Challenge Definition and 911 Threads

  1. Saitama

    MHB Can You Crack This Advanced Trigonometry Problem?

    Evaluate: $$\frac{1}{\cos^210^{\circ}}+\frac{1}{\sin^220^{ \circ }}+\frac{1}{\sin^240^{\circ}}-\frac{1}{\cos^245^{\circ}}$$
  2. Saitama

    MHB Definite Integral challenge #2

    Evaluate: $$\Large \int_{\pi/2}^{5\pi/2} \frac{e^{\arctan(\sin x)}}{e^{\arctan(\sin x)}+e^{\arctan(\cos x)}}$$
  3. Saitama

    MHB Mathematical Techniques for Solving the Definite Integral Challenge

    Compute: $$\int_0^{\pi/2} \tan(x)\ln(\sin(x))\,dx$$
  4. Ascendant78

    MIT Physics Challenge Problems (OCW)

    MIT Physics "Challenge Problems" (OCW) I had a question for anyone who is familiar with MIT and their OCW. I like to use their content to compliment my studies, but I feel some of their challenge problems are quite difficult. I am curious, are those challenge problems something they expect...
  5. N

    Challenge: Check The Proof, Please

    Homework Statement Show that if ##|\mathbb{Z}_p/(f)| = p^{deg(f(x))}## where the ##deg(f(x)) = n## and ##f(x) \in \mathbb{Z}_{p}## is irreducible over ##\mathbb{Z}_{p}[x]##, then ##\mathbb{Z}_{p}[x]/(f) \rightarrow_{\phi}^{\cong} \bigoplus_{i \in I} \mathbb{Z}_{p_{i}}## where ##|I| =...
  6. C

    Lucy's Stone: A Physics Challenge

    Lucy stands on the edge of a vertical cliff and throws a stone vertically upwards. The stone leaves her hand with speed 15m/s at the instant her hand is 80m above the surface of the sea. Air resistance is negligible and the acceleration of free fall is 10m/s/s. First part is to calculate the...
  7. anemone

    MHB Can you prove this inequality challenge involving positive integers?

    Let $a$ and $b$ be positive integers. Show that $\dfrac{(a+b)!}{(a+b)^{a+b}}\le \dfrac{a! \cdot b!}{a^ab^b}$.
  8. anemone

    MHB Can You Prove This Fraction Sequence is Less Than 1/1000?

    Show that $\dfrac{1}{2}\cdot\dfrac{3}{4}\cdot\dfrac{5}{6} \cdots\dfrac{999999}{1000000}<\dfrac{1}{1000}$
  9. anemone

    MHB How can positive numbers be used to prove an inequality challenge?

    If $a,\,b,\,c$ are positive numbers, show that $8(a^3+b^3+c^3)\ge (a+b)^3+(a+c)^3+(b+c)^3$.
  10. Radarithm

    Solving for Velocity over Time: A Calculus Challenge

    Homework Statement F=-mg-m\alpha vF=m\frac{dv}{dt} = \int_0^v \frac{dv'}{g+\alpha v'} = -\int_0^t dt' This equals: \ln \frac{1+\alpha v}{g} = -\alpha t I don't understand why it does; I keep getting an incorrect answer. Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong? Homework Equations The Attempt...
  11. O

    Challenge 14: Smooth is not enough

    A function f:\mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R} is called "smooth" if its k-th derivative exists for all k. A function is called analytic at a if its Taylor series \sum_{n\geq 0} \frac{f^{(n)}(a)}{n!} (x-a)^n converges and is equal to f(x) in a small neighborhood around a. The challenge...
  12. polygamma

    MHB Integral Challenge #1: Prove 0 ≤ a < π/2

    Show that for $ \displaystyle 0 \le a < \frac{\pi}{2}$, $$ \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-x \cos a} \cos(x \sin a) \cos (bx) \ dx = \frac{(b^{2}+1) \cos a}{b^{4}+2b^{2} \cos (2a) + 1 }$$When I post integral challenge problems in the future, I'll just number them.
  13. O

    How to Find the Apothem of a Regular Polygon

    Prove that \sum_{k=0}^{n} \sin\left( \frac{k \pi}{n} \right) = \cot \left( \frac{\pi}{2n} \right)
  14. anemone

    MHB How can AM-GM be used to solve the Inequality Challenge II?

