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Senior Mathematical Challenge

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Solutions and investigations

October 3rd, 2023

These solutions augment the shorter solutions also available online. The shorter solutions
sometimes leave out details. The solutions given here are full solutions, as explained below. In
some cases alternative solutions are given. There are also many additional problems for further
investigation. We welcome comments on these solutions and the additional problems. Please
send them to [email protected].
The Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC) is a multiple-choice paper. Sometimes you can find
the correct answers by working backwards from the given alternatives, or by showing that four of
them are not correct. This can be a sensible thing to do in the context of the SMC.
However, this does not provide a full mathematical explanation that would be acceptable if you
were just given the questions without any alternative answers. So we aim at including for each
question a complete solution with each step explained (or, occasionally, left as an exercise), and
not based on the assumption that one of the given alternatives is correct. We hope that these
solutions provide a model for the type of written solution that is expected when presenting a
complete solution to a mathematical problem (for example, in the British Mathematical Olympiad,
the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls and similar competitions).

These solutions may be used freely within your school or college. You may, without further permission,
post these solutions on a website that is accessible only to staff and students of the school or college,
print out and distribute copies within the school or college, and use them in the classroom. If you wish
to use them in any other way, please consult us. © UKMT October 2023

Enquiries about the Senior Mathematical Challenge should be sent to:

SMC, [email protected]
www.ukmt.org.uk

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
C C D C B B D A D B B E A E D A E C E C D C D B A
Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

r
2023
1. What is the value of ?
2+0+2+3
A 13 B 15 C 17 D 19 E 21

Solution C
2 + 0 + 2 + 3 = 7 and 2023 ÷ 7 = 289 = 172 . Therefore
r
2023 p
= 172 = 17.
2+0+2+3

For investigation

1.1 Which is the smallest integer 𝑛 with 𝑛 > 2023 which has the property that 𝑛 is divisible
by the sum of its digits?
1.2 Note that since 2023 ÷ 7 = 172 , it follows that 2023 = 7 × 172 and that 7 and 17 are primes.
Which is the smallest integer 𝑛 with 𝑛 > 2023 which can be expressed as 𝑝 × 𝑞 2 , where 𝑝
and 𝑞 are different primes?
1.3 Which is the smallest integer 𝑛 with 𝑛 > 2023 which can be expressed as 𝑝 × 𝑞 2 , where 𝑝
and 𝑞 are different primes, and 𝑝 is the sum of the digits of 𝑛?

2. What is the difference between one-third and 0.333?

3 1 3 1
A 0 B C D E
1000 3000 10000 30000

Solution C
1 333
Expressed as fractions, one-third is and 0.333 is . Therefore, the difference between
3 1000
one-third and 0.333 is
1 333 1000 999 1
− = − = .
3 1000 3000 3000 3000

For investigation

2.1 (a) What is the difference between one-third and 0.3333 ?

𝑘
z }| {
(b) What is the least positive 𝑘 such that the difference between one-third and 0. 33...33
is less than 10−6 ?
22
2.2 What is the difference between and 3.141 ?
7
2.3 What is the difference between 1 and 0.9¤ ?

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

3. The base of a triangle is increased by 20% and its height is decreased by 15%.
What happens to its area?
A It decreases by 3% B It remains the same C It decreases by 2%
D It increases by 2% E It increases by 5%

Solution D
Suppose the original triangle has base 𝑏 and height ℎ. The area of this triangle is 𝑋, where
𝑋 = 12 (𝑏 × ℎ).
When the base of the triangle is increased by 20%, its base becomes 𝑏′ = 56 𝑏. When its height is
17
decreased by 15%, its height becomes ℎ′ = 20 ℎ.
1 ′ 1 6 17
Therefore the area of the changed triangle is 𝑋 ′, where 𝑋 ′ = 2 (𝑏 × ℎ′ ) = 2(5𝑏 × 20 ℎ) =
( 65 × 17 1 102
20 )( 2 (𝑏 × ℎ)) = 100 𝑋.

Therefore the effect of the changes is to increase the area of the triangle by 2%.

For investigation

3.1 The base of a triangle is decreased by 15% and its height is increased by 20%. What
happens to its area?
3.2 The base of a triangle is increased by 20% and its height is decreased by 20%. What
happens to its area?
3.3 The base of a triangle is increased by 20%. By what percentage should its height be
decreased to keep the area unchanged?

4. In 2016, the world record for completing a 5000m three-legged race was 19 minutes and
6 seconds. It was set by Damian Thacker and Luke Symonds in Sheffield.
What was their approximate average speed in km/h?
A 10 B 12 C 15 D 18 E 25

Solution C
The average speed running 5000 m in 19 minutes and 6 seconds is approximately the same as
5000
running this distance in 20 minutes. So their average speed was approximately metres per
20
minute, that is 250 metres per minute.
A speed of 250 metres per minute is the same as 60 × 250 metres per hour, that is, 15 000 metres
per hour. This is the same as 15 km/h.

For investigation

4.1 What is the approximation 15 km/h as a percentage of the actual average speed of Damian
Thacker and Luke Symonds?

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

5. Three circles with radii 2, 3 and 3 touch each other, as shown

in the diagram.
What is the area of the triangle formed by joining the centres of
these circles?
A 10 B 12 C 14 D 16 E 18

Solution B
We let 𝑂 be the centre of the circle with radius
2, and let 𝑃 and 𝑄 be the centres of the circles
with radius 3.
The line joining the centres of touching circles
goes through the point where the circles touch.
[You are asked to prove this in Problem 5.2.]
It follows that both 𝑂𝑃 and 𝑂𝑄 have length
2 + 3 = 5, and 𝑃𝑄 has length 3 + 3 = 6.
Let 𝐾 be the midpoint of 𝑃𝑄.

