the mathscope

All the best from

Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
Updated November 2, 2005

translated by Pham Van Thuan, Eckard Specht

Vol I, Problems in Mathematics Journal for the Youth

Mathscope is a free problem resource selected from problem solving

journals in Vietnam. This freely accessible collection is our effort to
introduce elementary mathematics problems to our foreign friends
for either recreational or professional use. We would like to give
you a new taste of Vietnamese mathematical culture. Whatever
the purpose, we welcome suggestions and comments from you all.
More communications can be addressed to Pham Van Thuan, 4E2,
565 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam, or email us at
[email protected].
It’s now not too hard to find problems and solutions on the Internet
due to the increasing numbers of websites devoted to mathematical
problems solving. Anyway, we hope that this complete collection
saves you considerable time searching the problems you really want.
We intend to give an outline of solutions to the problems, but it
would take time. Now enjoy these “cakes” from Vietnam first.

261. 1 (Ho Quang Vinh) Given a triangle ABC, its internal angle bi-
sectors BE and CF , and let M be any point on the line segment EF . De-
note by SA , SB , and SC the areas of triangles M BC, M CA, and M AB,
respectively. Prove that
√ √ r
SB + SC AC + AB
√ ≤ ,
SA BC
and determine when equality holds.

1
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
261. 2 (Editorial Board) Find the maximum value of the expression
p p
A = 13 x2 − x4 + 9 x2 + x4 for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.

261. 3 (Editorial Board) The sequence (an ), n = 1, 2, 3, . . . , is defined

by a1 > 0, and an+1 = ca2n + an for n = 1, 2, 3, . . . , where c is a constant.
Prove that
q
a) an ≥ cn−1 nn an+1 1 , and
 
1
b) a1 + a2 + · · · + an > n na1 − for n ∈ N.
c
261. 4 (Editorial Board) Let X, Y , Z be the reflections of A, B, and
C across the lines BC, CA, and AB, respectively. Prove that X, Y , and
Z are collinear if and only if
3
cos A cos B cos C = − .
8
1
261. 5 (Vinh Competition) Prove that if x, y, z > 0 and x + y1 + z1 = 1
then the following inequality holds:
 1  1  1  1
1− 1 − 1 − > .
1 + x2 1 + y2 1 + z2 2
261. 6 (Do Van Duc) Given four real numbers x1 , x2 , x3 , x4 such that
x1 + x2 + xQ
3 + x4 = 0 and |x1 | + |x2 | + |x3 | + |x4 | = 1, find the maximum
value of (xi − xj ).
1≤i<j≤4

261. 7 (Doan Quang Manh) Given a rational number x ≥ 1 such that

there exists a sequence of integers (an ), n = 0, 1, 2, . . . , and a constant
c 6= 0 such that lim (cxn − an ) = 0. Prove that x is an integer.
n→∞

262. 1 (Ngo Van Hiep) Let ABC an equilateral triangle of side length
a. For each point M in the interior of the triangle, choose points D,
E, F on the sides CA, AB, and BC, respectively, such that DE = M A,
EF = M B, and F D = M C. Determine M such that △DEF has smallest
possible area and calculate this area in terms of a.

262. 2 (Nguyen Xuan Hung) Given is an acute triangle with altitude

AH. Let D be any point on the line segment AH not coinciding with the
endpoints of this segment and the orthocenter of triangle ABC. Let ray
BD intersect AC at M , ray CD meet AB at N . The line perpendicular
to BM at M meets the line perpendicular to CN at N in the point S.
Prove that △ABC is isosceles with base BC if and only if S is on line
AH.

2
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
262. 3 (Nguyen Duy Lien) The sequence (an ) is defined by
p
a0 = 2, an+1 = 4an + 15a2n − 60 for n ∈ N.
Find the general term an . Prove that 51 (a2n + 8) can be expressed as the
sum of squares of three consecutive integers for n ≥ 1.

262. 4 (Tuan Anh) Let p be a prime, n and k positive integers with

k > 1. Suppose that bi , i = 1, 2, . . . , k, are integers such that

i) 0 ≤ bi ≤ k − 1 for all i,
k
X

ii) pnk−1 is a divisor of pnbi −pn(k−1) − pn(k−2) − · · · − pn − 1.
i=1

Prove that the sequence (b1 , b2 , . . . , bk ) is a permutation of the sequence

(0, 1, . . . , k − 1).

262. 5 (Doan The Phiet) Without use of any calculator, determine

π π π
sin + 6 sin2 − 8 sin4 .
14 14 14
264. 1 (Tran Duy Hinh) Prove that the sum of all squares of the divi-
√
sors of a natural number n is less than n2 n.

264. 2 (Hoang Ngoc Canh) Given two polynomials

f (x) = x4 − (1 + ex ) + e2 , g(x) = x4 − 1,
prove that for distinct positive numbers a, b satisfying ab = ba , we have
f (a)f (b) < 0 and g(a)g(b) > 0.

264. 3 (Nguyen Phu Yen) Solve the equation

(x − 1)4 1
2 2
+ (x2 − 3)4 + = 3x2 − 2x − 5.
(x − 3) (x − 1)2

264. 4 (Nguyen Minh Phuong, Nguyen Xuan Hung) Let I be the

incenter of triangle ABC. Rays AI, BI, and CI meet the circumcircle of
triangle ABC again at X, Y , and Z, respectively. Prove that
1 1 1 3
a) IX + IY + IZ ≥ IA + IB + IC, b) + + ≥ .
IX IY IZ R
265. 1 (Vu Dinh Hoa) The lengths of the four sides of a convex quadri-
lateral are natural numbers such that the sum of any three of them is di-
visible by the fourth number. Prove that the quadrilateral has two equal
sides.

3
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
265. 2 (Dam Van Nhi) Let AD, BE, and CF be the internal angle bi-
sectors of triangle ABC. Prove that p(DEF ) ≤ 21 p(ABC), where p(XY Z)
denotes the perimeter of triangle XY Z. When does equality hold?

266. 1 (Le Quang Nam) Given real numbers x, y, z ≥ −1 satisfying

x3 + y 3 + z 3 ≥ x2 + y 2 + z 2 , prove that x5 + y 5 + z 5 ≥ x2 + y 2 + z 2 .

266. 2 (Dang Nhon) Let ABCD be a rhombus with ∠A = 120◦ . A ray

Ax and AB make an angle of 15◦ , and Ax meets BC and CD at M and
N , respectively. Prove that
3 3 4
2
+ 2
= .
AM AN AB 2
266. 3 (Ha Duy Hung) Given an isosceles triangle with ∠A = 90◦ . Let
M be a variable point on line BC, (M distinct from B, C). Let H and K
be the orthogonal projections of M onto lines AB and AC, respectively.
Suppose that I is the intersection of lines CH and BK. Prove that the
line M I has a fixed point.

266. 4 (Luu Xuan Tinh) Let x, y be real numbers in the interval (0, 1)
and x + y = 1, find the minimum of the expression xx + y y .

267. 1 (Do Thanh Han) Let x, y, z be real numbers such that

x2 + z 2 = 1,
y 2 + 2y(x + z) = 6.

Prove that y(z − x) ≤ 4, and determine when equality holds.

267. 2 (Le Quoc Han) In triangle ABC, medians AM and CN meet

at G. Prove that the quadrilateral BM GN has an incircle if and only if
triangle ABC is isosceles at B.

