IOQM 2025

Basic Mathematics
VARIABLE
A variable is a letter that is used to represent a numerical quantity. We often use a lower-case
letters such as a, b, c etc. for a variable.

ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSION:
An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, operations and grouping sign.
Illustration - x + 5, 3y, 2x + 5y, –3t2, 5(n – 2)

Simplification:
Illustration-1: Simplify: 3a + {–4b – [4a – 7b – (–4a – b)] + 5a}
Solution: 3a + {–4b – [4a – 7b – (–4a – b)] + 5a}
= 3a + {–4b – [8a – 6b] + 5a} = 3a + {–3a + 2b} = 2b
or
3a + {–4b – [4a – 7b – (–4a – b)] + 5a}
= 8a – 4b – [4a – 7b – (–4a – b)] = 4a + 3b + (–4a – b) = 2b
Note: We can remove the brackets from the innermost to outermost layer, or vice versa.

Illustration-2: Simplify the expression : 4{(3x – 2) – [3(3x – 2) + 3]} – (4 – 6x).

Solution: Taking 3x – 2 as whole as one number y in the process of simplification first, we have
4{(3x – 2) – [3(3x – 2) + 3]} – (4 – 6x) = 4{y – [3y + 3]} + 2y
= 4{–2y – 3} + 2y = –6y – 12 = –6(3x – 2) – 12 = –18x

ALGEBR AIC IDENTITIES AND FACTORISATION

Square Identities:
(i) (a + b) (a – b) = a2 – b2
(ii) (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
(iii) (a – b)2 = a2 – 2ab + b2
(iv) (a + b)2 + (a – b)2 = 2(a2 + b2)
(v) (a + b)2 – (a – b)2 = 4ab
1
(vi) a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ca = [(a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2]
2
(vii) (a2 + b2) (c2 + d2) = (ac + bd)2 + (ad – bc)2
(viii) a4 + 4b4 = (a2 + 2ab + 2b2) (a2 – 2ab + 2b2) = [(a + b)2 + b2] [(a – b)2 + b2]
(ix) 1 + a2 + a4 = (1 – a + a2) (1 + a + a2)
(x) (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca.
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Cubic Identities:
(i) a3 + b3 = (a + b) (a2 – ab + b2) = (a + b)3 – 3ab (a + b)
(ii) a3 – b3 = (a – b) (a2 + ab + b2) = (a – b)3 + 3ab(a – b)
(iii) (a + b)3 = a3 + b3 + 3ab(a + b)
(iv) (a – b)3 = a3 – b3 – 3ab(a – b)
(v) a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc = (a + b + c) (a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ca)
1
= (a + b + c) [(a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2]
2
(vi) If a + b + c = 0, then a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc.
(vii) If a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc, then either a + b + c = 0 or a = b = c.

Generalization of Formulae:
1. (a – b) (a3 + a2b + ab2 + b3) = a4 – b4
2. (a – b) (a4 + a3b + a2b2 + ab3 + b4) = a5 – b5
3. (a – b) (an–1 + an–2b + ..... abn–2 + bn–1) = an–bn for all n  N.
Proof: (a – b) (an–1 + an–2b + ..... abn–2 + bn–1)
 (an + an–1b + .... + a2bn–2 + abn–1) – (an–1b + an–2b2 + .... + abn–1 + bn) = an – bn
4. (a + b) (an–1 – an–2b + ...... – abn–2 + bn–1) = an + bn for odd n  N.
Proof: For odd n, by using (–b) to replace ‘b’ in (3), we obtain
(a + b) (an–1 + an–2 (–b) + an–3 (–b)2 + ..... + a(–b)n–2 + (–b)n–1) = an – (–b)n
 (a + b) (an–1 – an–2 b + an–3 b2 – ....... – abn–2 + bn–1) = an + bn
5. (a1 + a2 + … + an)2
= a12 + a22 +. + an2 + 2a1a 2 + 2a1a3 +.. + 2a1a n + 2a 2a3 +. + 2a 2a n +.. + 2a n−1a n .
Proof: (a1 + a2 + a3 … + an) (a1 + a2 + a3 + … + an)
 a12 + a22 +. + an2 + 2a1a 2 + 2a1a3 +.. + 2a1a n + 2a 2a3 +. + 2a 2a n +. + 2a n −1a n

Illustration-10: Factorize: a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc.

Solution: a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc
 (a3 + 3a2b + 3ab2 + b3) + c3 – 3a2b – 3ab2 – 3abc
 (a + b)3 + c3 – 3ab(a + b + c)
 [(a + b) + c] [(a + b)2 – (a + b)c + c2] – 3ab (a + b + c)
 (a + b + c) (a2 + 2ab + b2 – ac – bc + c2) – 3ab (a + b + c)
 (a + b + c) [a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab – bc – ac – 3ab]
 (a + b + c) (a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ca)
Now that above identity leads to the following result: if a + b + c = 0 or a = b = c then
a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc.
 Another way to obtain above factorisation is to consider the determinant.
a b c
D= c a b
b c a
Try solving this by own.
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Illustration-11: If a – b = 2 and b – c = 3, then find the value of a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ca.

Solution: a – b = 2, b – c = 3
Now, c – a = (c – b) + (b – a)
= –(b – c) – (a – b)
= –3 – 2 = –5
So, a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ac
1
= [(a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2]
2
1 2
= [2 + 32 + (–5)2]
2
1
= [4 + 9 + 25] = 19
2

Illustration-12: x – y = 8, xy = –15 find the value of (i) (x + y)2 (ii) (x4 + y4)
Solution: (i) (x + y)2 = x2 + y2 + 2xy = (x2 + y2 – 2xy) + 4xy
 (x – y)2 + 4xy
= (8)2 + 4(–15) = 4
(ii) x4 + y4 = (x4 + 2x2y2 + y4) – 2x2y2
= (x2 + y2)2 – 2(xy)2
= [(x2 – 2xy + y2) + 2xy]2 – 2(–15)2
= [(x – y)2 – 30]2 – 2(–15)2
= (34)2 – 2(225) = 1156 – 450 = 706

1 1 1
Illustration-13: Given x + = 3 , find the value of (i) x 3 + 3 (ii) x 4 + 4
x x x
1  1  1 
Solution: (i) x3 + =  x +  x 2 + 2 − 1
x 
3
x  x 
 1
2

= 3  x +  − 3
 x 

= 3 [32 – 3] = 18

1  2  1  
2

( )
2
(ii) x 4 + = x +2+ 2   −2
x 4   x  
2
 1 
=  x2 + 2  − 2
 x 
2
 1
2

=  x +  − 2  − 2
 x 

= (32 – 2)2 – 2 = 47
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Illustration-14: Find 4 consecutive positive integers whose product is 1680.

