The CENTRE for EDUCATION

in MATHEMATICS and COMPUTING

cemc.uwaterloo.ca
2019 Canadian Team Mathematics Contest
Answer Key for Team Problems
Question Answer
1 10
2 25
3 Greta
7
4 24
5 2
6 9
7 46
8 210
9 48 m
3
10 2
11 28
12 1
13 3
14 43
15 96
16 h(x) = x4 + x3 − 1
√
17 70 3
√3
18 9:1
19 −128
20 2024
21 3916
22 (6053, 6056)
17
23 2
24 169
1
25 5
 The CENTRE for EDUCATION
in MATHEMATICS and COMPUTING
cemc.uwaterloo.ca
2019 Canadian Team Mathematics Contest
Answer Key for Individual Problems
Question Answer
1 6
2 83
3 3:00 a.m.
1
4 3
5 6
6 −1
7 1
8 19.6 L
9 1409
10 77.3◦

Answer Key for Relays

Question Answer
0 7, 140, 20◦
1 120, 16, 5492
2 132, 11, 21
3 11, 5, 23
 The CENTRE for EDUCATION
in MATHEMATICS and COMPUTING
cemc.uwaterloo.ca

2019
Canadian Team Mathematics Contest

April 2019

Solutions

©2019 University of Waterloo

2019 CTMC Solutions Page 2

Individual Problems
1. Philippe connects AB, AC, AD, BC, BD, and CD.
He draws 6 line segments.
Answer: 6
√
2. In order for 2019 − n to be an integer, 2019 − n must be a perfect square.
Since n is a positive integer, then 2019 − n is a perfect square less than 2019.
Since n is to be as small as possible, 2019 − n must be the largest perfect square less than 2019.
Since 442 = 1936 and 452 = 2025, then 1936 is the largest perfect square less than 2019.
Thus, 2019 − n = 1936 and so n = 83.
Answer: 83

3. Since 100 = 4 · 24 + 4, then 100 hours is 4 days and 4 hours.

The time 4 days before 7:00 a.m. is also 7:00 a.m.
The time 4 hours earlier than this is 3:00 a.m.
Thus, the time 100 hours before 7:00 a.m. is 3:00 a.m.
Answer: 3:00 a.m.

4. The total number of dots on the six faces of a standard six-faced die is 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 21.
When one face is lying on a table, the total number of dots visible equals 21 minus the number
of dots on the face that is lying on the table.
For this total to be at least 19, then the number of dots on the face lying on the table must be
1 or 2.
Therefore, the total is at least 19 when either of 2 of the 6 faces is lying on the table.
The probability of this is 26 which equals 13 .
Answer: 31
a−b b−a
5. First, we note that = and each of b − a and d − c is positive.
c−d d−c
b−a
For to be as large as possible, we want b − a to be as large as possible and d − c to be as
d−c
small as possible.
Since d and c are integers with d > c, then the smallest possible value of d − c is 1.
For b − a to be as large as possible, we want b to be as large as possible and a to be as small
as possible.
Since a is an integer with 0 < a, then 1 ≤ a.
Since b, c and d are integers with b < c < d < 10, then b ≤ 7.
Therefore, the largest possible value of b − a is 7 − 1 which equals 6.
Note that, in this case, it must be the case that d = 9 and c = 8 which does give d − c = 1.
a−b 6
Thus, the largest possible value of is which equals 6.
c−d 1 Answer: 6

6. When the line with equation y = −2x + 7 is reflected across a vertical line, the sign of the slope
is reversed, and so becomes 2.
Since the new line has equation y = ax + b, then a = 2.
The point on the original line that has x-coordinate 3 has y-coordinate y = −2(3) + 7 = 1.
This means that the point (3, 1) is on the original line.
When this line is reflected across x = 3, this point (3, 1) must also be on the reflected line.
Substituting into y = 2x + b gives 1 = 2(3) + b and so b = −5.
This means that 2a + b = 2(2) + (−5) = −1.
Answer: −1
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 3

7. We note that (23 )x = 23x and that 4096 = 4·41024 = 4·4·256 = 4·4·16·16 = 22 ·22 ·24 ·24 = 212 .
Thus, 23x = 212 which gives 3x = 12 and so x = 4.
Since y = x3 , then y = 43 = 64.
We need to consider the integer 364 .
The first few powers of 3 are

31 = 3, 32 = 9, 33 = 27, 34 = 81, 35 = 243, 36 = 729, ...

The units digits of powers of 3 repeat in a cycle of length 4, namely 3, 9, 7, 1, 3, 9, 7, 1, . . ..