The triangles 𝑂𝑃𝐾 and 𝑂𝑄𝐾 are congruent (SSS), and therefore the angles ∠𝑂𝐾 𝑃 and ∠𝑂𝐾𝑄
are equal, and therefore they are both 90°.
By Pythagoras’ Theorem, applied to the triangle 𝑂𝐾 𝑃, we have 𝑂𝐾 2 = 𝑂𝑃2 − 𝑃𝐾 2 = 52 − 32 =
25 − 9 = 16. Therefore 𝑂𝐾 = 4.
The triangle 𝑂𝑃𝑄 has base 𝑃𝑄 of length 6, and height 𝑂𝐾 of length 4. Therefore the area of
this triangle is 12 (6 × 4) = 12.

For investigation

5.1 Three circles with centres 𝑂, 𝑃 and 𝑄 with

radii 1, 2 and 3, respectively, touch each other
as shown.
What is the area of the triangle 𝑂𝑃𝑄 ?

5.2 Prove that the line joining the centres of touching circles goes through the point where the
circles touch.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

6. How many lines of three adjacent cells can be chosen from this
grid, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, such that the sum of 1 2 3 4
the numbers in the three cells is a multiple of three? 5 6 7 8
A 30 B 24 C 18 D 12 E 6 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16

Solution B
Suppose first that in a line of three numbers, adjacent numbers have the same difference. Let 𝑛
be the first of these numbers, and 𝑑 be the common difference. Then these numbers are 𝑛, 𝑛 + 𝑑
and 𝑛 + 2𝑑. The sum of these numbers is 3𝑛 + 3𝑑 and therefore is a multiple of 3.
Adjacent numbers in each row have a common difference 1. Therefore, the sum of the numbers
in three adjacent cells in the same row is always a multiple of 3.
There are two lines of three adjacent cells in each row, for example 1,2,3 and 2,3,4 in the top row.
Therefore, in the 4 rows there are 4 × 2 = 8 lines of three adjacent cells such that the sum of the
numbers in these cells is a multiple of 3.
Adjacent numbers in each column differ by 4. Hence, it follows similarly, that there are 8 lines
of three adjacent cells in the same column such that the sum of the numbers in these cells is a
multiple of 3.
We now consider the diagonals from top left to bottom right. Adjacent
numbers in these diagonals each column differ by 5. Therefore the
sum of numbers in three adjacent cells in the same diagonal is always
a multiple of 3.
One of these diagonals contains 4 numbers. There are 2 lines of three
adjacent cells in this diagonal whose sum is a multiple of 3. There are
2 of these diagonals containing three numbers. Therefore, altogether,
there are 4 lines of three adjacent numbers on theses diagonals whose
sum is a multiple of 3.

Similarly, on the diagonals from top right to bottom left adjacent numbers have a common
difference 3, and therefore there are 4 lines of three adjacent numbers on these diagonals whose
sum is a multiple of 3.
Hence, in total, there are 8 + 8 + 4 + 4 = 24 lines of three adjacent cells whose sum is a multiple
of 3.

For investigation

6.1 How many lines of three adjacent cells can be chosen from the grid, horizontally, vertically
or diagonally, such that the sum of the numbers in the three cells is a multiple of six?
6.2 How many lines of four adjacent cells can be chosen from the grid, horizontally, vertically
or diagonally, such that the sum of the numbers in the four cells is a multiple of four?
6.3 In how many ways can three different cells in any position, be chosen from the grid such
that sum of the numbers in the three cells is a multiple of three?

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

7. A sequence begins 2023, 2022, 1, . . . . After the first two terms, each term is the positive
difference between the previous two terms.
What is the value of the 25th term?
A 2010 B 2009 C 2008 D 2007 E 2006

Solution D
The sequence begins

2023, 2022, 1, 2021, 2020, 1, 2019, 2018, 1, . . . .

From this it seems that, in general, for each non-negative integer 𝑘, the terms in positions 3𝑘 + 1,
3𝑘 + 2 and 3𝑘 + 3 are 2023 − 2𝑘, 2023 − 2𝑘 − 1 and 1. [In fact, this holds only provided
2023 − 2𝑘 − 1 ≥ 0, that is, only for 𝑘 ≤ 1011. See Problems 7.1 and 7.4.]
Now 25 = 3×8+1. Therefore, by putting 𝑘 = 8, we deduce that the 25 th term is 2023−2×8 = 2007.

For investigation

7.1 (a) What are the 3034 th, 3045 th and 3046 th terms of the sequence of this question?
(b) What is the 5000 th term of the sequence of this question?
7.2 A sequence begins
2023, 2021, 2, . . .
After the first two terms, each term is the positive difference between the previous two
terms.
What is the 25 th term of the sequence?
7.3 A sequence begins 2023, 𝑠, 2023 − 𝑠, . . . . After the first two terms, each term is the
positive difference between the previous two terms.
Which is the positive integer 𝑠 for which the 25 th term of this sequence is 199?
7.4 We let 𝑢 𝑛 be the 𝑛 th term of the sequence of this question.
If you have met the method of Proof by Mathematical Induction, use this method to prove
that for each non-negative integer 𝑘,
(
2023 − 2𝑘, if 𝑘 ≤ 1011,
𝑢 3𝑘+1 =
1, otherwise,
(
2023 − 2𝑘 − 1, if 𝑘 ≤ 1011,
𝑢 3𝑘+2 =
0, otherwise,
and
𝑢 3𝑘+3 = 1.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

8. What is the value of 99(0.4¤ 9¤ − 0.4)?

¤
A 5 B 4 C 3 D 2 E 1

Solution A
The standard method for converting a recurrent decimal to a fraction shows that
49 4
0.4¤ 9¤ = and 0.4¤ = .
99 9
[Problem 8.1 asks you to check this.]
Therefore
 
¤ = 99 49 −
99(0.4¤ 9¤ − 0.4)
4
99 9
 
49 44
= 99 −
99 99
 
5
= 99
99
= 5.

