Junior problems

J427. Find all complex numbers x, y, z which satisfy simultaneously the equations:

x + y + z = 1, x3 + y 3 + z 3 = 1, x2 + 2yz = 4.

Proposed by Mircea Becheanu, University of Bucharest, Romania

Solution by Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata Roma, Rome, Italy
x3 + y 3 + (1 − x − y)3 = 1 ⇐⇒ (x + y)(x + y − 1 − xy) = 0 (1)
If y = −x we have z = 1 and from the third equation we get
√
x2 − 2x − 4 = 0 ⇐⇒ x = 1 ± i 5
so here the solutions are
√ √ √ √
(x, y, z) = (1 − i 5, −1 + i 5, 1), (1 + i 5, −1 − i 5, 1)
From (1) we have also
x + y + 1 − xy = 0 ⇐⇒ x(1 − y) = 1 − y (2)
If y = 1 we get x = −z and from the third equation we have
√
x2 − 2x = 4 ⇐⇒ x = 1 ± i 5
so the solutions we get are
√ √ √ √
(x, y, z) = (1 + i 5, 1, −1 − i 5), (1 − i 5, 1, −1 + i 5)
If in (2) we take x = 1 we get y = −z and from the third equation
√
1 − 2y 2 = 4 ⇐⇒ y = ±i 3/2
so the solutions are
√ √ √ √
⎛ 3 3⎞ ⎛ 3 3⎞
(x, y, z) = 1, i , −i , (1, −i ,i
⎝ 2 2⎠ ⎝ 2 2⎠

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA; Kelvin Kim, St. George’s School, RI, USA; Konstantinos Kritharidis,
Evangelliki Model School of Smyrna, Athens, Greece; Nicus, or Zlota‚ Traian Vuia Technical College, Focs, ani,
Romania; Oana Prajitura, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Naïm Mégarbané, UPMC, Paris, France;
Soohyun Ahn, Middlesex School, Concord, MA, USA; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim,
Fort Lee High School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Polyahedra, Polk State
College, FL, USA; Joonsoo Lee, Dwight Englewood School, NJ, USA; Yejin Kim, The Taft School, Watertown,
CT, USA; Adrienne Ko, Fieldston School, New York, NY, USA; Celine Lee, Chinese International School,
Hong Kong; Bekhzod Kurbonboev, NUUz, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Luca Ferrigno, Universitá degli studi di Tor
Vergata, Roma, Italy; Nikos Kalapodis, Patras, Greece; Seo Yeong Kwag, Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA;
Pedro Acosta De Leon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; P.V.Swaminathan,
Smart Minds Academy, Chennai, India; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti,
Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 1

J428. Solve the equation
2x[x] + 2{x} = 2017,
where [a] denotes the greatest integer not greater than a and {a} is the fractional part of a.
Proposed by Adrian Andreescu, Dallas, Texas

Solution by Oana Prajitura, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA

2x[x] + 2{x} = 2017 ⇐⇒ 2([x] + {x})[x] + 2{x} = 2017
⇐⇒ 2[x]2 + 2[x]{x} + 2{x} = 2017 ⇐⇒ 2{x}([x] + 1) = 2017 − 2[x]2
If [x] = −1 the equation becomes 0 = 2019, a contradiction. Thus [x] ≠ 1 and so
2017 − 2[x]2
{x} =
2([x] + 1)
which implies that
2017 − 2[x]2
0≤ < 1.
2([x] + 1)
If [x] ≥ 0,
2017 − 2[x]2
0≤ ⇐⇒ 2017 − 2[x]2 ≥ 0 ⇐⇒ [x]2 ≤ 1008 ⇐⇒ 0 ≤ [x] ≤ 31.
2([x] + 1)
and
2017 − 2[x]2
< 1 ⇐⇒ 2017 − 2[x]2 < 2[x] + 2 ⇐⇒ 2[x]2 + 2[x] − 2015 > 0
2([x] + 1)
√
−1 + 4031
⇐⇒ [x] > ⇐⇒ [x] ≥ 32.
2
Thus, in this case there is no solution. If [x] ≤ −2,
2017 − 2[x]2
0≤ ⇐⇒ 2017 − 2[x]2 ≤ 0 ⇐⇒ [x]2 ≥ 1009 ⇐⇒ [x] ≤ −32.
2([x] + 1)
and
2017 − 2[x]2
< 1 ⇐⇒ 2017 − 2[x]2 > 2[x] + 2 ⇐⇒ 2[x]2 + 2[x] − 2015 < 0
2([x] + 1)
√
−1 − 4031
< x ≤ −2 ⇐⇒ −32 ≤ [x] ≤ −2
2
Thus [x] = −32 and
{x} = .5,
which gives us x = −31.5.

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Naïm Mégarbané, UPMC, Paris, France; Soohyun
Ahn, Middlesex School, Concord, MA, USA; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim, Fort Lee
High School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Polyahedra, Polk State College,
FL, USA; Joonsoo Lee, Dwight Englewood School, NJ, USA; Yejin Kim, The Taft School, Watertown, CT,
USA; Adrienne Ko, Fieldston School, New York, NY, USA; Celine Lee, Chinese International School, Hong
Kong; Bekhzod Kurbonboev, NUUz, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Luca Ferrigno, Universitá degli studi di Tor Ver-
gata, Roma, Italy; Seo Yeong Kwag, Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and
Herzegovina; Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA; AN-anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia;
Ángel Plaza, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Ioan Viorel Codreanu, Satulung, Maramures, ,
Romania; Joel Schlosberg, Bayside, NY, USA; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata Roma,
Rome, Italy; Paraskevi-Andrianna Maroutsou, Charters Sixth Form, Sunningdale, England, UK; Daniel Cor-
tild; Chanyeol Paul Kim, Seoul International School, Seoul, South Korea; P.V.Swaminathan, Smart Minds
Academy, Chennai, India; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti, Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 2

J429. Let x, y be positive real numbers such that x + y ≤ 1. Prove that
1 1
(1 − 3
) (1 − 3 ) ≥ 49.
x y

Proposed by Nguyen Viet Hung, Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam

Solution by AN-anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Using the given condition and AM-GM inequality we get

1 ≥ x + y ⇔ 1 ≥ (x + y)3 = x3 + y 3 + 3xy(x + y) ⋅ 1
≥ x3 + y 3 + 3xy(x + y)4
√
≥ x3 + y 3 + 3xy(2 xy)4
= x3 + y 3 + 48x3 y 3 ,

1 ≥ x3 + y 3 + 48x3 y 3 ⇔ (1 − x3 )(1 − y 3 ) ≥ 49x3 y 3 .

and we are done. Given equation equality holds only when x = y = 21 .