(Since each power is obtained by multiplying the previous power by 3, then the units digit
of each power is obtained by multiplying the units digit of the previous power by 3 (possibly
keeping only the units digit). This means that once a units digit recurs, then the units digits
will form a cycle.)
Since 64 is a multiple of 4, then the units digit of 364 will be the last in the cycle, or 1.
Answer: 1

8. Suppose that Yasmine uses m full bottles of milk and s full bottles of syrup.
The volume of milk that she uses is thus 2m L and the volume of syrup that she uses is 1.4s L.
2m 5
For this ratio to equal 5 : 2, we need = or 4m = 7s.
1.4s 2
Since 4 and 7 have no common divisor larger than 1, then the smallest positive integers that
satisfy this are m = 7 and s = 4.
Thus, the volume, in litres, of chocolate beverage that Yasmine makes is 2 · 7 + 1.4 · 4 = 19.6.
Answer: 19.6 L

9. Suppose that x1 = a.
Then

x2 = 2x1 = 2a
x3 = x2 − 1 = 2a − 1
x4 = 2x3 = 4a − 2
x5 = x4 − 1 = 4a − 3
x6 = 2x5 = 8a − 6
x7 = x6 − 1 = 8a − 7
x8 = 2x7 = 16a − 14
x9 = x8 − 1 = 16a − 15
x10 = 2x9 = 32a − 30
x11 = x10 − 1 = 32a − 31

The pattern above suggests that, for each integer k ≥ 1, we have

x2k = 2k a − (2k − 2) and x2k+1 = 2k a − (2k − 1)

We note that this is true for k = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Also, if this is true for some value of k ≥ 1, then

x2k+2 = 2x2k+1 = 2(2k a − (2k − 1)) = 2k+1 a − 2(2k − 1) = 2k+1 a − (2k+1 − 2)

and
x2k+3 = x2k+2 − 1 = 2k+1 a − (2k+1 − 1)
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 4

which means that it is true for k + 1.

This inductive reasoning shows that that this form is correct for all k ≥ 1.
Consider the terms xm when m ≥ 11. We want to determine the smallest value larger than
1395 that such a term can equal.
Suppose that m is even, say m = 2k for some integer k ≥ 6.
Note that

xm = x2k = 2k a − (2k − 2) = 2k (a − 1) + 2 = 26 · 2k−6 (a − 1) + 2 = 64 2k−6 (a − 1) + 2

In other words, for every k ≥ 6, the term x2k is 2 more than a multiple of 64. (Note that 2k−6
is an integer since k ≥ 6.)
Suppose that m is odd, say m = 2k + 1 for some integer k ≥ 5.
Note that

xm = x2k+1 = 2k a − (2k − 1) = 2k (a − 1) + 1 = 25 · 2k−5 (a − 1) + 1 = 32 2k−5 (a − 1) + 1

In other words, for every k ≥ 5, the term x2k+1 is 1 more than a multiple of 32 (Note that 2k−5
is an integer since k ≥ 5.).
Now 43 · 32 = 1376 and 44 · 32 = 1408. Also, 21 · 64 = 1344 and 22 · 64 = 1408.
The smallest integer larger than 1395 that is 1 more than a multiple of 32 is 1409.
The smallest integer larger than 1395 that is 2 more than a multiple of 64 is 1410.
This means that 1409 is the smallest candidate for N , but we must confirm that there is a
sequence with 1409 in it.
When a = 45, the 11th term is 32a − 31 = 1409.
This means that 1409 is in such a sequence as a term past the 10th term when a = 45.
In particular, this sequence is 45, 90, 89, 178, 177, 354, 353, 706, 705, 1410, 1409.
Answer: 1409

10. Without loss of generality, suppose that AF = 1.

We let α = ∠ABF = 40◦ and β = ∠ADF = 20◦ and θ = ∠BF D.

C D
β
A
B α
1 E

G F

Using the cosine law in 4BF D, we obtain:

BD2 = F B 2 + F D2 − 2(F B)(F D) cos θ

F B 2 + F D2 − BD2
cos θ =
2(F B)(F D)
AF 1
Now, sin α = . Since AF = 1, then F B = .
FB sin α
1
Similarly, F D = .
sin β
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 5
AF 1 cos α
Also, tan α = . Since AF = 1, then AB = = .
AB tan α sin α
1 cos β
Similarly, AD = = .
tan β sin β
2 2 2 cos2 α cos2 β
By the Pythagorean Theorem, BD = AB + AD = + .
sin2 α sin2 β
Therefore,

F B 2 + F D2 − BD2
cos θ =
2(F B)(F D)
1 1 cos2 α cos2 β
+ − −
sin2 α sin2 β sin2 α sin2 β
=
1 1
2· ·
sin α sin β
sin β + sin α − cos2 α sin2 β − cos2 β sin2 α
2 2
=
2 sin α sin β
sin β(1 − cos α) + sin2 α(1 − cos2 β)
2 2
=
2 sin α sin β
sin β sin α + sin2 α sin2 β
2 2
=
2 sin α sin β
= sin α sin β

Since α = 40◦ and β = 20◦ , then cos θ = sin(40◦ ) sin(20◦ ) ≈ 0.21985.