Solution: Let 1680 = n(n + 1) (n + 2) (n + 3)
Where ‘n’ is a positive integer
So, 1680 = [n(n + 3)] [(n + 1) (n + 2)]
1680 = (n2 + 3n) (n2 + 3n + 2)
1680 = (n2 + 3n)2 + 2(n2 + 3n)
1680 + 1 = (n2 + 3n)2 + 2(n2 + 3n) + 12
 1681 = (n2 + 3n + 1)2
 41 = n2 + 3n + 1
 n2 + 3n – 40 = 0
 n2 + 8n – 5n – 40 = 0
 n(n + 8) – 5(n + 8) = 0
 (n – 5) (n + 8) = 0
 n = 5 [ ‘n’ is a positive integer]

 1680 = 5 × 6 × 7 × 8

Illustration-15: If a, b, c, d > 0 and a4 + b4 + c4 + d4 = 4abcd. Prove that a = b = c = d.

Solution: a4 + b4 + c4 + d4 – 4abcd = 0
 (a4 – 2a2b2 + b4) + (c4 – 2c2d2 + d4) + (2a2b2 + 2c2d2 – 4abcd) = 0
 (a2 – b2)2 + (c2 – d2)2 + 2(ab – cd)2 = 0
 a2 – b2 = 0, c2 – d2 = 0, ab – cd = 0
Since, a, b, c, d > 0
So, a = b, c = d and c2 = a2 i.e. a = c
Thus a = b = c = d

Illustration-16: Factorize (d2 – c2 + a2 – b2)2 – 4(bc – da)2.

Solution: (d2 – c2 + a2 – b2)2 – 4(bc – da)2 = (d2 – c2 + a2 – b2)2 – (2bc – 2da)2
= (d2 – c2 + a2 – b2 – 2bc + 2da)(d2 – c2 + a2 – b2 + 2bc – 2da)
= [(d + a)2 – (b + c)2].[(d – a)2 – (b – c)2]
= (d + a – b – c)(d + a + b + c)(d – b – a – c)(d + c – a – b).

Illustration-17: Factorize 64x6 – 729y12.

Solution: 64x6 – 729y12 = (2x)6 – (3y2)6 = [(2x)3 – (3y2)3][(2x)3 + (3y2)3]
= (2x – 3y2)[(2x)2 + (2x)(3y2) + (3y2)2].(2x + 3y2)[(2x)2 – (2x)(3y2) + (3y2)2]
= (2x – 3y2)(2x + 3y2)(4x2 + 6xy2 + 9y4)(4x2 – 6xy2 + 9y4).

Illustration-18: Factorize 2a3 + 6a2 + 6a + 18.

Solution: 2a3 + 6a2 + 6a + 18 = 2[(a3 + 3a2 + 3a + 1) + 8] = 2[(a + 1)3 + 23]
= 2(a + 3)[(a + 1)2 – 2(a + 1) + 4] = 2(a + 3)(a2 + 3).
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Illustration-19: Factorise : (i) x4 + 2x3 + 7x2 + 6x – 7; (ii) x3 + 9x2 + 23x + 15.

Solution: Let y = x2 + x. Then
(i) x4 + 2x3 + 7x2 + 6x – 7 = x2(x2 + x) + x(x2 + x) + 6(x2 + x) – 7
= (x2 + x + 6)(x2 + x) – 7 = y2 + 6y – 7 = (y + 7)(y – 1)
= (x2 + x + 7)(x2 + x – 1)
(ii) x3 + 9x2 + 23x + 15 = x2(x + 1) + 8x(x + 1) + 15(x + 1)
= (x + l)(x2 + 8x + 15) = (x + l)(x + 3)(x + 5).

Illustration-20: Factorize the following expressions

(i) x9 + 7x6y3 + 7x3y6 + y9;
(ii) 4x2 + y2 + 9z2 – 6yz + 12zx – 4xy;
(iii) (x2 – l)(x + 3)(x + 5) + 16;
(iv) (2x2 – 4x + l)2 –14x2 + 28x + 3;
(v) x11 + x10 + .... + x2 + x + 1.
Solution: (i) x9 + 7x6y3 + 7x3y6 + y9 = [(x3)3 + (y3)3] + 7x3y3(x3 + y3)
= (x3 + y3)(x6 – x3y3 + y6) + 7x3y3(x3 + y3)
= (x3 + y3)(x6 + 6x3y3 + y6).
(ii) 4x2 + y2 + 9z2 – 6yz + 12zx – 4xy
= (2x)2 + (–y)2 + (3z)2 + 2(–y)(3z) + 2(3z)(2x) + 2(2x)(–y)
= (2x – y + 3z)2.
(iii) Let y = x + 2, then
(x2 – l)(x + 3)(x + 5) + 16 = (x – l)(x + l)(x + 3)(x + 5) + 16
= (y – 3)(y – 1)(y + 1)(y + 3) + 16
= (y2 – l)(y2 – 9) + 16 = y4 – 10y2 + 25
= (y2 – 5)2 = [(x + 2)2 – 5]2 = (x2 + 4x – 1)2
(iv) (2x2 – 4x + 1)2 – 14x2 + 28x + 3
= (2x2 – 4x + 1)2 – 7(2x2 – 4x + 1) + 10
= (2x2 – 4x + 1 – 2)(2x2 – 4x + 1 – 5)
= (2x2 – 4x – l)(2x2 – 4x – 4) = 2(2x2 – 4x – l)(x2 – 2x – 2).

(v) 11 10
x + x + .... + x + x + 1 =2x12 − 1 x − 1 x + 1
=
6 6
( )( )
x −1 x −1

=
( x −1)( x + 1)( x
3 3 6
) = (x2 + x + 1)(x3 + 1)(x6 + 1)
+1
( x − 1)
= (x2 + x + l)(x + l)(x2 – x + l)(x2 + l)(x4 – x2 +1)

Illustration-21: Factorize the following expressions (i) x4 – 2(a2 + b2)x2 + (a2 – b2)2; (ii) (ab + l)(a +
l)(b +1) + ab.
Solution: (i) x4 – 2(a2 + b2)x2 + (a2 – b2)2
= [x2 – (a2 + b2)]2 – (a2 + b2)2 + (a2 – b2)2
= [x2 – (a2 + b2)]2 – 4a2b2
= (x2 – a2 – b2 – 2ab)(x2 – a2 – b2 + 2ab)
= [x2 – (a + b)2][x2 – (a – b)2]
= (x – a – b)(x + a + b)(x – a + b)(x + a – b).
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(ii) (ab + 1)(a + l)(b + 1) + ab = (ab + l)(ab + a + b + 1) + ab

= (ab + 1)(ab + b + 1) + (ab + 1)a + ab
= (ab + 1)(ab + b + 1) + a(ab + b + 1)
= (ab + b + 1)(ab + a + 1).