    Prove that $\sqrt[3]{\dfrac{2}{1}}+\sqrt[3]{\dfrac{3}{2}}+\cdots+\sqrt[3]{\dfrac{996}{995}}-\dfrac{1989}{2}<\dfrac{1}{3}+\dfrac{1}{6}+\cdots+ \dfrac{1}{8961}$
  15. F

    How to Calculate π^σ If We Have 2 Disjoint Cycles?

    Suppose we have 2 disjoint cycles π and σ. How can one calculate π^σ? I know how to calculate σ^2 or σ^3 but I can't figure out how to solve that.
  16. O

    What Determines the Probability of Playing Coin Flips Indefinitely?

    A man has a single coin in front of him that lands on heads with probability p and tails with probability 1-p. He begins flipping coins with his single coin. If a coin lands on heads it is removed from the game and n new coins are placed on his stack of coins, if it lands on tails it is...
  17. O

    What is the Probability of Running Out of Coins in a Flipping Game?

    A man begins flipping coins according to the following rules: He starts with a single coin that he flips. Every time he flips a heads, he removes the coin from the game and then puts out two more coins to add to his stack of coins to flip, every time he flips a tails he simply removes the coin...
  18. O

    Challenge 11: Sequence of Primes

    Consider the following sequence: a1 = p, where p is a prime number. an+1 = 2an+1 Prove there is no value of p for which every an is a prime number, or make me look dumb and construct a counterexample.
  19. anemone

    MHB How do I simplify this fraction with radicals?

    Simplify $\large \dfrac{2}{\sqrt{4-3\sqrt[4]{5}+2\sqrt{5}-\sqrt[4]{125}}}$.
  20. O

    Challenge 10b: Temperatures of the Earth

    For the sake of this challenge, you can assume that the world behaves nicely (everything is continuous, differentiable etc, the world is a sphere blah blah blah) but figurative bonus points if you assume fewer things. If you're looking for an easier challenge check out Challenge 10a. The...
  21. O

    Challenge 10a: Temperatures of the Earth

    For the sake of this challenge, you can assume that the world behaves nicely (everything is continuous, differentiable etc, the world is a sphere blah blah blah) but figurative bonus points if you assume fewer things. If you're looking for a bigger challenge check out Challenge 10b. The...
  22. MarkFL

    MHB How to Compute a Definite Integral with Symmetry: The Case of $f(-x)=f(x)$

    Suppose $f(-x)=f(x)$, then compute the following definite integral: $$\int_{-a}^{a}\frac{1}{1+2^{f(x)}}\,dx$$ where $0<a\in\mathbb{R}$.
  23. anemone

    MHB Proving Divisibility with the Power of 5

    Given unequal integers $a, b, c$ prove that $(a-b)^5+(b-c)^5+(c-a)^5$ is divisible by $5(a-b)(b-c)(c-a)$.
  24. anemone

    MHB Trigonometric Inequality Challenge

    For any triangle $ABC$, prove that $\cos \dfrac{A}{2} \cot \dfrac{A}{2}+\cos \dfrac{B}{2} \cot \dfrac{B}{2}+\cos \dfrac{C}{2} \cot \dfrac{C}{2} \ge \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \left( \cot \dfrac{A}{2}+\cot \dfrac{B}{2}+\cot \dfrac{C}{2} \right)$
  25. 462chevelle

    Designing a Space Rover for Mars: A Rookie's Challenge

    I have to design a space rover for Mars that has to have quite a few operating gadgets on it. Without giving a lot of details I am using sketch up and needless to say it sucks. I can't even figure out how to make a wheel. and I can't make objects at angles, like shafts or motors or anything...
  26. O

    Challenge 9: The Prisoner Line-Up

    Countably infinite prisoners, numbered 1,2,3 etc. are told that tomorrow they will be given hats, colored either black or white, and lined up so that each prisoner can only see the prisoners whose hats are labeled with a greater number. The prisoners then get to guess which color hat they wear...
  27. W

    Calculating Ratio of Electrical Current to Light Speed: A Challenge!