For investigation
4 44
8.1 Show that 0.4¤ = and 0.4¤ 9¤ = .
9 99
8.2 Express the recurring decimal 0.23¤ 4¤ as a fraction in its lowest terms.
8.3 Write the solution to the equation

𝑥 + 0.07¤ = 0.1¤ 3¤

as a recurring decimal.
𝑝
8.4 Prove that every recurring decimal may be expressed in the form where 𝑝 and 𝑞 are
𝑞
integers, with 𝑞 > 0.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

9. 1 * 2
Across Down
1. A square 1. Twice a fifth power
3. A fourth power 2. A cube 3

When completed correctly, the cross number is filled with four three-digit numbers.
What digit is *?
A 0 B 1 C 2 D 4 E 6

Solution D

When you are faced with a crossnumber, the best strategy is to look for clues where it is easy
to find a unique solution.
Among the three-digit integers there are more squares and cubes than fourth and fifth powers.
So the best strategy is to begin with 1 Down and 3 Across.

The first few numbers that are twice fifth powers are 2 × 15 = 2 × 1 = 2,
2×25 = 2×32 = 64, 2×35 = 2×243 = 486 and 2×45 = 2×1024 = 2048.
We can deduce from this that 486 which is the only three-digit number
in this list is the answer for 1 Down.
It follows that 3 Across is a three-digit fourth power with 6 as its
hundreds digit. We have 34 = 81, 44 = 256, 54 = 625 and 64 = 1296.
We deduce that 3 Across is 625.

We now see that 2 Down is three-digit cube with units digit 5. Hence 2 Down is is 53 = 125.
Finally, 1 Across is a three-digit square with hundreds digit 4 and units digit 1. Therefore 1
Across is 212 = 441.
We can now deduce that * is 4.

For investigation

9.1 Complete this crossnumber in such a way that no two clues have the same answer.
Across Down
1. 3 × a cube 1. 3 × a square
3. 3 × a square 2. 3 × a square

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

10. How many of the numbers 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are factors of the sum 22024 + 22023 + 22022 ?
A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4 E 5

Solution B
For convenience, we put 𝑆 = 22024 + 22023 + 22022 .
We have

𝑆 = 22024 + 22023 + 22022 = 22022 (22 + 21 + 1) = 22022 (4 + 2 + 1) = 22022 × 7.

It follows that 7 is a factor of 𝑆. Also, since 8 = 23 , 8 is a factor of 22022 and hence it is a factor
of 𝑆. On the other hand, 3 and 5 are neither factors of 22022 nor factors of 7. So they are not
factors of 𝑆. It follows that 6 and 9 which are multiples of 3 are not factors of 𝑆. Similarly, 10 is
a multiple of 5 and hence it is not a factor of S.
We therefore see that just two of the numbers 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are factors of 𝑆, namely 7 and 8.

For investigation

10.1 Which is the largest prime factor of 22024 + 22023 + 22022 + 22021 ?

11. Wenlu, Xander, Yasser and Zoe make the following statements:
Wenlu: “Xander is lying.” Xander: “ Yasser is lying.”
Yasser: “Zoe is telling the truth.” Zoe: “Wenlu is telling the truth.”
What are the possible numbers of people telling the truth?
A 1 or 2 B 1 or 3 C 2 D 2 or 3 E 3

Solution B
Suppose Wenlu is telling the truth. Then Xander is lying. Therefore Yasser is telling the truth.
Hence Zoe is telling the truth, and this agrees with the fact that Wenlu is telling the truth.
Hence it is possible that Wenlu is telling the truth. We have seen that in this case Wenlu, Yasser
and Zoe are telling the truth.
Suppose Wenlu is lying. Then Xander is telling the truth. Therefore Yasser is lying. Hence Zoe
is lying, and this agrees with the fact that Wenlu is lying.
Hence it is possible that Wenlu is lying. We have seen that in this case only Xander is telling the
truth.
Therefore the number of people telling the truth is either 1 or 3.

For investigation

11.1 Wenlu says "Xander is lying", Xander say "Yasser is telling the truth",
Yasser says "Zoe is lying" and Zoe says "Wenlu is telling the truth".
How many of them could be telling the truth?

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

12. The greatest power of 7 which is a factor of 50! is 7 𝑘 (𝑛! = 1×2×3×4×. . .× (𝑛 − 1) ×𝑛).
What is 𝑘?
A 4 B 5 C 6 D 7 E 8

Solution E
50! = 1 × 2 × · · · × 50. Because the seven numbers 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 are divisible by 7,
they each contribute 1 to the power of 7 which is a factor 50! In addition, because 49 is divisible
by 72 , it contributes an additional power of 7.
Therefore the highest power of 7 that divides 50! is 7 + 1 = 8.

For investigation

12.1 Find the greatest power of 3 which is a factor of 50!

The general formula for the greatest power of a prime 𝑝 which is a factor of 𝑛! is
     
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛
+ 2 + 3 +.... (1)
𝑝 𝑝 𝑝

Here ⌊𝑥⌋ is the integer part of 𝑥 which is defined by

⌊𝑥⌋ = 𝑘 ⇔ 𝑘 is the largest integer ≤ 𝑥.

   
3 22 √
For example = 0, = 3, and ⌊ 5⌋ = 2.
4 7
𝑛
Note that, although the sum in (1) looks infinite, whenever 𝑝 𝑡 > 𝑛, we have 0 < 𝑡 < 1
  𝑝
𝑛
and therefore 𝑡 = 0. Therefore we could replace (1) by the finite sum
𝑝
       
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛 𝑛
+ 2 + 3 +···+ 𝑠 (2)
𝑝 𝑝 𝑝 𝑝

where 𝑠 is the largest integer such that 𝑝 𝑠 ≤ 𝑛.

For example, since 73 < 1000, but 74 > 1000, it follows from (2) that the greatest
power of 7 that is a factor of 1000! is
           
1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
+ + = + + = 142 + 20 + 2 = 164.
7 72 73 7 49 343

12.2 Find the greatest power of 2 that is a factor of 100!

12.3 Find the greatest power of 11 that is a factor of 1000!
12.4 Find the greatest power of 10 that is a factor of 1000!
12.5 Explain why the formula (1) given above for the greatest power of a prime 𝑝 that divides
𝑛! is correct.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

13. 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆𝑇 is a regular pentagon. The point 𝑈 lies on 𝑆𝑇 such that ∠𝑄𝑃𝑈 is a right angle.
What is the ratio of the interior angles in triangle 𝑃𝑈𝑇?
A 1: 3: 6 B 1: 2: 4 C 2: 3: 4 D 1: 4: 8 E 1: 3: 5

Solution A
The interior angles of a regular pentagon are all 108°.
[You are asked to prove this in Problem 13.1.] Therefore
∠𝑃𝑇𝑈 = ∠𝑄𝑃𝑇 = 108°.
Hence ∠𝑈𝑃𝑇 = ∠𝑄𝑃𝑇 − ∠𝑄𝑃𝑈 = 108° − 90° = 18°.
Because the angles in a triangle have sum 180°, it follows
that ∠𝑇𝑈𝑃 = 180° − 108° − 18° = 54°.
Therefore the ratio of the interior angles in the triangle
𝑃𝑈𝑇 is 18 : 54 : 108 = 1 : 3 : 6.

