4/(x + 3)

ANSWER: x = -21
[5(x + 3) – 6 = 4(x – 3), x = -12 + 6 – 15 = - 21]
1 I am a function.
2 I may be a binomial as for a linear function.
3 I may be a trinomial as for a quadratic function.
4 I involve non-negative integer powers of the variable.
5 I am in the poly business.
6 Another example of me is the cubic function

Who am I?
ANSWER: POLYNOMIAL FUNCTION (accept POLYNOMIAL)
1 The function y = sinx is a continuous function.

ANSWER: TRUE
2 The function y = tanx is a continuous function.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 The function y = cosx is a continuous function.

ANSWER: TRUE

P and Q are simple statements
1 If P is true and the implication ‘ if P then Q’ is true, then Q is true.

ANSWER: TRUE
2 If P is false and the implication ‘if P then Q’ is true, then Q is true.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 If P is false and the implication ‘if P then Q’ is true, then Q is false.

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 25 ROUND 1A
Find the equation of the circle touching both axes and touching the line
1 x = - 6, and lying in the third quadrant,

ANSWER: (x + 3)2 + (y + 3)2 = 9
[center is (-3, -3), radius r = 3, hence (x + 3)2 + (y + 3)2 = 9]
2 y = 8 and lying in the second quadrant,

ANSWER: (x + 4)2 + (y – 4)2 = 16
[center is (-4, 4), radius = 4, hence (x + 4)2 + (y – 4)2 = 16]
3 x = 10 and lying in the first quadrant.

ANSWER: (x – 5)2 + (y – 5)2 = 25
[center is (5, 5), radius = 5, hence (x – 5)2 + (y – 5)2 = 25]
CONTEST 25 ROUND 1B
Find the equation of a curve with gradient dy/dx and passing through the
point A if
1 dy/dx = 3x2 – 4x and the point A has coordinates (1, 2)

ANSWER: y = x3 – 2x2 + 3
[ y = x3 – 2x2 + C, 2 = 1 – 2 + C, C = 3, y = x3 – 2x2 + 3]
2 dy/dx = 4x + 5 and the point A has coordinates (1, 5)

ANSWER: y = 2x2 + 5x - 2
[y = 2x2 + 5x + C, 5 = 2 + 5 + C, C = -2, y = 2x2 + 5x – 2]
3 dy/dx = 5x4 - 3x2 and the point A has coordinates (1, -3)
ANSWER: y = x5 – x3 - 3
[y = x5 – x3 + C, -3 = 1 – 1 + C, C = -3, y = x5 – x3 - 3]
1 Two adjacent vertices of a square ABCD are A(3, 1) and B(- 1, 4). Find the
area of the square.
ANSWER: 25 sq. units
[ |AB|2 = (3 + 1)2 + (4 – 1)2 = 16 + 9 = 25, Area = 25 sq. units]
2 Find the set of prime numbers between 40 and 60.

ANSWER: {41, 43, 47, 53, 59}
3 Given that i2 = - 1, evaluate (7 + 5i)(7 – 5i)

ANSWER: 74
[(7 + 5i)(7 – 5i) = 49 – 25i2 = 49 + 25 = 74]
1 I am a ratio.
2 I am a quotient.
3 I am a function.
4 I am a quotient of polynomials.
5 My domain is determined somehow by the zeros of my denominator.
Who am I?
ANSWER: RATIONAL FUNCTION
1 A kite has only one pair of congruent opposite angles.

ANSWER: TRUE
2 In a kite, the diagonals bisect the angles at the vertices.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 A kite has two pairs of congruent adjacent sides.

ANSWER: TRUE

P and Q are simple statements
1 The statement ‘if P, then Q’ is false only when P is true and Q false.
ANSWER: TRUE
2 The statement ‘P and Q’ is false only when both P and Q are false.
ANSWER: FALSE
3 The statement ‘P or Q’ is false only when both P and Q are false.

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 26 ROUND 1A
Evaluate
1 1352 – 652
ANSWER: 14,000
[(135 + 65)(135 – 65) = 200(70) = 14,000]
2 1072 – 932
ANSWER: 2,800
[(107 + 93)(107 – 93) = 200(14) = 2,800]
3 2252 – 1252
ANSWER: 35,000
[(225 + 125)(225 – 125) = 350(100) = 35,000]
CONTEST 26 ROUND 1B
1 A point A(x, y) is reflected in the line y = x and the image point is reflected
in the x-axis. If the final image point is (4, -3) find x and y.
[(x, y) goes to (y, x) and (y, x) goes to (y, - x) = (4, -3), x = 3, y = 4]
2 A point A(x, y) is reflected in the origin and the image point is reflected in
the line y = x. If the final image point is (-5, -3) find x and y.
[(x, y) goes to (-x, - y) and (-x, -y) goes to (-y, - x) = (-5, -3), hence y = 5, x = 3]
3 A point A(x, y) is reflected in the x- axis and the image point reflected in the
y-axis. If the final image point is (1, -2) find x and y.
ANSWER: x = -1, y = 2
[(x, y) goes to (x, -y) and (x, -y) goes to (-x, -y) = (1, -2) hence x = -1 and
y =2]
1 Find the sum to infinity of the series 48 + 12 + 3 + ¾ + . . .

