The CENTRE for EDUCATION

in MATHEMATICS and COMPUTING

cemc.uwaterloo.ca
2023 Canadian Team Mathematics Contest
Answer Key for Team Problems
Question Answer
1 44
2 14
3 −1
4 6
5 42
6 20
7 37
8 7645123
9 9 : 30 p.m.
10 (4, −5) and (−2, −1)
11 1
12 5
13 81649
14 72
15 4
21
16 11 √
17 24 − 8 5
18 18
13
19 40
20 27
21 1:1
22 2032
√
5 3
23 2
8
24 3
87
25 40
 The CENTRE for EDUCATION
in MATHEMATICS and COMPUTING
cemc.uwaterloo.ca
2021 Canadian Team Mathematics Contest
Answer Key for Individual Problems
Question Answer
1 54
2 24
3 10 : 43 a.m.
4 6
√
5 2 5
6 84
7 3
8 16
9 50
10 10

Answer Key for Relays

Question Answer
0 (7, 70, 55◦ )
1 (12,64,4)
2 (6,3,39)
3 (60, 15, 3)
 The CENTRE for EDUCATION
in MATHEMATICS and COMPUTING
cemc.uwaterloo.ca

2023
Canadian Team Mathematics Contest

April 2023

Solutions

©2023 University of Waterloo

2023 CTMC Solutions Page 2

Individual Problems

1. Working backwards, since Jin had 5 chocolates left after eating half of them, she had 2 × 5 = 10
chocolates after giving chocolates to Brian.
Since Jin gave 8 chocolates to Brian and had 10 chocolates after doing this, Jin was given
10 + 8 = 18 chocolates by Ingrid.
Ingrid gave one third of her chocolates to Jin, which means Ingrid started with n = 3 × 18 = 54
chocolates.
Answer: 54

2. Since 20% of 30 is 0.2 × 30 = 6, we want to find k so that k% of 25 equals 6.

k k
This means × 25 = 6 or = 6 and so k = 24.
100 4
Answer: 24

3. Note that 2023 = 33 × 60 + 43, and since there are 60 minutes in an hour, this means that 2023
minutes is equal to 33 hours and 43 minutes.
For 33 hours and 43 minutes to pass, 24 hours will pass and then 9 hours and 43 minutes will
pass.
In 24 hours it will be 1:00 a.m. again.
In 9 hours and 43 minutes after 1:00 a.m., it will be 10:43 a.m.
Answer: 10 : 43 a.m.

4. As soon as two lockers are painted blue in the top row, the other two lockers in the top row
must be painted red.
Once the top row is painted, the colours of the lockers in the bottom row are determined.
If the lockers in the top row are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4, then there are six possibilities for the
two blue lockers.
They are 1 and 2, 1 and 3, 1 and 4, 2 and 3, 2 and 4, and 3 and 4.
Answer: 6

5. Let E be on CD such that BE is perpendicular to CD as shown.

A B

D E C

Since AB and DE are parallel and ∠DAB and ∠DEB are right angles, ∠ADE and ∠ABE
are right angles as well, and so ABED is a rectangle.
Using AB = 4 and the fact that ABED is a rectangle, we get DE = 4.
Using CD = CE + DE, DE = 4, and CD = 6, we get CE = 6 − 4 = 2.
In 4BEC, ∠BEC = 90◦ and ∠BCE = ∠BCD = 45◦ , and so ∠EBC = 180◦ −90◦ −45◦ = 45◦ .
This means 4BEC is isosceles, and so BE = CE = 2.
By the Pythagorean theorem applied to right-angled 4BED, we have DE 2 + BE 2 = BD2 ,
and so BD2 = 42 + 22 √ = 20. √
Since BD > 0, BD = 20 = 2 5. √
Answer: 2 5
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 3

6. Let t be the amount of time in hours that the train will take to make the trip if it is on time
and let d be the distance in kilometres between City A and City B.
24 24 2
If the train is 24 minutes late, then it is hours late, which means it takes t + = t+
60 60 5
hours to reach City B.
32 8
Similarly, if the train is 32 minutes early, then it takes t − =t− hours to reach City B.
60 15
d d
From the given assumptions, this means 80 = 2 and 90 = 8 .
t+ 5 t − 15
   
2 8
Cross multiplying these equations, we get 80 t + = d and 90 t − = d.
5 15
Equating the values of d and solving for t, we get
   
2 8
80 t + = 90 t −
5 15
80t + 32 = 90t − 48
80 = 10t
8=t
   
2 2
Substituting t = 8 into d = 80 t + gives d = 80 8 + = 672.
5 5
672
The speed in km/h that the train should travel in order to arrive on time is = 84.
8
Answer: 84

1
7. We are given that tan ∠BAC = , but ∠BAC = ∠BAD and 4BAD has a right angle at D,
7
BD 1
so tan ∠BAD = = . Since BD = h, AD = 7 · BD = 7h.
AD 7
Using that tan ∠BCD = tan ∠BCA = 1, we get CD = h by similar reasoning. Therefore,
AC = AD + CD = 7h + h = 8h.