Therefore, θ = cos−1 (sin(40◦ ) sin(20◦ )) ≈ 77.3◦ .
Answer: 77.3◦
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 6

Team Problems

1. Simplifying, we obtain 7x − 8 = 12 + 5x and so 2x = 20 or x = 10.

Answer: 10

2. Using the common factor of 2.5, we see that

3.5 × 2.5 + 6.5 × 2.5 = (3.5 + 6.5) × 2.5 = 10 × 2.5 = 25

Answer: 25

3. Since Ada is younger than Darwyn, Ada cannot be the oldest.

Since Max is younger than Greta, Max cannot be the oldest.
Since James is older than Darwyn, then Darywn cannot be the oldest.
Since Max and James are the same age and Max is not the oldest, then James cannot be the
oldest.
By elimination, Greta must be the oldest.
(The order of ages, from oldest to youngest, could be Greta, Max/James, Darwyn, Ada.)
Answer: Greta
1
2
+ 14 + 1
8
4
8
+ 82 + 1
8 7/8 7
4. By definition, the mean is = = = .
3 3 3 24
7
Answer:
24

5. Since M = 15 + (24 × 33 ) − (42 ÷ 51 ) and N = 15 − (24 × 33 ) + (42 ÷ 51 ), then when M and N

are added the terms (24 × 33 ) and (42 ÷ 51 ) “cancel” out.
Thus, M + N = 15 + 15 = 2.
Answer: 2

6. If ab and ba are both prime numbers, then neither is even which means that neither digit a or
b is even and neither equals 5, otherwise ab or ba would be even or divisible by 5 and so not
prime.
Therefore, each of a and b equals 1, 3, 7, or 9.
The two-digit primes using these digits are 11, 13, 17, 19, 31, 37, 71, 73, 79, 97.
If ab equals one of these primes, then ba must be prime as well, which eliminates 19 as a possible
value for ab, since 91 is not prime.
Therefore, abba could be 1111, 1331, 1771, 3113, 3773, 7117, 7337, 7997, 9779.
There are 9 such palindromes.
Answer: 9

7. The integers less than 50 that can be written as a product of two consecutive positive integers
are 1 · 2 = 2, 2 · 3 = 6, 3 · 4 = 12, 4 · 5 = 20, 5 · 6 = 30, and 6 · 7 = 42.
Therefore, there are 50−6 = 44 positive integers less than or equal to 50 that cannot be written
as the product of two consecutive positive integers.
This means that 50 would be the 44th integer in Adia’s list.
Counting backwards from 50, this means that the 40th integer in Adia’s list is 50 − 4 = 46.
(None of the numbers eliminated are between 46 and 50.)
Answer: 46
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 7

8. If a = 1, we get 1 < 1 + b < 22 or 0 < b < 21, which means that b can equal 1, 2, 3, . . . , 19, 20.
If a = 2, we get 1 < 2 + b < 22 or −1 < b < 20.
Since b is positive, then b can equal 1, 2, 3, . . . , 18, 19.
In general, 1 − a < b < 22 − a. Since b is positive, then b satisfies 1 ≤ b ≤ 21 − a, which means
that there are 21 − a possible values for b for a given a.
As a runs from 1 to 20, there are thus 20, 19, 18, . . . , 3, 2, 1 possible values for b in these 20 cases.
This means that the total number of pairs (a, b) is 20+19+18+· · ·+3+2+1 = 21 (20)(21) = 210.
Answer: 210

9. Suppose that the length of the trail is d m.

On the muddy day, Shelly-Ann runs 13 d m at 2 m/s and 32 d m at 8 m/s.
1 2
d d
Since this takes 12 seconds in total, then 3 + 3 = 12.
2 8
4 2
Multiplying both sides by 8, we obtain 3 d + 3 d = 96 which gives 2d = 96 or d = 48.
Therefore, the trail is 48 metres long.
Answer: 48 metres

10. Using exponent laws,

√
5a + 5a+1 = 4500
√
5a (1 + 51 ) = 30 5
√
5a · 6 = 30 5
√
5a = 5 5
5a = 51 · 51/2
5a = 53/2

and so a = 23 .
3
Answer: 2

11. Suppose that the original rectangle has height h and width w.
Since the area of the original rectangle is 40, then hw = 40.
Once the corners are folded, the height of the resulting parallelogram is still h and the new
base is w − h, because the two legs of each folded triangle are equal since these triangles are
isosceles.
w–h h

h h
Fo

Fo
ld

ld

h w–h

Since the area of the parallelogram is 24, then h(w − h) = 24 or hw − h2 = 24.