267. 3 (Tran Nam Dung) In triangle ABC, denote by a, b, c the side

lengths, and F the area. Prove that
1
F ≤ (3a2 + 2b2 + 2c2 ),
16
and determine when equality holds. Can we find another set of the coef-
ficients of a2 , b2 , and c2 for which equality holds?

268. 1 (Do Kim Son) In a triangle, denote by a, b, c the side lengths,

and let r, R be the inradius and circumradius, respectively. Prove that
√
a(b + c − a)2 + b(c + a − b)2 + c(a + b − c)2 ≤ 6 3R2 (2R − r).

4
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
268. 2 (Dang Hung Thang) The sequence (an ), n ∈ N, is defined by
a0 = a, a1 = b, an+2 = dan+1 − an for n = 0, 1, 2, . . . ,
where a, b are non-zero integers, d is a real number. Find all d such that
an is an integer for n = 0, 1, 2, . . . .

271. 1 (Doan The Phiet) Find necessary and sufficient conditions with
respect to m such that the system of equations

x2 + y 2 + z 2 + xy − yz − zx = 1,
y 2 + z 2 + yz = 2,
z 2 + x2 + zx = m

has a solution.

272. 1 (Nguyen Xuan Hung) Given are three externally tangent cir-
cles (O1 ), (O2 ), and (O3 ). Let A, B, C be respectively the points of tan-
gency of (O1 ) and (O3 ), (O2 ) and (O3 ), (O1 ) and (O2 ). The common
tangent of (O1 ) and (O2 ) meets C and (O3 ) at M and N . Let D be the
midpoint of M N . Prove that C is the center of one of the excircles of
triangle ABD.

272. 2 (Trinh Bang Giang) Let ABCD be a convex quadrilateral such

that AB + CD = BC + DA. Find the locus of points M interior to
quadrilateral ABCD such that the sum of the distances from M to AB
and CD is equal to the sum of the distances from M to BC and DA.

272. 3 (Ho Quang Vinh) Let M and m be the greatest and smallest
numbers in the set of positive numbers a1 , a2 , . . . , an , n ≥ 2. Prove that
X n Xn r r 
1 2 n(n − 1)  M m 2
ai ≤n + − .
ai 2 m M
i=1 i=1

272. 4 (Nguyen Huu Du) Find all primes p such that

f (p) = (2 + 3) − (22 + 32 ) + (23 + 33 ) − · · · − (2p−1 + 3p−1 ) + (2p + 3p )
is divisible by 5.

274. 1 (Dao Manh Thang) Let p be the semiperimeter and R the cir-
cumradius of triangle ABC. Furthermore, let D, E, F be the excenters.
Prove that
√
DE 2 + EF 2 + F D2 ≥ 8 3pR,
and determine the equality case.

5
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
274. 2 (Doan The Phiet) Detemine the positive root of the equation
 1 1
1 1+ x 3
 1 1+ x2
x ln 1 + −x ln 1 + 2 = 1 − x.
x x
274. 3 (N.Khanh Nguyen) Let ABCD be a cyclic quadrilateral. Points
M , N , P , and Q are chosen on the sides AB, BC, CD, and DA, re-
spectively, such that M A/M B = P D/P C = AD/BC and QA/QD =
N B/N C = AB/CD. Prove that M P is perpendicular to N Q.
274. 4 (Nguyen Hao Lieu) Prove the inequality for x ∈ R:
x
1 + 2x arctan x 1 + e2
≥ .
2 + ln(1 + x2 )2 3 + ex
275. 1 (Tran Hong Son) Let x, y, z be real numbers in the interval [−2, 2],
prove the inequality
2(x6 + y 6 + z 6 ) − (x4 y 2 + y 4 z 2 + z 4 x2 ) ≤ 192.
276. 1 (Vu Duc Canh) Find the maximum value of the expression
a3 + b3 + c3
f= ,
abc
where a, b, c are real numbers lying in the interval [1, 2].
276. 2 (Ho Quang Vinh) Given a triangle ABC with sides BC = a,
CA = b, and AB = c. Let R and r be the circumradius and inradius of
the triangle, respectively. Prove that
a3 + b3 + c3 2r
≥4− .
abc R
276. 3 (Pham Hoang Ha) Given a triangle ABC, let P be a point on
the side BC, let H, K be the orthogonal projections of P onto AB, AC
respectively. Points M , N are chosen on AB, AC such that P M k AC
and P N k AB. Compare the areas of triangles P HK and P M N .
276. 4 (Do Thanh Han) How many 6-digit natural numbers exist with
the distinct digits and two arbitrary consecutive digits can not be simul-
taneously odd numbers?
277. 1 (Nguyen Hoi) The incircle with center O of a triangle touches
the sides AB, AC, and BC respectively at D, E, and F . The escribed
circle of triangle ABC in the angle A has center Q and touches the side
BC and the rays AB, AC respectively at K, H, and I. The line DE
meets the rays BO and CO respectively at M and N . The line HI meets
the rays BQ and CQ at R and S, respectively. Prove that
IS SR RH
a) △F M N = △KRS, b) = = .
AB BC CA

6
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
277. 2 (Nguyen Duc Huy) Find all rational numbers p, q, r such that
π 2π 3π
p cos + q cos + r cos = 1.
7 7 7
277. 3 (Nguyen Xuan Hung) Let ABCD be a bicentric quadrilateral
inscribed in a circle with center I and circumcribed about a circle with
center O. A line through I, parallel to a side of ABCD, intersects its
two opposite sides at M and N . Prove that the length of M N does not
depend on the choice of side to which the line is parallel.

277. 4 (Dinh Thanh Trung) Let x ∈ (0, π) be real number and sup-
pose that πx is not rational. Define
S1 = sin x, S2 = sin x + sin 2x, . . . , Sn = sin x + sin 2x + · · · + sin nx.
Let tn be the number of negative terms in the sequence S1 , S2 , . . . , Sn .
Prove that lim tnn = 2π
x
.
n→∞

279. 1 (Nguyen Huu Bang) Find all natural numbers a > 1, such that
if p is a prime divisor of a then the number of all divisors of a which are
relatively prime to p, is equal to the number of the divisors of a that are
not relatively prime to p.

279. 2 (Le Duy Ninh) Prove that for all real numbers a, b, x, y satisfy-
ing x + y = a + b and x4 + y 4 = a4 + b4 then xn + y n = an + bn for all
n ∈ N.

279. 3 (Nguyen Huu Phuoc) Given an equilateral triangle ABC, find

the locus of points M interior to ABC such that if the orthogonal pro-
jections of M onto BC, CA and AB are D, E, and F , respectively, then
AD, BE, and CF are concurrent.

279. 4 (Nguyen Minh Ha) Let M be a point in the interior of triangle

ABC and let X, Y , Z be the reflections of M across the sides BC, CA,
and AB, respectively. Prove that triangles ABC and XY Z have the same
centroid.

279. 5 (Vu Duc Son) Find all positive integers n such that n < tn ,
where tn is the number of positive divisors of n2 .

279. 6 (Tran Nam Dung) Find the maximum value of the expression
x y z
2
+ 2
+ ,
1+x 1+y 1 + z2
where x, y, z are real numbers satisfying the condition x + y + z = 1.

7
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
279. 7 (Hoang Hoa Trai) √ Given are three
√ concentric circles with center
O, and radii r1 = 1, r2 = 2, and r3 = 5. Let A, B, C be three non-
collinear points lying respectively on these circles and let F be the area
of triangle ABC. Prove that F ≤ 3, and determine the side lengths of
triangle ABC.