For investigation

13.1 (a) Show that the sum of the interior angles of a polygon with 𝑛 vertices is (𝑛 − 2)180°.
(b) Deduce that the interior angles of a regular pentagon are equal to 108°.
13.2 The regular pentagon 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆𝑇 and the square
𝑅𝑆𝑉𝑊 share the edge 𝑅𝑆.
What is ∠𝑊𝑄𝑃?

13.3 The diagram shows a regular pentagon and all its diagonals.
Find all the angles in the diagram.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

14. The points 𝑃 (𝑑, −𝑑) and 𝑄 (12 − 𝑑, 2𝑑 − 6) both lie on the circumference of the same
circle whose centre is the origin.
What is the sum of the two possible values of 𝑑?
A −16 B −4 C 4 D 8 E 16

Solution E
Let 𝑂 (0, 0) be the origin.
Because the points 𝑃 and 𝑄 lie on the same circle with centre 𝑂, we have 𝑂𝑃2 = 𝑂𝑄 2 . That is,

𝑑 2 + (−𝑑) 2 = (12 − 𝑑) 2 + (2𝑑 − 6) 2 .

Expanding both sides of this equation, we obtain

𝑑 2 + 𝑑 2 = (144 − 24𝑑 + 𝑑 2 ) + (4𝑑 2 − 24𝑑 + 36).

We can rearrange this equation to obtain

3𝑑 2 − 48𝑑 + 180 = 0.

By dividing both sides of this last equation by 3, it follows that

𝑑 2 − 16𝑑 + 60 = 0.

We can now use the fact that the sum of the roots of the quadratic equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑞 = 0 is −𝑝
to deduce that the sum of the two possible values of 𝑑 is −(−16), that is, 16.

For investigation

14.1 (a) Find the two possible values of 𝑑 by solving the equation 𝑑 2 − 16𝑑 + 60 = 0.
(b) Hence check that the sum of the two possible values of 𝑑 is 16.
14.2 Find the centre of the circle that goes through the points (4, −14), (−3, −13) and (−7, −11).
14.3 Prove that the sum of the roots of the quadratic equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑞 = 0 is −𝑝.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

15. In Bethany’s class of 30 students, twice as many people played basketball as played
football. Twice as many played football as played neither.
Which of the following options could have been the number of people who played both?
A 19 B 14 C 9 D 5 E 0

Solution D
Let 𝑥 be the number of students who played both basketball and football and let 𝑛 be the number
of students who played neither.

Then 2𝑛 students played football and hence 2 × 2𝑛 = 4𝑛 students played basketball.

Hence there are 4𝑛 − 𝑥 students who played basketball, but not football, and 2𝑛 − 𝑥 students who
played football but not basketball.
We can deduce from this that the number of students who played basketball or football or both
was (4𝑛 − 𝑥) + 𝑥 + (2𝑛 − 𝑥) = 6𝑛 − 𝑥.
Because there are 30 students in the class, the sum of the number of students who played
basketball or football or both, and the number who played neither is 30. That is, (6𝑛 − 𝑥) + 𝑛 = 30.
Therefore
𝑥 = 7𝑛 − 30. (1)

The number 𝑥 cannot be negative. It follows, by (1), that 4 < 𝑛.

The number of students who played football but not basketball is 2𝑛 − 𝑥. This number cannot be
negative. Hence 𝑥 ≤ 2𝑛. Therefore, by (1), 7𝑛 − 30 ≤ 2𝑛. Hence 5𝑛 ≤ 30 and so 𝑛 ≤ 6.
Therefore, the only possible values of 𝑛 are 5 and 6. It follows, by (1), that the only possible
values of 𝑥 are 5 and 12. Hence, only option D gives a possible number of students who played
both.

For investigation

15.1 In Claire’s class of 30 students, twice as many play neither cricket nor tennis, as play both.
The ratio of those playing cricket to those playing tennis is 7 : 5.
How many in Claire’s class play cricket?

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

16. 𝐺 and 𝐻 are midpoints of two adjacent edges of a cube. A

trapezium-shaped cross-section is formed cutting through 𝐺,
𝐻 and two√ further vertices, as shown. The edge-length of the
cube is 2 2.
What is the area of the trapezium?
√ √ √
A 9 B 8 C 4 5 D 4 3 E 4 2

Solution A
We let 𝑃, 𝑄, 𝑆, 𝑈, 𝑉 and 𝑊 be vertices of the cube,
as shown in the diagram, and 𝐾, 𝐿 be the feet of the
perpendiculars from 𝐺, 𝐻, respectively, to 𝑈𝑊.
We apply Pythagoras’ Theorem to the right-angled
2 2 2
triangle
√ 2 𝑈𝑉𝑊. √ 2 This gives 𝑈𝑊 = 𝑈𝑉 + 𝑊𝑉 =
(2 2) + (2 2) = 8 + 8 = 16. Hence 𝑈𝑊 = 4.
√
𝐺 is the midpoint√of the edge 𝑃𝑄. Hence 𝑃𝐺 = 2.
Similarly, 𝑃𝐻 = 2. Therefore, applying Pythagoras’
Theorem to the √
right-angled
√ triangle 𝐺𝑃𝐻 gives 𝐺𝐻 2 =
𝑃𝐺 2 + 𝑃𝐻 2 = ( 2) 2 + ( 2) 2 = 2+2 = 4. Hence 𝐺𝐻 = 2.

