2010 Euclid Contest Discussion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the 2010 Euclid Contest, focusing on specific problems from the contest, particularly problems #9 and #10. Participants are sharing their experiences, solutions, and challenges encountered while attempting these problems.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant found problem #10 challenging, particularly part (b) regarding the function T(n) and its properties.
  • Another participant expressed difficulty with problem #10, specifically parts (b) and (c), and sought help from others.
  • Several participants shared their thoughts on problem #9, with one noting the use of a sine ratio formula to approach part (b).
  • Another participant corrected their earlier claim about problem #9, indicating a misunderstanding of part (ii).
  • One participant questioned whether the proof presented for problem #9(b) holds generality when assuming equality of sine values for angles B and C.
  • A later reply acknowledged the need to rethink the proof after the challenge to its generality was raised.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of confidence and understanding regarding the problems, with some finding certain parts easy while others struggle. There is no consensus on the solutions, and multiple viewpoints on the approaches to the problems are present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific mathematical properties and relationships without fully resolving the implications or assumptions inherent in their arguments. There are indications of misunderstandings and corrections that suggest a need for further clarification on certain points.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for mathematics competitions, particularly those interested in geometry and triangle properties, may find the discussion relevant.

Canada_Whiz
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As you might know, the 2010 Euclid Contest was officially taken yesterday. So let's discuss!

I thought it wasnt too bad. #10 was hard though (the triangle one). Here was the question:

For each positive integer n, let T(n) be the number of triangles with integer side lengths, positive area, and perimeter n. For example, T(6) = 1 since only such triangle with a perimeter of 6 has side lengths 2, 2 and 2.
(b) If m is a positive integer with m >=(greater than or equal to) 3, prove that T(2m) = T(2m-3).
(c) Determine the smallest positive integer n such that T(n) > 2010.

Also, #9 was hard:

(b) In triangle ABC, BC = a, AC = b, AB = c, and a < .5(b+c).
Prove that angle BAC < .5 (angle ABC + angle ACB).

Can you please help me with those problems?

Also, if anyone wants to share how they solved #7 and 8, that would be appreciated :)
 
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2010 Euclid Contest , very easy. just 10(b)(c) i cannot do it.

9(b):
use this formula:A/SINA=B/SINB=C/SINC

7A:too easy .cannot remember the answer
7B:i just remenbered there are 2 points.
8A:cannot remember
8b:110
9A(i):too easy
9A(ii):120
 
oh ****. 9A(ii)should be 4. i misunderstand the queston.
but anyway, i can get at least 80:)
 
Does the fact that {\sin}BAC&lt;\frac{1}{2}({\sin}ABC+{\sin}BCA) imply the desired result in problem 9b?
 
have you not got the answer 9(B)? very very easy!

here is my answer:
A/SINA=B/SINB=C/SINC
so 2SINA<SINB+SINC

because this is permanent.
we know SINB+SINC is bigger or equal 2(root SINB*SINC) only when SINB=SINC , it can be equal.
so 2SINA<2(root SINB*SINC)
SINCE SINB=SINC
2SINA<2SINB=2SINC
SINA<SINB=SINC
SINCE A+B+C=180
SO WHEN SINA=SINB=SINC,A=B=C=60, THEN A MUST LESS THAN 60
SO 0<A<60
120<B+C<180

A<0.5(B+C)
 
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Doesn't that proof lose generality when you assume that {\sin}B={\sin}C?
 
oh yes
i should rethink it
 
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