281. 1 (Nguyen Xuan Hung) Let P be a point exterior to a circle with

center O. From P construct two tangents touching the circle at A and B.
Let Q be a point, distinct from P , on the circle. The tangent at Q of the
circle intersects AB and AC at E and F , respectively. Let BC intersect
OE and OF at X and Y , respectively. Prove that XY /EF is a constant
when P varies on the circle.

281. 2 (Ho Quang Vinh) In a triangle ABC, let BC = a, CA = b,

AB = c be the sides, r, ra , rb , and rc be the inradius and exradii. Prove
that
abc a3 b3 c3
≥ + + .
r ra rb rc

283. 1 (Tran Hong Son) Simplify the expression

p p p √
x(4 − y)(4 − z) + y(4 − z)(4 − x) + z(4 − x)(4 − y) − xyz,
√
where x, y, z are positive numbers such that x + y + z + xyz = 4.

283. 2 (Nguyen Phuoc) Let ABCD be a convex quadrilateral, M be

the midpoint of AB. Point P is chosen on the segment AC such that lines
M P and BC intersect at T . Suppose that Q is on the segment BD such
that BQ/QD = AP/P C. Prove that the line T Q has a fixed point when
P moves on the segment AC.

284. 1 (Nguyen Huu Bang) Given an integer n > 0 and a prime p >
n + 1, prove or disprove that the following equation has integer solutions:
x x2 xp
1+ + + ··· + = 0.
n + 1 2n + 1 pn + 1

284. 2 (Le Quang Nam) Let x, y be real numbers such that

p p
(x + 1 + y 2 )(y + 1 + x2 ) = 1,

prove that
p p
(x + 1 + x2 )(y + 1 + y 2 ) = 1.

8
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
284. 3 (Nguyen Xuan Hung) The internal angle bisectors AD, BE,
and CF of a triangle ABC meet at point Q. Prove that if the inradii of
triangles AQF , BQD, and CQE are equal then triangle ABC is equilat-
eral.

284. 4 (Tran Nam Dung) Disprove that there exists a polynomial p(x)
of degree greater than 1 such that if p(x) is an integer then p(x + 1) is
also an integer for x ∈ R.

285. 1 (Nguyen Duy Lien) Given an odd natural number p and inte-
gers a, b, c, d, e such that a + b + c + d + e and a2 + b2 + c2 + d2 + e2 are all
divisible by p. Prove that a5 + b5 + c5 + d5 + e5 − 5abcde is also divisible
by p.

285. 2 (Vu Duc Canh) Prove that if x, y ∈ R∗ then

2x2 + 3y 2 2y 2 + 3x2 4
3 3
+ 3 3
≤ .
2x + 3y 2y + 3x x+y
285. 3 (Nguyen Huu Phuoc) Let P be a point in the interior of trian-
gle ABC. Rays AP , BP , and CP intersect the sides BC, CA, and AB
at D, E, and F , respectively. Let K be the point of intersection of DE
and CM , H be the point of intersection of DF and BM . Prove that AD,
BK and CH are concurrent.

285. 4 (Tran Tuan Anh) Let a, b, c be non-negative real numbers, de-

termine all real numbers x such that the following inequality holds:

[a2 + b2 + (x − 1)c2 ][a2 + c2 + (x − 1)b2 ][b2 + c2 + (x − 1)a2 ]

≤ (a2 + xbc)(b2 + xac)(c2 + xab).

285. 5 (Truong Cao Dung) Let O and I be the circumcenter and in-
center of a triangle ABC. Rays AI, BI, and CI meet the circumcircle at
D, E, and F , respectively. Let Ra , Rb , and Rc be the radii of the escribed
circles of △ABC, and let Rd , Re , and Rf be the radii of the escribed
circles of triangle DEF . Prove that
Ra + Rb + Rc ≤ Rd + Re + Rf .

285. 6 (Do Quang Duong) Determine allpintegers k such that the se-
quence defined by a1 = 1, an+1 = 5an + ka2n − 8 for n = 1, 2, 3, . . .
includes only integers.

286. 1 (Tran Hong Son) Solve the equation

√ √
18x2 − 18x x − 17x − 8 x − 2 = 0.

9
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
286. 2 (Pham Hung) Let ABCD be a square. Points E, F are chosen
on CB and CD, respectively, such that BE/BC = k, and DF/DC =
(1 − k)/(1 + k), where k is a given number, 0 < k < 1. Segment BD meets
AE and AF at H and G, respectively. The line through A, perpendicular
to EF , intersects BD at P . Prove that P G/P H = DG/BH.

286. 3 (Vu Dinh Hoa) In a convex hexagon, the segment joining two
of its vertices, dividing the hexagon into two quadrilaterals is called a
principal diagonal. Prove that in every convex hexagon, in which the
length of each side is equal to 1, there exists a principal diagonal with
length not greater
√ than 2 and there exists a principal diagonal with length
greater than 3.

286. 4 (Do Ba Chu) Prove that in any acute or right triangle ABC the
following inequality holds:
√
A B C A B C 10 3
tan + tan + tan + tan tan tan ≥ .
2 2 2 2 2 2 9
π
286. 5 (Tran Tuan Diep) In triangle ABC, no angle exceeding 2, and
each angle is greater than π4 . Prove that
√
cot A + cot B + cot C + 3 cot A cot B cot C ≤ 4(2 − 2).

287. 1 (Tran Nam Dung) Suppose that a, b are positive integers such
that 2a − 1, 2b − 1 and a + b are all primes. Prove that ab + ba and aa + bb
are not divisible by a + b.

287. 2 (Pham Dinh Truong) Let ABCD be a square in which the two
diagonals intersect at E. A line through A meets BC at M and intersects
CD at N . Let K be the intersection point of EM and BN . Prove that
CK ⊥ BN .

287. 3 (Nguyen Xuan Hung) Let ABC be a right isosceles triangle,

∠A = 90◦ , I be the incenter of the triangle, M be the midpoint of BC.
Let M I intersect AB at N and E be the midpoint of IN . Furthermore,
F is chosen on side BC such that F C = 3F B. Suppose that the line EF
intersects AB and AC at D and K, respectively. Prove that △ADK is
isosceles.

287. 4 (Hoang Hoa Trai) Given a positive integer n, and w is the sum
of n first integers. Prove that the equation
x3 + y 3 + z 3 + t3 = 2w3 − 1
has infinitely many integer solutions.

10
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
288. 1 (Vu Duc Canh) Find necessary and sufficient conditions for a, b, c
for which the following equation has no solutions:
a(ax2 + bx + c)2 + b(ax2 + bx + c) + c = x.

288. 2 (Pham Ngoc Quang) Let ABCD be a cyclic quadrilateral, P

be a variable point on the arc BC not containing A, and F be the foot of
the perpendicular from C onto AB. Suppose that △M EF is equilateral,
calculate IK/R, where I is the incenter of triangle ABC and K the in-
tersection (distinct from A) of ray AI and the circumcircle of radius R of
triangle ABC.

288. 3 (Nguyen Van Thong) Given a prime p > 2 such that p − 2 is

divisible by 3. Prove that the set of integers defined by y 2 − x3 − 1, where
x, y are non-negative integers smaller than p, has at most p − 1 elements
divisible by p.