    Homework Statement If a 0.505m long wire is excited into its lowest electrical resonance by a 2.2E7 Hz electrical oscillator, what is the ratio of the speed of the electrical current to that of light? Assume that the wire is like a tube with both ends closed. f=2.2E7 L=0.505 v=...
  28. anemone

    MHB Inequality Challenge: Show $7x+12xy+5y \le 9$

    Let $x, y$ be real numbers such that $9x^2+8xy+7y^2 \le 6$. Show that $7x+12xy+5y \le 9$.
  29. S

    MHB Challenge: Create 64 with two 4's

    Using any of \{+,\;-,\;\times,\;\div,\;x^y,\;\sqrt{x},\;x!\} . . create 64 with two 4's.
  30. anemone

    MHB How can I express this trigonometric equation using cosine of 3x?

    Express $\cos^7 x+\cos^7 \left( x+\dfrac{2 \pi}{3} \right)+\cos^7 \left( x+\dfrac{4 \pi}{3} \right)$ in terms of $\cos 3x$.
  31. S

    MHB Ready to Tackle an Advanced Calculus Challenge?

    Show that $$\int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\frac{\log \tan \theta}{\sqrt{1+\cos^2 \theta}}d\theta = \frac{\log 2}{16 \Gamma \left(\frac{3}{4} \right)^2}\sqrt{2\pi^3}$$ This integral is harder than the http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/integration-challenge-7720.html. :D
  32. P

    Is this an impossible code challenge?

    i wrote a script that codes phrases for me in c++ that should be impossible to solve if anybody can solve the code i'll respond with the key and explain how it works so here it is 05 08 13 52 19 55 89 44 33 77 10 82 88 84 23 65 46 52 57 95 37 93 18 11 29 40 69 34 97 87 21 52 17 33 86 20 37 96...
  33. O

    Challenge 8: Sub-Gaussian Variables

    A random variable X is called sub-gaussian if P( |X| > t) \leq 2e^{-K t^2} for some constant K. Equivalently, the probability density p(x) is sub-gaussian if \int_{-t}^{t} p(x) dx \geq 1 - 2 e^{-Kt^2}. The challenge: Prove that the standard normal distribution (with mean 0 and...
  34. O

    Will an Immortal Snail Ever Reach the Other End of a Stretching Rubber Band?

    This question is courtesy of mfb: An immortal snail is at one end of a perfect rubber band with a length of 1km. Every day, it travels 10cm in a random direction, forwards or backwards on the rubber band. Every night, the rubber band gets stretched uniformly by 1km. As an example, during the...
  35. O

    Can an Immortal Snail Ever Reach the End of a Stretching Rubber Band?

    Similar to the previous two-part question, if you find part b to be an appropriate challenge please leave part a to those who are appropriately challenged by it. This question is courtesy of mfb An immortal snail is at one end of a perfect rubber band with a length of 1km. Every day, it...
  36. S

    MHB Is the Golden Ratio Integral to Solving Trigonometric Integrals?

    Here is an interesting integral, which I would like to share with you: Show that $$ \begin{align*} \int_0^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\sin^{-1}\left( \frac{\sin x}{\phi}\right) dx&= \frac{\pi^2}{12}-\frac{3}{4}\log^2 \phi \end{align*} $$ where $\phi$ is the Golden Ratio.
  37. F

    MHB Is the Norm of a Quantum State Constant in Schrödinger's Equation?

    A tester of basic quantum mechanics: 1) Let the state of a quantum particle be represented by $$\phi$$. Show that if $$\phi$$ satisfies Schrodinger's equation, then its norm is constant. 2) Now consider a quantum particle with state $$\phi_{t}$$ defined on [-a,a] subject to potential V=0...
  38. O

    How can a degenerate gambler escape his eternal punishment in hell?

    Sorry about missing a week guys. A degenerate gambler dies and is sentenced to hell. The devil informs him that his punishment is that he must play a slot machine. He starts with one coin, and each time he puts in a coin he gets countably infinite many coins out of the machine. He must...
  39. anemone

    MHB Polynomial Challenge: Find $f(p)+f(q)+f(r)+f(s)$

    The roots of $x^4-x^3-x^2-1=0$ are $p, q, r, s$. Find $f(p)+f(q)+f(r)+f(s)$, where $f(x)=x^6-x^5-x^3-x^2-x$.
  40. DreamWeaver

    MHB Can You Crack This Advanced Integral Problem?