ANSWER: 64
[exponential series, a = 48, r = ¼, S = a/(1 – r) = 48/(3/4) = 16 x 4 = 64]
2 Solve the equation |x2 – 2| = 1

ANSWER: x = ± √ 3 , ± 1
[x2 – 2 = ± 1, x2 = 3, x= ± √ 3 or x2 = 1, x = ± 1]
3 Find the finite area enclosed by the line 2x – 3y = 12 and the coordinate
axes.
ANSWER: 12 sq units
[x-intercept = 12/2 = 6, y-intercept = 12/-3 = - 4, area = ½ (6)4 = 12]
1 I am a very common curve.
2 I relate to a polynomial of degree 2.
3 I have a vertex which may be a maximum or a minimum point.
4 I am the sketch of the graph of the quadratic function.
5 I have no point of inflection.
6 I am a combination of a part of PARACETAMOL and a part of EBOLA.

Who am I?
ANSWER: PARABOLA

If two polygons are similar
1 they have the same number of sides

ANSWER: TRUE
2 their diagonals are congruent,

ANSWER: FALSE
3 their corresponding angles are congruent.

ANSWER: TRUE
A and B are angular measures
1 sin(A + B) = sinAcosB – cosAsinB

ANSWER: FALSE
2 cos(A + B) = cosAcosB + sinAsinB

ANSWER: FALSE
3 tan(A – B) = (tanA – tanB)/(1 – tanAtanB)

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 27 ROUND 1A
Solve the equation for x
1 √(8x) = √(2x) + 2 ANSWER: x = 2

[2√2x = √2x + 2, √2x = 2, 2x = 4 and x = 2]
2 √(x + 7) = √x + 1 ANSWER: x = 9
[ x + 7 = x + 1 + 2√x, 2√x = 6, √x = 3, x = 9]
3 2 - √x = √(x + 2) ANSWER: x = 1/4

[ x + 4 - 4√x = x + 2, 4√x = 2, √x = ½, x = 1/4]
CONTEST 27 ROUND 1B
In the throw of two fair dice, find the probability of the total score being
1 an exact cube,
ANSWER: 5/36 [exact cube hence total score = 8,
A = {(2, 6), (6, 2), (5, 3), (3, 5), (4, 4)}, P(A) = 5/36]
2 an exact square,
ANSWER: 7/36 [an exact square hence total score is 4 or 9,
B = {(1, 3), (3, 1), (2, 2), (6, 3), (3, 6), (4, 5), (5, 4)}, P(A ) = 7/36 ]
3 a multiple of 5
ANSWER: 7/36 [total score is 5 or 10, hence
C = {(1, 4), (4, 1), (2, 3), (3, 2), (4, 6), (6, 4), (5, 5)}, P(C ) = 7/36]
1 Express 4578 as a decimal number

ANSWER: 30310 (Accept 303)
[4578 = 4(64) + 5(8) + 7 = 256 + 40 + 7 = 30310]
2 Simplify (logx5 – logx3)/(logx3 – logx), assume x ≠ 1.

ANSWER: 1
[(5logx – 3logx)/(3logx – logx) = 2logx/2logx = 1]
3 A binary operation ¿is defined on the set of real numbers R by

a¿b = a + 2b. Find x if 3¿ x=13
ANSWER: x = 5
[3¿x = 3 + 2x = 13, 2x = 10, x = 5]
1 I am a region inside a circle.
2 There is nothing major or minor about me.
3 I am definitely not a segment.
4 I am bounded by a pair of radii and an arc of the circle.
5 For a given circle, my area is proportional to the angle at the center.

6 Remember the formula area = ½ r2θ .
Who am I?
ANSWER: SECTOR
1 An equilateral triangle has three axes of symmetry and a center of

symmetry.
ANSWER: FALSE
2 A parallelogram has a center of symmetry and two axes of symmetry.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 A regular pentagon fits its outline in 10 positions and has five axes of
symmetry.
ANSWER: TRUE
1 If a number is divisible by 4 and 6, it is divisible by 24.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 If a number is divisible by 9 and 7 it is divisible by 21

ANSWER: TRUE
3 If a number is divisible by 21 and 15, it is divisible by 75

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 28 ROUND 1A
Evaluate
1 log248 – log28 + log236 – log254
ANSWER: 2
[log2(48 x 36/8 x 54) = log2(6 x 4/6) = log24 = 2]
2 log3105 – log349 + log363 – log345