289. 1 (Thai Nhat Phuong) Let ABC be a right isosceles triangle with
A = 90◦ . Let M be the midpoint of BC, G be a point on side AB such
that GB = 2GA. Let GM intersect CA at D. The line through M ,
perpendicular to CG at E, intersects AC at K. Finally, let P be the point
of intersection of DE and GK. Prove that DE = BC and P G = P E.

289. 2 (Ho Quang Vinh) Given a convex quadrilateral ABCD, let M

and N be the midpoints of AD and BC, respectively, P be the point of
intersection of AN and BM , and Q the intersection point of DN and
CM . Prove that
PA PB QC QD
+ + + ≥ 4,
PN PM QM QN
and determine when equality holds.

290. 1 (Nguyen Song Minh) Given x, y, z, t ∈ R and real polynomial

F (x, y, z, t) = 9(x2 y 2 + y 2 z 2 + z 2 t2 + t2 x2 ) + 6xz(y 2 + t2 ) − 4xyzt.

a) Prove that the polynomial can be factored into the product of

two quadratic polynomials.
b) Find the minimum value of the polynomial F if xy + zt = 1.

290. 2 (Pham Hoang Ha) Let M be a point on the internal angle bi-
sector AD of triangle ABC, M distinct from A, D. Ray AM intersects
side AC at E, ray CM meets side AB at F . Prove that if
1 1 1 1
+ = +
AB 2 AE 2 AC 2 AF 2
then △ABC is isosceles.

11
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
290. 3 (Do Anh) Consider a triangle ABC and its incircle. The internal
angle bisector AD and median AM intersect the incircle again at P and
Q, respectively. Compare the lengths of DP and M Q.

290. 4 (Nguyen Duy Lien) Find all pairs of integers (a, b) such that
a + b2 divides a2 b − 1.

290. 5 (Dinh Thanh Trung) Determine all real functions f (x), g(x)
such that f (x) − f (y) = cos(x + y) · g(x − y) for all x, y ∈ R.

290. 6 (Nguyen Minh Duc) Find all real numbers a such that the sys-
tem of equations has real solutions in x, y, z:
√ p √
x − 1 + y − 1 + z − 1 = a − 1,
√ p √
x + 1 + y + 1 + z + 1 = a + 1.

290. 7 (Doan Kim Sang) Given a positive integer n, find the number
of positive integers, not exceeding n(n + 1)(n + 2), which are divisible by
n, n + 1, and n + 2.

291. 1 (Bui Minh Duy) Given three distinct numbers a, b, c such that
a b c
+ + = 0,
b−c c−a a−b
prove that any two of the numbers have different signs.

291. 2 (Do Thanh Han) Given three real numbers x, y, z that satisfy
the conditions 0 < x < y ≤ z ≤ 1 and 3x + 2y + z ≤ 4. Find the maximum
value of the expression 3x3 + 2y 2 + z 2 .

291. 3 (Vi Quoc Dung) Given a circle of center O and two points A, B
on the circle. A variable circle through A, B has center Q. Let P be the
reflection of Q across the line AB. Line AP intersects the circle O again
at E, while line BE, E distinct from B, intersects the circle Q again at
F . Prove that F lies on a fixed line when circle Q varies.

291. 4 (Vu Duc Son) Find all functions f : Q → Q such that

f (f (x) + y) = x + f (y) for x, y ∈ Q.

291. 5 (Nguyen Van Thong) Find the maximum value of the expres-
sion
x2 (y − z) + y 2 (z − y) + z 2 (1 − z),
where x, y, z are real numbers such that 0 ≤ x ≤ y ≤ z ≤ 1.

12
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
291. 6 (Vu Thanh Long) Given an acute-angled triangle ABC with
side lengths a, b, c. Let R, r denote its circumradius and inradius, re-
spectively, and F its area. Prove the inequality
8
ab + bc + ca ≥ 2R2 + 2Rr + √ F.
3

292. 1 (Thai Nhat Phuong, Tran Ha) Let x, y, z be positive numbers

such that xyz = 1, prove the inequality
x2 y2 z2
+ + ≤ 1.
x + y + y 3 z y + z + z 3 x z + x + x3 y

292. 2 (Pham Ngoc Boi) Let p be an odd prime, let a1 , a2 , . . . , ap−1

be p − 1 integers that are not divisible by p. Prove that among the sums
T = k1 a1 + k2 a2 + · · · + kp−1 ap−1 , where ki ∈ {−1, 1} for i = 1, 2, . . . , p − 1,
there exists at least a sum T divisible by p.

292. 3 (Ha Vu Anh) Given are two circles Γ1 and Γ2 intersecting at two
distinct points A, B and a variable point P on Γ1 , P distinct from A and
B. The lines P A, P B intersect Γ2 at D and E, respectively. Let M be
the midpoint of DE. Prove that the line M P has a fixed point.

294. 1 (Phung Trong Thuc) Triangle ABC is inscribed in a circle of

center O. Let M be a point on side AC, M distinct from A, C, the line
BM meets the circle again at N . Let Q be the intersection of a line
through A perpendicular to AB and a line through N perpendicular to
N C. Prove that the line QM has a fixed point when M varies on AC.

294. 2 (Tran Xuan Bang) Let A, B be the intersections of circle O of

radius R and circle O′ of radius R′ . A line touches circle O and O′ at T
and T ′ , respectively. Prove that B is the centroid of triangle AT T ′ if and
only if
√
′ 3
OO = (R + R′ ).
2
294. 3 (Vu Tri Duc) If a, b, c are positive real numbers such that ab +
bc + ca = 1, find the minimum value of the expression w(a2 + b2 ) + c2 ,
where w is a positive real number.

294. 4 (Le Quang Nam) Let p be a prime greater than 3, prove that
p−1
4
2001p2 −1 − 1 is divisible by p .

13
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
294. 5 (Truong Ngoc Dac) Let x, y, z be positive real numbers such
that x = max{x, y, z}, find the minimum value of
r r
x y z
+ 1+ + 3 1+ .
y z x

294. 6 (Pham Hoang Ha) The sequence (an ), n = 1, 2, 3, . . . , is defined

1√
by an = n2 (n+2) n+1
for n = 1, 2, 3, . . . .
Prove that
1
a1 + a2 + · · · + an < √ for n = 1, 2, 3, . . . .
2 2

294. 7 (Vu Huy Hoang) Given are a circle O of radius R, and an odd
natural number n. Find the positions of n points A1 , A2 , . . . , An on the
circle such that the sum A1 A2 +A2 A3 +· · ·+An−1 An +An A1 is a minimum.

295. 1 (Tran Tuyet Thanh) Solve the equation

√
x2 − x − 1000 1 + 8000x = 1000.

295. 2 (Pham Dinh Truong) Let A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 be a convex hexagon

with parallel opposite sides. Let B1 , B2 , and B3 be the points of inter-
section of pairs of diagonals A1 A4 and A2 A5 , A2 A5 and A3 A6 , A3 A6 and
A1 A4 , respectively. Let C1 , C2 , C3 be respectively the midpoints of the
segments A3 A6 , A1 A4 , A2 A5 . Prove that B1 C1 , B2 C2 , B3 C3 are concur-
rent.

