Section A.

1. Find the area of the triangle with vertices A(−4, 6), B(−8, −2) and C(6, −6) in the Carte-
sian coordinate system.
Answer: 64 square units
Solution: To easily solve the area of the triangle, let (x1 , y1 ) = (−4, 6), (x2 , y2 ) = (−8, −2)
and (x3 , y3 ) = (6, −6) and use the Surveyor’s Formula as follows:

1 x1 x 2 x 3 x 1
∆ABC =
2 y1 y2 y3 y1
1
= (x1 y2 + x2 y3 + x3 y1 ) − (x2 y1 + x3 y2 + x1 y3 )
2
1
= [(−4)(−2) + (−8)(−6) + (6)(6)] − [(−8)(6) + (6)(−2) + (−4)(−6)]
2
1
= (8 + 48 + 36) − (−48 − 12 + 24)
2
∆ABC = 64 square units

2. The 3-digit number abc consists of three nonzero digits. The sum of the other five 3-digit
numbers formed by rearranging a, b, and c is 2022. Find abc.
Answer: 642
Solution: Since the sum of the other five 3-digit numbers formed by rearranging a, b, and
c is 2022, we have

abc + 2022 = abc + acb + bac + bca + cab + cba.

This implies that abc + 2022 = 222(a + b + c). Since abc is between 111 and 999, then
222(a + b + c) is between 2133 and 3021, so that a + b + c must be either 10, 11, 12, or
13. Now,

a + b + c = 10 : abc = 222 · 10 − 2022 = 198 where 1 + 9 + 8 = 18 ̸= 10

a + b + c = 11 : abc = 222 · 11 − 2022 = 420 where 4 + 2 + 0 = 6 ̸= 11
a + b + c = 12 : abc = 222 · 12 − 2022 = 642 where 6 + 4 + 2 = 12 = 12
a + b + c = 13 : abc = 222 · 13 − 2022 = 864 where 8 + 6 + 4 = 18 ̸= 13

Therefore, the 3-digit number abc must be 642.

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

 1
3. Given real number x > 0 and x = 2 + . Find the value of x.
1
3−
1
4+
1
2+
1
3−
4 + ···
(Answer in surd form.)
√
23 + 3 93
Answer:
22
Solution: Let x be the expression. Observe that
1
x=2+
1
3−
1
4+
x
4x + 1
x=2+
11x + 3
26x + 7
x=
11x + 3
2
11x + 3x = 26x + 7
2
11x − 23x − 7 = 0

Using the quadratic formula to solve for the value of x, we have

p √ √
23 ± 232 − 4(11)(−7) 23 ± 837 23 ± 3 93
x= = = .
2(11) 22 22
√
23 + 3 93
Since x must be positive, we have x = .
22
4. If x and y are real numbers, find the smallest possible value of 4x2 +3y 2 +40x−36y −1815.
Answer: −2023
Solution: Observe that

4x2 + 3y 2 + 40x − 36y + 2230 = 4x2 + 40x + 3y 2 − 36y − 1815

= 4(x2 + 10x) + 3(y 2 − 12y) − 1815
= 4(x2 + 10x + 25) + 3(y 2 − 12y + 36) − 1815 − 100 − 108
= 4(x + 5)2 + 3(y − 6)2 − 2023

Therefore, the smallest possible value is −2023 which can be obtained at x = −5 and
y = 6.

5. Factor x4 − 8x3 + 11x2 + 32x − 60 completely.

Answer: (x − 2)(x + 2)(x − 3)(x − 5)
Solution: By separating 11x2 into 15x2 − 4x2 , we have

x4 − 8x3 + 11x2 + 32x − 60 = x4 − 8x3 + 15x2 − 4x2 + 32x − 60

= (x4 − 8x3 + 15x2 ) − (4x2 − 32x + 60)

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

 = x2 (x2 − 8x + 15) − 4(x2 − 8x + 15)
= (x2 − 4)(x2 − 8x + 15)
= (x − 2)(x + 2)(x − 3)(x − 5)
Therefore, x4 − 8x3 + 11x2 + 32x − 60 = (x − 2)(x + 2)(x − 3)(x − 5).
6. Determine the number of ordered pairs (x, y) of positive integers satisfying the equation
√ √ √ p p
x y + y x − 2023x − 2023y + 2023xy = 2023.