ANSWER: 1
[log3(105 x 63/49 x 45) = log(7 x 15 x 9 x 7/7 x 7 x 9 x 5) = log3(15/5) =log33
= 1]
3 log381 – 2log416 + log864 – log5125

ANSWER: -1
[4 – 2(2) + 2 – 3 = 2 – 3 = -1]
CONTEST 28 ROUND 1B
A bag contains 5 white, 7 black and 3 red balls. Two balls are drawn without
replacement. Find the probability that
1 both balls are red,

ANSWER: 1/35
[A = {RR}, P(A) = (3/15) x (2/14) = (1/5) x (1/7) = 1/35]
2 both balls are white,

ANSWER: 2/21
[ B = {WW}, P(B) = (5/15) x (4/14) = (1/3) x (2/7) = 2/21]
3 both balls are black.

ANSWER: 1/5
[C = {BB}, P(C) = (7/15) x (6/14) = (7/15) x (3/7) = 3/15 = 1/5]
1 Convert a speed of 126 km/hr to meters/second

ANSWER: 35 m/s
[126 x 1000/3600 = 126 x 10/36 = 210/6 = 35 m/s]
2 Find the truth set of the inequality x2 – 2x – 35 < 0

ANSWER: {x: -5 < x < 7}
[(x – 7)(x + 5) < 0, -5 < x < 7]
3 Find the equation of a circle in the second quadrant touching both axes and
the line y = 4.
ANSWER: (x + 2)2 + (y – 2)2 = 4
[center is (-2, 2), radius r = 2, hence (x + 2)2 + (y – 2)2 = 4]
1 I am a quadrilateral
2 I have two pairs of congruent opposite sides.
3 I have two pairs of congruent opposite angles.
4 I have axes of symmetry
5 I have a center of symmetry

6 All my angles as well as my sides are congruent.
Who am I?
ANSWER: SQUARE
1The slope-intercept form of the equation of a line is y – y 1 = m(x – x1)

ANSWER: FALSE
2 The standard form of the equation of a line is ax + by = c

ANSWER: TRUE
3 The intercept form of the equation of a line is x/a + y/b = 1

ANSWER: TRUE
1The sum of two polynomials of degree 3 is a polynomial of degree 3.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 The product of two polynomials of degree 3 is a polynomial of degree 9.

ANSWER: FALSE
3 A polynomial of degree 2 is a trinomial.

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 29 ROUND 1A
Differentiate the rational function with respect to x
1 y = x/(x2 + 1)
ANSWER: dy/dx = (1 – x2)/(x2 + 1)2
[(x2 + 1 – 2x2)/(x2 + 1)2 = (1 – x2)/(x2 + 1)2]
2 y = x2/(x2 – 3)
ANSWER: dy/dx = -6x/(x2 – 3)2
[(2x(x2 – 3) – 2x3)/(x2 – 3)2 = -6x/(x2 – 3)2]
3 y = (x2 – 1)/(x2 + 1)
ANSWER: dy/dx = 4x/(x2 + 1)2
[dy/dx = (2x(x2 + 1) - 2x(x2 – 1))/(x2 + 1)2 = 4x/(x2 + 1)2]
CONTEST 29 ROUND 1B
Write the inequality which defines the given region in the cartesian x-y plane
1 above the line with equation x + y = 2

ANSWER: x + y > 2, or y > 2 - x
[ y = 2 – x, hence above the line is y > 2 – x or x + y > 2 ]
2 below the line with equation 2x – y + 4 = 0

ANSWER: 2x - y + 4 > 0, or y < 2x + 4
[y = 2x + 4, so below line is y < 2x + 4 or 2x – y + 4 > 0]
3 above the line through the origin and the point (1, 2)
ANSWER: y > 2x
[line has equation y = 2x, hence above the line is y > 2x]
1 Find the first three terms of the sequence with general term U n = 2n2 – 3n
ANSWER: U1 = -1, U2 = 2, U3 = 9
[Ui = 2 – 3 = -1, U2 = 8 – 6 = 2, U3 = 18 – 9 = 9]
2 Find the range of the function y = (2x – 1)/(x + 2)

ANSWER: {y : y ≠ 2 }
[y(x + 2) = 2x – 1, x(y – 2)= -(2y + 1), x = -(2y + 1)/(y – 2), for real x, y ≠ 2]
3 The angular measures of a triangle in degrees are (90 – 3x), (45 + 3x) and
(15 + 3x). Find the least angular measure
ANSWER: 45°
[(90 – 3x) + (45 + 3x) + (15 + 2x) = 180, 2x + 150 = 180, 2x = 30, x = 15,
least angular measure is 45°]
1 I am a part of the logarithm of a number
2 I am myself a logarithm.
3 I am the logarithm of a number strictly between 1 and 10
4 Hence I am a number between 0 and 1
5 Part of me is a MAN.
Who am I?
ANSWER: MANTISSA
1 The inequalities x + 2y < 6, and y < 3 have (3, 1) as a solution.