Since hw = 40, then h2 = 40 − 24 = 16.
Since h > 0, then h = 4.
Since hw = 40 and h = 4, then w = 10.
The perimeter of the original rectangle is 2h + 2w which equals 2 · 4 + 2 · 10 = 28.
Answer: 28
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 8

12. Let x = 123456.

Thus, x − 1 = 123455 and x + 1 = 123457.
Therefore,

1234562 − 123455 × 123457 = x2 − (x − 1)(x + 1) = x2 − (x2 − 1) = 1

Answer: 1

13. Using the change of base formulas for logarithms,

log 4 log 6 log 8 log 8
(log2 4)(log4 6)(log6 8) = · · = = log2 8 = 3
log 2 log 4 log 6 log 2
Answer: 3
x 6
14. Since = , then xy = 30.
5 y
6 z
Since = , then yz = 12.
y 2
Since we would like the maximum value of x + y + z, we may assume that each of x, y and z
is positive.
Since xy = 30 and yz = 12 and y is a positive integer, then y is a divisor of each of 30 and 12.
This means that y must equal one of 1, 2, 3, or 6.
If y = 1, then x = 30 and z = 12 which gives x + y + z = 43.
If y = 2, then x = 15 and z = 6 which gives x + y + z = 23.
If y = 3, then x = 10 and z = 4 which gives x + y + z = 17.
If y = 6, then x = 5 and z = 2 which gives x + y + z = 13.
Therefore, the maximum possible value of x + y + z is 43.
Answer: 43

15. We note first that 10092 = (1000 + 9)2 = 10002 + 2 · 1000 · 9 + 92 = 1 018 081.
Therefore,

G − 10092 = 10100 − 1 018 081

= (10100 − 1) − (1 081 081 − 1)
· · 999} −1 081 080
= |999 ·{z
100 digits equal to 9

= |999 ·{z
· · 999} 9 999 999 − 1 081 080
93 digits equal to 9

= |999 ·{z
· · 999} 8 918 919
93 digits equal to 9

and G − 10092 has 96 digits equal to 9.

Answer: 96

16. Since f (x) has degree 4, g(x) has degree 8, and h(x) is a polynomial with g(x) = f (x)h(x),
then h(x) has degree 4.
We write h(x) = ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx + e and so

x8 − x6 − 2x4 + 1 = (x4 − x3 + 0x2 + 0x − 1)(ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx + e)

Comparing coefficients of x8 on the left and right sides, we obtain 1 = 1 · a and so a = 1, giving

x8 − x6 − 2x4 + 1 = (x4 − x3 + 0x2 + 0x − 1)(x4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx + e)

2019 CTMC Solutions Page 9

Comparing coefficients of x7 , we obtain 0 = 1 · b + (−1) · 1 and so b = 1, giving

x8 − x6 − 2x4 + 1 = (x4 − x3 + 0x2 + 0x − 1)(x4 + x3 + cx2 + dx + e)
Comparing coefficients of x6 , we obtain −1 = 1 · c + (−1) · 1 + 0 · 1 and so c = 0, giving
x8 − x6 − 2x4 + 1 = (x4 − x3 + 0x2 + 0x − 1)(x4 + x3 + 0x2 + dx + e)
Comparing coefficients of x5 , we obtain 0 = 1 · d + (−1) · 0 + 0 · 1 + 0 · 1 and so d = 0, giving
x8 − x6 − 2x4 + 1 = (x4 − x3 + 0x2 + 0x − 1)(x4 + x3 + 0x2 + 0x + e)
Comparing constant terms, we obtain 1 = (−1) · e and so e = −1, giving
x8 − x6 − 2x4 + 1 = (x4 − x3 + 0x2 + 0x − 1)(x4 + x3 + 0x2 + 0x − 1)
We can verify by expansion that the remaining terms match.
Therefore, h(x) = x4 + x3 − 1.
This result can also be obtained by polynomial long division.
Answer: h(x) = x4 + x3 − 1