Also,
√ 2applying
√ Pythagoras’ Theorem to the right-angled
√ triangle 𝐺𝑄𝑈 gives 𝐺𝑈 2 = 𝐺𝑄 2 +𝑈𝑄 2 =
2
( 2) + (2 2) = 2 + 8 = 10. Hence 𝐺𝑈 = 10.
Since 𝐺𝐾 𝐿𝐻 is a rectangle, 𝐾 𝐿 = 𝐺𝐻 = 2. Therefore 𝑈𝐾 + 𝑊 𝐿 = 𝑈𝑊 − 𝐾 𝐿 = 4 − 2 = 2. By
symmetry, 𝑈𝐾 = 𝑊 𝐿. Hence 𝑈𝐾 = 𝑊 𝐿 = 1.
Applying
√ 2 Pythagoras’ Theorem to the right-angled triangle 𝐺𝐾𝑈, gives 𝐺𝐾 2 = 𝐺𝑈 2 − 𝑈𝐾 2 =
2
( 10) − 1 = 10 − 1 = 9. Hence 𝐺𝐾 = 3.
We now use the formula 12 (𝑎 + 𝑏)ℎ for the area of a trapezium whose parallel sides have lengths
𝑎 and 𝑏 and which has height ℎ. [You are asked to prove this formula in Problem 16.1.]
It follows from this formula that

area of the trapezium 𝐺𝑈𝑊 𝐻 = 21 (𝑈𝑊 + 𝐺𝐻)𝐺𝐾 = 12 (4 + 2) × 3 = 9.

For investigation

16.1 Prove that the formula

1
2 (𝑎 + 𝑏)ℎ

for the area of a trapezium is correct.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

17. The number 𝑀 = 124563987 is the smallest number which uses all the non-zero digits
once each and which has the property that none of the pairs of its consecutive digits
makes a prime number. For example, the 5th and 6th digits of 𝑀 make the number 63
which is not prime. 𝑁 is the largest number which uses all the non-zero digits once each
and which has the property that none of the pairs of its consecutive digits makes a prime
number.
What are the 5th and 6th digits of 𝑁?
A 6 and 3 B 5 and 4 C 5 and 2 D 4 and 8 E 3 and 5

Solution E

For convenience, in this solution by a subnumber of a positive number 𝑛 we mean a number

formed from consecutive digits of 𝑛. For example, the two-digit subnumbers of 1234 are 12,
23 and 34, and the three-digit subnumbers of 1234 are 123 and 234.
Note that this is not standard mathematical terminology, but has been introduced just for the
purposes of this question.

We note first that 63 and 93 are the only numbers formed of two different non-zero digits with
3 as the unit digits that are not primes. It follows that, if the digit 3 is not the first digit of the
number 𝑁, the digit 3 could only occur in 𝑁 immediately after either the digit 9 or the digit 6.
We construct 𝑁 by beginning with the largest digit 9, and then use all the other non-zero digits
once each by always choosing the largest digit not yet used subject to the condition that 3 comes
immediately after 9 or immediately after 6. In this way we obtain the number 987635421.
We now see that in the number 987635421 none of the two-digit subnumbers is a prime. Any
larger number using all the digits must either begin 98765... or 98764..., but in each case the 3
would follow either 1,2,4 or 5, and so produce a two-digit subnumber that is a prime.
Therefore the largest number with the required property is 𝑁 = 987635421. It follows that the
5th and 6th digits of 𝑁 are 3 and 5.

For investigation

17.1 Find the largest positive integer that uses different non-zero digits, and has the property
that all its two-digit subnumbers are prime.
17.2 Find the largest positive integer that uses different non-zero digits, and has the property
that all its two-digit subnumbers are divisible by 7.
17.3 Find the largest positive integer that uses different non-zero digits, and has the property
that all its three-digit subnumbers are divisible by 3.
17.4 Find the largest positive integer that uses different non-zero digits, and has the property
that all its three-digit subnumbers are divisible by 11.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

18. How many solutions are there of the equation 1 + 2 sin 𝑋 − 4 sin2 𝑋 − 8 sin3 𝑋 = 0 with
0° < 𝑋 < 360°?
A 1 B 2 C 4 D 6 E 8

Solution C
For convenience we put 𝑥 = sin 𝑋.
We have

1 + 2 sin 𝑋 − 4 sin2 𝑋 − 8 sin3 𝑋 = 1 + 2𝑥 − 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 3

= 1 + 2𝑥 − 4𝑥 2 (1 + 2𝑥)
= (1 + 2𝑥)(1 − 4𝑥 2 )
= (1 + 2𝑥)(1 + 2𝑥)(1 − 2𝑥),
It follows that
1 + 2 sin 𝑋 − 4 sin2 𝑋 − 8 sin3 𝑋 = 0
⇔ (1 + 2𝑥)(1 + 2𝑥)(1 − 2𝑥) = 0
⇔ 𝑥 = − 21 or 𝑥 = 1
2
⇔ sin 𝑋 = − 21 or sin 𝑋 = 21 .

The solutions of the equation sin 𝑋 = − 12 with 0° < 𝑋 < 360° are 𝑥 = 210° and 𝑋 = 330°. The
solutions of sin 𝑋 = 12 in the same interval are 𝑋 = 30° and 𝑋 = 150°.

Therefore the equation 1 + 2 sin 𝑋 − 4 sin2 𝑋 − 8 sin3 𝑋 = 0 has 4 solutions with 0° < 𝑋 < 360°.

For investigation

18.1 Find all the solutions of the equation

10 sin2 𝑋 − 8 sin4 𝑋 = 3,

with 0° < 𝑋 < 360°.