Illustration-22: Factorize: (i) (a + 1)(a + 2)(a + 3)(a + 4) – 120 (ii) x5 + x + 1

Solution: (i) (a + 1)(a + 2)(a + 3)(a + 4) – 120
= [(a + 1)(a + 4)][(a + 2)(a + 3)] – 120
= (a2 + 5a + 4)(a2 + 5a + 6) – 120
= [(a2 + 5a + 5) – 1] [(a2 + 5a + 5) + 1] – 120
= (a2 + 5a + 5)2 – 121 = (a2 + 5a + 5)2 – 112
= (a2 + 5a – 6)(a2 + 5a + 16) = (a – 1)(a + 6)(a2 + 5a + 16).
(ii) x5 + x + 1 = (x5 – x2) + (x2 + x + 1)
= x2(x3 – 1) + (x2 + x + 1)
= x2(x – l)(x2 + x + 1) + (x2 + x + 1)
= (x2 + x + 1)[x2(x – 1) + 1] = (x2 + x + 1)(x3 – x2 + 1).

Illustration-23: Factorize (2y – 3z)3 + (3z – 4x)3 + (4x – 2y)3.

Solution: Let 2y – 3z = a, 3z – 4x = b, 4x – 2y = c, then a + b + c = 0.
Hence (2y – 3z)3 + (3z – 4x)3 + (4x – 2y)3 = a3 + b3 + c3
= (a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc) + 3abc
= (a + b + c)(a2 + b2 + c2 – bc – ca – ab) + 3abc
= 3abc = 3(2y – 3z)(3z – 4x)(4x – 2y).

Illustration-24: Factorize the following expressions:

(i) (x2 + x – 1)2 + x2 + x – 3 (ii) (x – y)3 + (y – x – 2)3 + 8
Solution: (i) Let y = x2 + x – 1, then
(x2 + x – I)2 + x2 + x – 3 = y2 + y – 2 = (y – 2)(y + 1)
= (x2 + x – 3)(x2 + x) = x(x + l)(x2 + x – 3).
(ii) Let u = x – y, v = y – x – 2, w = 2, then u + v + w = 0,
(x – y)3 + (y – x – 2)3 + 8 = u3 + v3 + w3
= 3uvw + (u + v + w)(u2 + v2 + w2 – uv – vw – wu)
= 3uvw = 3(x – y)(y – x – 2)(2) = –6(x – y) (x – y + 2).

Illustration-25: (i) (6x + 5)2(3x + 2)(x+l)-6 (ii) (x2 + 5x + 6)(x2 + 6x + 6) – 2x2

Solution: (i) Let y = 6x + 5, then
1
(6x + 5)2 (3x + 2) (x + 1) – 6 = y2(y – 1) (y + 1) – 6
12
 y −1 y +1 
 2 = 3x + 2 and 6 = x + 1
1 1
= y2 (y2 –1) – 6 = (y4 – y2 – 72)
12 12
1 1
= (y2 – 9) (y2 + 8) = [(6x + 5)2 – 32] [(6x + 5)2 + 8]
12 12
1
= (6x + 8)(6x + 2) (36x2 + 60x + 33)
12
= (3x + 4) (3x + 1) (12x2 + 20x + 11)

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(ii) Let y = x2 + 5x + 6, then

(x2 + 5x + 6)(x2 + 6x + 6) – 2x2 = y(y + x) – 2x2
= y2 + xy – 2x2 = (y + 2x)(y – x)
= (x2 + 7x + 6)(x2 + 4x + 6) = (x + l)(x + 6)(x2 + 4x + 6).

Some Important Identities:

(1) (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2 = (a – b)2 +4ab
(2) (a – b)2 = a2 – 2ab + b2 = (a + b)2 – 4ab
(3) a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a – b)
(4) (a + b)3 = a3 + b3 + 3ab(a + b)
(5) (a – b)3 = a3 – b3 – 3ab(a – b)
(6) a3 + b3 = (a + b)3 – 3ab(a + b) = (a + b)(a2 + b2 –ab)
(7) a3 – b3 = (a – b)3 + 3ab(a – b) = (a – b)(a2 + b2 + ab)
1 1 1
(8) (a+ b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2abc  + + 
a b c
1
(9) a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ca = [(a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2]
2
(10) a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc =(a + b + c)(a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ca)
1
= (a + b + c)[(a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2]
2
If a + b + c = 0, then a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc
(11) a4 – b4 = (a + b)(a – b)(a2 + b2)
(12) a4 + a2 + 1 = (a2 + 1)2 – a2 = (1 + a + a2)(1 – a + a2)

1. a4 + 4b4 = (a2 + 2ab + 2b2)(a2 – 2ab + 2b2) = [(a + b)2 + b2][(a – b)2 + b2]
Sol. Proof: LHS
a4 + 4b4 = (a2)2 + (2b2)2 + 2(a2)(2b2) – 2(a2)(2b2)
= (a2 + 2b2)2 – 4a2b2
= (a2 + 2b2)2 – (2ab)2
= (a2 + 2b2 + 2ab)(a2 + 2b2 – 2ab)
= (a2 + b2 + 2ab + b2)(a2 + b2 – ab + b2)
= ((a + b)2 + b2)((a – b)2 + b2)

2
 1 1
2. If  a +  = 3 ,then find value of a 3 + 3
 a  a
1
Sol. a + =  3
a
3
1  1  1
a3 + =  a +  − 3 a +  = 3 3 3 3 = 0
a 
3
a   a

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3. Show that the expression, (x2 – yz)3 + (y2 – zx)3 + (z2 – xy)3 – 3(x2 – yz)⋅(y2 – zx)⋅(z2 – xy) is a
perfect square and find its square root.
Sol. (x2 – yz)3 + (y2 – zx)3 + (z2 – xy)3 – 3(x2 – yz)(y2 – zx)(z2 – xy)
= a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc where a = x2 – yz, b = y2 – zx, c = z2 – xy
= (a + b + c)(a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ca)
1
= (a + b + c)((a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2)
2
1
= (x2 + y2 + z2 – xy – yz – zx)[(x2 – yz – y2 + zx)2 + (y2 – zx – z2 + xy)2 + (z2 – xy – x2 + yz)2]
2
1
= (x2 + y2 + z2 – xy – yz – zx)[{x2 – y2 + z(x – y)}2 + {y2 – z2 + x(y – z)}2 + {z2 – x2 + y(z – x)}2]
2
1
= (x2 + y2 + z2 – xy – yz – zx)(x + y + z)2 [(x – y)2 + (y – z)2 + (z – x)2]
2
= (x + y + z)2 (x2 + y2 + z2 – xy – yz – zx)2 = (x3 + y3 + z3 – 3xyz)2 (which is a perfect square)
its square roots are
±(x3 + y3 + z3 – 3xyz)

4. If a –b = 2 and b – c = 3, then find the value of a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ca.

Sol. a – b = 2 (i)
b–c=3 (ii)
a–b+b–c=2+3
a – c = 5  c – a = –5
1
a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ca = [(a – b)2 + (b – c)2 + (c – a)2]
2
1
= [(2)2 + (3)2 + (–5)2]
2
1
= [4 + 9 + 25] = 19
2

5. Three real numbers x, y, z are such that x2 + 6y = –17, y2 + 4z = 1 and z2 + 2x = 2. What is the
value of x2 + y2 + z2? [Pre-RMO 2013]
x 2 + 6y = −17
y2 + 4z = 1
Sol.
+ z2 + 2x = 2
x 2 + y2 + z2 + 2x + 6y + 4z = −17 + 1 + 2
(x2 + 2x + 12) + (y2 +6y 32) + (z2 +4z + 22) = –14 +12 +32 +22
(x + 1)2 + (y + 3)2 + (z + 2)2 = 0
(x + 1)2 = 0 (y + 3)2 = 0 (z + 2)2 = 0
x+1=0 y+3=0 z+2=0
x = –1 y = –3 z = –2
x2 + y2 + z2 = (–1)2 + (–3)2 + (–2)2
= 1 + 9 + 4 = 14

Self Practice Problems:

1. If x, y, z are all different real numbers, then prove that
2
1 1 1  1 1 1 
+ + = + +  .
(x − y) (y − z) (z − x)  x − y y − z z − x 
2 2 2

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2. Factorise the expression, (x + y + z)3 – x3 – y3 – z3 into linear factors.