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Naïm Mégarbané, UPMC, Paris, France; Soohyun Ahn,
Middlesex School, Concord, MA, USA; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim, Fort Lee High
School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Polyahedra, Polk State College, FL,
USA; Joonsoo Lee, Dwight Englewood School, NJ, USA; Yejin Kim, The Taft School, Watertown, CT, USA;
Adrienne Ko, Fieldston School, New York, NY, USA; Celine Lee, Chinese International School, Hong Kong;
Bekhzod Kurbonboev, NUUz, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Nikos Kalapodis, Patras, Greece; Daniel Cortild; Nermin
Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA; Dionysios Adamopoulos, 3rd
High School, Pyrgos, Greece; Ángel Plaza, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Konstantinos
Kritharidis, Evangelliki Model School of Smyrna, Athens, Greece; Kunihiko Chikaya, Tokyo, Japan; Nicus, or
Zlota‚ Traian Vuia Technical College, Focs, ani, Romania; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata
Roma, Rome, Italy; Fong Ho Leung, Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School, Hong Kong; Michael
Tang, MN, USA; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti, Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 3

 √
J430. In triangle ABC, ∠C > 90○ and 3a + 15ab + 5b = 7c. Prove that ∠C ≤ 120○ .

Proposed by Titu Andreescu, University of Texas at Dallas, USA

Solution by Polyahedra, Polk State College, USA

By the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality,
√ 2
9 15 25 3a 15ab 5b
a + b + ab = ( +
2 2
+ ) (a2 + ab + b2 ) ≥ ( + + ) = c2 .
49 49 49 7 7 7

a2 +b2 −c2
Thus cos C = 2ab ≥ − 21 , so C ≤ 120○ .

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Naïm Mégarbané, UPMC, Paris, France; Soohyun
Ahn, Middlesex School, Concord, MA, USA; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim, Fort Lee High
School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Yejin Kim, The Taft School, Watertown,
CT, USA; Adrienne Ko, Fieldston School, New York, NY, USA; Celine Lee, Chinese International School,
Hong Kong; Nikos Kalapodis, Patras, Greece; Seo Yeong Kwag, Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Nermin
Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; AN-anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia;
P.V.Swaminathan, Smart Minds Academy, Chennai, India; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 4

J431. Let a, b, c, d, e be real numbers in the interval [1, 2]. Prove that

a2 + b2 + c2 + d2 + e2 − 3abcde ≤ 2.

Proposed by An Zhenping, Xianyang Normal University, China

Solution by Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland

We need to prove that

2 + 3(a + 1)(b + 1)(c + 1)(d + 1)(e + 1) − (a + 1)2 − (b + 1)2 − (c + 1)2 − (d + 1)2 − (e + 1)2 ≥ 0

if 0 ≤ a, b, c, d, e ≤ 1. Indeed,

2 + 3(a + 1)(b + 1)(c + 1)(d + 1)(e + 1) − (a + 1)2 − (b + 1)2 − (c + 1)2 − (d + 1)2 − (e + 1)2 ≥

≥ 3(a + b + c + d + e) − a2 − b2 − c2 − d2 − e2 − 2(a + b + c + d + e) =
= a(1 − a) + b(1 − b) + c(1 − c) + d(1 − d) + e(1 − e) ≥ 0.

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Naïm Mégarbané, UPMC, Paris, France; Soohyun Ahn,
Middlesex School, Concord, MA, USA; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim, Fort Lee High
School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Polyahedra, Polk State College, USA;
Yejin Kim, The Taft School, Watertown, CT, USA; Adrienne Ko, Fieldston School, New York, NY, USA;
Nikos Kalapodis, Patras, Greece; Chanyeol Paul Kim, Seoul International School, Seoul, South Korea; Fong
Ho Leung, Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School, Hong Kong; Michael Tang, MN, USA; Nermin
Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli
studi di Tor Vergata Roma, Rome, Italy; Bekhzod Kurbonboev, NUUz, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Joonsoo Lee,
Dwight Englewood School, NJ, USA; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti, Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 5

J432. Let m and n be integers greater than 1. Prove that

(m3 − 1) (n3 − 1) ≥ 3m2 n2 + 1.

Proposed by Titu Andreescu, University of Texas at Dallas, USA

Solution by Ángel Plaza, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Consider the substitution m = 1 + x, and n = 1 + y. After some algebra the proposed inequality becomes

x3 y 3 + 3x3 y 2 + 3x3 y + 3x2 y 3 + 6x2 y 2 + 3x2 y − 3x2 + 3xy 3 + 3xy 2 − 3xy − 6x − 3y 2 − 6y − 4 ≥ 0

which it is equivalent to

(xy − 1) (x2 y 2 + 3x2 y + 3x2 + 3xy 2 + 7xy + 6x + 3y 2 + 6y + 4) ≥ 0

which it is true, since x, y > 0 are integers.

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Naïm Mégarbané, UPMC, Paris, France; Soohyun
Ahn, Middlesex School, Concord, MA, USA; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim, Fort Lee
High School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Polyahedra, Polk State College,
FL, USA; Yejin Kim, The Taft School, Watertown, CT, USA; Adrienne Ko, Fieldston School, New York,
NY, USA; Celine Lee, Chinese International School, Hong Kong; Seo Yeong Kwag, Academy, Blairstown, NJ,
USA; Pedro Acosta De Leon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Chanyeol Paul
Kim, Seoul International School, Seoul, South Korea; Bekhzod Kurbonboev, NUUz, Tashkent, Uzbekistan;
Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dionysios Adamopoulos, 3rd High School, Pyrgos,
Greece; Nikos Kalapodis, Patras, Greece; AN-anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Ioan
Viorel Codreanu, Satulung, Maramures, , Romania; Duy Quan Tran, University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; Joel Schlosberg, Bayside, NY, USA; Nguyen Ngoc Tu, Ha Giang, Vietnam; Nicus, or
Zlota‚ Traian Vuia Technical College, Focs, ani, Romania; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata
Roma, Rome, Italy; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti, Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 6

 Senior problems

S427. Solve in complex numbers the system of equations:

2017
z+ = 4 − i,
w
2018
w+ = 4 + i.
z
Proposed by Titu Andreescu, University of Texas at Dallas, USA

Solution by Joseph Currier, SUNY Binghamton, NY, USA

Solving for z in the first equation yields z = 4 − i − 2017
w and substituting that value into the second equation
yields w + w(4−i)−2017
2018
= 4 + i. Clearing fractions gives a quadratic equation in terms of w:

w2 (4 − i) − 16w + 2017(4 + i) = 0

The solutions to the above equation are w = −9 + 44i and w = 21717 −

732
17 i. Hence the solutions to the system
of equations are
(w, z) = (−9 + 44i, 13 + 43i)
and
217 732 −149 749
(w, z) = ( − i, − i)
17 17 17 17

Also solved by Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Akash Singha
Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim, Fort Lee High School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown,
NJ, USA; Yejin Kim, The Taft School, Watertown, CT, USA; Celine Lee, Chinese International School,
Hong Kong; Seo Yeong Kwag, Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Pedro Acosta De Leon, Massachusetts In-
stitute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; P.V.Swaminathan, Smart Minds Academy, Chennai, India;
Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ángel Plaza, University of Las Palmas de Gran Cana-
ria, Spain; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata Roma, Rome, Italy; Xingze Xu, Hangzhou
Foreign Languages School A-level Centre, China; Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti,
Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 7