17. Suppose that CF and BD cross at X.

Since the figure is symmetric about CF , then BD is perpendicular to CF and so is parallel
to AE.
Let the distance√from BD to AE be h; that is, √ XF = h.
Since CF = 80 3, then CX = CF − XF = 80 3 − h.
Since the figure is symmetric about CF , then CB = CD which means that 4BCD is isosceles.
Since 4BCD is isosceles, then ∠CBD = 12 (180◦ − ∠BCD) = 30◦ .
Since 4BCX is right-angled at X, then it is a 30◦ -60◦ -90◦ triangle.
Using the ratios of sides in such a triangle, this means that
√ √ √ √
BX = 3CX = 3(80 3 − h) = 240 − 3h
Since ∠ABC = 150◦ and ∠CBD = 30◦ , then ∠ABD = ∠ABC − ∠CBD = 120◦ .
Since BD and AE are parallel, then ∠BAE = 180◦ − ∠ABD = 60◦ .
We drop a perpendicular from B to T on AE.
This creates a rectangle BXF T (it has three right angles and so must be a rectangle) and a
30◦ -60◦ -90◦ triangle, 4BAT .
C

B 30º D
X
h
60º
A T F E

Since AE = 200, then AF = 21 AE = 100.

√ √
Since BX = 240 − 3h, then T F = BX √ = 240 −
√ 3h.
Thus, AT = AF − T F = 100 − (240 − 3h) = 3h − 140.
Also, BT = XF = h.
BT √ h √ √
Finally, in 4BAT , we have = 3, which gives √ = 3 and so h = 3h − 140 3.
AT 3h − 140
√ √
Re-arranging, we obtain 2h = 140 3 and finally that h = 70 3. √
Answer: 70 3
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 10

18. Suppose that the height, radius and diameter of Cylinder A are h, r and d, respectively.
Note that d = h and d = 2r and so h = 2r.
The volume of Cylinder A is πr2 h which equals 2πr3 .
Since the height and diameter of Cylinder B are twice that of Cylinder A, then these are 2h and
2d, respectively, which means that the radius of Cylinder B is 2r and the height of Cylinder B
equals 4r.
The volume of Cylinder B is π(2r)2 (4r) which equals 16πr3 .
Suppose that the height, radius and diameter of Cylinder C are H, R and D, respectively.
Note that D = H and D = 2R and so H = 2R.
The volume of Cylinder C is πR2 H which equals 2πR3 .
Since the sum of the volumes of Cylinders A and B equals the that of Cylinder C, then we
obtain 2πr3 + 16πr3 =√2πR3 and so 18πr√3 = 2πR3 or R3 = 9r3 . √
This means that R = 3 9r and so 2R = 3 9(2r) which gives D = 3 9d. √
Therefore, the ratio of the diameter of Cylinder C to the diameter of Cylinder A is 3 9 :√1.
Answer: 3 9 : 1

19. Since a > 0, each parabola of the given form opens upwards and so its minimum occurs at its
vertex.
The x-coordinate of the vertex will be the average of the x-coordinates of the roots, which in
b+c
this case are x = b and x = c. Thus, the x coordinate of the vertex is x = .
2
b+c
Therefore, the minimum value of f (x) is the value of f (x) when x = , which is
2
a(b − c)2
       
b+c b+c b+c −b + c b−c
f =a −b −c =a =−
2 2 2 2 2 4

a(b − c)2
Since a and (b−c)2 are non-negative, then − is minimized when a(b−c)2 is maximized.
4
Since a, b and c are distinct positive integers less than 10, then a ≤ 9 and −8 ≤ b − c ≤ 8.
We suppose, without loss of generality, that b > c and so 0 < b − c ≤ 8.
If b − c = 8, then we must have b = 9 and c = 1. Since a, b and c are distinct, then we cannot
have both a = 9 and b − c = 8.
The maximum of a(b − c)2 could occur when a = 9 and b − c = 7 (the maximum possible value
if a = 9) or when a = 8 and b − c = 8. Any other combination of values of a and b − c cannot
give the maximum because we could increase one value or the other.
When a = 9 and b − c = 7 (which means b = 8 and c = 1), the value of a(b − c)2 is 441.
When a = 8 and b − c = 8 (which means b = 9 and c = 1), the value of a(b − c)2 is 512.
512
Therefore, the minimum of the minimum values of f (x) is − which equals −128.
4
Answer: −128
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 11

20. We can write the integer N as

N = 1 · 10a1 + 2 · 10a2 + 3 · 10a3 + · · · + (k − 1) · 10ak−1 + k · 100

for some positive integers a1 , a2 , a3 , . . . ak−1 .