Sol. 3(x + y)(y + z)(z + x)

3. Factorize
(i) 1 + x4 + x8 (ii) x4 + 4
Sol. (i) (x4 – x2 + 1)(x2 + x + 1) (x2 – x + 1) (ii) (x2 – 2x + 2)(x2 + 2x + 2)

4. If x, y and z are positive with xy = 24, xz = 48, and yz = 72, then x + y + z is

(A) 18 (B) 19 (C) 20 (D) 22
Sol. (C)
xy = 24, xz = 48, yz = 72
(xy)(xz)(yz) = 24 × 48 × 72
(xyz)2 = 24 × 24 × 2 × 2 × 36
xyz = 24 × 2 ×6
xyz = 288 (i)
xyz 288 xyz 288 xyz 288
= = =
xy 24 xz 48 yz 72
z = 12 y=6 x=4
x + y + z = 22

20144 + 4  20134 20124 + 4  20134

5. Calculate the value of − [BMO 2013]
20132 + 40272 20132 + 40252
20144 + 4  20134 20124 + 4  20134
Sol. −
20132 + 40272 20132 + 40252

((2014 + 2013)2 + 20132 )((2014 + 2013)2 + 20132 ) ((2012 + 2013)2 + 20132 )((2012 − 2013)2 + 20132 )
= −
(20132 + (2013 + 4027)2 ) (20132 + (2012 + 2013)2 )
= 1 + 20132 – 1 – 20132
=0

DEFINITION OF INDICES:
If 'a' is any non zero real or imaginary number and 'm' is the positive integer, then am = a. a. a. …
a (m times). Here a is called the base and m is called the index, power or exponent.
Law of indices:
(1) a0 = 1, (a  0)
1
(2) a–m = , (a  0)
am
(3) am+n = am⋅an, where m and n are rational numbers
am
(4) am–n = , where m and n are rational numbers, a  0
an
(5) (am)n = amn
p
q
(6) a = a p
q

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−1 −1
 a+ b  a+ b
6. Simplify a   + b  
 2b a   2a b 
Sol. The given expression is equal to
 2b a   2a b   a b 
a   + b   = 2ab  +  = 2ab
 a+ b  a+ b  a+ b a + b 

7. Evaluate 3 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 7 + 48

Sol. 3 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 7 + 48 = 3 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 12

= 3 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 3 = 3 + 3 + 4 + 2 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 +1 = 4 + 2 3 = 3 +1

RATLO:
1. If A and B be two quantities of the same kind, then their ratio is A : B; which may be
A
denoted by the fraction (This may be an integer or fraction)
B
a ma na
2. A ratio may represented in a number of ways e.g. = = = . where m, n, …… are
b mb nb
non-zero numbers.
3. To compare two or more ratio, reduced them to common denominator.
a
a c  b  ad
4. Ratio between two ratios may be represented as the ratio of two integers e.g. : :   =
b d  c  bc
d
 
or ad : bc.
a c e ace
5. Ratios are compounded by multiplying them together i.e.   . = 
b d f bdf
6. If a : b is any ratio then its duplicate ratio is a2 : b2; triplicate ratio is a3 : b3 … etc.
7. If a : b is any ratio, then its sub-duplicate ratio is a1/2 : b1/2; sub-triplicate ratio is a1/3 : b1/3
etc.

8. What term must be added to each term of the ratio 5 : 37 to make it equal to 1 : 3?
Sol. Let x be added to each term of the ratio 5 : 37.
x +5 1
Then =  3x + 15 = x + 37  x = 11
x + 37 3

9. If x : y = 3 : 4, then find the ratio of 7x – 4y : 3x + y

x 3 3
Sol. =  4x = 3y  x = y
y 4 4
3
7  y − 4y
7x − 4y
Now = 4 (putting the value of x )
3x + y 3
3 y + y
4
21
y − 4y
5y 5
= 4 = =
9
y + y 13y 13
4
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PROPORTION:
When two ratios are equal, then the four quantities compositing them are said to be proportional.
a c
If = , then it is written as a : b = c : d  a : b : : c : d
b d
1. 'a' and 'd' are known as extremes and 'b and c' are known as means.
2. An important property of proportion: Product of extremes = product of means.
3. If a : b = c : d, then
a c b d
b : a = d : c (Invertando) i.e. =  =
b d a c
4. If a : b = c : d, then
a c a b
a : c = b : d (Alternando) i.e. =  =
b d c d
5. If a : b = c : d, then
a+b c+d a c a c
= (Componendo) i.e. =  +1 = +1
b d b d b d
6. If a : b = c : d, then
a −b c−d a c a c
= (Dividendo) i.e. =  −1 = −1
b d b d b d
7. If a : b = c : d, then
a+b c+d
= (Componendo and dividendo)
a −b c−d
a c a c a+b c+d
i.e. =  +1 = +1  = (1)
b d b d b d
a c a −b c−d
 −1 = −1  = (2)
b d b d
a+b c+d
Dividing equation (1) & (2) we obtain =
a −b c−d

x y z x3 + a 3 y3 + b3 z3 + c3 (x + y + z)3 + (a + b + c)3
10. If = = , then show that 2 2 + 2 + =
a b c x +a y + b2 z2 + c2 (x + y + z)2 + (a + b + c)2
x y z
Sol. = = = k (constant)
a b c
 x = ak; y = bk; z = ck
Substituting these values of x, y, z in the given expression
x3 + a 3 y3 + b3 z3 + c3 (x + y + z)3 + (a + b + c)3
+ + =
x 2 + a 2 y2 + b2 z2 + c2 (x + y + z)2 + (a + b + c)2
we obtain

L.H.S. = 2 2 2 + 2 2 2 + 2 2 2 = 2 2
( ) (
a 3 k 3 + a 3 b3 k 3 + b 3 c 3 k 3 + c 3 a k + 1 b k + 1 c k + 1
3 3

+
3 3

+
3 3
) ( )
a k +a b k +b c k +c ( ) ( )
a k + 1 b2 k 3 + 1 c2 k 2 + 1 ( )
a ( k + 1) b ( k + 1) c ( k + 1) ( k + 1)
3 3 3 3