Answer: 6
Solution: Rewriting the equation we have
√ √ √ p p
x y + y x − 2023x − 2023y + 2023xy = 2023
√ √ p √ p
x y + y x + 2023xy = 2023x + 2023y + 2023
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
xy( x + y + 2023) = 2023( x + y + 2023)
√ √ √
Since the common factor x + y + 2023 is positive, we must have xy = 2023 = 7 · 172 .
As 2023 has 2 · 3 = 6 positive factors, then so as the number of ordered pairs (x, y)
satisfying the given equation.
2
7. Let n = (102023 + 2023) . Find the sum of all digits on n.

Answer: 46
Solution: Note that,

2
n = 102023 + 2023
= 104046 + 2 · 2023 · 102023 + 20232
= 1 00
| .{z
. . 00} +4046 |00 .{z
. . 00} +4092529
4046 zeros 2023 zeros
= 100 . . . 00404600 . . . 004092529
The sum of the digits of n is thus 1 + 4 + 4 + 6 + 4 + 9 + 2 + 5 + 2 + 9 = 46.
a b a2 b 2
8. Let a and b be nonzero real numbers such that + = 5 and + = 12. Find the
b a b a
1 1
value of + .
a b
7
Answer:
3
Solution: Multiplying both equations by ab, we get a2 + b2 = 5ab and a3 + b3 = 12ab,
respectively. Let M = a + b and N = ab. Since a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 − 2ab and a3 + b3 =
(a + b)3 − 3ab(a + b), the above equations can be rewritten as
M 2 − 2N = 5N and M 3 − 3M N = 12N,
respectively. The former gives M 2 = 7N , which, when plugged into the latter, gives
9
7M N − 3M N = 12N. As N ̸= 0, we get M = 3 and hence N = . It follows that
7
1 1 a+b M 3 7
+ = = = 9 = .
a b ab N 7
3

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

 9. Given A and B are two nonzero digits and the 3-digit numbers formed by A and B have
the following properties:

(a) AAA is divisible by 12; and

(b) ABA is a square number.

Find the smallest 3-digit number BAA.

Answer: 844
Solution: Observe that 121 = 112 , 484 = 222 and 676 = 262 are the only 3-digit numbers
of the form ABA. Corresponding to these, we have 111, 444 and 666 are 3-digit numbers
of the form AAA. However, only 444 = 12 · 37 is divisible by 12. Therefore, the smallest
3-digit number BAA is 844.
x+8
10. Find the number of possible values of x such that 1 ≤ x ≤ 2023 and is in simplest
x2 + 15
form.
Answer: 1998
x+8 x2 + 15
Solution: Note that is in simplest form if and only if is in simplest form.
x2 + 15 x+8
Since
x2 + 15 x2 − 64 79 79
= + =x−8+
x+8 x+8 x+8 x+8
the fraction is in lowest term except when x + 8 is a multiple of 79. Since 1 ≤ x ≤ 2023,
we shall count the number of multiples of 79 from 9 to 2032. The first one is 79 = 79 · 1
and the last one is 1975 = 79 · 25. Hence, there are 25 such multiples. It follows that the
number of possible values of x is 2023 − 25 = 1998.

Section B.

11. Let a, b, and c be the three roots of the equation x3 + 2x2 + 3x + 4 = 0. Find the value
of (a4 − 1)(b4 − 1)(c4 − 1).
Answer: 160
Solution: Let P (x) = x3 + 2x2 + 3x + 4. Note that P (x) = (x − a)(x − b)(x − c). Also,
observe that

a4 − 1 = (1 − a2 )(−1 − a2 ) = (1 − a)(−1 − a)(i − a)(−i − a).

Similarly, we have

b4 − 1 = (1 − b2 )(−1 − b2 ) = (1 − b)(−1 − b)(i − b)(−i − b)

c4 − 1 = (1 − c2 )(−1 − c2 ) = (1 − c)(−1 − c)(i − c)(−i − c).

Multiplying the three equations together, we get

(a4 − 1)(b4 − 1)(c4 − 1) = P (1)P (−1)P (i)P (−i) = 10 · 2 · (2 + 2i) · (2 − 2i) = 160.