S428. Let a, b, c be nonnegative real numbers, not all zero, such that ab + bc + ca = a + b + c. Prove that
1 1 1 5
+ + ≤ .
1+a 1+b 1+c 3

Proposed by An Zenping, Xianyang Normal University, China

Solution by AN-anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

1 1 1 5
+ + ≤ ⇔ a + b + c + 5abc ≥ 4 (1)
1+a 1+b 1+c 3
Using Schur’s inequality, we get
9abc
a2 + b2 + c2 + ≥ 2(ab + bc + ca).
a+b+c
Deduce that
9abc
(a + b + c)2 + ≥ 4(ab + bc + ca) (2)
a+b+c
using a + b + c = ab + bc + ca identities, we get
9abc
(2) ⇔ a + b + c + ≥4 (3)
(a + b + c)2

Other hand, we have

(a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2(ab + bc + ca)

≥ (ab + bc + ca) + 2(ab + bc + ca)
= 3(ab + bc + ca).

and a + b + c = ab + bc + ca, hence we have a + b + c ≥ 3.

Thus we get
9
(a + b + c)2 ≥ +9 ⇔ ≤1 (4)
(a + b + c)2
From (3) and (4), we get
a + b + c + abc ≥ 4.
Using
a + b + c + 5abc ≥ a + b + c + abc
we have a + b + c + 5abc ≥ 4. Equality holds only when, {a, b, c} = {2, 2, 0}.

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim,
Fort Lee High School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Yejin Kim, The Taft
School, Watertown, CT, USA; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia
and Herzegovina; Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA; Nicus, or Zlota‚ Traian Vuia Technical College, Focs, ani,
Romania; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata Roma, Rome, Italy; Joonsoo Lee, Dwight
Englewood School, NJ, USA; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti, Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 8

S429. Let ABC be a triangle and let M be a point in its plane. Prove that for all positive real numbers
x, y, z the following inequality holds
yz zx xy
xM A2 + yM B 2 + zM C 2 > a2 + b2 + c2
2(y + z) 2(z + x) 2(x + y)

Proposed by Nguyen Viet Hung, Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam

Solution by Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Using Triangle inequality we have
M B + M C ≥ BC = a (1)
Using Cauchy-Shwarz inequality we have
1 1
( + ) (yM B 2 + zM C 2 ) ≥ (M B + M C)2 ≥(1) a2 ⇒
y z
yz 2
yM B 2 + zM C 2 ≥ (M B + M C)2 ≥ a
y+z
Similarly we obtain
zx 2
zM C 2 + xM A2 ≥ (M C + M A)2 ≥ b
z+x
xy 2
xM A2 + yM B 2 ≥ (M A + M B)2 ≥ c
x+y
Adding these three inequalities and dividing by 2 we obtain
yz zx xy
xM A2 + yM B 2 + zM C 2 ≥ a2 + b2 + c2
2(y + z) 2(z + x) 2(x + y)

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim,
Fort Lee High School, NJ, USA; Adrienne Ko, Fieldston School, New York, NY, USA; Celine Lee, Chinese
International School, Hong Kong; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Kevin Soto Palacios, Huarmey,
Perú; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti, Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 9

S430. Prove that
π 1
sin ≥ ,
2n n
for all positive integers n.

Proposed by Florin Rotaru, Focşani, Romania

Solution by Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA

sin x
Note that f (x) ∶= is decreasing function on (0, π/2].
x
π
x cos x − sin x sin
Indeed, f ′ (x) = < 0 for any x ∈ (0, π/2].Hence, f (x) ≥ f (π/2) = π 2 ⇐⇒
x2
2
π
sin 1 π π 2 1
2n
π ≥ π ⇐⇒ sin 2n ≥ 2n ⋅ π = n
2n 2
for any x ∈ (0, π/2].

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim,
Fort Lee High School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Yejin Kim, The Taft
School, Watertown, CT, USA; Adrienne Ko, Fieldston School, New York, NY, USA; Bekhzod Kurbonboev,
NUUz, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Pedro Acosta De Leon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA,
USA; Chanyeol Paul Kim, Seoul International School, Seoul, South Korea; P.V.Swaminathan, Smart Minds
Academy, Chennai, India; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and
Herzegovina; Dionysios Adamopoulos, 3rd High School, Pyrgos, Greece; AN-anduud Problem Solving Group,
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Joel Schlosberg, Bayside, NY, USA; José Hernández Santiago, México; Nicus, or
Zlota‚ Traian Vuia Technical College, Focs, ani, Romania; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata
Roma, Rome, Italy; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti, Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 10

S431. Let a, b, c be positive numbers such that ab + bc + ca = 3. Prove that
1 1 1 3
+ + ≥ .
(1 + a) 2 (1 + b) 2 (1 + c) 2 4

Proposed by Konstantinos Metaxas, Athens, Greece

Solution by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain

Define s = a+b+c and p = abc, or after multiplying both sides of the proposed equation by 4(1+a)2 (1+b)2 (1+c)2
and rearranging terms, results in the equivalent inequality

0 ≤ 5s2 + 16s − 14ps − 3p2 − 48p = (5s + p − 16)(s − 3p).

√ √
Now, by the AM-GM inequality we have ab + bc + ca ≥ 3 a2 b2 c2 and a + b + c ≥ 3 abc, and using that
3 3

ab + bc + ca = 3, we have
3s = (ab + bc + ca)(a + b + c) ≥ 9abc,
or s ≥ 3p with equality iff a = b = c = 1. It then suffices to show that 5s + p ≥ 16, where√by the scalar product
inequality we have s2 − 6 = a2 + b2 + c2 ≥ 3, or s ≥ 3, and by previous results we have a2 b2 c2 ≤ 1, or abc ≤ 1.
3

Now, denoting s = 3 + ∆ for some nonnegative real ∆, note that

a3 + b3 + c3 − 3abc = (a + b + c) (a2 + b2 + c2 − ab − bc − ca) =

= s (s2 − 3(ab + bc + ca)) = 18∆ + 9∆2 + ∆3 ,

and by Schur’s inequality,

0 ≤ a(a − b)(a − c) + b(b − c)(b − a) + c(c − a)(c − b) =

= a3 + b3 + c3 + 6abc − (a + b + c)(ab + bc + ca),

or
3p = a3 + b3 + c3 − 18∆ − 9∆2 − ∆3 ≥ 3s − 6p − 18∆ − 9∆2 − ∆3 ,
and finally
15 ∆3
p≥1− ∆ − ∆2 − .
9 9
Now, if ∆ ≤ 1, then p ≥ 1 − ∆ ( 15 )
9 + 1 + 9 ≥ 1 − 3∆, and 5s + p ≥ 16 + 2∆ ≥ 16, with equality iff ∆ = 0, whereas
1

if ∆ > 1, then s > 4 and 5s + p ≥ 5s > 20 > 16, and the inequality holds strictly. The conclusion follows,
equality holds iff ∆ = 0, or iff a = b = c = 1.