= + + =  (a + b + c)
k +1
2
k +1 2
k +1 ( k + 1)
2 2

(ak + bk + ck)3 + (a + b + c)3 k3 (a + b + c)3 + (a + b + c)3

Now R.H.S. = =
(ak + bk + ck)2 + (a + b + c)2 k 2 (a + b + c)2 + (a + b + c)2

=
(k 3
)
+ 1 (a + b + c)3
=
(k 3
+1 )  (a + b + c)
(k 2
+ 1) (a + b + c)2
(k 2
+ 1)
We see that L.H.S. = R.H.S.
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11. If a, b, c, d, e are in continued proportion, then prove that

(ab + bc + cd + de)2 = (a2 + b2 + c2 + d2)(b2 + c2 + d2 + e2)

a b c d a b c d
Sol. If = = = ,then we have = = = =
(a 2
+ b2 + c2 + d 2 ) = k (say)
b c d e b c d e (h 2
+ c2 + d 2 +e )
2

i.e. a = bk  ab = b2k
b = ck  bc = c2k
c = dk  cd = d2k
d = ek  de = e2k
Again (a2 + b2 + c2 + d2) = k2(b2 + c2 + d2 + e2) (i)
2
Now L.H.S. = (ab + bc + cd + de)
= (kb2 + kc2 + kd2 + ke2)2
= k2(b2 + c2 + d2 + e2)2
= k2(b2 + c2 + d2 + e2)(b2 + c2 + d2 + e2)
= (a2 + b2 + c2 + d2)(b2 + c2 + d2 + e2)(Note) (use(i))
Hence (ab + bc + cd + de)2 = (a2 + b2 + c2 + d2)(b2 + c2 + d2 + e2)

3x 4 + x 2 − 2x − 3 5x 4 + 2x 2 − 7x + 3
12. Solve the equation =
3x 4 − x 2 + 2x + 3 5x 4 − 2x 2 + 7x − 3
3x 4 + x 2 − 2x − 3 5x 4 + 2x 2 − 7x + 3
Sol. =
3x 4 − x 2 + 2x + 3 5x 4 − 2x 2 + 7x − 3
By the process of componendo and dividendo, we have
3x 4 5x 4
=
x 2 − 2x − 3 2x 2 − 7x + 3
or3x4(2x2 – 7x + 3) – 5x4 (x2 – 2x – 3) = 0
orx4[6x2 – 21x + 9 – 5x2 + 10x + 15] = 0
orx4(x2 – 11x + 24) = 0
 x = 0 or x2 – 11x + 24 = 0
x = 0 or (x – 8)(x – 3) = 0
 x = 0, 8, 3
3
m + 1 + 3 m −1
13. If x = . Solve that x3 – 3mx2 + 3x – m = 0
3
m + 1 − m −1
3

x 3 m + 1 + 3 m −1
Sol. We have =
1 3 m + 1 − 3 m −1
By componedo and dividendo, we get
x + 1 2 3 m + 1 (x + 1)3 m + 1
=  =
x − 1 2 3 m − 1 (x − 1)3 m − 1
Again by componendo and dividendo, we get
(x + 1)3 + (x − 1)3 m + 1 + m −1
=
(x + 1) − (x − 1)
3 3
m + 1 − ( m − 1)
x3 + 3x 2 + 3x + 1 + x3 − 3x 2 + 3x − 1 m
 =
(
x3 + 3x 2 + 3x + 1 − x3 − 3x 2 + 3x − 1 1)
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x y z x 2 + a 2 y2 + b2 z2 + c2 (x + y + z)2 + (a + b + c)2
14. If = = , prove that + + =
a b c x+a y+b z+c x+y+z+a+b+c
x y z
Sol. Let = = = k , so that x = ak, y = bk, z = ck;
a b c

Then
x2 + a 2 a 2k2 + a 2
= =
k2 + 1 a( )
x+a ak + a k +1


x 2 + a 2 y2 + b2 z 2 + c2
+ + = +
( ) (
k2 + 1 a k2 + 1 b
+
) ( =
) ( )
k2 + 1 c k2 + 1 (a + b + c)
x+a +b z+c k +1 k +1 k +1 k +1

[Multiply and Divide by

(a + b + c) ]
(a + b + c)
k 2 (a + b + c)2 + (a + b + c)2
=
k(a + b + c) + a + b + c
(ka + kb + kc)2 + (a + b + c)2
=
(ka + kb + kc) + a + b + c
(x + y + z)2 + (a + b + c)2
=
x+y+z+a+b+c

Self Practice Problems:

1. If (a2 + b2 + c2)(x2 + y2 + z2) = (ax + by + cz)2, show that x : a = y : b = z : c.

a c e 2a 4 b2 + 3a 2c2 − 5e4f
2. If = = , then find the value of in terms of a and b.
b d f 2b6 + 3b2d2 − 5f 5
a4
Sol.
b4

INTERVALS:
Intervals are basically subsets of R and are commonly used in solving inequalities or in finding
domains. If there are two numbers a, b  R such that a < b, we can define four types of intervals
as follows:
Name Representation Discription
Open Interval (a,b) {x:a<x<b} i.e. end points are not included.
[a,b] {x:a≤x≤b} i.e. end points are also included. This is
Close Interval
possible onlywhen both a and b are finite.
Open - Closed (a,b] {x:a<x≤b}i.e a is excluded and b is included.
Interval
Close - Open [a,b) {x:a≤x<b} i.e. a is included and b is excluded.
Interval
Note:
(1) The infinite intervals are defined as follows:
(i) (a,) = {x: x > a} (ii) [a, ) = {x: x ≥ a} (iii) (–, b) = {x: x < b}
(iv) (, b] = {x: x ≤ b} (v) (–, ) = {x: x  R}
(2) x  {1, 2} denotes some particular values of x, i.e. x = 1, 2
(3) If there is no value of x, then we say x  ϕ (null set)
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GENERAL METHOD TO SOLVE INEQUALITIES:

(Method of intervals (Wavy curve method)
 ( x − b1 )k1 ( x − b2 )k2 − − ( x − bn )kn 
Let g ( x ) =   (i)
 ( x − a )r1 ( x − a )r2 − ( x − a )rn 
 1 2 n 
Where k1, k2 ……kn and r1, r2 …… rn  N and b1, b2 …… bn and a1, a2 …… an are real
numbers. Then to solve the inequality following steps are taken.
Steps:
Points where numerator becomes zero are called zeros or roots of the function and where
denominator becomes zero are called poles of the function.
(i) First we find the zeros and poles of the function.
(ii) Then we mark all the zeros and poles on the real line and put a vertical bar there dividing
the real line in many intervals.
(iii) Determine sign of the function in any of the interval and then alternates the sign in the
neghbouring interval if the poles or zeros dividing the two interval has appeared odd
number of times otherwise retain the sign.
(iv) Thus we consider all the intervals. The solution of the g(x) > 0 is the union of the intervals
in which we have put the plus sign and the solution of g(x) < 0 is the union of all intervals in
which we have put the minus sign.
5
 1
(x − 2)10 (x + 1)3  x −  (x + 8) 2
15. Solve the inequality if f ( x ) =  2
is > 0 or < 0.
x (x − 3) (x + 2)5
24 3