295. 3 (Bui The Hung) Let A, B be respectively the greatest and small-
est numbers from the set of n positive numbers x1 , x2 , . . . , xn , n ≥ 2. Prove
that
(x1 + x2 + · · · + xn )2
A< < 2B.
x1 + 2x2 + · · · + nxn

295. 4 (Tran Tuan Anh) Prove that if x, y, z > 0 then

a) (x + y + z)3 (y + z − x)(z + x − y)(x + y − z) ≤ 27x3 y 3 z 3 ,

b) (x2 + y 2 + z 2 )(y + z − x)(z + x − y)(x + y − z) ≤ xyz(yz + zx + xy),
c) (x + y + z) [2(yz + zx + xy) − (x2 + y 2 + z 2 )] ≤ 9xyz.

295. 5 (Vu Thi Hue Phuong) Find all functions f : D → D, where

D = [1, +∞) such that

f (xf (y)) = yf (x) for x, y ∈ D.

14
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
295. 6 (Nguyen Viet Long) Given an even natural number n, find all
polynomials pn (x) of degree n such that

i) all the coefficients of pn (x) are elements from the set {0, −1, 1} and
pn (0) 6= 0;

ii) there exists a polynomial q(x) with coefficients from the set {0, −1, 1}
such that pn (x) ≡ (x2 − 1)q(x).

296. 1 (Thoi Ngoc Anh) Prove that

r q
√
3 − 6 + 6 + ··· + 6
| {z }
1 n times 5
< r < ,
6 q
√ 27
3 − 6 + 6 + ··· + 6
| {z }
(n−1) times

where there are n radical signs in the expression of the numerator and
n − 1 ones in the expression of the denominator.

296. 2 (Vi Quoc Dung) Let ABC be a triangle and M the midpoint of
BC. The external angle bisector of A meets BC at D. The circumcircle
of triangle ADM intersects line AB and line AC at E and F , respectively.
If N is the midpoint of EF , prove that M N k AD.

296. 3 (Nguyen Van Hien) Let k, n ∈ N such that k < n. Prove that
(n + 1)n+1 n! nn
< < .
(k + 1)k+1 (n − k + 1)n−k+1 k! (n − k)! k k (n − k + 1)n−k

297. 1 (Nguyen Huu Phuoc) Given a circle with center O and diame-
ter EF . Points N, P are chosen on line EF such that ON = OP . From
a point M interior to the circle, not lying on EF , draw M N intersecting
the circle at A and C, draw M P meeting the circle at B and D such that
B and O are on different sides of AC. Let K be the point of intersection
of OB and AC, Q the point of intersection of EF and CD. Prove that
lines KQ, BD, AO are concurrent.

297. 2 (Tran Nam Dung) Let a and b two relatively prime numbers.
Prove that there exist exactly 21 (ab − a − b + 1) natural numbers that
can not be written in the form ax + by, where x and y are non-negative
integers.

15
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
297. 3 (Le Quoc Han) The circle with center I and radius r touches
the sides BC = a, CA = b, and AB = c of triangle ABC at M, N , and
P , respectively. Let F be the area of triangle ABC and ha , hb , hc be the
lengths of the altitudes of △ABC. Prove that
a) 4F 2 = ab · M N 2 + bc · N P 2 + ca · P M 2 ;
MN2 NP2 PM2
b) + + = 1.
ha hb hb hc hc ha
298. 1 (Pham Hoang Ha) Let P be the midpoint of side BC of triangle
ABC and let BE, CF be two altitudes of the triangle. The line through A,
perpendicular to P F , meets CF at M ; the line through A, perpendicular
to P E, intersects BE at N . Let K and G be respectively the midpoints
of BM and CN . Finally, let H be the intersection of KF and GE. Prove
that AH is perpendicular to EF .
298. 2 (Pham Dinh Truong) Let ABCD be a square. Points E and F
are chosen on sides AB and CD, respectively, such that AE = CF . Let
AD intersect CE and BF at M and N , respectively. Suppose that P is
the intersection of BM and CN , find the locus of P when E and F move
on the side AB and CD, respectively.
298. 3 (Nguyen Minh Ha) Let ABCD be a convex quadrilateral, let
AB intersect CD at E; AD intersects BC at F . Prove that the midpoints
of line segments AB, CD, and EF are collinear.
298. 4 (Nguyen Minh Ha) Given a cylic quadrilateral ABCD, M is
any point in the plane. Let X, Y, Z, T, U, V be the orthogonal projections
of M on the lines AB, CD, AC, DB, AD, and BC. Let E, F , G be the
midpoints of XY , ZT , and U V . Prove that E, F , and G are collinear.
300. 1 (Vu Tri Duc) √ Find the maximum and minimum values of the
√
expression x 1 + y + y 1 + x, where x, y are non-negative real numbers
such that x + y = 1.
300. 2 (Nguyen Xuan Hung) Let P be a point in the interior of trian-
gle ABC. The incircle of triangle ABC is tangent to sides BC, CA and
AB at D, E, and F , respectively. The incircle of triangle P BC touches
the sides BC, CP , and P B at K, M , and N , respectively. Suppose that
Q is the point of intersection of lines EM and F N . Prove that A, P , Q
are collinear if and only if K coincides with D.
300. 3 (Huynh Tan Chau) Determine all pairs of integers (m, n) such
that
n (m2 − n2 )n/m − 1
= .
m (m2 − n2 )n/m + 1

16
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
300. 4 (Vo Giang Giai, Manh Tu) Prove that if a, b, c, d, e ≥ 0 then
a+b+c+d+e √ 5 q
≥ abcde + ,
5 20
√ √ 2 √ √ 2 √ √ √ √
where q = ( a − b) + ( b − c) + ( c − d)2 + ( d − e)2 .
1 1
306. 1 (Phan Thi Mui) Prove that if x, y, z > 0 and x+y + z1 = 1 then

(x + y − z − 1)(y + z − x − 1)(z + x − y − 1) ≤ 8.

306. 2 (Tran Tuan Anh) Given an integer m ≥ 4, find the maximum

and minimum values of the expression abm−1 + am−1 b, where a, b are real
numbers such that a + b = 1 and 0 ≤ a, b ≤ m−2
m .

308. 1 (Le Thi Anh Thu) Find all integer solutions of the equation

4(a − x)(x − b) + b − a = y 2 ,

where a, b are given integers, a > b.

308. 2 (Phan The Hai) Given a convex quadrilateral ABCD, E is the

point of intersection of AB and CD, and F is the intersection of AD and
BC. The diagonals AC and BD meet at O. Suppose that M , N , P , Q are
the midpoints of AB, BC, CD, and DA. Let H be the intersection of OF
and M P , and K the intersection of OE and N Q. Prove that HK k EF .

309. 1 (Vu Hoang Hiep) Given a positive integer n, find the smallest
possible t = t(n) such that for all real numbers x1 , x2 , . . . , xn we have
n
X
(x1 + x2 + · · · + xk )2 ≤ t(x21 + x22 + · · · + x2n ).
k=1

309. 2 (Le Xuan Son) Given a triangle ABC, prove that

√
3 3
sin A cos B + sin B cos C + sin C cos A ≤ .
4
311. 1 (Nguyen Xuan Hung) The chord P Q of the circumcircle of a
triangle ABC meets its incircle at M and N . Prove that P Q ≥ 2M N .

311. 2 (Dam Van Nhi) Given a convex quadrilateral ABCD with per-
pendicular diagonals AC and BD, let BC intersect AD at I and let AB
meet CD at J. Prove that BDIJ is cyclic if and only if AB · CD =
AD · BC.