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

 1 1 1
12. Find the value of √ √ +√ √ + ··· + √ √ .
4+ 5 5+ 6 2024 + 2025
Answer: 43
Solution: Rationalizing the denominators of each of the terms, we have
1 1 1
√ √ +√ √ + · · · +√ √
4+ 5 5+ 6 2024 + 2025
√ √ √ √ √ √
4− 5 5− 6 2024 − 2025
= + + ··· +
4 − 5 5−6 2024 − 2025
√ √ √ √ √ √ 
=− 4 − 5 + 5 − 6 + · · · + 2024 − 2025
= −(2 − 45)
= 43

13. There are 12 lamps, initially off, each of which comes with a switch. When a switch is
pressed, a lamp which is off will be turned on, and a lamp which is on will be turned off.
One is allowed to press exactly 5 different switches in each round. What is the minimum
number of rounds needed so that all lamps will be turned on?
Answer: 4
Solution: Suppose all the lamps are turned on after n rounds. Then we have pressed the
switches 5n times in total. Note that each lamp should change state for an odd number
of times. As there are 12 lamps, the total number of times the lamps have changed state
should be an even number. This forces n to be even. Clearly, n ̸= 2 since at most
5 × 2 = 10 lamps can be turned on in 2 rounds. On the other hand, we can turn the
lamps on in 4 rounds as follows:
Round 1 : Press switches 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Round 2 : Press switches 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Round 3 : Press switches 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Round 4 : Press switches 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
Therefore, maximum number of rounds needed so that all lamps will be turned on is 4.
r q
p √
14. It is known that x > 0 and x = 72 9 72 9 · · ·. Find the value of x.
Answer: 1296
r q
p √
Solution: Let x = 72 9 72 9 · · ·. Note that

√
q
x = 72 9 x
1
x = 216x 4
3
x 4 = 216
3
x 4 = 63
4
x = (63 ) 3
x = 64
x = 1296

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

15. Let x and y be real numbers such that
28 − x 485 y + 34
− = .
y xy x
Find x + y.
Answer: −3
Solution: Multiplying xy both sides of the equation we have
   
28 − x 485 y + 34
xy · − = · xy
y xy x
28x − x2 − 485 = y 2 + 34y
x2 − 28x + y 2 + 34y + 485 = 0
(x2 − 28x + 196) + (y 2 + 34y + 289) = 0
(x − 14)2 + (y + 17)2 = 0

As x and y are real numbers, this means that we must have x = 14 and y = −17.
Therefore, xy = 14 − 17 = −3.

16. The side lengths of a triangle are a, 4, and c. If f (x) = x3 − 16x2 + 73x − 90 and
f (a) = 0 = f (c), find the value of a2 + c2 .
Answer: 29
Solution: Since f (a) = 0 = f (c), then a and c are roots of f (x). Now, observe that

f (x) = x3 − 16x2 + 73x − 90 = (x − 2)(x − 5)(x − 9).

The roots of f (x) are 2, 5, and 9 and thus a and c are among these values. Only 2 and 5
satisfy the triangle inequality as other side lengths of the triangle. Hence, without loss of
generality, we assume that a = 2 and c = 5. Therefore, a2 + c2 = 22 + 52 = 4 + 25 = 29.
√
q p
17. Find the value of 2024 − 2 2024 − 2 2024 − · · ·.
Answer: 44
√
q p
Solution: Let x = 2024 − 2 2024 − 2 2024 − · · ·. Then,
r
√
q
x = 2024 − 2 2024 − 2 2024 − · · ·
√
q
2
x = 2024 − 2 2024 − 2 2024 − · · ·
x2 = 2024 − 2x
0 = x2 + 2x − 2024
0 = (x + 46)(x − 44)

Hence, x = 44 or x = −46. But clearly, x must be positive. Therefore,

r
√
q
x = 2024 − 2 2024 − 2 2024 − · · · = 44.