Suppose that

M = 1 · (10a1 − 1) + 2 · (10a2 − 1) + 3 · (10a3 − 1) + · · · + (k − 1) · (10ak−1 − 1)

Since the digits of 10aj − 1 are all 9s for each j with 1 ≤ j ≤ k − 1, then each 10aj − 1 is divisible
by 9.
This means that M is divisible by 9.
Since M is divisible by 9, then N is divisible by 9 exactly when N − M is divisible by 9.
But

N −M = 1·(10a1 −(10a1 −1))+2·(10a2 −(10a2 −1))+· · ·+(k −1)·(10ak−1 −(10ak−1 −1))+k ·100

and so
N − M = 1 + 2 + · · · + (k − 1) + k = 21 k(k + 1)
Therfore, N is divsible by 9 exactly when 21 k(k + 1) is divisible by 9.
Since k > 2019, we start checking values of k at k = 2020.
When k = 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, the value of of 21 k(k + 1) is not divisible by 9.
When k = 2024, we see that 21 k(k + 1) = 12 (2024)(2025) = 1012 · 9 · 225.
Therefore, k = 2024 is the smallest k > 2019 for which N is divisible by 9.
Answer: 2024

21. Since the numbers x1 , x2 , . . . , xn form an arithmetic sequence, then for each integer k with
2 ≤ k ≤ n − 1, we have xk − xk−1 = xk+1 − xk .
xk 1
Rearranging, we obtain 2xk = xk−1 + xk+1 and so = for each integer k with
xk−1 + xk+1 2
2 ≤ k ≤ n − 1.
We note that there are (n − 1) − 2 + 1 = n − 2 integers k in this range.
Therefore, starting with the given equation
x2 x3 xn−2 xn−1
+ + ··· + + = 1957
x1 + x3 x 2 + x4 xn−3 + xn−1 xn−2 + xn
1
we obtain (n − 2) · = 1957 which gives n − 2 = 3914 and so n = 3916.
2
Answer: 3916
1 1 1
22. Since f1 (x) = , then f1 (4) = =− .
2−x 2−4 2
 
1 1 1 2
Since f2 (x) = f1 (f1 (x)), then f2 (4) = f1 − = = = .
2 2 − (−1/2) 5/2 5
 
2 1 1 5
Since f3 (x) = f1 (f2 (x)), then f3 (4) = f1 = = = .
5 2 − (2/5) 8/5 8
−1
Since we can re-write f1 (4) = , then the values f1 (4), f2 (4), f3 (4) each satisfy the equality
2
3n − 4
fn (4) = .
3n − 1
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 12
3k − 4
Suppose that fk (4) = .
3k − 1
Then

fk+1 (4) = f1 (fk (4))

 
3k − 4
= f1
3k − 1
1
=
2 − (3k − 4)/(3k − 1)
3k − 1
=
2(3k − 1) − (3k − 4)
3k − 1
=
3k + 2
3(k + 1) − 4
=
3(k + 1) − 1

This means that if one term in the sequence f1 (4), f2 (4), f3 (4), . . . is of this form, then the next
term does, which means that all terms are of this form.
3(2019) − 4 6053
Therefore, f2019 (4) = = .
3(2019) − 1 6056
Since 6056 − 6053 = 3, then any integer that is a divisor of both 6056 and 6053 is also a divisor
of 3.
This means that the only possible positive common divisors of 6053 and 6053 are 1 and 3.
Since neither 6053 nor 6056 is divisible by 3, then they have no common divisor greater than 1.
a
Thus, if f2019 (4) = where a and b are positive integers with no common divisor larger than 1,
b
then (a, b) = (6053, 6056).
Answer: (6053, 6056)

23. Using the four numbers p, q, r, t, the possible sums of pairs are

p + q, p + r, p + t, q + r, q + t, r + t

Since p < q < r < t, then p + q < p + r < p + t.

Also, p + t < q + t < r + t, which gives p + q < p + r < p + t < q + t < r + t.
Now p + r < q + r < r + t, but the relative size of p + t and q + r is unknown at this time.
This means that the four largest sums are p + r, p + t, q + t, r + t, although we do not know
the relative size of the first two of these.
Since the four largest sums are 19, 22, 25, and 28, then r + t = 28 and q + t = 25.
Also, p + t and q + r are 22 and 19 in some order.
Case 1: r + t = 28 and q + t = 25 and q + r = 22 and p + t = 19
Adding the first three of these equations, we obtain

(r + t) + (q + t) + (q + r) = 28 + 25 + 22

which gives 2q + 2r + 2t = 75 and so q + r + t = 752

.
From this, we obtain t = (q +r +t)−(q +r) = 2 −22 = 31
75
2
, from which p = 19−t = 19− 31
2
= 72 .
We can verify that when q = 19 2
and r = 25
2
, the equations are satisfied.
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 13

Case 2: r + t = 28 and q + t = 25 and q + r = 19 and p + t = 22

Adding the first three of these equations, we obtain

(r + t) + (q + t) + (q + r) = 28 + 25 + 19

which gives 2q + 2r + 2t = 72 and so q + r + t = 36.