    OK, OK, so I'll stop soon... lol This'll be the last one for a while. But hey, you all know what it's like; you just can't log on here and find too many interesting threads, so forgive me for getting carried away. I'm sorry... [liar] (Heidy) For $$0 < a < \pi$$, and $$b \in \mathbb{R} > -1$$...
  41. DreamWeaver

    MHB Integral Challenge #3: Proving Li$_{2m+1}$ w/ Clausen Function

    Prove the following integral representation of Polylogarithm, in terms of the Clausen function:$$\text{Li}_{2m+1}(e^{-\theta})=\frac{2}{\pi}\int_0^{\pi /2}\text{Cl}_{2m+1}(\theta \tan x)\, dx$$ NB. You're unlikely to find this is any books... I worked it out a while back, and haven't seen it...
  42. DreamWeaver

    MHB Evaluating the Integral Using the Clausen Function

    Find a closed form evaluation for the following trigonometric integral, where the $$0 < \theta \le \pi/2$$:$$\int_0^{\theta}\frac{x^2}{\sin x} \, dx= \text{?}$$ Hint:
  43. anemone

    MHB Solve Exponent Challenge: Prove Equality

    Prove that $$\left( 6+845^{\frac{1}{3}}+325^{\frac{1}{3}} \right)^{\frac{1}{3}}+\left( 6+847^{\frac{1}{3}}+539^{\frac{1}{3}} \right)^{\frac{1}{3}}=\left( 4+245^{\frac{1}{3}}+175^{\frac{1}{3}} \right)^{\frac{1}{3}}+\left( 8+1859^{\frac{1}{3}}+1573^{\frac{1}{3}} \right)^{\frac{1}{3}}$$
  44. O

    Can You Find the Best Constant for Sum-Free Subsets?

    A set A of non-zero integers is called sum-free if for all choices of a,b\in A, a+b is not contained in A. The Challenge: Find a constant c > 0 such that for every finite set of integers B not containing 0, there is a subset A of B such that A is sum-free and |A| ≥ c|B|, where |A| means the...
  45. O

    Challenge 4: There's no app for that: integration

    a.) Poor Wolfram Alpha got asked to calculate the following integral \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-ax} \frac{\sin(x)}{x} dx but couldn't handle it! http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=int_%7B0%7D%5E%7Binfty%7D+e%5E%7B-ax%7D+sin%28x%29+%2Fxdx (Results are not guaranteed if you use wolfram alpha...
  46. O

    Weekly Math Challenge Point Standings

    Here are the total point standings as of 10:33am on 12/20/2013: mfb 9 Citan Uzuki 7 Boorglar 3 jbunniii 3 Mandelbroth 2 jk22 2 hilbert2 2 economicsnerd 2 HS-Scientist 1 D H 1 jackmell 1 verty 1 Perok 1
  47. O

    Challenge 3b: What's in a polynomial?

    In order to challenge a broader section of the forum, there is a part a and a part b to this challenge - if you feel that part b is an appropriate challenge, then I request you do not post a solution to part a as part a is a strictly easier question than part b. The new challenge: Are there any...
  48. O

    Challenge 3a: What's in a polynomial?

    In order to challenge a broader section of the forum, there is a part a and a part b to this challenge - if you feel that part b is an appropriate challenge, then I request you do not post a solution to part a as part a is a strictly easier question than part b. The challenge: Prove that the...
  49. 0

    Solve Min Velocity for Ball Not to Touch Hemispherical Rock

    Homework Statement A person standing at the top of a hemispherical rock of radius R kicks a ball (initially at rest on the top of the rock) to give it a horizontal velocity v. What is the minimum initial speed to ensure the ball doesn't touch the rock? Homework Equations x^2 + y^2 = r^2...
  50. O

    Challenge 2: Covering the Triangle

    Suppose A1, A2 and A3 are closed convex sets, and let Δ be a triangle with edges F1, F2 and F3 such that A_1 \cup A_2 \cup A_3 = \Delta and F_i \cap A_i = \emptyset \text{ for } i=1,2,3 Prove there exists some point x\in \Delta such that x\in A_1 \cap A_2 \cap A_3 Figurative bonus...
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