ANSWER: TRUE.
2 The inequalities 3x – 2y > 6, and x > 5 have (4, 2) as a solution

ANSWER: FALSE
3 The inequalities x > 2, and y < 5 has (3, 4) as a solution.

ANSWER: TRUE
1 x5 – x3 = x3(x + 1)(1 – x)
ANSWER: FALSE
2 x5 – x2 = x2(x – 1)(x2 + x +1)

ANSWER: TRUE
3 x6 – x4 = x4(x + 1)(x – 1)
ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 30 ROUND 1A
Solve the system of equations
1 xy = 8, and y = x + 2 ANSWER: x =-4, y = -2 and x = 2, y = 4

[ x(x + 2) = 8, x + 2x – 8 = (x + 4)(x – 2) = 0, x = -4, y = -2 and x = 2, y = 4,]
2
2 y = x2 – 7x – 3, and 2x – y = 3 ANSWER: x = 0, y = -3 and x = 9, y =15

[x – 7x – 3 = 2x – 3, x – 9x = x(x – 9) = 0, x = 0, y = -3, and x = 9, y = 15]
2 2
3 2y = x2 – 10, and y = 3x – 9 ANSWER: x = 2, y = -3 and x = 4, y = 3

[ x – 10 = 6x – 18, x – 6x + 8 = 0, (x – 2)(x – 4) = 0, x = 2, y = -3 and
2 2
x = 4, y =3]
CONTEST 30 ROUND 1B
Given the vectors a = i – 2j, and b = 3i + 4j, find scalars m and n such that
1 ma + nb = -10j ANSWER: m = 3 , n = -1
[(m + 3n)i + (4n – 2m)j = -10j, m + 3n = 0, 4n – 2m = - 10, m = -3n,
10n = -10, n = - 1, m = 3]
2 ma + nb = 5i ANSWER: m = 2, n = 1
[(m + 3n)i + (4n – 2m)j = 5i , m + 3n = 5, 4n – 2m = 0, m = 2n,
5n = 5, n = 1, m = 2]
3 ma + nb = 4i + 12j ANSWER: m = -2, n = 2

[(m + 3n)i + (4n – 2m)j = 4i + 12j, m + 3n = 4, 4n – 2m = 12, m = 2n - 6,
2n - 6 + 3n = 4, 5n = 10, n = 2, m = -2]
1Find the remainder R when f(x) = 2x3 – 6x2+ 4x – 5 is divided by (x – 2).

ANSWER: R = -5
[R = f(2) = 16 – 24 + 8 – 5 = -5 ]
2 The bearing of A from B is 260°. Find the bearing of B from A.

ANSWER: 080°
[260 + 180 = 440, 440 – 360 = 80, hence 080°]
3 Find the equation of a curve with gradient dy/dx = 4x 3 – 2x and passing

through the point A(2, 8)
ANSWER: y= x4 – x2 - 4
[y = x4 – x2 + C, 16 – 4 + C = 8, C = 12 – 16 = -4, y = x4 – x2 – 4]
1 I am a polyhedron.
2 I am a regular polyhedron.
3 I have eight vertices and six faces.
4 My faces are congruent.
5 I am one of the simplest polyhedrons.
6 I am a in a way a unit for volume.

Who am I?
ANSWER: CUBE

The expression (√ 3 – 1)/(√ 3 + 1)
1 is a rational number
ANSWER: FALSE
2 can be expressed with a rational denominator

ANSWER: TRUE
3 can be expressed with a rational numerator.

ANSWER: TRUE

The function y = x3 – 3x has
1. 2 turning points
ANSWER: TRUE
2. a point of inflexion
ANSWER: TRUE
3. a stationary point only for x = 1

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 31 ROUND 1A
Find constants A and B such that
1 (2x - 3)/(x – 1)(x + 2) = A/(x – 1) + B/(x + 2)

ANSWER: A = -1/3, B = 7/3 [2x - 3 = A(x + 2) + B(x – 1),
Let x = 1, -1 = 3A, A = -1/3, let x = -2, - 7 = -3B, B = 7/3]
2 (x + 2)/(x + 1)(x – 1) = A/(x + 1) + B/(x – 1)

ANSWER: A = 3/2, B = -1/2 [ x + 2 = A(x – 1) + B(x + 1),
let x = 1, 3 = 2B, B = 3/2 , let x = -1, 1 = -2A, A = -1/2]
3 (2x - 1)/(x – 2)(x + 1) = A/(x – 2) + B/(x + 1)

ANSWER: A = 1 , B = 1 [2x - 1 = A(x + 1) + B(x – 2).
let x = 2, 3 = 3A, A = 1, let x = -1, -3 = -3B, B = 1]
CONTEST 31 ROUND 1B
A binary operation is defined on the set R of real numbers by .