17
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
318. 1 (Dau Thi Hoang Oanh) Prove that if 2n is a sum of two dis-
tinct perfect square numbers (greater than 1) then n2 + 2n is the sum of
four perfect square numbers (greater than 1).

318. 2 (Nguyen De) Solve the system of equations

x2 (y + z)2 = (3x2 + x + 1)y 2 z 2 ,
y 2 (z + x)2 = (4y 2 + y + 1)z 2 x2 ,
z 2 (x + y)2 = (5z 2 + z + 1)x2 y 2 .

318. 3 (Tran Viet Hung) A quadrilateral ABCD is insribed in a circle

such that the circle of diameter CD intersects the line segments AC, AD,
BC, BD respectively at A1 , A2 , B1 , B2 , and the circle of diameter AB
meets the line segments CA, CB, DA, DB respectively at C1 , C2 , D1 , D2 .
Prove that there exists a circle that is tangent to the four lines A1 A2 ,
B1 B2 , C1 C2 and D1 D2 .

319. 1 (Duong Chau Dinh) Prove the inequality

1
x2 y + y 2 z + z 2 x ≤ x3 + y 3 + z 3 ≤ 1 + (x4 + y 4 + z 4 ),
2
where x, y, z are real non-negative numbers such that x + y + z = 2.

319. 2 (To Minh Hoang) Find all functions f : N → N such that

2(f (m2 + n2 ))3 = f 2 (m)f (n) + f 2 (n)f (m)
for distinct m and n.

319. 3 (Tran Viet Anh) Suppose that AD, BE and CF are the alti-
tudes of an acute triangle ABC. Let M, N, and P be the intersection
points of AD and EF , BE and F D, CF and DE respectively. Denote
the area of triangle XY Z by F [XY Z]. Prove that
1 F [M N P ] 1
≤ 2 ≤ .
F [ABC] F [DEF ] 8 cos A cos B cos C · F [ABC]
320. 1 (Nguyen
√ Quang
√ Long) Find the maximum value of the func-
tion f = 4x − x3 + x + x3 for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2.

320. 2 (Vu Dinh Hoa) Two circles of centers O and O′ intersect at P

and Q (see Figure). The common tangent, adjacent to P , of the two circles
touches O at A and O′ at B. The tangent of circle O at P intersects O′
at C; and the tangent of O′ at P meets the circle O at D. Let M be the
reflection of P across the midpoint of AB. The line AP intersects BC at
E and the line BP meets AD at F . Prove that the hexagon AM BEQF
is cyclic.

18
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals

Mb
B
b
Ab

P bF
E b

b b
O′
b b
D b C
Q

320. 3 (Ho Quang Vinh) Let R and r be the circumradius and inra-
dius of triangle ABC; the incircle touches the sides of the triangle at
three points which form a triangle of perimeter p. Suppose that q is the
perimeter of triangle ABC. Prove that r/R ≤ p/q ≤ 21 .

321. 1 (Le Thanh Hai) Prove that for all positive numbers a, b, c, d

a b c a+b+c
a) + + ≥ √ ;
b c a 3
abc
a2 b2 c2 d2 a+b+c+d
b) 2
+ 2
+ 2
+ 2
≥ √ .
b c d a 4
abcd

321. 2 (Pham Hoang Ha) Find necessary and sufficient conditions for
which the system of equations

x2 = (2 + m)y 3 − 3y 2 + my,
y 2 = (2 + m)z 3 − 3z 2 + mz,
z 2 = (2 + m)x3 − 3x2 + mx

has a unique solution.

321. 3 (Tran Viet Anh) Let m, n, p be three positive integers such that
n+1 is divisible by m. Find a formula for the set of numbers (x1 , x2 , . . . , xp )
of p positive primes such that the sum x1 + x2 + · · · + xp is divisible by
m, with each number of the set not exceeding n.

322. 1 (Nguyen Nhu Hien) Given a triangle ABC with incenter I. The
lines AI and DI intersect the circumcircle of triangle ABC again at H
and K, respectively. Draw IJ perpendicular to BC at J. Prove that H, K
and J are collinear.

19
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
322. 2 (Tran Tuan Anh) Prove the inequality
n n
1 X X 1 n
xi + ≥n−1+ n ,
2 x P
i=1 i=1 i xi
i=1
n
P
where xi (i = 1, 2, . . . , n) are positive real numbers such that x2i = n,
i=1
with n as an integer, n > 1.
323. 1 (Nguyen Duc Thuan) Suppose that ABCD is a convex quadri-
lateral. Points E, F are chosen on the lines BC and AD, respectively, such
that AE k CD and CF k AB. Prove that A, B, C, D are concyclic if and
only if AECF has an incircle.
323. 2 (Nguyen The Phiet) Prove that for an acute triangle ABC,
1 5
cos A + cos B + cos C + (cos 3B + cos 3C) ≥ .
3 6
324. 1 (Tran Nam Dung) Find the greatest possible real number c such
that we can always choose a real number x which satisfies the inequality
sin(mx) + sin(nx) ≥ c for each pair of positive integers m and n.
325. 1 (Nguyen Dang Phat) Given a convex hexagon inscribed in a
circle such that the opposite sides are parallel. Prove that the sums of the
lengths of each pair of opposite sides are equal if and only if the distances
of the opposite sides are the same.
325. 2 (Dinh Van Kham) Given a natural number n and a prime p,
how many sets of p natural numbers {a0 , a1 , . . . , ap−1 } are there such that
a) 1 ≤ ai ≤ n for each i = 0, 1, . . . , p − 1,
b) [a0 , a1 , . . . , ap−1 ] = p min{a0 , a1 , . . . , ap−1 },
where [a0 , a1 , . . . , ap−1 ] denotes the least common multiple of the numbers
a0 , a1 , . . . , ap−1 ?
327. 1 (Hoang Trong Hao) Let ABCD be a bicentric quadrilateral (i.e.,
it has √
a circumcircle of radius R and an incircle of radius r). Prove that
R ≥ r 2.
327. 2 (Vu Dinh The) Two sequences (xn ) and (yn ) are defined by
xn+1 = −2x2n − 2xn yn + 8yn2 , x1 = −1,
yn+1 = 2x2n + 3xn yn − 2yn2 , y1 = 1
for n = 1, 2, 3, . . . . Find all primes p such that xp + yp is not divisible by
p.

20
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
328. 1 (Bui Van Chi) Find all integer solutions (n, m) of the equation
(n + 1)(2n + 1) = 10m2 .

328. 2 (Nguyen Thi Minh) Determine all positive integers n such that
the polynomial of n + 1 terms
p(x) = x4n + x4(n−1) + · · · + x8 + x4 + 1
is divisible by the polynomial of n + 1 terms
q(x) = x2x + x2(n−1) + · · · + x4 + x2 + 1.

328. 3 (Bui The Hung) Find the smallest possible prime p such that
√
[(3 + p)2n ] + 1 is divisible by 2n+1 for each natural number n, where [x]
denotes the integral part of x.

328. 4 (Han Ngoc Duc) Find all real numbers a such that there exists
a positive real number k and functions f : R → R which satisfy the
inequality
f (x) + f (y) x + y 
≥f +k|x − y|a ,
2 2
for all real numbers x, y.

328. 5 (Vu Hoang Hiep) In space, let A1 , A2 , . . . , An be n distinct points.

Prove that
n
X
a) ∠Ai Ai+1 Ai+2 ≥ π,
i=1
n
X
b) ∠Ai QAi+1 ≤ (n − 1)π,
i=1

where An+i is equal to Ai and Q is an arbitrary point distinct from

A1 , A2 , . . . , An .