A 7h D h C
p √
Applying the Pythagorean theorem to 4ABD, we get that AB = (7h)2 + h2√ = 50h2 .
√
Applying the Pythagorean theorem to 4BCD, we get that BC = h2 + h2 = 2h2 .
The perimeter of 4ABC is
√ √
AB + BC + AC = 50h2 + 2h2 + 8h
√ √
= 2 × 52 × h2 + 2h2 + 8h
√ √
= 5h 2 + h 2 + 8h (since h > 0)
√
= h(8 + 6 2)
√ √
Since the perimeter of 4ABC is given to be 24 + 18 2 = 3(8 + 6 2), we conclude that h = 3.
Answer: 3
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 4

8. Suppose ABCDE is a Tim number. That is, A, B, C, D, and E are the digits of the number
and since it has five digits, A 6= 0.
Since ABCDE is a multiple of 15, it must be a multiple of both 3 and 5.
Since ABCDE is a multiple of 5, either E = 0 or E = 5.
Since ABCDE is a multiple of 3, A + B + C + D + E is a multiple of 3.
We are also given that C = 3 and D = A + B + C = A + B + 3.
Combining C = 3 and D = A + B + 3 with the fact that A + B + C + D + E is a multiple of
3, we have that A + B + 3 + A + B + 3 + E = 2A + 2B + E + 6 is a multiple of 3.
Since 6 is a multiple of 3, this means 2A + 2B + E is a multiple of 3.
We are looking for triples (A, B, E) with the property that E = 0 or E = 5 and 2A + 2B + E
is a multiple of 3. However, we must keep in mind that A + B + 3 = D is a digit, which means
A + B + 3 ≤ 9 or A + B ≤ 6.
We will consider two cases: E = 0 and E = 5. We note that once we choose values for A and
B, the value of D will be determined.
E = 0: In this case, we need 2A + 2B to be a multiple of 3, so A + B is a multiple of 3.
Combined with the requirement that A + B ≤ 6, this means A + B = 3 or A + B = 6. We also
need to remember that A 6= 0, which means (A, B) is one of (1, 2), (2, 1), (3, 0), (1, 5), (2, 4),
(3, 3), (4, 2), (5, 1), and (6, 0) for a total of nine possibilities.
E = 5: In this case, we need 2A + 2B + 5 to be a multiple of 3. For the same reason as in the
previous case, A + B ≤ 6.
If A + B = 1, then 2A + 2B + 5 = 7 which is not a multiple of 3.
If A + B = 2, then 2A + 2B + 5 = 9 which is a multiple of 3.
If A + B = 3, then 2A + 2B + 5 = 11 which is not a multiple of 3.
If A + B = 4, then 2A + 2B + 5 = 13 which is not a multiple of 3.
If A + B = 5, then 2A + 2B + 5 = 15 which is a multiple of 3.
If A + B = 6, then 2A + 2B + 5 = 17 which is not a multiple of 3.
Therefore, we must have that A+B = 2 or A+B = 5. Keeping in mind that A 6= 0, we get that
(A, B) can be (1, 1), (2, 0), (1, 4), (2, 3), (3, 2), (4, 1), or (5, 0) for a total of seven possibilities.

This gives a total of 9 + 7 = 16 Tim numbers, which are listed below. One can check that all
16 of these integers are indeed Tim numbers.

12360, 15390, 21360, 24390, 30360, 33390, 42390, 51390,

60390, 11355, 14385, 20355, 23385, 32385, 41385, 50385

Answer: 16

9. Solution 1
Multiplying 4x + 7y + z = 11 by 2 gives 8x + 14y + 2z = 22 and multiplying 3x + y + 5z = 15
by 3 gives 9x + 3y + 15z = 45.
Adding 8x + 14y + 2z = 22 and 9x + 3y + 15z = 45 gives 17x + 17y + 17z = 67, and after
67
dividing through by 17, we get x + y + z = .
17
67
The fraction is in lowest terms, which means p = 67 and q = 17, so p − q = 67 − 17 = 50.
17
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 5

Solution 2
We will try to solve the system of equations

4x + 7y + z = 11
3x + y + 5z = 15
p
x+y+z =
q
for x, y, and z in terms of p and q and see what happens. For this particular system, it is
impossible to express x, y, and z in terms of only p and q. However, a relationship between p
and q will be revealed by the process of attempting to solve the system.
Subtracting the second equation from the first, we get x + 6y − 4z = −4, and subtracting
p p
x + y + z = from this equation gives 5y − 5z = −4 − .
q q
4 p
After dividing by 5, we get y − z = − − .
5 5q
Next, we subtract 4 times the second equation from 3 times the first equation to get

3(4x + 7y + z) − 4(3x + y + 5z) = 3(11) − 4(15)

12x + 21y + 3z − 12x − 4y − 20z = 33 − 60
17y − 17z = −27
27
y−z =−
17

We now have two expressions for y − z, and if we set them equal, we get an equation involving
p and q. We can manipulate this equation as follows.
4 p 27
− − =−
5 5q 17
4 27 p
− + =
5 17 5q
5 × 27 p
−4 + =
17 q
−68 + 135 p
=
17 q
67 p
=
17 q
67
and since is in lowest terms, p = 67 and q = 17, so p − q = 67 − 17 = 50.
17
Answer: 50

10. Fix a positive integer k and let n = 2k (we are interested in even n).
The two-element subsets of S2k consisting of two integers that have a sum of 2k + 1 are {1, 2k},
{2, 2k − 1}, {3, 2k − 2}, and so on up to {k, k + 1}. There are k subsets in the list.
A subset X of S2k contains two integers with a sum of 2k + 1 exactly when it contains both of
the integers from at least one of the k subsets above.
We will now count the number of subsets X of S2k with the property that no two integers in
the subset have a sum of 2k + 1.
We will do this by counting the number of subsets X of S2k that contain at most one of the
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 6

two integers from each of the k two-element subsets listed earlier.