Also solved by Joehyun Kim, Fort Lee High School, NJ, USA; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Ye-
jin Kim, The Taft School, Watertown, CT, USA; Adrienne Ko, Fieldston School, New York, NY, USA;
Celine Lee, Chinese International School, Hong Kong; Nikos Kalapodis, Patras, Greece; Seo Yeong Kwag,
Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bo-
snia and Herzegovina; Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA; AN-anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia; Ángel Plaza, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Ioan Viorel Codreanu, Satulung,
Maramures, , Romania; Nguyen Viet Hung, Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam; Nicus, or Zlota‚ Traian
Vuia Technical College, Focs, ani, Romania; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata Roma, Ro-
me, Italy; Paraskevi-Andrianna Maroutsou, Charters Sixth Form, Sunningdale, England, UK; Giurgi Vasile,
C.N. Dragos-Voda, Sighetu Marmatiei, Romania; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti, Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 11

S432. Let d be an open half-disk of diameter AB and h be the half-plane defined by the line AB and containing
d. Let X be a point on d and let Y and Z be points in h on the semicircles of diameters AX and BX,
respectively. Prove that

AY ⋅ BZ + XY ⋅ XZ ≤ AX 2 − AX ⋅ BX + BX 2 .

Proposed by Titu Andreescu, University of Texas at Dallas, USA

Solution by Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA

Let a ∶= AX, b ∶= BX, y ∶= AY, z ∶= BZ, u ∶= XY, v ∶= XZ.
Then inequality becomes
yz + uv ≤ a2 + b2 − ab.
Since y 2 + u2 = a2 and z 2 + v 2 = b2 (because ∠AY X = ∠BZX = 90○ ) then by Cauchy Inequality
√ √
ab = y 2 + u2 ⋅ z 2 + v 2 ≥ yz + uv

and also
a2 + b2 − ab ≥ ab.
Hence, a2 + b2 − ab ≥ ab ≥ yz + uv.

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim,
Fort Lee High School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Adrienne Ko, Fieldston
School, New York, NY, USA; Celine Lee, Chinese International School, Hong Kong; Seo Yeong Kwag, Aca-
demy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Titu Zvonaru, Comănes, ti,
Romania.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 12

 Undergraduate problems

U427. Let f ∶ R2 → R be the function defined by

f (x, y) = 1(0, 1 ) (x) ⋅ 1(0,1) (y) ⋅ y,

y

where 1 is the characteristic function. Evaluate

∫ f (x, y)dxdy.
R2

Proposed by Alessandro Ventulo, Milan, Italy

Solution by Henry Ricardo, Westchester Area Math Circle, NY, USA

We have
1 if y ∈ (0, 1) and 0 < x < 1/y
f (x, y) = 1(0,1/y) (x) ⋅ 1(0,1) (y) ⋅ y = { } ⋅ y.
0 if y ∉ (0, 1) or x ∉ (0, 1/y)
Therefore
1 1/y 1 1/y 1 1
∫ f (x, y) dx dy = ∫ ∫ y dx dy = ∫ y (∫ 1 dx) dy = ∫ y⋅ dy = 1.
R2 0 0 0 0 0 y

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim, Fort
Lee High School, NJ, USA; Yejin Kim, The Taft School, Watertown, CT, USA; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg,
Switzerland; Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di
Tor Vergata Roma, Rome, Italy; Naïm Mégarbané, UPMC, Paris, France.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 13

U428. Let a, b, c positive real numbers such that a + b + c = 1. Prove that
c a b
(1 + a2 b2 ) (1 + b2 c2 ) (1 + c2 a2 ) ≥ 1 + 9a2 b2 c2 .

Proposed by Nguyen Viet Hung, Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam

Solution by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain

Taking natural logarithms on both sides, the proposed inequality is equivalent to

a ln (1 + b2 c2 ) + b ln (1 + c2 a2 ) + c ln (a2 + b2 ) ≥ ln (1 + 9a2 b2 c2 ) .

Consider now function f (x) = ln (1 + x2 ), whose first and second derivatives are respectively

2x 2 (1 − x2 )
f ′ (x) = , f ′′ (x) = .
1 + x2 1 + x2
Now, since a + b + c = 1 and a, b, c are positive, we have a, b, c < 1, or ab, bc, ca < 1, and function f (x) is strictly
convex in an interval which contains ab, bc, ca. It follows from Jensen’s inequality that

a ln (1 + b2 c2 ) + b ln (1 + c2 a2 ) + c ln (a2 + b2 ) = af (bc) + bf (ca) + cf (ab) ≥

3abc
≥ (a + b + c)f ( ) = f (3abc) = ln (1 + 9a2 b2 c2 ) ,
a+b+c
where we have used that a + b + c = 1, and where equality holds iff ab = bc = ca, ie iff a = b = c. The conclusion
follows, equality holds iff a = b = c = 31 .

Also solved by Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Yejin Kim, The Taft School, Watertown, CT,
USA; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim, Fort Lee High School, NJ, USA; Nermin Hodžic,
Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; AN-anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Paolo
Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata Roma, Rome, Italy.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 14

U429. Let n ≥ 2 be an integer and let A be an n × n real matrix in which exactly (n − 1)2 entries are zero.
Prove that if B is an n × n matrix with all entries nonzero numbers, then BA can not be a nonsingular
diagonal matrix.

Proposed by Alessandro Ventullo, Milan, Italy

Solution by Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Let A = (aij )n×n and B = (bij )n×n , the by the condition bij ≠ 0, ∀i, j
Since there are n2 entries at A and (n − 1)2 of them are zero, there are

n2 − (n − 1)2 = 2n − 1

nonzero entries at A.If all the columns have at least two nonzero elements then the total
number of nonzero elements is at least 2n > 2n − 1 which is contradiction.Hence there is a
column which contains at most one nonzero element, let it be Aj ,the j−th column of A.
If all the entries of Aj are zero then all the entries of j−th column of the prodact BA are
zeros, hence the matrix BA is singular.Suppose Aj has one nonzero entry, say aij .Then
⎛ b1i ⋅ aij ⎞
⎜ b ⋅a ⎟
the j−th column of the product BA is ⎜ 2i ij ⎟.Since by the condition we have
⎜ ⋮ ⎟
⎝ bni ⋅ aij ⎠
n
∏ bki ≠ 0
k=1

and the matrix is diagonal, so at least two of the b1i ⋅ aij , b2i ⋅ aij , ..., bni ⋅ aij are zero then
the entry aij equals to zero, so rezulting product BA is a singular matrix.

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Deep Ghoshal,
Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, India.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 15

U430. Let A and B be 3 × 3 matrices with complex numbers entries, such that

(AB − BA)2 = AB − BA.

Prove that AB = BA.