5
 1
(x − 2)10 (x + 1)3  x −  (x + 8) 2
Sol. Let f ( x ) =  2 1
the poles and zeros are 0, 3, –2, –1, , –8, 2
x (x − 3) (x + 2)
24 3 5
2

1
If f(x) > 0, then x (–, –8)  (–8, –2)  (–1, 0)  (0, )  (3, )
2
1 
and if f(x) < 0, then x  ( −2, −1)   ,2   ( 2,3)
2 
EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION:
A function f(x) = ax = ex/n a(a > 0, a  1, x  R) is called an exponential function. Graph of
exponential function can be as follows:

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LOGARITHM OF A NUMBER:
The logarithm of the number N to the base 'a' is the exponent indicating the power to which the
base 'a' must be raised to obtain the number N. This number is designated as loga N. Hence:
log2 N = x  ax = N, a > 0, a  1 & N > 0
If a = 10, then we write log b rather than log10 b.
If a = e, we write /n b rather than loge b. Here 'e' is called as Napier's base & has numerical value
equal to 2.7182.

Remember
log102  0.3010 ; log103  0.4771
ln2  0.693 ; ln10  2.303

Domaln of definition:
The existence and uniqueness of the number loga N can be determined with the help of set of
conditions, a > 0 & a  1 & N > 0.
The base of the logarithm 'a' must not equal unity otherwise numbers not equal to unity will not
have a logarithm and any number will be the logarithm of unity.
Graph of logarithmic function:
f(x) = loga x is called logarithmic function where a > 0 and a  1 and x > 0. Its graph can be as
follows:

Fundamental logarithmic identity:

a loga N = N,a  0,a  1& N  0
THE PRINCIPAL PROPERTIES OF LOGARITHM:
Let M & N are arbitrary positive numbers, a > 0, a  1, b > 0, b  1 and ,  are any real
numbers, then:
(i) loga (M.N) = loga M + loga N; in general loga (x1 x2 ….. xn) = loga x1 + loga x2 + … + log3 xn
M
(ii) loga   = loga M − loga N
N
(iii) loga Mα = α⋅loga M
1
(iv) loga3 M = loga M

log M
(v) logb M = a (base changing theorem)
loga b

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Note:
• loga 1 = 0 • loga a = 1
1
• log 1 a = −1 • logba =
a
loga b
• a = ex/na
x
• a loge b = blogca

Note:
(i) If the number and the base are on the same side of the unity, then the logarithm is positive.
(ii) If the number and the base are on the opposite sides of unity, then the logarithm is negative.

16. Find the value of the followings:

(i) loga 2 + loga 1 +  + log3 1 +  ++ loga 1 + 

1 1 1
 2  3  n
 32  9
(ii) log2 72 + log2   + log2  
 81   64 
1
log25 49
(iii) 7
Sol.
 1  1  1
(i) loga 2 + loga 1 +  + loga 1 +  ++ loga 1 + 
 2  3  n
 2  3  n +1 2 3 4 n +1 
= loga   + loga   ++ loga   = loga    . = loga ( n + 1)
1  2  n  1 2 3 n 
 32   9  25 32 
(ii) log 2 72 + log 2   + log 2   = log 2 23  32  4  6  = log 2 4 = 2
 81   64   3 2 
1 2

(iii) 7 log25 49
=7
log49 25
=7 log7 5
= 5log7 7 = 5

LOGARITHMIC EQUATION:
The equality loga x = loga y is possible if and only if x = y i.e.
Loga x = loga y  x = y
Always check validity of given equation, (x > 0, y > 0, a > 0, a  1)

17. Solve logx (4x – 3) = 2

Sol. Domain: x > 0, 4x – 3 > 0, x  1
Hence 4x – 3 = x2  x2 – 4x + 3 = 0
x = 3 or x = 1 (rejected as not in domain)  so x = 3 only

18. Solve log2 (log3{log5(x2 + 4)} = 0

Sol. log3 (log5 (x2 + 4)} = 2° = 1
 log5 (x2 + 4) = 31 = 3
 (x2 + 4) = 53 = 125  x2 = 121  x = ±11

19. Solve log2 (x2) + log2 (x + 2) = 4

Sol. log2 (x2 (x + 2)) = 4  x3 + 2x2 – 16 = 0  (x − 2) ( x 2 + 4x + 8) = 0
D 0

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Self Practice Problems:

Solve following equations
1. 33log3x = 27
Sol. (x = 3)

2. (log10 x)2 – (log10 x) – 6 = 0

1
Sol. ( x = 103 , )
102

3. (log7 x + logx 7) = 10
Sol. ( x = 343, 3 7 )

4. (x + 2)log2 ( x +2) = 8(x + 2)2

Sol. (x = 6 or –3/2)

Logarithmic inequality:
Let ' a ' is a real number such that
(i) If a > 1, then loga x > loga y  x>y
(ii) If a > 1, then loga x < α  < x < aα
(iii) If a > 1, then loga x > α  x > aα
(iv) If 0 < a < 1, then loga x > loga y  0<x<y
(v) If 0 < a < 1, then loga x < α  x > aα

20. ( )
Solve the logarithmic inequality log 1 2x 2 + 7x + 7  0 .
5

( )
Sol. Since log 1 1 = 0 , the given inequality can be written as log 1 2x 2 + 7x + 7  log 1 1 when the domain
5 5 5
of the function is taken into account the inequality is equivalent to the system of ineqaulities.

2x + 7x + 7  0
2

 2
2x + 7x + 7  1

 −3 
Solving the ineqaualities by using method of intervals x  −2, 
 2
21. Solve the inequality log 1 ( 5x − 1)  0 .
3

Sol. by using the basic property of logarithm.

  2
5x − 1  1 5x  2 x
  5

 5x − 1  0 5x  1 1
x
  5
1 2
 The solution of the inequality is given by  , 
5 5
Self Practice Problems:
1. Solve the following inequalities
(i) log2 (x2 – 4x + 5) > 1
(ii) log0.2 (x2 – x – 2) > log0.2 (–x2 + 2x + 3)
Sol. (i) (–, 1)  (3, )
 5
(ii)  2, 
 2
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EXPANSION OF A DETERMINAT:

1. Expansion of two order determinant: = a1b2 – a2b1

2. Expansion of 3rd order determinant:

(i) With respect to first row:
a1 b1 c1
a 2 b2 c2 =
a3 b3 c3
= a1(b2c3 – b3c2) – b1(a2c3 – a3c2) + c1(a2b3 – b3a3)

(ii) With respect to second column:

a1 b1 c1
a c a c a c
a2 b2 c2 = −b1 2 2 + b2 1 1 − b3 1 1
a3 c3 a3 c3 a 2 c2
a3 b3 c3
= –b1(a2c3 – a3c2) + b2(a1c3 – a3c1) – b3(a1c2 – a2c1)
Similarly a determinant can be expanded with respect to any row or column.