Suppose {a, b} is one of these k subsets. The set X could contain neither a nor b, it could
contain a and not b, and it could contain b and not a.
This gives 3 possibilities for each of the k subsets.
Every integer in S2k appears in exactly one of these k subsets, so a choice of one of these three
possibilities for each of the k subsets {a, b} completely determines X.
These choices are independent, which means the number of subsets X with the desired property
is exactly 3k .
Since there are 22k subsets in total, we have
 k
3k 3
p(2k) = 2k =
2 4
1
We want to find values of k that satisfy p(2k) < . Using the formula above, this is equivalent
 k 4
3 1
to < , which is equivalent to 3k < 4k−1 .
4 4
The table below has positive integer values of k in the left column, the value of 3k in the middle
column, and 4k−1 in the right column.

k 3k 4k−1
1 3 1
2 9 4
3 27 16
4 81 64
5 243 256

We see that k = 5 is the smallest even positive integer for which 3k < 4k−1 , so the answer is
n = 2 × 5 = 10.
Answer: 10
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 7

Team Problems
1. The cod accounts for 100% − 40% − 40% = 20% of the total pieces of fish sold.
Therefore, the number of pieces of cod sold was 0.2 × 220 = 44.
Answer: 44
x
2. Rearranging the given equation, we get = 14 which implies that x = 28 = 22 × 7.
√ √ √ 2
Therefore, 7x = 7 × 2 × 7 = 2 × 72 = 2 × 7 = 14.
2 2

Answer: 14

−43 − (−23) −20

3. The slope of AB is = = 1.
−33 − (−13) −20
Since AB is neither horizontal nor vertical, the slope of a line perpendicular to it is the negative
−1
of the reciprocal of 1, or = −1.
1
Answer: −1

4. Factoring 1192 − 172 as a difference of squares, we have 1192 − 172 = (119 − 17)(119 + 17).
Then
s
√
r
1192 − 172 (119 − 17)(119 + 17) √
− 102 = − 102 = 119 + 17 − 100 = 36 = 6
119 − 17 119 − 17
Answer: 6

5. Solution 1
Substituting p = 2q into p + q + r = 70 gives 2q + q + r = 70 or 3q + r = 70.
Substituting q = 3r into 3q + r = 70 gives 3(3r) + r = 70 or 10r = 70 which means r = 7.
Substituting r = 7 into q = 3r gives q = 21, and substituting q = 21 into p = 2q gives p = 42.
Solution 2
1
The equation p = 2q is equivalent to q = p.
2
1
The equation q = 3r is equivalent to r = q.
3
1 1 1
Substituting q = p into r = q gives r = p.
2 3 6
1 1
Substituting these values of q and r into p + q + r = 70 gives p + p + p = 70.
2 6
Therefore,
70 70
p= 1 1 = 10 = 42
1+ 2 + 6 6
Answer: 42

6. If we let d = b−a, then we have b = a+d, and since c−b = b−a = d, we have c = b+d = a+2d.
Thus, (a, b, c) = (a, a + d, a + 2d).
Since b > a, d > 0, and so we can enumerate the triples by considering possible values of d
starting at d = 1.
When d = 1, we get the triples (1, 2, 3), (2, 3, 4), (3, 4, 5), (4, 5, 6), (5, 6, 7), (6, 7, 8), (7, 8, 9),
and (8, 9, 10) for a total of 8 triples.
When d = 2, we get the triples (1, 3, 5), (2, 4, 6), (3, 5, 7), (4, 6, 8), (5, 7, 9), and (6, 8, 10) for a
total of 6 triples.
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 8

When d = 3, we get the triples (1, 4, 7), (2, 5, 8), (3, 6, 9), and (4, 7, 10) for a total of 4 triples.
When d = 4, we get the triples (1, 5, 9) and (2, 6, 10) for a total of 2 triples.
If d ≥ 5, then since a is at least 1, c = a + 2d ≥ 1 + 2 × 5 = 11. This means d cannot be any
larger than 4, so we have found all triples.
In total, there are 8 + 6 + 4 + 2 = 20 triples.
Answer: 20

7. The positive integer 4446 is even and the sum of its digits is 4 + 4 + 4 + 6 = 18 which is a
multiple of 9, so 4446 itself is divisible by both 2 and 9. (Similar to the well-known divisibility
rule for 3, a positive integer is divisible by 9 exactly when the sum of its digits is divisible by
9.)
Factoring, we have 4446 = 2 × 32 × 247, and it can be checked that 247 = 13 × 19.
Therefore, 4446 = 2 × 32 × 13 × 19, so the distinct prime factors of 4446 are 2, 3, 13, and 19,
the sum of which is 37.
Answer: 37

8. Since every line segment must be used exactly once, the integer will have seven digits with each
digit from 1 to 7 used exactly once.
Observe that the path that goes from E to B to C to E to D to B to A to C creates the integer
7645123.
We will now argue that this is the largest integer that can be created.
Since every digit from 1 through 7 is used exactly once, if we start with any digits other than
7 and 6, in that order, the integer formed must be smaller than 7645123.
This means that the path forming the largest possible integer must start with E, then go to B,
and then C.
From C, the options are to go to A or E. If the path continues to A, then the integer would
start with 763, which is guaranteed to be smaller than 7645123, regardless of how the path is
completed.
The path must start with E, B, C, E, so the first three digits of the largest inter are 764.
The line segments connecting E to B and E to C have already been used, which means that
the path must continue to D since otherwise we would have to reuse a line segment. We now
have shown that the first four digits of the largest integer are 7645.
Since the path arrived at D from E, there is nowhere to go from D but to B, and then by
similar reasoning, it must continue to A and finally to C, so the largest integer must be 7645123.
Answer: 7645123