From this, we obtain t = (q + r + t) − (q + r) = 36 − 19 = 17, from which p = 22 − t = 5.
We can verify that when q = 8 and r = 11, the equations are satisfied.
7 17
The sum of the possible values of p is thus 2
+ 5 or 2
.
17
Answer: 2

24. Using logarithm rules, the following equations are equivalent:

√
x2 − 13xlog13 x = 0
√
x2 = 13xlog13 x
√ 
log13 x2 = log13 13xlog13 x


√ 
13 + log13 xlog13 x


2 log13 x = log13
2 log13 x = 21 + log13 x · log13 x
0 = 2(log13 x)2 − 4 log13 x + 1

This equation is a quadratic equation in log13 x.

If α and β are the two roots of the original equation, then

αβ = 13log13 (αβ) = 13log13 α+log13 β

But log13 α + log13 β is the sum of the two roots of the equation

2(log13 x)2 − 4 log13 x + 1 = 0

which is a quadratic equation in log13 x.

b
Since the sum of the roots of the quadratic equation ay 2 + by + c = 0 is − , then
a
−4
log13 α + log13 β = − =2
2
Finally, this gives αβ = 132 = 169.
Answer: 169
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 14

25. Solution 1
Suppose that ∠ECD = θ.
Without loss of generality, suppose that the square has side length 3.
Therefore, AB = AD = DC = 3.
Since BF = 2AF and AF + BF = AB = 3, then AF = 1 and BF = 2.
Suppose that ED = x. Since AD = 3, then AE = 3 − x.
Since ∠ECD = θ, then ∠BCE = 90◦ − θ.
Since ∠F EC = ∠BCE, then ∠F EC = 90◦ − θ.
Since 4EDC is right-angled at D, then ∠DEC = 90◦ − ∠ECD = 90◦ − θ.
Since AED is a straight line, then

∠AEF = 180◦ − ∠F EC − ∠DEC = 180◦ − 2(90◦ − θ) = 2θ

A 1 F 2 B

3–x 2θ 3
E
x θ
D C

ED x
In 4EDC, we see that tan θ = = .
DC 3
AF 1
In 4EAF , we see that tan 2θ = = .
AE 3−x
2 tan θ
Since tan 2θ = , then
1 − tan2 θ
1 2x/3
=
3−x 1 − (x/3)2
1 6x
=
3−x 9 − x2
2
9 − x = (3 − x)(6x)
5x2 − 18x + 9 = 0
(5x − 3)(x − 3) = 0

3
Thus, x = 3 or x = .
5
If x = 3, then EC is a diagonal of the square, which would make ∠ECD = 45◦ , which is not
allowed.
3 3/5 1
Therefore, x = and so tan(∠ECD) = tan θ = = .
5 3 5
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 15

Solution 2
Without loss of generality, suppose that the square has side length 3.
Therefore, AB = AD = DC = 3.
Since BF = 2AF and AF + BF = AB = 3, then AF = 1 and BF = 2.
Extend EF and CB to meet at G. Let EF = t.

A 1 F 2 B

t
3
E

D C

Now, 4EAF is similar to 4GBF , since each is right-angled and ∠AF E = ∠BF G.
Since BF : AF = 2 : 1, then GF : EF = 2 : 1 and so GF = 2t.
Since ∠F EC = ∠BCE, then 4GEC is isosceles with GE = GC.
Thus, GB = GC − BC = GE − 3 = 3t − 3.
Using the Pythagorean Theorem in 4BGF , we obtain

22 + (3t − 3)2 = (2t)2

4 + 9t2 − 18t + 9 = 4t2
5t2 − 18t + 13 = 0
(5t − 13)(t − 1) = 0

and so t = 13 5
or t = 1.
If t = 1, then EF = AF which means that point E is at A, which is not possible since we are
told that ∠ECD < 45◦ .
Thus, t = 13 5
.
Since AF : EF = 1 : 13 5
= 5 : 13, which means that 4F AE is similar to a 5-12-13 triangle, and
so AE = 12 5
.
Since AD = 3, then ED = AD − AE = 53 .
ED 3/5 1
Finally, this means that tan(∠ECD) = = = .
DC 3 5
1
Answer:
5
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 16

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.)
12 + 3 × 3 12 + 9 21
0. (a) Evaluating, = = = 7.
3 3 3
(b) The area of a triangle with base 2t and height 3t − 1 is 21 (2t)(3t − 1) or t(3t − 1).
Since the answer to (a) is 7, then t = 7, and so t(3t − 1) = 7(20) = 140.
(c) Since AB = BC, then ∠BCA = ∠BAC.
Since ∠ABC = t◦ , then ∠BAC = 12 (180◦ − ∠ABC) = 12 (180◦ − t◦ ) = 90◦ − 21 t◦ .
Since the answer to (b) is 140, then t = 140, and so
∠BAC = 90◦ − 21 (140◦ ) = 20◦
Answer: 7, 140, 20◦

1. (a) When x = 1 and y = 630, we get 2019x−3y−9 = 2019·1−3·630−9 = 2019−1890−9 = 120.