329. 1 (Hoang Ngoc Minh) Find the maximum value of the expression
(a − b)4 + (b − c)4 + (c − a)4 ,
for any real numbers 1 ≤ a, b, c ≤ 2.

331. 1 (Nguyen Manh Tuan) Let x, y, z, w be rational numbers such

that x + y + z + w = 0. Show that the number
p
(xy − zw)(yz − wx)(zx − yw)
is also rational.

21
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
331. 2 (Bui Dinh Than) Given positive reals a, b, c,x, y, z such that
a + b + c = 4 and ax + by + cz = xyz,
show that x + y + z > 4.

331. 3 (Pham Nang Khanh) Given a triangle ABC and its angle bi-
sector AM , the line perpendicular to BC at M intersects line AB at N .
Prove that ∠BAC is a right angle if and only if M N = M C.

331. 4 (Dao Tam) Diagonals AC, BD of quadrilateral ABCD intersect

at I such that IA = ID and ∠AID = 120◦ . From point M on segment
BC, draw M N k AC and M Q k BD, N and Q are on AB and CD,
respectively. Find the locus of circumcenter of triangle M N Q when M
moves on line segment BC.

331. 5 (Nguyen Trong Hiep) Let p, q be primes such that p > q > 2.
Find all integers k such that the equation (px − qy)2 = kxyz has integer
solutions (x, y, z) with xy 6= 0.

331. 6 (Han Ngoc Duc) Let a sequence (un ), n = 1, 2, 3, . . . , be given

n
defined by un = n2 for all n = 1, 2, . . . . Let
1 1 1
xn = + + ··· + .
u1 u2 un
Prove that the sequence (xn ) has a limit as n tends to infinity and that
the limit is irrational.

331. 7 (Tran Tuan Anh) Find all positive integers n ≥ 3 such that
the following inequality holds for all real numbers a1 , a2 , . . . , an (assume
an+1 = a1 )
n
!2
X X
(ai − aj )2 ≤ |ai − ai+1 | .
1≤i<j≤n i=1

332. 1 (Nguyen Van Ai) Find the remainder in the integer division of
the number ab + ba by 5, where a = 22 . . . 2 with 2004 digits 2, and
b = 33 . . . 3 with 2005 digits 3 (written in the decimal system).

332. 2 (Nguyen Khanh Nguyen) Suppose that ABC is an isosceles

triangle with AB = AC. On the line perpendicular to AC at C, let
point D such that points B, D are on different sides of AC. Let K be
the intersection point of the line perpendicular to AB at B and the line
passing through the midpoint M of CD, perpendicular to AD. Compare
the lengths of KB and KD.

22
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
332. 3 (Pham Van Hoang) Consider the equation
x2 − 2kxy 2 + k(y 3 − 1) = 0,
where k is some integer. Prove that the equation has integer solutions
(x, y) such that x > 0, y > 0 if and only if k is a perfect square.

332. 4 (Do Van Ta) Solve the equation

s r q
√
x − x − x − x − 5 = 5.

332. 5 (Pham Xuan Trinh) Show that if a ≥ 0 then

√ √ √
a + 3 a + 6 a ≤ a + 2.

332. 6 (Bui Van Chi) Let ABCD be a parallelogram with AB < BC.
The bisector of angle ∠BAD intersects BC at E; let O be the intersec-
tion point of the perpendicular bisectors of BD and CE. A line passing
through C parallel to BD intersects the circle with center O and radius
OC at F . Determine ∠AF C.

332. 7 (Phan Hoang Ninh) Prove that the polynomial

p(x) = x4 − 2003x3 + (2004 + a)x2 − 2005x + a
with a ∈ Z has at most one integer solution. Furthermore, prove that it
has no multiple integral root greater than 1.

332. 8 (Phung Van Su) Prove that for any real numbers a, b, c
4
(a2 + 3)(b2 + 3)(c2 + 3) ≥ (3ab + 3bc + 3ca + abc)2 .
27
332. 9 (Nguyen Van Thanh) Determine all functions f (x) defined on
the interval (0, +∞) which have a derivative at x = 1 and that satisfy
√ √
f (xy) = xf (y) + yf (x)
for all positive real numbers x, y.

332. 10 (Hoang Ngoc Canh) Let A1 A2 . . . An be a n-gon inscribed in

the unit circle; let M be a point on the minor arc A1 An . Prove that
n
a) M A1 + M A3 + · · · + M An−2 + M An < √ for n odd;
2
n
b) M A1 + M A3 + · · · + M An−3 + M An−1 ≤ √ for n even.
2
When does equality hold?

23
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
332. 11 (Dang Thanh Hai) Let ABC be an equilateral triangle with
centroid O; ℓ is a line perpendicular to the plane (ABC) at O. For each
point S on ℓ, distinct from O, a pyramid SABC is defined. Let φ be
the dihedral angle between a lateral face and the base, let γ be the angle
between two adjacent lateral faces of the pyramid. Prove that the quantity
F (φ, γ) = tan2 φ [3 tan2 (γ/2) − 1] is independent of the position of S on ℓ.

334. 1 (Dang Nhu Tuan) Determine the sum

1 1 1 1
+ + ··· + + ··· + .
1·2·3 2·3·4 (n − 1)n(n + 1) 23 · 24 · 25

334. 2 (Nguyen Phuoc) Let ABC be a triangle with angle A not be-
ing right, B 6= 135◦ . Let M be the midpoint of BC. A right isosceles
triangle ABD is outwardly erected on the side BC as base. Let E be the
intersection point of the line through A perpendicular to AB and the line
through C parallel to M D. Let AB intersect CE and DM at P and Q,
respectively. Prove that Q is the midpoint of BP .

334. 3 (Nguyen Duy Lien) Find the smallest possible odd natural num-
ber n such that n2 can be expressed as the sum of an odd number of
consecutive perfect squares.

334. 4 (Pham Viet Hai) Find all positive numbers a, b, c, d such that

a2 b2 c2 d2
+ + + = 1 and
b+c c+d d+a a+b
a2 + b2 + c2 + d2 ≥ 1.

334. 5 (Dao Quoc Dung) The incircle of triangle ABC (incenter I)

touches the sides BC, CA, and AB respectively at D, E, F . The line
through A perpendicular to IA intersects lines DE, DF at M, N , re-
spectively; the line through B perpendicular to IB intersect EF, ED at
P, Q, respectively; the line through C perpendicular to IC intersect lines
F D, F E at S, T , respectively. Prove the inequality
M N + P Q + ST ≥ AB + BC + CA.

334. 6 (Vu Huu Binh) Let ABC be a right isosceles triangle with A =
90◦ . Find the locus of points M such that M B 2 − M C 2 = 2M A2 .

334. 7 (Tran Tuan Anh) We are given n distinct positive numbers, n ≥

4. Prove that it is possible to choose at least two numbers such that their
sums and differences do not coincide with any n − 2 others of the given
numbers.