9. Solution 1
Let V equal the volume of the pool in litres and let x be the rate at which each hose outputs
water in litres per hour.
With three hoses, the pool will fill in 12 hours at a rate of 3x litres per hour. This means
V V
3x = or x = .
12 36
One of the hoses stops working after 5 of the 12 hours, which means that the hose stops working
5 7
when there are V litres in the pool, or V more litres to be added to the pool.
12 12
7
Starting at 11:00 a.m., the new rate at which water is entering the pool is 2x, and V litres
12
need to be added to the pool.
If we let t be the amount of time in hours remaining to fill the pool with two hoses, then we
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 9
7
12
V 7V
have 2x = and so t = .
t 24x
V
Substituting x = , we get
36
7V 21
t= V
= = 10.5
24 36 2
Therefore, another 10.5 hours are required, so the pool will be full 10.5 hours after 11:00 a.m.,
or at 9:30 p.m.
Solution 2
With three hoses working, the pool will fill in 12 hours, which means that one hose could fill
the pool in 36 hours. We will say that the pool takes 36 hose-hours to fill.
At the time when one of the hoses stops working, three hoses have been working for 5 hours.
In other words, which is the same as if one hose had been working for 3 × 5 = 15 hours. In
other words, 15 hose hours have been spent putting water in the pool.
This means 36 − 15 = 21 hose hours are still required. There are two hoses still working, so it
21
will take and additional = 10.5 hours to fill the pool.
2
Since 10.5 hours after 11:00 a.m. is 9:30 p.m., the pool will be filled at 9:30 pm.
Answer: 9 : 30 p.m.

10. Substituting x = 2 and y = −3 into the two equations gives

2(a2 + 1) − 2b(−3) = 4
2(1 − a) + b(−3) = 9

which can be simplified to get

2a2 + 6b = 2
2a + 3b = −7

Dividing the first equation by 2 gives a2 + 3b = 1 from which we can subtract 2a + 3b = −7 to

get a2 − 2a = 8.
Rearranging gives a2 − 2a − 8 = 0 which can be factored to get (a − 4)(a + 2) = 0.
Therefore, there are two possible values of a, which are a = 4 and a = −2. Substituting these
values into 2a + 3b = −7 and solving for b gives b = −5 and b = −1, respectively.
The ordered pairs (a, b) = (4, −5) and (a, b) = (−2, −1) are the two possibilities. It can be
checked that the two systems of equations
17x + 10y = 4 5x + 2y = 4
−3x − 5y = 9 3x − y = 9

both have the unique solution (x, y) = (2, −3).

Answer: (4, −5) and (−2, −1)

11. If we set x = 2023, then

20234 − (2022)(2024)(1 + 20232 ) = x4 − (x − 1)(x + 1)(1 + x2 )

Expanding, we have (x − 1)(x + 1)(1 + x2 ) = (x2 − 1)(x2 + 1) = x4 − 1.

This means x4 − (x − 1)(x + 1)(1 + x2 ) = x4 − (x4 − 1) = 1, so the answer is 1.
Answer: 1
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 10

12. For the square root in the numerator to be defined, we need 75 − x ≥ 0 or x ≤ 75, and for the
square root in the denominator to be defined, we need x − 25 ≥ 0 or 25 ≤ x. Therefore, for the
expression to be an integer, we must have 25 ≤ x ≤ 75.
√
75 − x √ √
Suppose √ is equal to some integer n. Then 75 − x = n x − 25.
x − 25
Squaring both sides, we get 75 − x = n2 (x − 25) or 75 − x = xn2 − 25n2 . This equation can be
25n2 + 75
rearranged to get 25n2 + 75 = x(n2 + 1) and then solved for x to get x = .
n2 + 1
Rearranging, we have
25n2 + 75 25n2 + 25 + 50 25(n2 + 1) 50 50
x= 2
= 2
= 2
+ 2 = 25 + 2
n +1 n +1 n +1 n +1 n +1
Observe that n2 + 1 > 0 for all n, so the cancellation above is justified.
50
Since x and 25 are both integers, 2 must also be an integer, so 50 is a multiple of n2 + 1.
n +1
Since n2 + 1 is a divisor of 50 and it must be positive, we have that n2 + 1 must be one of 1, 2,
5, 10, 25, or 50.
Setting n2 + 1 equal to each of these values and solving gives
n2 + 1 = 1 ⇒n=0
n2 + 1 = 2 ⇒ n = ±1
n2 + 1 = 5 ⇒ n = ±2
n2 + 1 = 10 ⇒ n = ±3
√
n2 + 1 = 25 ⇒ n = ± 24
n2 + 1 = 50 ⇒ n = ±7
√
Note that n is the ratio of two square roots, which means it must be nonnegative. As well, 24
is not an integer, so this means n = 0, n = 1, n = 2, n = 3, or n = 7.
25n2 + 75
Substituting these values of n into x = , we get that the possible values of x are 75,
n2 + 1
50, 35, 30, and 26, of which there are 5.
Answer: 5

13. The two-digit perfect squares are 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, and 81.
Notice that no two of these perfect squares have a common first digit, which means that in a
mystical integer, either a digit is the rightmost digit or there is only one possibility for the digit
to its right.
This means, for each possible first digit, the largest mystical integer with that first digit is the
mystical integer with as many digits as possible.
To make a mystical integer starting with 1 have as many digits as possible, we must follow the
1 by a 6, which must be followed by 4 and then 9. No two-digit perfect square starts with 9,
so 1649 is the longest, and hence, the largest mystical integer with its first digit equal to 1.
The only mystical integer with its first digit equal to 2 is 25 since no two-digit perfect square
has a first digit of 5.
The longest mystical integer starting with 3 is 3649.
The longest mystical integer starting with 4 is 49.
There are no mystical integers starting with 5, 7, or 9.
The longest mystical integer with a first digit of 6 is 649.
The longest mystical integer starting with 8 is 81649. This is the only five-digit mystical integer,
so it must be the largest.
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 11

Answer: 81649

14. Suppose a, b, c, and d are the digits 1 through 4 in some order and are placed in the top-left
subgrid as shown below.

a b
c d

In order for the bottom-left subgrid to contain the integers from 1 through 4, the leftmost two
cells in the bottom row must contain c and d in some order. Similarly, in order for the top-right
subgrid to contain the digits from 1 through 4, the third cells in the first two rows must contain
a and c in some order.
Therefore, there are four possible ways to fill in the rest of the cells, excluding the bottom-right
cell. They are shown below.