18.2 Find all the solutions of the equation

sin4 𝑋 + sin2 𝑋 = 3,

with 0° < 𝑋 < 360°.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

7𝑛 + 12
19. The expression takes integer values for certain integer values of 𝑛.
2𝑛 + 3
What is the sum of all such integer values of the expression?
A 4 B 8 C 10 D 12 E 14

Solution E
We have  
7𝑛 + 12 7 3 1 3
= + = 7+ .
2𝑛 + 3 2 2(2𝑛 + 3) 2 2𝑛 + 3
7𝑛 + 12 3
It follows that is an integer provided that 7 + is an even integer and hence provided
2𝑛 + 3 2𝑛 + 3
3
that is an odd integer.
2𝑛 + 3
3
Now is an integer provided that 2𝑛 + 3 is a factor of 3.
2𝑛 + 3
3
Therefore the only possible values of 2𝑛 + 3 are −3, −1, 1 and 3. In all these cases is a
2𝑛 + 3
factor of 3 and hence is odd.
     
7𝑛 + 12 1 3 1 3 1
When 2𝑛 + 3 = −3, we have 𝑛 = −3 and = 7+ = 7+ = 7 − 1 = 3.
2𝑛 + 3 2 2𝑛 + 3 2 −3 2
     
7𝑛 + 12 1 3 1 3 1
When 2𝑛 + 3 = −1, we have 𝑛 = −2 and = 7+ = 7+ = 7 − 3 = 2.
2𝑛 + 3 2 2𝑛 + 3 2 −1 2
     
7𝑛 + 12 1 3 1 3 1
When 2𝑛 + 3 = 1, we have 𝑛 = −1 and = 7+ = 7+ = 7 + 3 = 5.
2𝑛 + 3 2 2𝑛 + 3 2 1 2
     
7𝑛 + 12 1 3 1 3 1
When 2𝑛 + 3 = 3, we have 𝑛 = 0 and = 7+ = 7+ = 7 + 1 = 4.
2𝑛 + 3 2 2𝑛 + 3 2 3 2

We see that 𝑛 is an integer whenever 2𝑛 + 3 is equal to either −3, −1, 1 or 3. Therefore the sum
7𝑛 + 12
of the integer values of that correspond to integer values of 𝑛 is 3 + 2 + 5 + 4 = 14.
2𝑛 + 3

For investigation
7𝑛 + 12 7 3
19.1 Check that = + .
2𝑛 + 3 2 2(2𝑛 + 3)
19.2 What is the sum of all the integer values taken by the expression
6𝑛 + 5
2𝑛 + 9
when 𝑛 is an integer?

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

20. Triangle 𝐿𝑀 𝑁 represents a right-angled field with 𝐿𝑀 = 𝑟, M

𝐿 𝑋 = 𝑝 and 𝑋 𝑁 = 𝑞. Jenny and Vicky walk at the same speed
in opposite directions along the edge of the field, starting at 𝑋 r
at the same time. Their first meeting is at 𝑀. X
L p q N
Which of these expressions gives 𝑞 in terms of 𝑝 and 𝑟?
𝑝 p 𝑝 𝑝𝑟 𝑝
A +𝑟 B 𝑝2 + 𝑟 2 + C D E1
2 2 2𝑝 + 𝑟 2

Solution C
Because Jenny and Vicky meet after walking at the same speed, they walk the same distance.
Therefore
𝑋 𝐿 + 𝐿𝑀 = 𝑋 𝑁 + 𝑁 𝑀. (1)

The question tells us that 𝑋 𝐿 = 𝑝, 𝐿𝑀 = 𝑟 and 𝑋 𝑁 = 𝑞, To find 𝑁 𝑀, we apply Pythagoras’

Theorem to the right-angled triangle 𝐿𝑀 𝑁. This gives

𝑁 𝑀 2 = 𝐿𝑁 2 + 𝐿𝑀 2 = ( 𝑝 + 𝑞) 2 + 𝑟 2 .
p
It follows that 𝑁 𝑀 = ( 𝑝 + 𝑞) 2 + 𝑟 2 . Substituting these values in equation (1) gives
q
𝑝 + 𝑟 = 𝑞 + ( 𝑝 + 𝑞) 2 + 𝑟 2 .

Hence q
𝑝+𝑟 −𝑞 = ( 𝑝 + 𝑞) 2 + 𝑟 2 . (2)
By squaring both sides of equation (2) we obtain

( 𝑝 + 𝑟 − 𝑞) 2 = ( 𝑝 + 𝑞) 2 + 𝑟 2 .

It follows that

𝑝 2 + 𝑟 2 + 𝑞 2 + 2𝑝𝑟 − 2𝑝𝑞 − 2𝑟𝑞 = 𝑝 2 + 2𝑝𝑞 + 𝑞 2 + 𝑟 2 . (3)

Equation (3) may be rearranged to give

4𝑝𝑞 + 2𝑟𝑞 = 2𝑝𝑟

from which it follows that

𝑞(2𝑝 + 𝑟) = 𝑝𝑟.
Therefore
𝑝𝑟
𝑞= .
2𝑝 + 𝑟

For investigation

20.1 Check that ( 𝑝 + 𝑟 − 𝑞) 2 = 𝑝 2 + 𝑟 2 + 𝑞 2 + 2𝑝𝑟 − 2𝑝𝑞 − 2𝑟𝑞.

20.2 Suppose that in this problem, 𝐿𝑀 = 𝐿𝑁. In this case what is the ratio 𝐿 𝑋 : 𝑋 𝑁?

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

21. Triangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅 is equilateral. A semicircle with centre 𝑂 is P

drawn with its diameter on 𝑃𝑅 so that one end is at 𝑃 and the
curved
√ edge touches 𝑄𝑅 at 𝑋. The radius of the semicircle is O
3.
What is the length of 𝑄 𝑋?
√ √ √ Q X R
A 3 B 2− 3 C 2 3−1
√ √
D 1+ 3 E 2 3

Solution D
Because 𝑂𝑃√and 𝑂 𝑋 are radii of the semicircle, we have
𝑂𝑃 = 𝑂 𝑋 = 3.
Because the semicircle touches 𝑄𝑅 at 𝑋, the line 𝑄𝑅 is a
tangent to the semicircle at 𝑋 and therefore the radius 𝑂 𝑋
is perpendicular to 𝑄𝑅. Therefore 𝑂 𝑋 𝑅 is a right-angled
triangle.
Because the triangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅 is equilateral, ∠𝑂𝑅𝑋 = 60°.