Proposed by Florin Stănescu, Găeşti, Romania

Solution by Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland

We note that the trace of AB − BA equals tr(AB − BA) = tr(AB) − tr(BA) = 0.
We will prove a slightly more general result: Let C be a 3 × 3 matrix with complex number entries and trace
0 such that C 2 = C. Then C = 0.
If λ is an eigenvalue of C and x an associated eigenvector then C 2 x = λ2 x = Cx = λx. So λ ∈ {0, 1}.
tr(C) = 0 equals the sum of the eigenvalues of C. Therefore λ = 0 is the only eigenvalue of C. C is similar
to an upper triangular matrix whose diagonal entries are the eigenvalues of C. Hence there are complex
numbers r, s, t such that C is similar to
⎛0 r t ⎞
C ∼ ⎜0 0 s⎟
⎝0 0 0⎠
Then
⎛0 0 rs⎞
C ∼ ⎜0 0 0 ⎟
2
⎝0 0 0 ⎠

However C 2 = C, so r = s = 0, t = rs = 0. We conclude that C = 0.

Also solved by Pop Ovidiu Florin, C.N. Dragos-Voda, Sighetu Marmatiei, Ramania; Daniel Lasaosa, Pam-
plona, Spain; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim, Fort Lee High School, NJ, USA; Yejin Kim,
The Taft School, Watertown, CT, USA; Seo Yeong Kwag, Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Fong Ho Leung,
Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School, Hong Kong; Michael Tang, MN, USA; P.V.Swaminathan,
Smart Minds Academy, Chennai, India; Naïm Mégarbané, UPMC, Paris, France; Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica,
Bosnia and Herzegovina; AN-anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Moubinool Omarjee,
Lycée Henri IV, Paris, France.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 16

U431. Evaluate
1 t√ 1 t ex
lim ∫ 1 + ex dx and lim ∫ e dx.
t→0 t 0 t→0 t 0

Proposed by Nguyen Viet Hung, Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam

Solution by √ Henry Ricardo, Westchester Area Math Circle, NY, USA

t
Since limt→0 ∫0 1 + ex dx = 0, L’Hospital’s Rule and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus give us
t√ √
√
∫0 1 + ex dx 1 + et
lim = lim = 2.
t→0 t t→0 1
Similarly, we see that
t
e x t
∫ e dx ee
lim 0 = lim = e.
t→0 t t→0 1

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Joehyun Kim,
Fort Lee High School, NJ, USA; Erica Choi, Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ, USA; Yejin Kim, The Taft
School, Watertown, CT, USA; Bekhzod Kurbonboev, NUUz, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Luca Ferrigno, Universitá
degli studi di Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Naïm Mégarbané, UPMC,
Paris, France; Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA; AN-
anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Ángel Plaza, University of Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria, Spain; Moubinool Omarjee, Lycée Henri IV, Paris, France; Narayanan P, Vivekananda College,
Chennai, India; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata Roma, Rome, Italy; Giurgi Vasile, C.N.
Dragos-Voda, Sighetu Marmatiei, Romania; Xingze Xu, Hangzhou Foreign Languages School A-level Centre,
China.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 17

U432. For every point P (x, y, z) on the unit sphere, consider the points Q(y, z, x) and R(z, x, y). For every
point A on the sphere, denote ∠(AOP ) = p, ∠(AOQ) = q and ∠(AOR) = r. Prove that
√ p
∣ cos q − cos r∣ ≤ 2 3 sin .
2

Proposed by Titu Andreescu, University of Texas at Dallas, USA

Solution by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain

2
By the Cosine Law, AQ2 = OA2 + OQ2 − 2OA ⋅ OQ cos q = 2 − 2 cos q, or cos q = 1 − AQ 2 , and similarly
2
cos r = 1 − AR
2 . Moreover, since OP = OA = 1, triangle AOP is isosceles at O, and sin 2 = OA sin 2 = 2 .
p p AP

The proposed inequality rewrites as √

AR2 − AQ2 ≤ 2 3AP.
Note now that, under this form, we may perform a variable change since the problem has been stated in
terms of distances. Now, in order to perform a correct variable change, note that

P Q2 = QR2 = RP 2 = (x − y)2 + (y − z)2 + (z − x)2 ,

or we may choose a coordinate system with origin at the center of the unit sphere, such that P ≡ (1, 0, 0),
the equation y = 0 bisects segment QR, or Q ≡ (d, `, h) and R ≡ (d, −`, h), where 2` = P Q = QR = RP . Note
further that d2 + `2 + h2 = 1 because Q, R are on the unit sphere, whereas
√
4`2 = P Q2 = RP 2 = (1 − d)2 + `2 + h2 = 2 − 2d, d = 1 − 2`2 , h = ` 3 − 4`2 .
√
Now, the expression found for h suggests that ` ≤ 23 , which indeed holds, and equality means that the
circumcircle of P QR is an equator of the unit sphere, which is consistent with d = − 12 and h = 0. Having
this in mind, note further that A is any point on this unit sphere, with coordinates A ≡ (u, v, w) such that
u2 + v 2 + w2 = 1, or

AR2 − AQ2 = (v + `)2 − (v − `)2 = 4v`, AP 2 = (1 − u)2 + v 2 + w2 = 2 − 2u.

The proposed inequality then rewrites as √

2v` ≤ 6(1 − u),
which holds trivially if v ≤ 0. If v ≥ 0, we may square both sides, resulting in the equivalent inequality
4v 2 `2 ≤ 6(1 − u), where since 4`2 ≤ 3, it suffices to show that

v 2 ≤ 2(1 − u) = 1 − 2u + u2 + v 2 + w2 = (1 − u)2 + w2 + v 2 ,

trivially true and with equality iff u = 1 and w = 0, and consequently v = 0. Note further that, regardless of
the value of `, if u = 1 and v = w = 0, then A = P , resulting in AP = 0, and since P Q = RP , also in AQ = AR,
or equality holds regardless of `. The conclusion follows, equality holds iff A = P , in which case p = 0 and
q = r.

Also solved by Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 18

 Olympiad problems

O427. Let ABC be a triangle and ma , mb , mc be the lengths of its medians. Prove that
√
3 (ama + bmb + cmc ) ≤ 2s2 .

Proposed by Dragoljub Miloševic̀, Gornji Milanovac, Serbia

First solution by Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata Roma, Rome, Italy
The inequality is
√
√ a 2b2 + 2c2 − a2 (a + b + c)2
3(a + b + c) ∑ ≤
cyc (a + b + c) 4 2
√
The concavity of x yields
√ ¿
√ a 2b2 + 2c2 − a2 √ Á a 2b2 + 2c2 − a2
3(a + b + c) ∑ ≤ 3(a + b + c)Á À∑
cyc (a + b + c) 4 cyc (a + b + c) 4
so it suffices to prove
¿
√ Á a 2b2 + 2c2 − a2 (a + b + c)2
3(a + b + c)Á
À∑ ≤
cyc (a + b + c) 4 2
or squaring