a b a a b c a b a a b c
c d c c d a c d c c d a
a b a b b a b a

In each of these four grids, the top-left, top-right, and bottom-left subgrids all satisfy the
condition that each digit occurs exactly once in it.
In the first three of four, the three digits already in the bottom-right subgrid are different, so
there is exactly one way to place a digit in the bottom right cell to make the grid satisfy the
condition.
For the first of the four grids above, we need to place a in the bottom-right cell. For the second,
we need to place c. For the third, we need to place b.
The fourth of these grids lacks b and c in the bottom-right subgrid. With only one cell left to
fill, there is no way to place a digit in it so that every digit occurs in the subgrid.
There are 24 ways to order the digits from 1 through 4 as a, b, c, and d. We have shown that
there are three ways to fill the grid for each of these 24 orderings, so the answer is 3 × 24 = 72.
Answer: 72

15. Two numbers  are reciprocals

 if their product is 1. Therefore, we are looking for real numbers
5
x for which x − (x − 4) = 1.
x
Multiplying through by x gives (x2 − 5)(x − 4) = x. Expanding gives x3 − 4x2 − 5x + 20 = x
which can be rearranged to get x3 − 4x2 − 6x + 20 = 0.
Given that the problem states that there are exactly three real numbers with the given condition,
these three real numbers must be the solutions to the cubic equation above. A cubic equation
has at most three real roots, which means this cubic must have exactly three real roots. The
sum of the roots of a cubic is the negative of the coefficient of x2 , which means the answer is 4.
However, in the interest of presenting a solution that does not assume the question “works”,
we will factor this cubic to find the three real numbers.
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 12

A bit of guessing and checking reveals that 23 − 4(22 ) − 6(2) + 20 = 0, which means x − 2 is a
factor of the cubic. We can factor to get

(x − 2)(x2 − 2x − 10) = 0

By the quadratic formula, the other two roots of the cubic are

√
p
2 ± 22 − 4(−10)
= 1 ± 11
2
√ √
The three real numbers are 2, 1 − 11, and 1 + 11 which have a sum of
√ √
2 + (1 − 11) + (1 + 11) = 4
Answer: 4

PB AB
16. From the similarity of 4P BA and 4ABC, we get = .
AB CB
PB 8 64
Substituting, we get = which can be rearranged to get P B = .
8 11 11
QC AC
From the similarity of 4QAC and 4ABC, we get = .
AC BC
QC 6 36
Substituting, we get = which can be rearranged to get QC = .
6 11 11
We now know the lengths of P B, QC, and BC. Since P Q = BC − P B − QC, we get
64 36 121 − 64 − 36 21
P Q = 11 − − = =
11 11 11 11
21
Answer: 11

17. Let t be the x-coordinate of B and note that t > 0. The parabola has reflective symmetry
across the y-axis, which implies ABCD has reflective symmetry across the y-axis. Thus, the
x-coordinate of A is −t.
Therefore, AB = 2t, and so the area of ABCD is (2t)2 = 4t2 .
The point C lies on the parabola with equation y = x2 − 4 and has the same x-coordinate as
B. Therefore, the coordinates of C are (t, t2 − 4).
Since BC is vertical, its length is the difference between the y-coordinates of B and C.
It is given that C is below the x-axis, so its y-coordinate is negative. The y-coordinate of B is
0, and so we have that BC = 0 − (t2 − 4) = 4 − t2 .
Since ABCD is a square, AB = BC, and so 2t = 4 − t2 .
Rearranging this equation gives t2 + 2t − 4 = 0, and using the quadratic formula, we get

√
p
−2 ± 22 − 4(−4)
t= = −1 ± 5
2
√ √
The quantity −1 − 5 is negative, and we are assuming t is positive,
√ which means
√ t = −1 + √5.
We know that the area of ABCD is 4t2 , so the area is 4(−1 + 5)2 = 4(6 − 2 5) = 24 − 8 √5.
Answer: 24 − 8 5
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 13

18. In this solution, “log” (without explicitly indicating the base) means “log10 ”.
Using logarithm rules, we have
ab = (log4 9) (108 log3 8)
log 9 log 8
= 108 ×
log 4 log 3
log 32 log 23
= 108 ×
log 22 log 3
108 × 2 × 3 × (log 3) × (log 2)
=
2 × (log 2) × (log 3)
= 108 × 3
= 324
√ √
Since ab = 324 = 182 and ab > 0, we have ab = 18.
Answer: 18
19. The multiples of 3 from 1 through 25 are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24.
The only multiple of 5 in this list is 15.
1
Jolene chooses the red ball numbered 15 with probability since there are exactly five red
5
balls.
If Jolene chooses the red ball numbered with 15, then there will be 7 green balls remaining with
a multiple of 3 on them. The probability that Tia chooses a ball numbered with a multiple of
7
3 in this situation is .
24
The probability that Jolene and Tia win the game if Jolene chooses the ball numbered with 15
1 7 7
is × = .
5 24 120
4
Jolene chooses a red ball other than the one numbered with 15 with probability .
5
In this situation, there are 8 green balls numbered with a multiple of 3, so the probability that
8
Tia chooses a green ball numbered with a multiple of 3 is .
24
The probability that Jolene and Tia win the game if Jolene does not choose the red ball
4 8 32
numbered by 15 is × = .
5 24 120
Since exactly one of the events “Jolene chooses the ball numbered with 15” and “Jolene does
not choose the ball numbered with 15” must occur, the probability that Jolene and Tia win
the game is equal to the sum of the probabilities that they win in each of the two situations.
Therefore, the probability that they win the game is
7 32 39 13
+ = =
120 120 120 40 Answer: 13 40

