Author Archives: kevin

Geometry Challenge – 18

Two squares $ABCD$ and $DEFG$ are inscribed inside a unit semi-circle, as shown in the following diagram, with $CD$ and $DE$ on the same line, $A$, $D$, $G$ on the diameter of the semi-circle, and $B$ and $F$ on the … Continue reading

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Geometry Probability – 4

Let $D$ is an interior point inside equilateral $\triangle{ABC}$. Find the probability that the line segments of $AD$, $BD$, and $CD$ are the side of: (1) a triangle, (2) a right triangle, (3) an obtuse triangle, and (4) an acute … Continue reading

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Geometry Challenge – 17

Let $D$ be an interior point inside equilateral $\triangle{ABC}$, so that $\angle{BDC}=150^\circ$. Prove that the line segment $AD$, $BD$ and $CD$ are the sides of a right triangle. Click here for the proof. Proof: Rotating $\triangle{ADC}$ counter-clock-wise around $C$ by … Continue reading

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Algebra Challenge – 5

Find the real solutions for the following equations: $$a^2+b^2\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ =1\tag{1}$$ $$b^2+c^2+\sqrt{3}bc=1\tag{2}$$ $$c^2+a^2+\ \ \ \ \ ca=1\tag{3}$$ Click here for the solution. Solution: If $c=0$, based on equation … Continue reading

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Algebra Challenge – 4

For integer $n>0$, find the values of $$\sum\limits_{i=1}^{n}(-1)^{i+1}\cdot i\cdot\binom{n-1}{i-1}$$ Click here for the solution. Solution: If $n=1$, then \begin{flalign*} \sum\limits_{i=1}^{n}(-1)^{i+1}\cdot i\cdot\binom{n-1}{i-1} &= (-1)^{1+1}\cdot 1\cdot\binom{1-1}{1-1}& \\ &=1& \end{flalign*} If $n=2$, then \begin{flalign*} \sum\limits_{i=1}^{n}(-1)^{i+1}\cdot i\cdot\binom{n-1}{i-1} &=(-1)^{1+1}\cdot 1\cdot\binom{2-1}{1-1}+(-1)^{2+1}\cdot 2\cdot\binom{2-1}{2-1}& \\ &=1-2& \\ &=-1& … Continue reading

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