(b) At the beginning of 2018, there were 40 employees in Okotoks.
At the end of 2018, there were 35% fewer employees in Okotoks, which is a total of
0.35 · 40 = 14 fewer employees.
At the beginning of 2018, there were t employees in Moose Jaw.
At the end of 2018, there were 25% more employees in Moose Jaw, which is a total of
0.25t more employees.
The net number of additional employees is thus 0.25t − 14.
Since the answer to (a) is 120, then t = 120 and so 0.25t − 14 = 0.25(120) − 14 = 16.
Thus, the “CEMC” had 16 more employees at the end of 2018 than it had at the beginning
of 2018.
(c) There are 4 · 3 · 2 · 1 = 24 integers that Kolapo can make using the digits 2, 4, 5, and 9.
These include 3 × 2 × 1 = 6 integers beginning with 2, and 6 integers beginning with 4,
and 6 integers beginning with 5, and 6 integers beginning with 9.
Since the answer to (b) is 16, then t = 16.
The 16th integer in Kolapo’s list is in the third group (those beginning with 5), and is the
4th largest integer in this group.
In increasing order, the integers beginning with 5 in Kolapo’s list are 5249, 5294, 5429,
5492, 5924, 5942.
Therefore, the 16th number is 5492.
Answer: 120, 16, 5492

AB DE x 96
2. (a) Since 4ABC is similar to 4DEF , then = , which means that = = 4.
BC EF 33 24
Thus, x = 33 · 4 = 132.
(b) Manipulating the left side,
2 + 4 + 6 + · · · + (2k − 2) + 2k = t
2(1 + 2 + 3 + · · · + (k − 1) + k) = t
2 12 k(k + 1) = t

k(k + 1) = t
Since the answer to (a) is 132, then t = 132.
Since k(k + 1) = 132 and k is positive, then k = 11.
2019 CTMC Solutions Page 17

(c) O has coordinates (0, 0) and Q has coordinates (c, 1).

Since the slope of OQ is 1, then c = 1.
Since a = 2c, then a = 2 which means that the coordinates of P are (2, b).
b−0
Since the slope of OP is t, then t = , which means that b = 2t.
2−0
P has coordinates (2, 2t) and Q has coordinates (1, 1).
2t − 1
The slope of P Q is thus which equals 2t − 1.
2−1
Since the answer to (b) is 11, then t = 11.
This means that the slope of P Q is 2 · 11 − 1 which equals 21.
Answer: 132, 11, 21

3. (a) Since 12 = 1, 22 = 4, 122 = 144, and 132 = 169, then the perfect squares between 2 and
150 are 22 through 122 , of which there are 11.
(b) To find the points of intersection of the line with equation y = −2x + t and the parabola
with equation y = (x − 1)2 + 1, we equate values of y, to obtain
(x − 1)2 + 1 = −2x + t
x2 − 2x + 1 + 1 = −2x + t
x2 = t − 2
√ √
The points of intersection thus have x-coordinates x = t − 2 and x = − t − 2.
The
√ point P in the first quadrant has a positive x-coordinate, and so its x-coordinate is
t − 2. √
Thus, the y-coordinate of P is y = −2 t − 2 + t.
Since the answer to (a) is 11, then t = 11. √
This means that the y-coordinate of P is y = −2 11 − 2 + 11 = −2 · 3 + 11 = 5.
(c) To find the x-intercept of the line with equation (k − 1)x + (k + 1)y = t, we set y = 0 and
t
obtain (k − 1)x = t or x = . We assume that k 6= 1.
k−1
To find the y-intercept of the line with equation (k − 1)x + (k + 1)y = t, we set x = 0 and
t
obtain (k + 1)y = t or y = . We assume that k 6= −1.
k+1
The triangle formed by the x-axis, the y-axis, and this line has vertices at the x-intercept,
the y-intercept, and the origin.
1 t t t2
This triangle is right-angled at the origin, so its area equals · · = .
2 k−1 k+1 2(k 2 − 1)
t2 2 t2
Since we are told that this area is 10, then = 10 which gives k − 1 = or
2(k 2 − 1) 20
t2
k2 = 1 + .
20
Since the answer to (b) is 5, then t = 5.
52 5 9
Therefore, k 2 = 1 + =1+ = .
20 4 4
Since t > 0, then for the x- and y-intercepts of the line to be positive (putting the triangle
in the first quadrant), then k > 0.
9 3
Since k 2 = , then k = .
4 2
3
Answer: 11, 5,
2