20. The remainder when 468 is divided by d is r. This means that 0 ≤ r < d and there is a unique
integer q1 such that 468 = q1 d + r.
Similarly, there are unique integers q2 and q3 such that 636 = q2 d + r and 867 = q3 d + r.
This gives three equations
468 = q1 d + r
636 = q2 d + r
867 = q3 d + r
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 14

Subtracting the first equation from the second, the first from the third, and the second from
the third gives the three equations

168 = (q2 − q1 )d
399 = (q3 − q1 )d
231 = (q3 − q2 )d

Since q1 , q2 , and q3 are integers, so are q2 − q1 , q3 − q1 , and q3 − q2 . Therefore, d must be a

divisor of 168, 399, and 231.
Since d is a divisor of 168 and 231, it is a factor of 231 − 168 = 63.
Since d is a divisor of 63 and 168, it is a factor of 168 − 2 × 63 = 42.
Since d is a divisor of 63 and 42, it is a factor of 63 − 42 = 21.
Now note that 168 = 8 × 21, 399 = 19 × 21, and 231 = 11 × 21, so 21 is a divisorof all three
integers.
We have shown that d must be a divisor of 21 and that 21 is a divisor of all three integers.
This implies that the possible values of d are the positive divisors of 21, which are 1, 3, 7, and 21.

If d = 1, then the remainder is 0 when each of 468, 636, and 867 is divided by d. In this case,
d + r = 1 + 0 = 1.
If d = 3, then the remainder is 0 when each of 468, 636, and 867 is divided by d. In this case,
d + r = 3 + 0 = 3.
If d = 7, then the remainder is 6 when each of 468, 636, and 867 is divided by d. In this case,
d + r = 7 + 6 = 13.
If d = 21, then the remainder is 6 when each of 468, 636, and 867 is divided by d. In this case,
d + r = 21 + 6 = 27.
Answer: 27

21. Solution 1
Let X be the foot of the altitude of 4P QO from O to P Q, and let r = OQ.

A P X Q B

W R
O

V S

D U T C

It is given that 4RBQ is isosceles and since ∠QBR = 90◦ , we must have that ∠BQR = 45◦ .
As well, 4ROQ is equilateral so ∠RQO = 60◦ .
Points X, Q, and B are on a line, so ∠XQO = 180◦ − 60◦ − 45◦ = 75◦ .
By very similar reasoning, ∠XP O = 75◦ , which means 4OP Q is isosceles with OP = OQ.
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 15
OX OX
Since ∠OQX = 75◦ , we have sin 75◦ = = and so OX = r sin 75◦ .
OQ r
Similarly, QX = r cos 75◦ , and since 4OP Q is isosceles, OX bisects P Q, which means
P Q = 2r cos 75◦ .
From the double-angle formula, sin 150◦ = 2 sin 75◦ cos 75◦ . Using this fact and the fact that
1
sin 150◦ = , we can compute the area of 4OP Q as
2
1 1
× P Q × OX = (2r cos 75◦ )(r sin 75◦ )
2 2
r2
= (2 sin 75◦ cos 75◦ )
2
r2
= sin 150◦
2
r2 1
= ×
2 2
r2
=
4

BQ BQ
Since 4ROQ is equilateral, QR = OQ = r, and since ∠RQB = 45◦ , cos 45◦ = = .
QR r
1 r
Rearranging and using that cos 45◦ = √ , we get BQ = √ .
2 2
r
Since BQ = BR, we get BR = √ as well.
2
Therefore, the area of 4BRQ is

1 1 r r r2
× BQ × BR = × √ × √ =
2 2 2 2 4

The areas of 4P QO and 4BRQ are equal, so the ratio is 1 : 1.

Solution 2
Let OQ = r, which implies QR = r as well since 4ROQ is equilateral.
Since 4BRQ has a right angle at B and is isosceles, the Pythagorean theorem implies that
r
BQ2 + BR2 = r2 or 2BQ2 = r2 , so BQ = √ .
2
1 r r r2
Therefore, the area of 4BRQ is × √ × √ = .
2 2 2 4
Since 4BRQ is isosceles and right angled at B, ∠RQB = 45◦ . As well, 4ROQ is equilateral,
which means ∠ROQ = 60◦ . Using that P , Q, and B lie on the same line, we can compute
∠P QO = 180◦ − 60◦ − 45◦ = 75◦ .
By similar reasoning, ∠QP O = 75◦ , which implies that 4P QO is isosceles with OP = OQ = r.
Using the two known angles in 4P QO, we get ∠P OQ as ∠P OQ = 180◦ − 75◦ − 75◦ = 30◦ .
1 r2
This means the area of 4OP Q is × OP × OQ × sin 30◦ = .
2 4
The areas of 4P QO and 4BRQ are equal, so the ratio is 1 : 1.
Answer: 1 : 1
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 16

22. Since a1 , a2 , a3 , . . . has a1 = 1 and a common difference of 3, we have that an = 1 + 3(n − 1)

for all n ≥ 1. By similar reasoning, we get that bm = 2 + 10(m − 1) for all m ≥ 1.
For fixed m, the term bm appears in both sequences exactly when there is some n such that
an = b m .
Using the closed forms established earlier, the term bm appears in both sequences exactly when
10m − 6
there exists n such that 1 + 3(n − 1) = 2 + 10(m − 1), which is equivalent to n = .
3
10m − 6
In other words, bm is in both sequences exactly when the expression is a positive
3
integer, which happens exactly when 10m − 6 is a positive multiple of 3.
Note that m is a positive integer, so 10m − 6 is at least 4, which means 10m − 6 is positive for
all m.
Since 6 is a multiple of 3, 10m − 6 is a multiple of 3 exactly when 10m is a multiple of 3, but 3
and 10 have no prime factors in common, 10m is a multiple of 3 exactly when m is a multiple
of 3.
We have now shown that bm is in both sequences exactly when m is a multiple of 3.
Let m = 3k for some k ≥ 1. Then bm = 2 + 10(3k − 1) = 30k − 8 and we wish to find the
smallest possible k for which 30k − 8 > 2023.
2031 21
This inequality is equivalent to 30k > 2031 which is equivalent to k > = 67 + . The
30 30
smallest positive integer k with this property is k = 68. Therefore,

b3×68 = b204 = 2 + 10(204 − 1) = 2 + 10(203) = 2032

is the smallest integer that is larger than 2023 and is in both sequences.
Answer: 2032