3 ∑ a(2b2 + 2c2 − a2 ) ≤ (a + b + c)3

cyc

Now let’s set a = y + z, b = x + z, c = x + y, x, y, z ≥ 0

and the inequality becomes

∑ (x + 3x y) ≥ 24xyz
3 2
sym

and this is clearly AGM.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 19

 Second solution by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain
2 2 a2 a2 +b2 +c2 2
Note first that ma 2 = b +c
2 − 4 = 2 − 3a4 . Define therefore
√
f (x) = K − x2 ,
√ a2 +b2 +c2
√
where x ≤ K. Note that for K = 2 , we have ma = f ( 2 ),
3a
and similarly for b, c. Now, the first and
second derivatives of f (x) are

x K
f ′ (x) = − √ , f ′′ (x) = − √ 3
< 0,
K − x2 ( K − x2 )

or f is strictly concave, and by Jensen’s inequality,

√
√ √ ⎛ 3 (a2 + b2 + c2 ) ⎞ √
3 (ama + bmb + cmc ) ≤ 3(a + b + c)f = 12Ks2 − 9K 2 ,
⎝ 2(a + b + c) ⎠

with equality iff a = b = c, or it suffices to show that

√ 2
12Ks2 − 9K 2 ≤ 2s2 , 0 ≤ 4s4 − 12Ks2 + 9K 2 = (2s2 − 3K) ,

clearly true. Note that condition a = b = c, necessary for equality in Jensen’s inequality, also results in
2
3K = 2s2 = 9a2 . The conclusion follows, equality holds iff ABC is equilateral.

Also solved by Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Nermin Hodžic,
Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA, USA; Nicus, or Zlota‚ Traian Vuia Technical
College, Focs, ani, Romania; Scott H. Brown, Auburn University Montgomery, Montgomery, AL, USA.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 20

O428. Determine all positive integers n for which the equation

x2 + y 2 = n(x − y)

is solvable in positive integers. Solve the equation

x2 + y 2 = 2017(x − y).

Proposed by Dorin Andrica, Cluj-Napoca, Romania and Vlad Crişan, Göttingen, Germany

Solution by Ricardo Largaespada, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Managua, Nicaragua

x2 + y 2 = n(x − y) ⇔ 4x2 − 4nx + n2 + 4y 2 + 4ny + n2 = 2n2

Then if u = 2x − n and v = 2y + n, the original equation is equivalent to solve the Pythagorean equation:
u2 + v 2 = 2n2 .

If gcd(u, 2) = 2, then u = 2u1 and 4u21 + v 2 = 2n2 implies that v = 2v1 ⇒ 2(u21 + v12 ) = n2 ⇒ n = 2n1 ⇒
u21 + v12 = 2n21 , and this equation is equivalent to the original. So we can assume that u and v are odds.

Now consider Z[i], let z = u + vi, then zz = N (z) = u2 + v 2 = 2n2 = (1 + i)(1 − i)n2 . By unique facto-
z(1−i)
rization in Z[i] implies that 1 + i∣z or 1 − i∣z. If 1 + i∣z, then w = 1+i
z
= 2 = u+v2 + 2 i. Then we have
v−u
2 2
( u+v
2
) + ( v−u
2
) = N (w) = n2 .

Then n2 is the sum of two squares because u+v

∣v−u∣
2 and 2 are integers, then solving this equation in
positive integers we get by the Pythagorean equation that n = a2 + b2 where a > b. We can also get u+v
2 and
from {2ab, a2 − b2 }.
∣v−u∣
2

Finally the equation x2 + y 2 = 2017(x − y) has solution, because 2017 = 442 + 92 (this pair is unique), then
u+v
take the values of 2 ⋅ 44 ⋅ 9 or 442 − 92 . Using that u+v
2 = x + y and 2 = ∣y − x + n∣. We have
∣v−u∣ ∣v−u∣
2 and 2
four cases:
x+y = 1855
{ ⇒ (x, y) = (1540, 315)
y − x + 2017 = 792
x+y = 1855
{ ⇒ (x, y) = (2332, −477)
−y + x − 2017 = 792
x+y = 792
{ ⇒ (x, y) = (477, 315)
y − x + 2017 = 1855
x+y = 792
{ ⇒ (x, y) = (2332, −1540)
−y + x − 2017 = 1855
And the positive integers solutions are (x, y) ∈ {(1540, 315), (477, 315)}.

Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Luca Ferrigno, Universitá degli studi di Tor Vergata,
Roma, Italy; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Albert
Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; AN-anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 21

O429. Let ABC be non-obtuse triangle.Prove that

5 r
ma mb + mb mc + mc ma ≤ (a2 + b2 + c2 ) ( + )
8 4R
Proposed by Nguyen Viet Hung, Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam

Solution by Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Since the triangle is nonobtuse we have a2 + b2 − c2 ≥ 0.Then we have
(a2 + b2 )[(a + b)2 − c2 ] − 2ab(2a2 + 2b2 − c2 ) = (a − b)2 (a2 + b2 − c2 ) ≥ 0 ⇒
√
(a + b)2 − c2 √ 2
(a2 + b2 ) ⋅ ≥ 2a + 2b2 − c2 (1)
2ab
Using formulas
1√ 2
mc = 2a + 2b2 − c2
2
r 1 a2 + b2 − c2
= cos A + cos B + cos C − 1 = −1 + ∑
R 2 cyc ab
we have
5 r
ma mb + mb mc + mc ma ≤ (a2 + b2 + c2 ) ( + )⇔
8 4R

1 √ 2 2 ⎛5 1 1 a2 + b2 − c2 ⎞
∑ (2a + 2b2 − c2 )(2b2 + 2c2 − a2 ) ≤ (a + b + c ) − + ∑ ⇔
2 2
4 cyc ⎝ 8 4 8 cyc ab ⎠
√ ⎛ a2 + b2 − c2 ⎞
2∑ (2a2 + 2b2 − c2 )(2b2 + 2c2 − a2 ) ≤ (a2 + b2 + c2 ) 3 + ∑ ⇔
cyc ⎝ cyc ab ⎠
√ a2 + b2 + ab − c2
2∑ (2a2 + 2b2 − c2 )(2b2 + 2c2 − a2 ) ≤ (a2 + b2 + c2 ) ⋅ ∑ ⇔
cyc cyc ab

√ a2 + b2 + ab − c2
∑(2a + 2b − c ) + 2 ∑ (2a2 + 2b2 − c2 )(2b2 + 2c2 − a2 ) ≤ (a2 + b2 + c2 ) ⋅ ∑ + 3 ∑ a2 ⇔
2 2 2
cyc cyc cyc ab cyc
2
⎛ √ 2 ⎞ ⎛ a2 + b2 + ab − c2 ⎞
∑ 2a + 2b2 − c2 ≤ (a + b + c ) ⋅ 3 + ∑ ⇔
2 2 2
⎝cyc ⎠ ⎝ cyc ab ⎠
√ (a + b)2 − c2
(∑ 2a2 + 2b2 − c2 )2 ≤ (a2 + b2 + c2 ) ⋅ ∑
cyc cyc ab
Since a + b > c using Cauchy-Shwarz inequality we have

(a + b)2 − c2 1 (a + b)2 − c2
(a2 + b2 + c2 ) ⋅ ∑ = ∑(a2 + b2 ) ⋅ ∑ =
cyc ab 2 cyc cyc ab
√ 2 2
(a + b)2 − c2 ⎛ (a + b) 2
− c2⎞ ⎛ √ ⎞
= ∑(a + b ) ⋅ ∑
2 2
≥ ∑ (a2 + b2 ) ⋅ ≥(1)
∑ 2a2 + 2b2 − c2
cyc cyc 2ab ⎝cyc 2ab ⎠ ⎝cyc ⎠
Equality holds if and only if a = b = c

Also solved by Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Kevin Soto Palacios, Huarmey, Perú; Akash Singha
Roy, Kolkata, India; Nicus, or Zlota‚ Traian Vuia Technical College, Focs, ani, Romania; Scott H. Brown,
Auburn University Montgomery, Montgomery, AL, USA.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 22

O430. Find the number of positive integers n ≤ 106 such that 5 divides (2n
n
).