Evaluate
1
ANSWER: 3 + 7√2
[ = (3 + 2√2) 5= (3 +2√2) + 5√2 = 3 +7√2]
2 (5∗ -4)∗3
ANSWER: 5 - √2
[(5∗ -4)∗3 = (5 + -4√2)∗3 = (5 - 4√2) + 3√2 = 5 - √2]
3 (6 ∗ 7)∗(-2)
ANSWER: 6 + 5√2
[ (6 + 7√2) ∗ (-2) = 6 + 7√2 - 2√2 = 6 + 5√2]
1 In a rhombus, one diagonal has length 10 cm and the area is 80 cm 2. Find the
length of the other diagonal
ANSWER: 16cm [ ½ d(10) = 80, d = 2(8) = 16 cm]
2 If y = (3x + 2)/(2x – 3), express x in terms of y.

ANSWER : x = (3y + 2)/(2y – 3)
[y(2x – 3) = (3x + 2), x(2y – 3) = (3y + 2), x = (3y + 2)/(2y – 3)]
3 Find the coordinates of the stationary point of y = 2x 2 – 8x + 5

ANSWER: (2, -3)
[dy/dx = 4x – 8 = 0, x = 2 and y = 2(4) – 8(2) + 5 = -3, hence (2, -3)]

1 I am in a way a pyramid.
2 I am neither a tetrahedron nor a square pyramid.
3 My base is in reality not a polygon in a strict sense of the word.
4 My base is a polygon with infinitely many sides.
5 My base is in reality a circle.
6 My volume is given by the formula V = (1/3)πr2h.

Who am I?
ANSWER: CONE
1If the angles of a regular pentagon are right angles, then the angles of a
regular hexagon are straight angles.
ANSWER: TRUE
2 If a triangle has two obtuse angles, then it is a quadrilateral.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 If a heptagon has seven sides, then it is regular.

ANSWER: FALSE
1 The mapping T: (x, y)→(2 x+ 3 y , 3 x−2 y) is a linear transformation

ANSWER: TRUE
2 A linear transformation has a matrix representation.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 Every linear transformation has an inverse.

ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 32 ROUND 1A
Evaluate the logarithmic expression
1 (log516)(log2125)
ANSWER: 12 [(4log52)(3log25) = 12(log52)(log25) = 12]
2 (log3256)(log481)
ANSWER: 16 [(4log34)(4log43) = 16(log34)(log43) = 16]
3 (log7125)(log5343)
ANSWER: 9 [(3log75)(3log57) =9(log75)(log57) = 9]
CONTEST 32 ROUND 1B
Find the matrix sum
1 ANSWER:
2 ANSWER:
3 ANSWER:
1 If log5 = x and log11 = y, find log1125 in terms of x and y.

ANSWER: 2x/y
[log1125 = log25/log11 = 2log5/log11 = 2x/y]
2 Find the area of the region described by the inequality

(x + 7)2 + (y – 3)2 ≤ 25
ANSWER: 25π sq units
[region is inside of a circle of radius 5, with center C(-7, 3) hence area = 25π]
3 Find the infinite sum of the series 3/8 – 3/16 + 3/32 – 3/64 + . . .
ANSWER: 1/4
3 3
a 8 8
[a = 3/8, r = -1/2, S∞ ¿ 1−r = 1 = 3 =1/4 ]
1+
2 2
1I am the sum of terms of a sequence
2 This makes me a series.
3 My terms have increasing powers of a constant
4 My name suggests I have something to do with the function f(x) = 2 x.

5 My infinite sum when it exists is of the form a/(1 – r)
6 Part of me is an EXPONENT.
Who am I?
ANSWER: EXPONENTIAL SERIES
1 The equation x2 = 20 is equivalent to x = 2√ 5

ANSWER: FALSE
2 The equation (x – 3)2 = 7 is equivalent to x = 3 ± √ 7 .

ANSWER: TRUE
3 The equation x2 = k for k a real number has a real solution.

ANSWER: FALSE
1The equation x = 5 represents a function

ANSWER: FALSE
2 The equation y = 7 represents a function.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 The function f(x) = 2 is one-to-one.
ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 33 ROUND 1A
Solve for x from the logarithmic equation
1 (log3 x)2 – log3 x2 = 24

ANSWER: x = 1/81, 729 [Let u = log3 x, u2 – 2u – 24 = (u – 6)(u + 4) =
0, u = 6, -4, log3 x = 6, x = 36 = 729, log3 x = -4, x = 3-4 = 1/81]
2 (log2 x)2 + log2 x3 = 18

ANSWER: x = 8, 1/64 [Let u = log2 x, u2 + 3u – 18 = (u + 6)(u – 3) = 0,
u = -6, 3, log2 x = 3, x = 23 = 8, log2x = -6, x = 2-6 = 1/64]
3 (log5 x)2 – log5 x = 6