23. For every real number x, −1 ≤ sin x ≤ 1, which means that sin 3A and sin C are both at most 1.
Therefore, 3 sin C has a maximum possible value of 3, so sin 3A + 3 sin C ≤ 4.
The only way that sin 3A + 3 sin C = 4 is if sin 3A = 1 and sin C = 1.
Since C corresponds to an angle in a triangle, 0◦ < C < 180◦ .
This and sin C = 1 together imply that C = 90◦ . We conclude that 4ABC has a right angle
at C.
Since A is an angle in a triangle, we have that 0◦ < A < 90◦ . However, we have already shown
that this triangle has a right angle not at A, which means 0◦ < A < 90◦ .
Multiplying this inequality through by 3 gives 0◦ < 3A < 270◦ .
This and sin 3A = 1 together imply that 3A = 90◦ , which means A = 30◦ .
It follows that 4ABC is a 30◦ - 60◦ - 90◦ triangle with hypotenuse AB = 10.
The side BC is opposite the 30◦ angle, so its length is half that
√ of the hypotenuse, or BC = 5.
3 √
The side AC is opposite the 60◦ angle, so its length is AC = × AB = 5 3.
√ 2
1 1 √ 25 3
The area of 4ABC is × AC × BC = × 5 × 5 3 = .
2 2 2
Suppose the length of the altitude from C to AB is h. Then the area of 4ABC is also equal
1
to × AB × h = 5h.
2 √ √
25 3 5 3
Therefore, 5h = , and so h = .
2 2 √
Answer: 5 2 3
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 17

24. Squaring both sides of the equation x + y + z = 2 gives x2 + y 2 + z 2 + 2(xy + yz + zx) = 4.

Substituting xy + yz + zx = 0 into the above equation gives x2 + y 2 + z 2 = 4.
From x + y + z = 2, we get x + y = 2 − z, and from xy + yz + xz = 0, we get xy = −z(x + y).
Substituting x + y = 2 − z into xy = −z(x + y), we get xy = z(z − 2).
Regardless of the values of x and y, (x−y)2 ≥ 0. Using this observation as well as x2 +y 2 +z 2 = 4
and xy = z(z − 2), we get the following equivalent inequalities.

0 ≤ (x − y)2
0 ≤ x2 − 2xy + y 2
2xy ≤ x2 + y 2
2xy + z 2 ≤ x2 + y 2 + z 2
2z(z − 2) + z 2 ≤ 4
3z 2 − 4z − 4 ≤ 0
(3z + 2)(z − 2) ≤ 0

2
If z < − , then both 3z + 2 and z − 2 are negative, so their product is positive.
3
2
If − ≤ z ≤ 2, then 3z + 2 ≥ 0 and z − 2 ≤ 0, so their product is non-positive.
3
If z > 2, then 3z + 2 and z − 2 are both positive, so their product is positive.
2
Therefore, in order for (3z + 2)(z − 2) ≤ 0, we need that − ≤ z ≤ 2.
3
2
We have shown that z is at least − and at most 2, but to be sure these are the actual
3
minimum and maximum possible values of z, we must show that there are solutions to the
system of equations that have z taking each of these two values.
If z = 2, the equations become x + y + 2 = 2 or x + y = 0 and xy + 2y + 2x = 0 which can be
factored as xy + 2(x + y) = 0. Substituting x + y = 0 gives xy = 0, so x = 0 or y = 0.
Since x + y = 0 and at least one of x and y is 0, it must be the case that they are both 0. This
gives the solution (x, y, z) = (0, 0, 2).
2 2 8
If z = − , then the first equation gvies x + y − = 2 or x + y = . The second equation gives
3 3 3
2 8 16
xy − (x + y) = 0. Substituting x + y = into this equation and rearranging gives xy = .
3 3 9
8 8 16
Multiplying x + y = through by x gives x2 + xy = x, and after substituting xy = gives
3 3 9
16 8
x2 + = x which is equivalent to 9x2 − 24x + 16 = 0.
9 3
4 4
Factoring, we get (3x − 4)2 = 0 so 3x = 4, which means x = . Substituting this into x + y =
3 3
4
and solving leads to y = .
 3 
4 4 2
Therefore, (x, y, z) = , ,− is a soluton.
3 3 3
2
We have shown that in any solution, we must have − ≤ z ≤ 2 and that there are solutions
3  
2 2 2 8
with z = − and z = 2. Thus, b = 2 and a = − , so b − a = 2 − = .
3 3 3 3
Answer: 83
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 18
x−1
25. With x = 1, = 0, and so the given identity implies f (1) + f (0) = 1. Since we need to
3x − 2
find f (0) + f (1) + f (2), it remains to find the value of f (2).
 
x−1 2−1 1 1
With x = 2, = = . Applying the identity gives f (2) + f = 2.
3x − 2 6−2 4 4
1
−1
   
1 x−1 4 1−4 3 1 3 1
With x = , = 3 = = . Applying the identity gives f +f = .
4 3x − 2 4
−2 3−8 5 4 5 4
3
−1
 
3 x−1 3−5 3 3
With x = , = 59 = = 2. Applying the identity gives f + f (2) = .
5 3x − 2 5
−2 9 − 10 5 5
   