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

 2023
18. Given that x is a real number, find the minimum value of .
1923 + 20x − x2
Answer: 1
Solution: Observe that
2023 2023 2023
2
= 2
= .
1923 + 20x − x 2023 − 100 + 20x − x 2023 − (10 − x)2

Note that the expression attains its minimum if the denominator attains its maximum
value, in this case, at x = 10. Therefore,
2023 2023 2023 2023
2
= 2
= 2
= = 1.
1923 + 20x − x 2023 − (10 − x) 2023 − 0 2023

19. Let x1 , x2 , y1 , and y2 be real numbers satisfying the equations

x21 + 5x22 = 10



x1 y2 − x2 y1 = −5
 √
x1 y1 + 5x2 y2 = 105.


Find the value of y12 + 5y22 .

Answer: 23
Solution: Observe that

(x21 + 5x22 )(y12 + 5y22 ) = x21 y12 + 5x21 y22 + 5x22 y12 + 25x22 y22
= (x21 y12 + 25x22 y22 ) + (5x21 y22 + 5x22 y12 )
= (x21 y12 + 10x1 x2 y1 y2 + 25x22 y22 ) + (5x21 y22 − 10x1 x2 y1 y2 + 5x22 y12 )
= (x1 y1 + 5x2 y2 )2 + 5(x1 y2 − x2 y1 )2
√
10 · (y12 + 5y22 ) = ( 105)2 + 5(−5)2
105 + 125
y12 + 5y22 =
10
y12 + 5y22 = 23

20. The side lengths of a triangle are a, 4, and c. If f (x) = x3 − 16x2 + 73x − 90 and
f (a) = 0 = f (c), find the value of a2 + c2 .
Answer: 29
Solution: Since f (a) = 0 = f (c), then a and c are roots of f (x). Now, observe that

f (x) = x3 − 16x2 + 73x − 90 = (x − 2)(x − 5)(x − 9).

The roots of f (x) are 2, 5, and 9 and thus a and c are among these values. Only 2 and 5
satisfy the triangle inequality as other side lengths of the triangle. Hence, without loss of
generality, we assume that a = 2 and c = 5. Therefore, a2 + c2 = 22 + 52 = 4 + 25 = 29.

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

Section C.

21. Let p be a prime number and 2021p + 2025 is a perfect square number. Find the smallest
possible value of p.
Answer: 1931
Solution: Since 2021p + 2025 is a perfect square number, we have

2021p + 2025 = x2
2021p = x2 − 2025
2021p = (x + 45)(x − 45)

If x + 45 = 2021, then x = 1976 giving p = x − 45 = 1976 − 45 = 1931. On the other

hand, if x − 45 = 2021, then x = 2066 giving p = x + 45 = 2066 + 45 = 2111. Since both
1931 and 2111 are prime numbers, the smallest value of p must be 1931.

22. Let a0 = 1, a1 = 2, and an = an−2 + (an−1 )2 for n > 1. Find the remainder when a2023 is
divided by 7.
Answer: 6
Solution: We consider the remainders when a0 , a1 , a2 , . . . are divided by 7. Note that
when we compute the remainder when an is divided by 7, it suffices to replace an−2 and
an−1 by the respective remainders in the equation an = an−2 + (an−1 )2 . That is, once we
know a3 = 5 and a4 = 27 ≡ 6 mod 7, then we have a5 = a3 + a24 = 5 + 62 ≡ 6 mod 7.
Thus, it is easy to find that the remainders are respectively

1, 2, 5, 6, 6, 0, 6, 1, 0, 1, 1, 2, 5, 6, . . .

which repeats every 10 terms. Hence, the remainder when a2023 is divided by 7 is therefore
the same as that when a3 is divided by 7, which is 6 from the above list.

23. In a drawer, there are x white gloves and y red gloves with x > y and x + y ≤ 2026. When
two gloves are drawn at random, the probability that the two gloves are of the same color
1
is exactly . Find the largest possible value of x.
2
Answer: 1035
Solution: The number of ways of selecting two gloves of the same color is C2x + C2y while
the number of ways of selecting two gloves of different color is xy. Since the probability
1
that the two gloves are of the same color is exactly , thus
2
C2x + C2y = xy
x(x − 1) y(y − 1)
+ = xy
2 2
x2 − x + y 2 − y = 2xy
x2 − 2xy + y 2 =x+y
(x − y)2 = x + y.