ANSWER: x = 125, 1/25 [Let u = log5 x, u2 – u – 6 = 0, (u – 3)(u + 2) = 0,
u = 3, - 2; log5 x = 3, x = 53 = 125, log5x = - 2, x = 5-2 = 1/25]
CONTEST 33 ROUND 1B
Express the given vector in a bearing form
1 a = 2i + 2j ANSWER: (2√2, 045°)

[|a| = 2√2, tanα =2/2= 1, α = 45, hence (2√2, 045°)]
2 a = 3i + 3√3j ANSWER: (6, 060°)

[|a| = 3(2) = 6, tanα = √3, α = 60, hence (6, 060°)]
3 a = -5i + 5j ANSWER: (5√2, 315°)

[|a| = 5√2, tanα =5/-5 = -1, α =-45, 2nd quadrant, hence (5√2, 315°)]
1 Find dy/dx given y = 1/(2x + 1)3

ANSWER: dy/dx = -6/(2x + 1)4 or -6(2x + 1)-4
[y = (2x + 1)-3, dy/dx = (-3)(2)(2x + 1)-4 = -6(2x + 1)-4]
2 Find the equation of a line perpendicular to the line x + 2y = 4, and passing

through the point A(1, -1)
ANSWER: y = 2x – 3, or 2x – y = 3
[line is 2x – y = k, A(1, -1), hence 2 +1 = k, hence k = 3, 2x – y = 3, y = 2x – 3]
3 Find the nth term of the sequence 2 + √ 3, 4 + 2 √ 3 , 6 + 3√ 3 , .. .

ANSWER: 2n + n√ 3
[2, 4, 6, hence 2n, √ 3 , 2 √ 3, 3√ 3 , , . ., n√ 3 and hence 2n + n√ 3
1 I am a statistical measure.
2 In a way I measure variation from the mean.
3 I am a measure of dispersion or spread.
4 There is nothing standard about me.

5 I am the square of some deviation.
6 Mind you I am a measure of variation hence my name.

Who am I?
ANSWER: VARIANCE
1 Every matrix has a determinant.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 Every square matrix has a determinant.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 Every square matrix has an inverse.

ANSWER: FALSE

If a/b = c/d, then
1 (a - c)/(b – d) = a/b
ANSWER: TRUE
2 (a + c)/(b + d) = a/b
ANSWER: TRUE
3 (a + b)/(c – d) = a/b
ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 34 ROUND 1A
If f(x) = acosx + bsinx, evaluate a and b given that
1 f(0) = 3, and f(π/4) =5/√2

ANSWER: a = 3, b = 2
[f(0) = a = 3, f(π/4) = a/√2 + b/√2 = 3/√2 + b/√2 = 5/√2, hence b = 2]
2 f(π/2) = 2, and f(π/3) = 3√3

ANSWER: a = 4√3, b = 2 [ f(π/2)= b= 2, f(π/3) = a(1/2) + b√3/2 = 3√3,
a/2 =3√3 - √3 =2√3, a =4√3]
3 f(π) = -4, and f(π/6) = 4√3.

ANSWER: a = 4, b = 4√3 [f(π) = -a = - 4, a = 4,
f(π/6) = a√3/2 + ½ b = 2√3 + ½ b = 4√3, ½ b = 2√3, b = 4√3]
CONTEST 34 ROUND 1B
Find the values of the constants a and b if
1 the curve y = 2x3 + ax2 + bx has stationary points when x = 1 and x = -1,
ANSWER: a = 0, b = -6 [dy/dx = 6x2 + 2ax + b = 0, 6 + 2a + b = 0, 6
– 2a + b = 0, 12 + 2b = 0, b = -6, 2a = 6 + b = 0, a = 0]
2 the curve y = ax3 + bx2 + 2x has a point of inflection at the point (1, 0),
ANSWER: a = 1, b = -3 [dy/dx= 3ax2 + 2bx + 2, d2y/dx2 = 6ax + 2b = 0
[a + b + 2 = 0, 6a + 2b = 0, -2a + 2 = 0, a = 1, b = -3a = -3]
3 the curve y = x3 + ax2 + bx has a stationary value at the point (-1, 2).
ANSWER: a = 0, b = -3 [dy/dx = 3x2 + 2ax + b = 0, 3 – 2a + b = 0,
-1 + a - b = 2, a - b = 3, b – 2a = -3, a = 0, b = -3]
1 One whole number is 8 more than another whole number and their product
is 20. Find the numbers
ANSWER: 2, 10
[(x + 8)x = 20, x2 + 8x – 20 = (x + 10)(x – 2) = 0, x = 2, x + 8 = 10]
2 Find the domain of the function y = logx