2 3 4
22. Find the value of the determinant. 6 5 7
1 −3 2
Sol. Expanding the determinant w.r.t first row
2 3 4
5 7 6 7 6 5
6 5 7 =2 −3 +4
−3 2 1 2 1 −3
1 −3 2
= 2(10 + 21) –3(12 – 7) + 4(–18 – 5)
= 62 – 15 – 92 = –45

23. Show that (x – 4) is a factor of the polynomial x3 – 3x2 + 4x – 32.

Sol. Let p(x) = x3 – 3x2 + 4x – 32 be the given polynomial. By factor theorem, (x – a) is a factor of a
polynomial p(x) iff p(a) = 0. Therefore, in order to prove that x – 4 is a factor of p(x), it is
sufficient to show that p(4) = 0. Now, p(x) = x3 – 3x2 + 1x – 32
 p(4) = 43 – 3 × 42 + 4 × 4 – 32 = 0
Hence, (x – 4) is a factor of p(x) = x3 – 3x2 + 4x – 32.

24. Without actual division prove that 2x4 – 6x3 + 3x2 + 3x – 2 is exactly divisible by x2 – 3x + 2.
Sol. Let f(x) = 2x4 – 6x3 + 3x2 + 3x – 2 and g(x) = x2 – 3x + 2 be the given polynomials. Then
g(x) = x2 – 3x + 2 = x2 – 2x – x + 2 = x(x – 2) – 1(x – 2)
= (x –1)(x –2)
In order to prove that f(x) is exactly divisible by g(x), it is sufficient to prove that x – 1 and x – 2
are factors of f(x). For this it is sufficient to prove that f(1) = 0 and f(2) = 0.
Now, f(x) = 2x4 – 6x3 + 3x2 + 3x – 2  f(1) = 2 × 14 – 6 × 13 + 3 × 12 + 3 × 1 – 2
f(1) = 0
and, f(2) = 2 × 24 – 6 × 23 + 3 × 22 + 3 × 2 – 2
f(2) = 0
 Hence (x – 1) and (x – 2) are factors of f(x).
 g(x) = (x – 1)(x – 2) is a factors of f(x).
Hence f(x) is exactly divisible by g(x).
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25. If the polynomials P(x) = kx3 + 3x2 – 3 and Q(x) = 2x3 – 5x + k, when divided by (x – 4) leave
the same remainder, then find value of k?
Sol. P(4) = 64k + 48 – 3 = 64k + 45
Q(4) = 128 – 20 + k = k + 108
given P(4) = Q(4)
 64k + 45 = k + 108
 63k = 63  k = 1

26. A polynomial in x of second degree which will vanish at x = 4 and x = 2 and will have value 3
when x = 5 respectively, is in the form of ax2 + bx + c. Find value of a + b + c
Sol. Hence p(x) vanish at x = 2 and x = 4, so
p(x) = a(x – 2)(x – 4)
Given that p(5) = 3, (5) = a(5 – 2)(5 – 4) = 3, 3a – 3 = 0
a = 1 so,
p(x) = (x – 2)(x – 4) = x2 – 6x + 8
a+b+c=3

MODULUS FUNCTION:
The modulus of a real number x is defined as
 xif x  0
| x |= 
−xif x  0
Modulus is also known as absolute value
Graph of Modulus Function:

Absolute Value and Distance:

Geometrically, the absolute value of x is the distance between the real number x and the original
on the real number line

Absolute value as the distance from 0.

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 IOQM 2025

EXERCISE # 1

1. Find the positive real solutions of the equation x + 2 x ++ 2 x + 2 3x = x .

1 1 1
2. Find the sum + +. + .
1+ 2 2+ 3 n + n +1


3. ( ) ( )
Let  be a root of unity. Prove that −1 =  n (1 −  ) 1 − 2  1 − n with the convention that
n =0

the 0th term of the series is 1.

4. Let a n = 3n + n 2 − 1 and bn = 2 ( )
n 2 − n + n 2 + n ,n  1 .

Show that a1 − b1 + a 2 − b2 +. + a 49 − b49 = A + B 2 for some integers A and B .

5. Solve the equation x + 3 − 4 x −1 + x + 8 − 6 x −1 = 1 .

6. Let a, b be real numbers, and f(x) = ax + b satisfies |f(x)|  1 for any x  [0, 1]. Then the
maximum of ab is ........

7. Factorise the expression a(b – c)3 + b(c – a)3 + c(a – b)3.

a −b b−c c−a
8. Prove that if + + = 0 then at least two of the numbers a, b, c are equal. (Try
1 + ab 1 + bc 1 + ca
solving using Trigonometric identities too)

9. Find the value of number 143 + 153 + 163 +. + 243 + 253 .

10. Prove that the number 3

45 + 29 2 + 3 45 − 29 2 is a rational number.

3 3 2001
11. Evaluate + +. + .
1!+ 2!+ 3! 2!+ 3!+ 4! 1999!+ 2000!+ 2001!
1 1 1 1 n ( n + 3)
12. Prove that + + +. + = for all n, where n is a
1 2  3 2  3  4 3  4  5 n ( n + 1)( n + 2 ) 4 ( n + 1)( n + 2 )
natural number.

13. Prove that for any positive integer number n, n3 + 2n is divisible by 3.

14. Find the square root of −7 − 24 −1 .

m
15. If the value of x for |x – 1| = |x – 2| is of the form , where m and n are co-primes, then find
n
value of m + n.
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 IOQM 2025

16. If one root of a − x + b − x = a + b is 2012, then find the possible values of 'a' and 'b'.

20144 + 4  20134 20124 + 4  20134

17. Calculate the value of − .
20132 + 40272 20132 + 40252

(52 + 6 43)3/2 − (52 − 6 43)3/2

18. Find the value of .
18

x y z x + y + z x ( y + z) + y ( z + x ) + z ( x + y)
19. If = = , prove that = .
b+c−a c+a −b a +b−c a+b+c 2 ( ax + by + cz )

x + 1 + x − 1 4x − 1
20. Solve the equation = .
x + 1 − x −1 2

mx + n
21. Resolve into partial fractions.
( a )( x + b)
x −

22. Find the cube root of 9 3 + 11 2 .

1 1 1
23. Find all positive integers x, y satisfying + = .
x y 20

8x + 27x 7
24. Find all real numbers x for which = .
12x + 18x 6

25. Solve the equation x3 − 3x = x + 2 .

26. Find all real numbers x satisfying the equation 2x + 3x – 4x + 6x – 9x = 1.

27. ( ) ( 2
)
Solve the equation 2 2x − 1 x 2 + 2x − 2 x = 2x +1 − 2 for real numbers x.

a a 2 − 4ab + 4b2
28. Simplify the expression .
a − 2b a ( 2b − a )