Now, since
(x − y) + (x + y) (x − y) + (x − y)2
x= = ,
2 2

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

 maximizing x is equivalent to maximizing x−y. As (x−y)2 = x+y ≤ 2026, the maximum
possible value of x − y = 45. This corresponds to x + y = 452 = 2025. Therefore, the
maximum value of x is
(x − y) + (x + y) 45 + 2025
= = 1035.
2 2

5x ≡ 1 mod 3

24. Find the largest negative integral solution of the congruence system 7x ≡ 1 mod 5.

3x ≡ 1 mod 7

Answer: −37
Solution: Note that
 
5x ≡ 1 mod 3
 x ≡ 2 mod 3

7x ≡ 1 mod 5 =⇒ x ≡ 3 mod 5

3x ≡ 1 mod 7 
x ≡ 5 mod 7

Let m = m1 · m2 · m3 = 3 · 5 · 7 = 105. Also, note that

M1 = m ÷ m1 = m2 · m3 = 5 · 7 = 35
M2 = m ÷ m2 = m1 · m3 = 3 · 7 = 21
M3 = m ÷ m3 = m1 · m2 = 3 · 5 = 15

Moreover,

35M1−1 ≡ 1 mod 3 =⇒ M1−1 ≡ 2 mod 3

21M2−1 ≡ 1 mod 5 =⇒ M2−1 ≡ 1 mod 5
15M3−1 ≡ 1 mod 7 =⇒ M3−1 ≡ 1 mod 7

Furthermore,

x ≡ [(35 · 2 · 2) + (21 · 1 · 3) + (15 · 1 · 5)] mod (3 · 5 · 7)

≡ (140 + 63 + 75) mod 105
≡ 278 mod 105
≡ 68 mod 105

Therefore, the largest negative integral solution is x = 68 − 105 = −37.

25. Factor 4(x + 5)(x + 6)(x + 10)(x + 12) − 3x2 completely.

Answer: (2x2 + 35x + 60)(2x + 15)(x + 8)
Solution: We rewrite the expression as 4(x + 5)(x + 12)(x + 6)(x + 10) − 3x2 . Note that

(x + 5)(x + 12) = x2 + 17x + 60 and (x + 6)(x + 10) = x2 + 16x + 60.

We let y = x2 + 17x + 60 and so, y − x = x2 + 16x + 60. Now,

4(x + 5)(x + 6)(x + 10)(x + 12) − 3x2 = 4y(y − x) − 3x2

= 4y 2 − 4xy − 3x2

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

 = (2y + x)(2y − 3x)
= [2(x2 + 17x + 60) + x][2(x2 + 17x + 60) − 3x]
= (2x2 + 35x + 120)(2x2 + 31x + 120)
= (2x2 + 35x + 120)(2x + 15)(x + 8)

Therefore, 4(x + 5)(x + 6)(x + 10)(x + 12) − 3x2 = (2x2 + 35x + 120)(2x + 15)(x + 8).
√ √
26. Let x be a nonzero real number such that 5 x3 + 20x = 3 x5 − 20x. Find the product of
all possible values of x.
Answer: −5
√ √
Solution: Suppose z = 5 x3 + 20x = 3 x5 − 20x. Then we have z 5 = x3 + 20x and
z 3 = x5 − 20x. Adding both equations, we have z 5 + z 3 = x5 + x3 which further implies
that z 5 − x5 + z 3 − x3 = 0. Factoring this, we obtain

z 5 − x5 + z 3 − x3 = (z − x)(z 4 + z 3 x + z 2 x2 + zx3 + x4 + z 2 + zx + x2 ) = 0. (1)

Note that as x is nonzero, z is also nonzero. From the first five terms of the second factor
of (1), we can infer that
 x 2  z 2 1 2 2
z 4 + z 3 x + z 2 x2 + zx3 + x4 = z 2 z + + x2 x + + x z > 0.
2 2 2
Similarly, from the last three terms of the second factor of (1),

2 2 x 2 3 2

z + zx + x = z − + x > 0.
2 4
This means that the second factor of (1) is positive, i.e.,

z 4 + z 3 x + z 2 x2 + zx3 + x4 + z 2 + zx + x2 > 0.