ANSWER: {x : x > 0}
3 Evaluate cosec(-45°)
ANSWER: - √ 2
[cosec (-45°) = 1/(sin-45°) = 1/-sin45) = 1/-(1/√ 2¿ = - √ 2]
1 I am a diagram of points in a plane
2 I am a statistical diagram.
3 I represent pairs of measurements (x, y)
4 I am used to represent how one measurement y relates to another say x

5 I indicate some level of correlation between x and y.
6 The points may be scattered all over the place hence my name.
Who am I?
ANSWER: SCATTER DIAGRAM
If x2 – 5x – 7 < 0, then
1 x < -2, or x > 7

ANSWER: FALSE
2 x < -7 or x > 2
ANSWER: FALSE
3 -7 < x < 2
ANSWER: FALSE
1 A relation is a set of ordered pairs

ANSWER: TRUE
2 A relation is a function
ANSWER: FALSE
3 A relation has an inverse

ANSWER: TRUE
CONTEST 35 ROUND 1A
Find the maximum value of the given trigonometric expression
1 5cosx – 12 sinx + 5 ANSWER: 18

[R = √(25 + 144) = √169 = 13 hence max value = 13 + 5 = 18]
2 10 - 8cosx + 15sinx ANSWER: 27

[R = √(64 + 225) = √289 = 17, hence max = 17 + 10 = 27]
3 6cosx + 8sinx – 12 ANSWER: -2

[R = √(36 + 64) = √100 = 10, hence max value = 10 – 12 = -2]
CONTEST 35 ROUND 1B
A linear transformation is defined by T: (x, y) →(x – y, 2x + y). Find the image
of the point A under the transformation given
1 A(-1, 2)
ANSWER: (-3, 0)
[T(-1, 2) = (-1 - 2, 2(-1) + 2) = (-3, 0)]
2 A(3, -2)
ANSWER: (5, 4)
[T(3, -2) = (3 + 2, 2(3) + (-2)) = (5, 4)]
3 A(-5, -6)
ANSWER: (1, -16)
[T(-5, -6) = (-5 + 6, -10 + (-6)) = (1, -16)]
CONTEST 35 ROUND2: SPEED RACE
1 Find the length of the altitude of an equilateral triangle of side of length 10

cm.
ANSWER: 5√ 3 cm [h = 10sin60° = 10√ 3/2 = 5√ 3 cm]
2 Find the equation of the line x + 2y = 5 after reflection in the x-axis.

ANSWER: x – 2y = 5
[(x, y)→(x ,− y ) hence x – 2y = 5]
3 Find three consecutive even integers such that the sum is 156.
ANSWER: 50, 52, 54
[ n + (n + 2) + (n + 4) = 3n + 6 = 156, 3n = 150, n = 50, hence 50, 52, 54]
1I am a closed geometric figure.
2 I am a polygon with 4 sides.
3 My main characteristic is congruency.
4 My diagonals are congruent.

5 Opposite sides and adjacent sides are congruent.
6 Opposite angles and adjacent angles are congruent.

Who am I?
ANSWER: SQUARE
CONTEST 35 ROUND 4A
Consider the vectors a = 3i + 4j and b = 4i - 3j
1The vectors a and b are parallel.

ANSWER: FALSE
2 The vectors a and b are perpendicular.

ANSWER: TRUE
3 The vectors a and b have the same length.

ANSWER: TRUE
1 cos315° = cos 225°

ANSWER: FALSE
2 sin315° = sin225°
ANSWER: TRUE
3 tan315° = tan225°
ANSWER: FALSE
CONTEST 36 ROUND 1A
The position vector of a particle at time t is given by r = (t2 – 4t)i + (t - 6)j.

Find the value(s) of t when
1 r is parallel to i
ANSWER: t = 6
[(t - 6) = 0, t = 6]
2 r is parallel to the vector j

ANSWER: t = 0, 4
[t2 – 4t = 0, t = 0, 4]
3 r is parallel to the vector i + j

ANSWER: t = 2, 3
[t2 – 4t = t - 6, t2 – 5t + 6 = 0, (t – 3)(t - 2) = 0, t = 2, 3]
CONTEST 36 ROUND 1B
Solve for x from the radical equation
1 4 - √(10 - 3x) = x
ANSWER: x = 2, 3
[10 – 3x = (x – 4)2= x2 – 8x + 16, x2 – 5x + 6 = 0, (x – 2)(x – 3) = 0, x = 2, 3]
2 ∛(x2 – 12x) = 4
ANSWER: x = -4, 16
[ x2 – 12x = 64, x2 – 12x – 64 = (x – 16)(x + 4) = 0, x = 16, -4]
3 2√(3x – 2) = x + 2
ANSWER: x = 6, 2
[x2 + 4x + 4 = 12x – 8, x2 – 8x + 12 = (x – 6)(x – 2) = 0, x = 6, 2]
1 Given that log10x = 3 and logx10 = r, find the value of r