24
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
335. 1 (Vu Tien Viet) Prove that for all triangles ABC
1 2 A − B B−C C − A
cos A + cos B + cos C ≤ 1 + cos + cos2 + cos2 .
6 2 2 2
335. 2 (Phan Duc Tuan) In triangle ABC, let BC = a, CA = b, AB =
c and F be its area. Suppose that M, N, and P are points on the sides
BC, CA, and AB, respectively. Prove that
ab · M N 2 + bc · N P 2 + ca · P M 2 ≥ 4F 2 .
335. 3 (Tran Van Xuan) In isosceles triangle ABC, ∠ABC = 120◦ .
Let D be the point of intersection of line BC and the tangent to the
circumcircle of triangle ABC at A. A line through D and the circumcenter
O intersects AB and AC at E and F , respectively. Let M and N be the
midpoints of AB and AC. Show that AO, M F and N E are concurrent.
336. 1 (Nguyen Hoa) Solve the following system of equations
a b
− = c − zx,
x z
b c
− = a − xy,
y x
c a
− = b − yz.
z y
336. 2 (Pham Van Thuan) Given two positive real numbers a, b such
that a2 + b2 = 1, prove that
r r !2
1 1 √ a b
+ ≥2 2+ − .
a b b a

336. 3 (Nguyen Hong Thanh) Let P be an arbitrary point in the inte-

rior of triangle ABC. Let BC = a, CA = b, AB = c. Denote by u, v and
w the distances of P to the lines BC, CA, AB, respectively. Determine
P such that the product uvw is a maximum and calculate this maximum
in terms of a, b, c.
336. 4 (Nguyen Lam Tuyen) Given the polynomial Q(x) = (p−1)xp −
x − 1 with p being an odd prime number. Prove that there exist infinitely
many positive integers a such that Q(a) is divisible by pp .
336. 5 (Hoang Minh Dung) Prove that in any triangle ABC the fol-
lowing inequalities hold:
3 √
a) cos A + cos B + cos C + cot A + cot B + cot C ≥ + 3;
2
√
√ A B C 9 3
b) 3 (cos A + cos B + cos C) + cot + cot + cot ≥ .
2 2 2 2

25
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
337. 1 (Nguyen Thi Loan) Given four real numbers a, b, c, d such that
4a2 +b2 = 2 and c+d = 4, determine the maximum value of the expression
f = 2ac + bd + cd.

337. 2 (Vu Anh Nam) In triangle ABC, let D be the intersection point
of the internal angle bisectors BM and CN , M on AC and N on AB.
Prove that ∠BAC = 90◦ if and only if 2BD · CD = BM · CN .

337. 3 (Tran Tuan Anh) Determine the maximum value of the expres-
sion f = (x − y)(y − z)(z − x)(x + y + z), where x, y, z lie in the interval
[0, 1].

337. 4 (Han Ngoc Duc) Let n, n ≥ 2, be a natural number, a, b be

positive real numbers such that a < b. Suppose that x1 , x2 , . . . , xn are n
real numbers in the interval [a, b]. Find the maximum value of the sum
X
(xi − xj )2 .
1≤i<j≤n

337. 5 (Le Hoai Bac) A line through the incenter of a triangle ABC
intersects sides AB and AC at M and N , respectively. Show that
MB · NC BC 2
≤ .
MA · NA 4 AB · AC
338. 1 (Pham Thinh) Show that if a, b, c, d, p, q are positive real num-
bers with p ≥ q then the following inequality holds:
a b c d 4
+ + + ≥ .
pb + qc pc + qd pd + qa pa + qb p+q
Is the inequality still true if p < q?

338. 2 (Tran Quang Vinh) Determine all functions f : R → R satisfy-

ing the condition f (x2 + f (y)) = y + xf (x) for all real numbers x, y.

338. 3 (Tran Viet Anh) Determine the smallest possible positive inte-
ger n such that there exists a polynomial p(x) of degree n with integer
coefficients satisfying the conditions

a) p(0) = 1, p(1) = 1;
b) p(m) divided by 2003 leaves remainders 0 or 1 for all integers
m > 0.

26
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
338. 4 (Hoang Trong Hao) The Fibonacci sequence (Fn ), n = 1, 2, . . . ,
is defined by F1 = F2 = 1, Fn+1 = Fn + Fn−1 for n = 2, 3, 4, . . . . Show
that if a 6= Fn+1 /Fn for all n = 1, 2, 3, . . . then the sequence (xn ), where
1
x1 = a, xn+1 = , n = 1, 2, . . .
1 + xn
is defined and has a finite limit when n tends to infinity. Determine the
limit.

339. 1 (Ngo Van Khuong) Given five positive real numbers a, b, c, d, e

such that a2 + b2 + c2 + d2 + e2 ≤ 1, prove that
1 1 1 1 1 25
+ + + + ≥ .
1 + ab 1 + bc 1 + cd 1 + de 1 + ea 6
339. 2 (Le Chu Bien) Suppose that ABCD is a rectangle. The line
perpendicular to AC at
√ C intersects
√ lines AB,√AD respectively at E, F .
Prove the identity BE CF + DF CE = AC EF .

339. 3 (Tran Hong Son) Let I be the incenter of triangle ABC and let
ma , mb , mc be the lengths of the medians from vertices A, B and C,
respectively. Prove that
IA2 IB 2 IC 2 3
2
+ 2 + 2 ≤ .
ma mb mc 4

339. 4 (Quach Van Giang) Given three positive real numbers a, b, c

such that ab + bc + ca = 1. Prove that the minimum value of the ex-
pression x2 + ry 2 + tz 2 is 2m, where m is the root of the cubic equation
√
2x3 + (r + s + 1)x2 − rs = 0 in the interval (0, rs). Find all primes r, s
such that 2m is rational.

339. 5 (Nguyen Truong Phong) The sequence (xn ) is defined by

(2n)!
xn = aann , where an = , for n = 1, 2, 3, . . . .
(n!)2 · 22n
Prove that the sequence (xn ) has a limit when n tends to infinity and
determine the limit.

339. 6 (Huynh Tan Chau) Let a be a real number, a ∈ (0, 1). Deter-
mine all functions f : R → R that are continuous at x = 0 and satisfy the
equation
f (x) − 2f (ax) + f (a2 x) = x2
for all real x.

27
 All the best from Vietnamese Problem Solving Journals
339. 7 (Nguyen Xuan Hung) In the plane, given a circle with center O
and radius r. Let P be a fixed point inside the circle such that OP = d > 0.
The chords AB and CD through P make a fixed angle α, (0◦ < α ≤ 90◦ ).
Find the maximum and minimum value of the sum AB + CD when both
AB and CD vary, and determine the position of the two chords.

340. 1 (Pham Hoang Ha) Find the maximum value of the expression
x+y y+z z+x
+ + ,
1+z 1+x 1+y
where x, y, z are real numbers in the interval [ 12 , 1].

340. 2 (Nguyen Quynh) Let M be a point interior to triangle ABC,

let AM intersect BC at E, let CM meet AB at F . Suppose that N is
the reflection of B across the midpoint of EF . Prove that the line M N
has a fixed point when M moves in the triangle ABC.

340. 3 (Tran Tuan Anh) Let √a, b, c be the side lengths of a triangle,
and F its area, prove that F ≤ 43 (abc)2/3 , and determine equality cases.

340. 4 (Han Ngoc Duc) Given non-negative integers n, k, n > 1 and

let {a1 , a2 , . . . , an } be the n real numbers, prove that
n
n X
X ai aj
k+2

≥ 0.
i=1 j=1 k+i+j

340. 5 (Tran Minh Hien) Does there exist a function f : R∗ → R∗ such

that

f 2 (x) ≥ f (x + y)(f (x) + y)

for all positive real numbers x, y?

. . . to be continued

28