Proposed by Enrique Trevinio, Lake Forest College, USA

Solution by Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Lemma:
Let x, y ∈ R, then we have
⌊x⌋ + ⌊y⌋ ≤ ⌊x + y⌋
Proof:
W.L.O.G let 0 ≤ x, y < 1.Then {x} = x, {y} = y

⌊x⌋ + ⌊y⌋ ≤ ⌊x + y⌋ ⇔ {x} + {y} ≥ {x + y}

If x + y < 1 then

{x} + {y} = x + y = {x + y}
so equality holds.
Let x + y ≥ 1 then

⌊x + y⌋ = 1 ⇔ x + y = 1 + {x + y} ⇒ {x} + {y} = 1 + {x + y} > {x + y}

so the inequality holds, with equality only if x + y < 1. ∎

As a corolary we have

2⌊t⌋ ≤ ⌊2t⌋ (1)

1
With equality only if 0 < {x} < .
2
∞ n
Let ep (n) be the greatest exponent of p dividing n.Then ep (n!) = ∑ ⌊ k ⌋, so
k=1 p
2n (2n)! ∞
2n n
e5 (( )) = e5 ( ) = ∑ (⌊ k ⌋ − 2⌊ k ⌋)
n (n!) 2
k=1 5 5
Using (1) we have

2n n ∞
2n n
⌊ k
⌋ − 2⌊ k
⌋ ≥ 0 ⇒ ∑ (⌊ k ⌋ − 2⌊ k ⌋) ≥ 0
5 5 k=1 5 5
Equality holds if and only if
2n n n 1
⌊ k
⌋ − 2⌊ k ⌋ = 0, ∀k ≥ 1 ⇒ 0 < { k } < , ∀k ≥ 1
5 5 5 2
Let (2n)
n not divisible by 10.Then e5 (( n
2n
)) = 0.Then we have

2n ∞
2n n
e10 (( )) = ∑ (⌊ k ⌋ − 2⌊ k ⌋) = 0
n k=1 5 5
So we have
n 1
{ k
} < , ∀k ≥ 1
5 2

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 23

 Let
m
n = ∑ ck ⋅ 5k , ck ∈ {0, 1, 2, 3, 4}
k=0

Now we have
1 n c0 5
>{ }= ⇒ c0 < ⇒ c0 ∈ {0, 1, 2}
2 5 5 2
1 n 5c1 + c0 25 − 2c0
> { 2} = ⇒ c1 < ⇒ c1 ∈ {0, 1, 2}
2 5 25 10
1 n 25c2 + 5c1 + c0 125 − 10c1 − 2c0
> { 3} = ⇒ c2 < ⇒ c2 ∈ {0, 1, 2}
2 5 125 50

1 n 5m−1 cm−1 + ... + c0 5m − 2 ∑m−2

k=0 ck ⋅ 5
k
> { m} = ⇒ cm−1 < ⇒ cm−1 ∈ {0, 1, 2}
2 5 5m 2 ⋅ 5m−1

1 n 5m cm + ... + c0 5m+1 − 2 ∑m−1

k=0 ck ⋅ 5
k
> { m+1 } = ⇒ cm < ⇒ cm ∈ {0, 1, 2}
2 5 5m+1 2 ⋅ 5m
So, positive integer n , such that (2n)
n is not divisible by 5 is of the form
m
n = ∑ ck ⋅ 5k , ck ∈ {0, 1, 2}
k=0

Since

106 = 2 ⋅ 58 + 2 ⋅ 57 + 4 ⋅ 56 + 0 ⋅ 55 + 0 ⋅ 54 + 0 ⋅ 53 + 0 ⋅ 52 + 0 ⋅ 51 + 0 ⋅ 50
All the numbers of the form
8
n = ∑ ck ⋅ 5k , ck ∈ {0, 1, 2}
k=0

are included, and excluding zero the total number of such is 38 − 1.

Hence the total number of n such that (2n )
n is divisible by 5 is

106 − 38 + 1 = 993440

Also solved by Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; Akash Singha
Roy, Kolkata, India.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 24

O431. Let a, b, c, d be positive real numbers such that a + b + c + d = 3. Prove that
64
a2 + b2 + c2 + d2 + abcd ≥ 3.
27
Proposed by An Zhenping, Xianyang Normal University, China

Solution by Nermin Hodžic, Dobošnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Using Schurs inequality we have
a3 + b3 + c3 + 3abc ≥ a2 (b + c) + b2 (c + a) + c2 (a + b)
b3 + c3 + d3 + 3bcd ≥ b2 (c + d) + c2 (d + b) + d2 (b + c)
⇒
a3 + c3 + d3 + 3acd ≥ a2 (c + d) + c2 (d + a) + d2 (a + c)
a3 + b3 + d3 + 3abd ≥ a2 (b + d) + b2 (d + a) + d2 (a + b)
a3 d + b3 d + c3 d + 3abcd ≥ a2 d(b + c) + b2 d(c + a) + c2 d(a + b)
b3 a + c3 a + d3 a + 3abcd ≥ b2 a(c + d) + c2 a(d + b) + d2 a(b + c)
⇒
a3 b + c3 b + d3 b + 3abcd ≥ a2 b(c + d) + c2 b(d + a) + d2 b(a + c)
a3 c + b3 c + d3 c + 3abcd ≥ a2 c(b + d) + b2 c(d + a) + d2 c(a + b)

∑ a (b + c + d) + 12abcd ≥ 2 ∑ a (bc + cd + db) ⇔

3 2
cyc cyc

5 ∑ a3 (b + c + d) + 60abcd ≥ 10 ∑ a2 (bc + cd + db) (1)

cyc cyc
where the cyclic sum runs over the set {a, b, c, d}.
Also using Schurs inequality we have

a4 + b4 + c4 + abc(a + b + c) ≥ a3 (b + c) + b3 (c + a) + c3 (a + b)
b4 + c4 + d4 + bcd(b + c + d) ≥ b3 (c + d) + c3 (d + b) + d3 (b + c)
⇒
a4 + c4 + d4 + acd(a + c + d) ≥ a3 (c + d) + c3 (d + a) + d3 (a + c)
a4 + b4 + d4 + abd(a + b + d) ≥ a3 (b + d) + b3 (d + a) + d3 (a + b)