1 3
Let a = f (2), b = f , and c = f . We have shown that the following three equations
4 5
hold:

a+b=2
1
b+c=
4
3
a+c=
5
3 13
Adding the first and third equations gives 2a + (b + c) = 2 + = .
5 5
1 13 1 47 47
Since b + c = , this means 2a = − = , and so f (2) = a = .
4 5 4 20 40
47 87
We already know that f (0) + f (1) = 1, so f (0) + f (1) + f (2) = 1 + = .
40 40
−9x3 + 6x2 + x − 1
Remark: It can be shown that the given condition implies that f (x) = for
    2(−3x + 1)(3x − 2)
1 2 1 2
all x except x = and = and that f and f are cannot be uniquely determined.
3 3 3 3
However, the values of f (0), f (1), and f (2) are uniquely determined, which is all that was
needed for this problem.
Answer: 87 40
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 19

Relay Problems
(Note: Where possible, the solutions to parts (b) and (c) of each relay are written as if the value of
t is not initially known, and then t is substituted at the end.)
6×5−2 30 − 2 28
0. (a) Evaluating, = = = 7.
4 4 4
1
(b) The area of a triangle with base 2t and height 2t − 4 is (2t)(2t − 4) or t(2t − 4).
2
Substituting t = 7 gives an area of t(2t − 4) = 7(10) = 70.
(c) Since 4ABC is isosceles with AB = BC, it is also true that ∠BCA = ∠BAC.
The angles in a triangle have a sum of 180◦ , so

180◦ = ∠ABC + ∠BAC + ∠BCA

= ∠ABC + 2∠BAC
= t◦ + 2∠BAC

180◦ − 70◦
Substituting t = 70, we get 180◦ = 70◦ + 2∠BAC and so ∠BAC = = 55◦ .
2
Answer: (7, 70, 55◦ )

1. (a) Since 9 = 32 , the area of the garden is 32 m2 or (3 m) × (3 m).

Therefore, the side-length of the garden is 3 m.
The perimeter is 4 × 3 m = 12 m, so N = 12.
(b) Each of the nine small squares is divided into two congruent triangular sections, so the
square is divided into 9 × 2 = 18 triangular sections of equal area.
8 4
Of the 18 sections, 8 are shaded, so = of ABCD is shaded.
18 9
4t2
The area of ABCD is t2 , so the shaded area is .
9
4 × 122
Substituting t = 12, we get that the area of the shaded region is = 64.
9
(c) Expanding, n(n − 1)(n + 1) √ + n = n(n2 − 1) + n = n3 − n + n = n3 .
3 3
This means t = n so n = t. √
Substituting t = 64 gives n = 3 64 = 4.
Answer: (12, 64, 4)

2. (a) Multiplying through by 29(n + 1) gives 29 > 4(n + 1) which can be rearranged to get
25
25 > 4n or n < = 6.25.
4
The positive integers that satisfy the inequality are n = 1, n = 2, n = 3, n = 4, n = 5,
and n = 6, so the answer is 6.
(b) Let V be the volume of the tank.
t2
Using the second given piece of information, we know that when litres are added, the
4
2V 5V t2
amount of water goes from to , which means is the difference between these two
10 10 4
amounts of water.
t2 5V − 2V 3V
Therefore, = = .
4 10 10
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 20

10 t2 10t2 5t2
Solving for V gives V = × = = .
3 4 12 6
t 2V
Since adding litres to the initial x litres leads to the tank having litres in it,
2 10
2V t
x= − .
10 2
5t2 2 5t2 t t2 t
Substituting V = gives x = × − = − .
6 10 6 2 6 2
62
Substituting t = 6, we get x = − 3 = 3.
6
b
(c) The line segment OP passes through the origin and P , so its slope is equal to .
a
12
Since the slope is and the line passes through the origin, there is some k for which
5
b = 12k and a = 5k.
By the Pythagorean theorem, a2 +b2 = OP 2 . Substituting b = 12k, a = 5k, and OP = 13t,
we get the following equivalent equations.
a2 + b 2 = OP 2
(5k)2 + (12k)2 = (13t)2
25k 2 + 144k 2 = 169t2
169k 2 = 169t2
k2 = t2
Since P (a, b) is in the first quadrant, a = 5k is positive, so k is positive. As well, since 13t
is given to be a length, we can assume t is positive, which means k = t, so a = 5t.
By reasoning similar to earlier, there is some m so that c = 4m and d = 3m.
By the Pythagorean theorem, c2 + d2 = OQ2 , so we get the following equivalent equations.
c2 + d2 = OQ2
(4m)2 + (3m)2 = (10t)2
16m2 + 9m2 = 100t2
25m2 = 100t2
m2 = 4t2
√
Since c and t are both positive, m = 4t2 = 2t, so c = 8t.
Therefore, a + c = 5t + 8t = 13t.
Substituting t = 3, we get a + c = 13(3) = 39.
Answer: (6, 3, 39)

3. (a) The positive divisors of 24 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24.

Their sum is
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 12 + 24 = 60
(b) Subtracting the second equation from the first gives
   
t t
a − b − a − b = 20 − (−10)
6 5
 
t t t
which simplifies to − b = 30 or b = 30.
5 6 30
900 900
Solving for b gives b = . Substituting t = 60 gives b = = 15.
t 60
2023 CTMC Solutions Page 21

(c) Using that the parabola passes through (0, 60) gives 60 = a(0)2 + b(0) + c or c = 60.
t
The roots of ax2 + bx + c are x = 4 and x = . [We are implicitly assuming that t 6= 12
3
since otherwise the question would not have a unique answer.]
c 60
The product of the roots of ax2 + bx + c is = .
a a
60 t 3 × 60 45
Therefore, = 4 × which can be rearranged to get a = = . Substituting
a 3 4t t
t = 15 gives a = 3.
Answer: (60, 15, 3)