Hence √
𝑂𝑋 3 𝑋𝑅 1
= sin 60° = and = cos 60° = .
𝑂𝑅 2 𝑂𝑅 2
It follows that
2 2 √
𝑂𝑅 = √ × 𝑂 𝑋 = √ × 3 = 2,
3 3
and, therefore,
1 1
𝑋𝑅 = × 𝑂𝑅 = × 2 = 1.
2 2
We can now deduce that √
𝑄𝑅 = 𝑃𝑅 = 𝑂𝑅 + 𝑂𝑃 = 2 + 3.
Therefore √ √
𝑄 𝑋 = 𝑄𝑅 − 𝑋 𝑅 = (2 + 3) − 1 = 1 + 3.

For investigation

21.1 The diagram shows an equilateral triangle with sides of

length 1, and four circles.
The largest circle touches the three sides of the triangle. [It
is the incircle of the triangle.]
Each of the smaller circles touches two sides of the triangle
and the largest circle.
Find the radius of the smaller circles.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

22. Which diagram could be a sketch of the curve 𝑦 = sin(cos−1 𝑥)?

A y B y C y D y

x x x x

E y

Solution C

Our first method is to find points that lie on the curve, and to note that these points are on just
one of the curves given as options. In the context of the SMC it should be safe to assume that
the question setters have not made a mistake and therefore this one curve is the correct one.
However, this is not a fully justified mathematical answer. In the second method we show that
the equation of the curve may be written in a more familiar way. This enables us to deduce
which is the correct option.

Method 1

Since cos−1 0 = 90°, when 𝑥 = 0 we have 𝑦 = sin(cos−1 0) = sin 90° = 1. It follows that the point
(0, 1) is on the curve. This rules out all the options other than A and C.
Since cos−1 (−1) = 180°, when 𝑥 = −1 we have 𝑦 = sin(cos−1 (−1)) = sin 180° = 0. It follows
that the point (−1, 0) is on the curve. This rules out option A.
We conclude that just option C could be a sketch of the curve.

Method 2

If we substitute cos−1 𝑥 for 𝜃 in the identity cos2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃 = 1,

we obtain cos2 (cos−1 𝑥) + sin2 (cos−1 𝑥) = 1. (1)
We are given that 𝑦 = sin(cos−1 𝑥). Also, because cos−1 is the
inverse of the function cos, 𝑥 = cos(cos−1 𝑥). Hence it follows
from (1) that 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1. This is the equation of the circle with
centre (0, 0) and radius 1. We leave it to the reader [See Problem
22.1] to work out why the curve is just the top half of this circle.
It follows that just option C could be a sketch of the curve.

For investigation

22.1 Explain why the curve corresponding to the equation 𝑦 = sin(cos−1 𝑥) is just the part of
the circle with equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1 where 𝑦 ≥ 0.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

23. The length of a rectangular piece of paper is three times its width. The paper is folded
so that one vertex lies on top of the opposite vertex, thus forming a pentagonal shape.
What is the area of the pentagon as a fraction of the area of the original rectangle?
2 11 12 13 14
A B C D E
3 16 17 18 19

Solution D
Let 𝑃, 𝑄, 𝑅 and 𝑆 be the vertices of the rectangular piece of paper.
We choose units so that 𝑃𝑄 = 1 and 𝑃𝑆 = 3.
Because the fold moves 𝑄 to 𝑆, the fold line goes through the
midpoint of 𝑄𝑆 which is the centre of the rectangle. We let 𝑈
and 𝑉 be the points where this fold line meets the edges of the
rectangle, as shown in the diagram.

We let 𝑥 be the length of 𝑉 𝑅. The rectangle has a rotational symmetry that interchanges 𝑈 and 𝑉.
Therefore, 𝑃𝑈 = 𝑉 𝑅 = 𝑥. Hence 𝑈𝑆 = 3 − 𝑥.
We let 𝑇 be the point where the vertex 𝑄 ends up after the fold. The quadrilateral 𝑆𝑇𝑈𝑉 is the
reflection of 𝑄𝑃𝑈𝑉 in the line through 𝑈 and 𝑉. It follows that 𝑇 𝑆 = 1, 𝑈𝑇 = 𝑥 and ∠𝑈𝑇 𝑆 is a
right angle.
We need to find the area of the pentagon 𝑅𝑆𝑇𝑈𝑉. This pentagon is made up of the trapezium
𝑅𝑆𝑈𝑉 and the triangle 𝑆𝑇𝑈.
It follows from the rotational symmetry of the rectangle that the area of the trapezium 𝑅𝑆𝑈𝑉 is
1  3
half the area of the rectangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆. Therefore the area of the trapezium is 3 × 1 = .
2 2
1  𝑥
The area of the right-angled triangle 𝑆𝑇𝑈 is 1 × 𝑥 = .
2 2
By Pythagoras’ Theorem applied to the triangle 𝑈𝑆𝑇, we have 1 + 𝑥 2 = (3 − 𝑥) 2 . Therefore
8 4
1 + 𝑥 2 = 9 − 6𝑥 + 𝑥 2 . It follows that 6𝑥 = 8. Hence 𝑥 = = .
6 3
3 4/3 3 2 13
It follows that the area of the pentagon 𝑅𝑆𝑇𝑈𝑉 is given by + = + = .
2 2 2 3 6
The area of rectangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆 is 3. Therefore the area of the pentagon as a fraction of the area of
13/6 13
the original rectangle is = .
3 18
For investigation

23.1 Consider√the similar problem with an A4 sheet of paper where the ratio of the length to the
width is 2 : 1. What is the area of the pentagon as a fraction of the area of the original
rectangle in this case?
23.2 In a similar problem the length of a rectangular piece of paper is 𝑘 times its width. After
the paper is folded so that one vertex lies on top of the opposite vertex, the area of the
pentagon that is formed is 74% of the area of the rectangle. What is the value of 𝑘?

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

24. A square has its vertices on the edges of a regular hexagon. Two
of the edges of the square are parallel to two edges of the hexagon,
as shown in the diagram. The sides of the hexagon have length 1.
What is the length of the sides of the square?