3 ∑ a4 + ∑ a2 (bc + cd + db) ≥ 2 ∑ a3 (b + c + d) (2)

cyc cyc cyc
Adding (1) and (2) we have

3 ∑ a4 + 3 ∑ a3 (b + c + d) + 60abcd ≥ 9 ∑ a2 (bc + cd + db) ⇔

cyc cyc cyc

2 ∑ a4 + 2 ∑ a3 (b + c + d) + 40abcd ≥ 6 ∑ a2 (bc + cd + db) ⇔

cyc cyc cyc

3[∑ a4 + 2 ∑ a3 (b + c + d) + 2 ∑ a2 (bc + cd + db) + ∑ a2 (b2 + c2 + d2 )] + 64abcd ≥

cyc cyc cyc cyc

≥ ∑ a4 + 4 ∑ a3 (b + c + d) + 12 ∑ a2 (bc + cd + db) + 3 ∑ a2 (b2 + c2 + d2 ) + 24abcd ⇔

cyc cyc cyc cyc

3 ∑ a2 ⋅ (∑ a)2 + 64abcd ≥ (∑ a)4 ⇔

cyc cyc cyc
64
27 ∑ a2 + 64abcd ≥ 81 ⇔ ∑ a2 + abcd ≥ 3
cyc cyc 27
3
Equality holds if and only if a = b = c = d = .
4
Also solved by Daniel Lasaosa, Pamplona, Spain; AN-anduud Problem Solving Group, Ulaanbaatar, Mon-
golia; Albert Stadler, Herrliberg, Switzerland; Akash Singha Roy, Kolkata, India; Arkady Alt, San Jose, CA,
USA; Ioan Viorel Codreanu, Satulung, Maramures, , Romania; Nicus, or Zlota‚ Traian Vuia Technical College,
Focs, ani, Romania; Paolo Perfetti, Università degli studi di Tor Vergata Roma, Rome, Italy.

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 25

O432. Let ABCDEF be a cyclic hexagon which contains an inscribed circle. Denote by ωA , ωB , ωC , ωD , ωE
and ωF the inscribed circle in the triangle F AB, ABC, BCD, CDE, DEF and EF A, respectively. Let
`AB be the external common tangent of ωA and ωB , other than the line AB; lines `BC ,`CD ,`DE ,`EF and
`F A are defined analogously. Let A1 be the intersection of te lines `F A and `AB , B1 the intersection of
the lines `AB and `BC ; points C1 , D1 , E1 and F1 are defined analogously. Suppose that A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1
is a convex hexagon. Prove that its diagonals A1 D1 , B1 E1 and C1 F1 are concurrent.

Proposed by Nairi Sedrakian, Yerevan, Armenia

Solution by the author

We will prove that the hexagon A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 is centrally symmetric and therefore the main diago-
nals A1 D1 , B1 E1 and C1 F1 pass though the symmetry center of the hexagon. We denote the centers of
ωA , ωB , ωC , ωD , ωE and ωF by IA , IB , IC , ID , IE and IF respectively.
Claim 1:
`AB ∣∣CF ∣∣`DE , `BC ∣∣AD∣∣`EF , and `CD ∣∣BE∣∣`F A . Proof:
By the symmetry it suffices to prove that `AB ∣∣CF. Let M be the midpoint of the arc AB of the circumcircle
not containing C and F , and let m be the tangent to the circumcircle at M , which is parallel to AB.

Then we have

∠(F M, CF ) = ∠(m, CM ) = ∠(AB, CM ). (1)

It is well known that the incenter IA of the triangle F AB satisfies M IA = M A = M B; similarly M IB =

M A = M B, so M IA = M IB and therefore ∠(IA IB , CM ) = ∠(F M, IA IB ). The lines AB and `AB are
symmetric about the line IA IB , so

∠(AB, CM ) = ∠(AB, IA IB ) + ∠(IA IB , CM ) =

∠(IA IB , `AB ) + ∠(F M, IA IB ) = ∠(F M, `AB ).

This equation combined with (1) yields ∠(F M, CF ) = ∠(F M, `AB ), so indeed CF ∣∣`AB . ∎

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 26

 Claim 2:
A1 B1 + C1 D1 + E1 F1 = B1 C1 + D1 E1 + F1 A1 .
Proof:
Let TA , UA , VA , and WA be the points where ωA touches the lines AB, F A, `AB , and `F A , respectively, and
define the points TB , . . . , WF analogously.

Since the hexagon ABCDEF is tangential, we have

AB + CD + EF = BC + DE + F A (2)

Furthermore we have

ATA = AUA , . . . , F TF = F UF and A1 VA = A1 WA , . . . , F1 VF = F1 WF , (3)

because these pairs of segments are tangents drawn to the circles ωA , . . . , ωF .

Finally, from the symmetry about the lines IA IB , . . . , IF IA , we can wee that

TA UB = VA WB , . . . , TF UA = VF WA . (4)

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 27

 By combining (3) and (4),

A1 B1 = VA WB − A1 VA − B1 WB = TA UB − A1 VA − B1 WB

= (AB − ATA − BUB ) − A1 VA − B1 WB

= AB − ATA − BTB − A1 VA − B1 VB .
Analogously,
B1 C1 = BC − BTB − CTC − B1 VB − C1 VC ,
...
F1 A1 = F A − F TF − ATA − F1 VF − A1 VA .
Now the clain can be achieved by plugging these formulae into (2) and cancelling identical terms. ∎

Claim 3:
ÐÐÐ→ ÐÐÐ→ ÐÐÐ→ ÐÐÐ→ ÐÐÐ→ ÐÐÐ→
A1 B1 = E1 D1 , B1 C1 = F1 E1 , and C1 D1 = A1 F1 .
Proof:
Let X, Y, and Z be those points for which the quadrilaterals F1 A1 B1 X, B1 C1 D1 Y , and D1 E1 F1 Z are
parallelograms. By Claim 1 we fave F1 X∣∣A1 B1 ∣∣E1 D1 ∣∣F1 Z, so the points F1 , X, Z are collinear; it can be
seen similarly that B1 , X, Y are collinear and so are D1 , Y, Z. We will show that the points X, Y, Z coincide.
The points X, Y, Z either coincide or form a triangle. Suppose that XY Z is a triagnle with the same
orientation as the haxagon A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 . Then

F1 A1 + B1 C1 + D1 E1 = XB1 + Y D1 + ZF1 >

Y B1 + ZD1 + XF1 = C1 D1 + E1 F1 + A1 B1 ,

contradicting Claim 2.
If XY Z is a triangle with the opposite orientation from the hexagon, we get another contradiction

F1 A1 + B1 C1 + D1 E1 <
C1 D1 + E1 F1 + A1 B1

∎
Claim 3 shows that the hexagon A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 is indeed centrally symmetric, as requred. Done!

Mathematical Reflections 6 (2017) 28