ANSWER: r = 1/3
[r = logx10 = 1/log10x = 1/3]
2 Find the coordinates of the center C and the radius R of the circle with
equation x2 + y2 – 4x + 8y - 29 = 0
ANSWER: C(2, -4), R = 7 [(x – 2)2 + (y + 4)2 = 4 + 16 + 29 = 49, R = 7]
3 Find the mean deviation of the numbers 5.0, 3.0, 2.0, 4.5, 2.5, 4.0
ANSWER: 1.0
[mean = 21.0/6 = 3.5, mean deviation = (1.5 +0.5 + 1.5 + 1.0 + 1.0 + 0.5)/6
= 6.0/6 = 1.0]

1 I am a number.
2 I am a natural number.
3 I am normally an odd number except for one notable exception.
4 That notable exception is the base of the binary number system.

5 I am the building block in the factorization of integers.
6 I am my only non-trivial divisor.

Who am I?
ANSWER: PRIME NUMBER

For a quadrilateral
1if adjacent sides are perpendicular, it is a square

ANSWER: FALSE
2 if diagonals are perpendicular, then it is a rhombus,

ANSWER: FALSE
3 if the diagonals are congruent, then it is a parallelogram.

ANSWER: FALSE
1 sin-1 (√3/2) = tan-1 √ 3

ANSWER: TRUE
2 cos-1(1/2) = sec-12
ANSWER: TRUE
3 tan-1(-1) = cos-1 (1/√ 2)
ANSWER: FALSE

NSMQ 2020 Prelims Maths 2

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CONTEST 1

Find an equation of variation if

2 y varies jointly as x and z, and inversely as w2, and y = 6 when x = 3, z = 1

3 y varies jointly as x and z and inversely as √w, and y = 8 when x = 5, z = 3

1 For what values of x is the expression (x – 1)/(x2 + x – 6) undefined?

2 Find the value of a given (5 + 2√3)(2 – a√3) = 4 + √3

CONTEST 1 ROUND 5: RIDDLE

2 My first digit is a square.

4 My digits are consecutive even integers.

5 My last digit is a cube.

6 The sum of my digits is 18.

1 A compound statement which is always false is a contrapositive

2 A compound statement which is always true is a contradiction

CONTEST 1ROUND 4B: TRUE OR FALSE

1If x + 2 > 3, then x > 0

2 If x – 3 < -2, then x > 1

3 If x2 + 1 < 0, then -1 < x < 1

1 its area is numerically double its circumference,

2 the area of its semi-circle is numerically equal to the arc-length of a quarter

3 the area of a quarter-circle is numerically equal to the length of an arc

Given that i2 = -1, evaluate (3 + 2i)(2 – 3i)

1Make y the subject of the equation 2y – 1 = x(y + 2)

CONTEST 2 ROUND 5: RIDDLE

2 I can be used to determine the mode.

3 I can also be used to determine the median.

4 However I cannot be used to determine the mean.

5 I normally consist of rectangles placed side by side

6 I am partly a bit of History and partly a bit of Grammar.

1 The function f(x) = 3x3 – 5 is an odd function

2 The function f(x) = 4x2 + 3 is an even function

3 The function f(x) = x/(x2 + 1) is an odd function

CONTEST 2ROUND 4B: TRUE OR FALSE

1 A quadrilateral with opposite angles congruent is a rhombus.

2 The opposite angles of a rhombus are congruent.

1 the three machines at the same time?

2 machines A and C only?

3 machines B and C only?

CONTEST 3 ROUND 5: RIDDLE

1 I am a simple closed curve.

2 I have the same curvature at each of my points

3 I am defined by a point and a distance

4 I am in a limiting sense a regular polygon.

5 I am a common locus in a plane

1 The function f(x) = x3 – 6x2 + 5 is divisible by (x – 1)

2 The function f(x) = 2x3 + 7x + 9 is divisible by (x + 1)

3 The function f(x) = 3x3 – 8x + 5 is divisible by (x + 1)

CONTEST 3 ROUND 4B: TRUE OR FALSE

1 The sequence 2, 2, 2, 2, . . . . is a linear sequence

2 The sequence 3, 3, 3, 3, . . . is an exponential sequence

3 The sequence 1, 2, 4, 7, . . . is a linear sequence

1 the letters A, E, I, O, U, T that ends in A, or I.

2 letters in the word JAMES that begins with A or E

3 letters in the word JUNIOR that ends with I or O.

1 Find the maximum point of the curve y = x3 – 3x

3 Simplify (5 - 3√2)(5 + 3√2)

CONTEST 4 ROUND 5: RIDDLE

1 In a parallelogram, we are congruent.

2 We tend to face each other.

3 We are a geometrical measure.

4 We are measured by degrees or in radians.