7+ 3 7− 3
29. Given x = ,y = , find the value of x4 + y4 + (x + y)4 .
7− 3 7+ 3

x 2 − 4x + 3 + ( x + 1) x 2 − 9
30. Simplify the expression , where x  3 .
x 2 + 4x + 3 + ( x − 1) x 2 − 9

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 IOQM 2025

EXERCISE # 2

1. Prove that 1 + 2 1 + 3 1 + 4 1 +. = 3 .

2. Find all triples (m, n, p) of positive integers such that m + n + p =2002 and the system of
x y y z z x
equations + = m; + = n ; + = p has at least one solution in non-zero real numbers.
y x z y x z

4n + 4n 2 − 1
3. Let a n = ; for n  1. Prove that a1 + a2 + … + a40 is a positive integer.
2n + 1 + 2n − 1

4. How many different integer solutions to the inequality |x| + |y| < 100 are there ?

5. Factorize the expression (x + a)7 – (x7 + a7).

2x − 7 a b
6. Find numbers a, b, c, d for which the equation = + would be an identity.
4x + 16x + 15 x + c x + d
2

7. Solve the equation |x| + |x – 1| + |x – 2| = a where 'a' denotes a given positive number.
If a = 2, x = 1
If 2 < a < 3, x = 3 – a, x = a – 1

If a  3,x =
(3 − a ) ,x = a + 3
3 3

x3 + m3 x3 + n3 x 3 + p3 3( x − m )( x − n )( x − p ) 3
8. Find all real x which satisfy + + + = .
(x + m)3 (x + n)3 (x + p)3 2 ( x + m )( x + n )( x + p ) 2

1 1
9. The number 1, ,. are written on a blackboard. A student chooses any two of the
2 2010
numbers, say x, y erases them and then writes down x + y + xy. He continues to do this until
only one number is left on the blackboard. What is this number?

10. Let x, y and z be complex numbers such that x + y + z = 2, x2 + y2 + z2 = 3, xyz = 4.

1 1 1
Evaluate + + .
xy + z − 1 yz + x − 1 zx + y − 1

11. Find a triple of rational numbers (a, b, c) such that 3 3

2 −1 = 3 a + 3 b + 3 c .

 ( n − 1)! 1
12. Let x be a positive real number. Prove that  ( x + 1).( x + n ) = x .
n =1

13. Prove that n! > 2n for n being a positive integer greater than or equal to 4.

14. Solve: 8x3/2n − 8x −3/2n = 63

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 IOQM 2025

3x 2 + x − 2
15. Find the general term of when expanded in a series of ascending powers of x.
(x − 2)2 (1 − 2x )
7+x
16. Expand in ascending powers of x and find the general term.
(1 + x ) 1 + x 2 ( )
3
17. Find the square root of ( x − 1) + 2x 2 − 7x − 4 .
2

9
18. Suppose a, b are positive real numbers such that a a + b b = 183,a b + b a = 182 . Find (a + b) .
5

19. Find polynomials f(x), g(x) and h(x), if they exist, such that for all x,
 −1 if x  −1

f ( x ) − g ( x ) + h ( x ) =  3x + 2 if −1  x  0
−2x + 2 x 0
 if

20. Let x = a 2 + a + 1 − a 2 − a + 1,a  R . Find all possible values of x.

21. Find all real numbers x for which 10x + 11x + 12x = 13x + 14x.

n
1
22. Evaluate:  ( n − k )!( n + k )! .
k =0

23. What is the coefficient of x2 when (1 + x)(1 + 2x)(1 + 4x) ……(1 + 2nx) is expanded?

2 2
−3 −3
24. If (5 + 2 6)x + (5 − 2 6)x = 10 , then x = ……

c + 2 − c +1 c + 2 − c +1 c − c −1
25. Given that c > 1 and x = ,y = ,z = arrange x, y, z in
c − c −1 c +1 − c c + 2 − c +1
ascending order.

−1 + 3x x −2 + 2− x
26. Let x be a real number, and let A = − . Prove that A is an integer, and
1+ x 2−x
find the unit digit of A2023.

−1
 4 2 1
27. Simplify 3
3  3 − 3 + 3  .
 9 9 9

28. Given that the decimal part of M = ( 13 + 11)6 is P, find the value of M(1 – P).

x 4 − 6x3 − 2x 2 + 18x + 23
29. Find the value of when x = 19 − 8 3 .
x 2 − 8x + 15

1
30. Find the nearest integer of .
17 − 12 2

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 IOQM 2025

Answer Key

EXERCISE # 1

1. (x = 3) 2. ( n + 1 −1) 3. (Prove that)

4. ( A + B 2 = −5 + 4 2 ) 5. (5  x  10) 6. (1/4)
7. ((a – b) (b – c) (c – a) (a + b + c)) 8. (Prove that) 9. (312)
1 1
10. (Prove that) 11. ( − ) 12. (Prove that)
2 2001!

13. (Prove that) 14. (

(  3 − 4 −1 ) ) 15. (5)

16. (Prove that) 17. (0) 18. (46)

5
19. (Prove that) 20. ( ) 21.
4
1  ma + n mb − n 
+
( a + b)  x − a x + b 
22. ( 3+ 2 ) 23. ({(45, 180), (80, 80), (180, 45)})
4 4
24. (x = 1) 25. ( x = 2, x = 2cos , x = 2cos )
5 7

a
26. (x = 0) 27. (x = –1, 0 and 1) 28. (− )
2b − a

x2 − 9
29. (1152) 30. ( )
x +3

EXERCISE # 2

1. (Prove that)
2. ((2, 1000, 1000), (1000, 2, 1000), (1000, 1000, 2))
3. (Prove that)
4. (19801 integer solution)
2 2
 1+ i 3   1− i 3 
5. 7ax ( x + a )  x + a   x + a 
 2   2 
5 5 3
6. ( a = 3,b = − ,c = , d = )
2 2 2
7. If a > 2, equation has no solution.
If a = 2, x = 1
If 2 < a < 3, x = 3 – a, x = a – 1

If a  3,x =
(3 − a ) ,x = a + 3
3 3
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 IOQM 2025

8. ( x1,2 = 0;x 3,4 =  ( )

mp − np − mn ) 9. (2010)
2  4 −2 1 
10. (− ) 11.  9, 9 ,9 12. (Prove that)
9  
1
13. (Prove that) 14. x = 22n or 15.
22n
 2r 5 1 r + 1  r
− +  r − r x
 3 6 2 2 

17.
1
2
( 2x + 1 + x − 4 ) 18. (73)

(3x + 3) = f 5x 1
19. ( x );g ( x ) = & h ( x ) = −x + 20. (x  (–1, 1))
2 2 2

21. (x = 2) 22. Sn =
22n −1
+
1
23.
(2 n +1
)(
− 1 2n +1 − 2 )
( 2n )! 2(n!)2 3
24. (x = 2) 25. (y > x > z) 26. (Unit digit = 3)
27. 3
2 +1 28. (64) 29. (5)
30. (6)

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