This forces us to have z = x and hence

√5
z = x3 + 20x
√5
x = x3 + 20x
x5 = x3 + 20x
0 = x5 − x3 − 20x
0 = x(x2 + 4)(x2 − 5)
√
Thus, √ possible nonzero real values of x are ± 5, and therefore, the product is
√ the
(− 5)( 5) = −5.
p2 − 52
27. Given that p and q are prime numbers, and = q 3 − 8p, determine the value of
3
p + q2.
Answer: 72
Solution: Let p and q be prime numbers. Rearranging the given equation, we have

p2 − 52 = 3(q 3 − 8p) =⇒ p2 + 24p − 52 = 3q 3 =⇒ (p − 2)(p + 26) = 3q 3 .

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

 This means that p − 2 and p + 26 are factors of 3q 3 . Upon checking among the possible
combinations, p − 2 = 3q and p + 26 = q 2 . By substitution,

p + 26 = q 2
3q + 2 + 26 = q 2
q 2 − 3q − 28 = 0
(q + 4)(q − 7) = 0.

Hence, q = 7 and by direct substitution, p = 23. Therefore, p + q 2 = 23 + 72 = 72.

28. Let x, y, z be real numbers such that x3 − xyz = −16, y 3 − xyz = 3, and z 3 − xyz = 40.
Find the smallest possible value of x + y + z.
Answer: 1
Solution: Let m = xyz. Multiplying the three equations, we have

x3 · y 3 · z 3 = (xyz − 16)(xyz + 3)(xyz + 40)

m3 = (m − 16)(m + 3)(m + 40)
m3 = m3 + 27m2 − 568m − 1920
0 = 27m2 − 568m − 1920

80
Solving this equation, we obtain m = 24 or m = − . If m = xyz = 24, then x = 2, y = 3,
27
80
and z = 4. Hence, x + y + z = 9. On the other hand, if m = xyz = − , then
27
8 1 10 8 1 10 3
x = − , y = , and z = . Thus, x + y + z = − + + = = 1. Therefore, the
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
smallest possible value of x + y + z is 1.

29. ∆ABC is equilateral with side length 4. D is a point on BC such that BD = 1. If r and
s are the radii of the inscribed circles of ∆ADB and ∆ADC, respectively, find rs.
√
Answer: 4 − 13
Solution:

Consider the figure above. Using cosine law,

p p √
AD = AB 2 + BD2 − 2(AB)(BD) cos B = 42 + 12 − 2(4)(1) cos 60◦ = 13.

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)

 Also, observe that the areas of ∆ABD and ∆ADC are respectively given by
√ !
1 1 3 √
A∆ABD = (AB)(BD) sin 60◦ = (4)(1) = 3
2 2 2
√ !
1 1 3 √
A∆ADC = (AC)(DC) sin 60◦ = (4)(3) = 3 3.
2 2 2
Recall that the radius of the inscribed circle of a triangle is equal to twice the area divided
by the perimeter. This can be seen by connecting the incenter to the three vertices and
considering the area. So, it follows that
√ √
2· 3 2·3 3 36 3 √
rs = √ · √ = √ = √ = 4 − 13.
4 + 1 + 3 4 + 3 + 13 48 + 12 13 4 + 13

30. In a test, a question required students to draw a triangle in which the largest and the
smallest interior angles differ by 54◦ , and then compute the sum of any two of the in-
terior angles of the triangle drawn. The sum obtained by two students were x◦ and y ◦ ,
respectively. Find the greatest possible value of x − y.
Answer: 72◦ or 72
Solution: Let the interior angles be a◦ , b◦ , and c◦ in increasing order. The we have
c = a + 54 and b = 180 − a − (a + 54) = 126 − 2a. As b lies between a and c, we have

a ≤ 126 − 2a ≤ a + 54 =⇒ 24 ≤ a ≤ 42.

To maximize x − y, we should maximize x and minimize y. To maximize x, we add up b

and c with a as small as possible, giving

x = b + c = 180 − a ≤ 180 − 24 = 156 =⇒ x ≤ 156.

On the other hand, to minimize y, we add up a and b and since a + b = 126 − a, we seek
to make a as large as possible giving

y = a + b = 126 − a ≥ 126 − 42 = 84 =⇒ y ≥ 84.

It follows that the greatest possible value of x − y is 156 − 84 = 72.

BBB 2023 Final Review (Senior Secondary Set 1)