5 √ 4 √ 3
A B 3− 3 C D 2 E
4 3 2

Solution B
We label the vertices of the hexagon 𝑃, 𝑄, 𝑅, 𝑆,
𝑇 and 𝑈, and the vertices of the square 𝑉, 𝑊, 𝑋
and 𝑌 , as shown in the diagram.
Also, we let 𝐾 and 𝐿 be the feet of the perpen-
diculars from 𝑃 and 𝑈, respectively, to 𝑉𝑌 , and
we let 𝑀 be the point where 𝑉𝑊 meets 𝑄𝑇.
We let the length of the sides of the square be 𝑠.
The internal angles of the regular hexagon are
120°. The figure is symmetrical about the line
𝑄𝑇. Therefore ∠𝑉𝑄𝑀 = 60°, ∠𝑉 𝑀𝑄 = 90°
𝑠
and 𝑉 𝑀 = .
2
√
𝑉𝑀 3 2
From the right-angled triangle 𝑉 𝑀𝑄, we have = sin 60° = . Therefore 𝑉𝑄 = √ 𝑉 𝑀 =
𝑉𝑄 2 3
2 𝑠 𝑠
√ × =√ .
3 2 3
𝐾 𝐿𝑈𝑃 is a rectangle. Therefore 𝐾 𝐿 = 𝑃𝑈 = 1. Therefore, 𝑉 𝐾 + 𝐿𝑌 = 𝑉𝑌 − 𝐾 𝐿 = 𝑠 − 1. By
𝑠−1
symmetry, 𝑉 𝐾 = 𝐿𝑌 . Hence 𝑉 𝐾 = .
2
𝑉𝐾 1
∠𝑃𝐾𝑉 = 90° and ∠𝑃𝑉 𝐾 = 60°. Therefore in the triangle 𝑃𝑉 𝐾 we have = cos 60° = .
𝑃𝑉 2
Hence 𝑃𝑉 = 2𝑉 𝐾 = 𝑠 − 1.
𝑠  1 
Since 𝑃𝑄 = 1, we have 𝑃𝑉 + 𝑉𝑄 = 1, and hence 𝑠 − 1 + √ = 1. Hence 𝑠 1 + √ = 2. That is,
√ ! √ √ √ 3 √ 3
3+1 2 3 2 3( 3 − 1)) 6−2 3 √
𝑠 √ = 2. Therefore 𝑠 = √ = √ √ = = 3 − 3.
3 3 + 1 ( 3 + 1)( 3 − 1) 2

For investigation
area of the square 𝑉𝑊 𝑋𝑌 √
24.1 Express the value of in the form 𝑎 + 𝑏 3, where 𝑎 and 𝑏
area of the hexagon 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆𝑇𝑈
are rational numbers.

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Senior Mathematical Challenge 2023 Solutions and investigations

25. What is the area of the part of the 𝑥𝑦-plane within which 𝑥 3 𝑦 2 − 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − 𝑥𝑦 4 + 𝑥𝑦 3 ≥ 0
and 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑦?
1 1
A B C 1 D 2 E 4
4 2

Solution A
We have
𝑥 3 𝑦 2 − 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − 𝑥𝑦 4 + 𝑥𝑦 3 = 𝑥𝑦 2 (𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 𝑦 2 + 𝑦)
= 𝑥𝑦 2 ((𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 ) − (𝑥 − 𝑦))
= 𝑥𝑦 2 ((𝑥 − 𝑦)(𝑥 + 𝑦) − (𝑥 − 𝑦))
= 𝑥𝑦 2 (𝑥 − 𝑦)(𝑥 + 𝑦 − 1).
In the region where 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑦, we have 𝑥𝑦 2 ≥ 0 and 𝑥 − 𝑦 ≤ 0. Therefore in this region
𝑥𝑦 2 (𝑥 − 𝑦)(𝑥 + 𝑦 − 1) ≥ 0 ⇔ (𝑥 + 𝑦 − 1) ≤ 0.
Therefore the region of the 𝑥𝑦-plane within which we have
𝑥 3 𝑦 2 − 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − 𝑥𝑦 4 + 𝑥𝑦 3 ≥ 0 and 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑦 is the region
where 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 1 ≤ 0 and 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑦.
The line with equation 𝑥 = 0 (the 𝑦-axis) divides the plane
into the region where 𝑥 > 0 and the region where 𝑥 < 0. In
the diagram the symbol + is used to indicate the side of the
line where 𝑥 > 0 and − to indicate the side where 𝑥 < 0.
In a similar way the line with equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 divides the
plane into the region where 𝑦 > 𝑥 and the region where
𝑦 < 𝑥. Again, we use + and − to mark these two regions.

Also, the line with the equation 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 1 = 0 (or, equivalently, 𝑦 = 1 − 𝑥) divides the plane into
the region where 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 1 > 0 and the region where 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 1 < 0.
Therefore the region whose area we need to find is the triangle 𝑂𝑃𝑄 which is bounded by the
lines with equations 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = 𝑦 and 𝑦 = 1 − 𝑥, as shown in the diagram.
The point 𝑂 is the origin where the lines 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 meet. The point 𝑃 is the point where
the lines 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 = 1 − 𝑥 meet. The co-ordinates of 𝑃 are (0, 1). The point 𝑄 is the point
where the lines 𝑦 = 𝑥 and 𝑦 = 1 − 𝑥 meet. The co-ordinates of 𝑄 are ( 21 , 21 ).
The triangle 𝑂𝑃𝑄 has a base 𝑂𝑃 which has length 1. The height of the triangle with this base is
1
the distance of 𝑄 from the 𝑦-axis which is . Therefore, the area of this triangle is
2
1  1 1
1× = .
2 2 4

For investigation

25.1 What is the area of the part of the 𝑥𝑦-plane where 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ≤ 4 and 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 ≤ 0 ?
25.2 What is the area of the part of the 𝑥𝑦-plane where 𝑥 3 𝑦 2 − 𝑥𝑦 4 ≤ 0, −2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2 and
−3 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 3 ?

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