PART 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

7x + 9
1. Determine the inverse function of f (x) = .
8 − 5x

8x + 9 8x + 9 8x − 9 8x − 9 9 − 8x
A. B. C. D. E.
7 + 5x 7 − 5x 7 + 5x 7 − 5x 7 + 5x

Answer: C

Solution. Interchanging the roles of x and y, we have

7y + 9
x=
8 − 5y
8x − 5xy = 7y + 9
7y + 5xy = 8x − 9
(7 + 5x)y = 8x − 9
8x − 9
y=
7 + 5x

8x − 9
Therefore, the inverse function is f −1 (x) = .
7 + 5x
√
q p
2. Determine the value 2024 − 65 2024 − 65 2024 − · · ·.

A. −88 B. −23 C. 0 D. 23 E. 88

Answer: D

√
q p
Solution. Let x = 2024 − 65 2024 − 65 2024 − · · ·. Then,
r
√
q
x= 2024 − 65 2024 − 65 2024 − · · ·

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

 √
q
2
x = 2024 − 65 2024 − 65 2024 − · · ·
x2 = 2024 − 65x
0 = x2 + 65x − 2024
0 = (x + 88)(x − 23)

Hence, x = −88 or x = 23. But clearly, x must be positive. Therefore,

r
√
q
x= 2024 − 65 2024 − 65 2024 − · · · = 23.

3. Let f (n) = 3n2 − 3n + 1. Determine the last digit of f (1) + f (2) + · · · + f (2024).

A. 0 B. 2 C. 4 D. 6 E. 8

Answer: C

Solution. Note that we can rewrite the function as f (n) = n3 − (n − 1)3 . Hence,

f (1) + f (2) + · · · + f (2024) = (13 − 03 ) + (23 − 13 ) + · · · + (20243 − 20233 ) = 20243 .

Note that the last digit is 43 = 64. Hence, the last digit is 4.
3x3 − 375
4. Determine the value of lim √ √ .
x→5 x− 5
√ √ √ √ √
A. 75 5 B. 150 5 C. 300 5 D. 450 5 E. 525 5

Answer: D

Solution. Observe that

√ √
3x3 − 375 3(x3 − 125) x+ 5
lim √ √ = lim √ √ ·√ √
x→5 x− 5 x→5 x− 5 x+ 5
√ √
3(x − 5)(x2 + 5x + 25)( x + 5)
= lim
x→5 x−5
2
√ √
= lim 3(x + 5x + 25)( x + 5)
x→5
√
= 3 · 75 · 2 5
3x3 − 375 √
lim √ √ = 450 5.
x→5 x− 5

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

 1 1 1
5. Let f (n) = n
+ n + ··· + . Find the value of f (2) + f (3) + f (4) + · · · .
2 3 2024n

2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

A. B. C. D. E.
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Answer: D

Solution. Note that for each integer n greater than 1, the expression for f (n) consists
of 2023 terms. We consider the contribution from each of these terms. Let Sk be the
1
contribution from the term n where 2 ≤ k ≤ 2024. Then
k
1
1 1 1 k2 1 1 1
Sk = + 3 + 4 + ··· = = = − .
k 2 k k 1 k2 −k k−1 k
1−
k

It follows that

f (2) + f (3) + f (4) + · · · = S2 + S3 + · · · + S2024

     
1 1 1 1 1
= 1− + − + ··· + −
2 2 3 2023 2024
1
=1−
2024
2023
f (2) + f (3) + f (4) + · · · = .
2024

√ √ √ 1
6. It is known that a + b 3 + c 7 + d 21 = √ √ . Find the value of a − b + c + d.
1− 3− 7

1 1
A. −5 B. − C. 0 D. E. 5
5 5

Answer: E

1
Solution. Rationalizing the denominator of √ √ , we have
1− 3− 7
√ √
1 1 1+ 3+ 7
√ √ = √ √ · √ √
1− 3− 7 1− 3− 7 1+ 3+ 7
√ √
1+ 3+ 7
= √ √
1 − ( 3 + 7)2
√ √
1+ 3+ 7
= √
1 − (10 + 2 21)

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

 √ √ √
−1 − 3 − 7 9 − 2 21
= √ · √
9 + 2 21 9 − 2 21
√ √ √ √ √
−9 − 9 3 − 9 7 + 2 21 + 6 7 + 14 3
=
√ √ 81 −√ 84
−9 + 5 3 − 3 7 + 2 21
=
−3
5√ √ 2√
=3− 3+ 7− 21
3 3
5 2 5 2
Hence, a = 3, b = − , c = 1 and d = − . Therefore, a − b + c + d = 3 + + 1 − = 5.
3 3 3 3
7. An investment opportunity provides 10% interest compounded semiannually. Determine
the percentage gain for a principal deposited for 3 years.

A. 30% B. 32% C. 34% D. 36% E. 38%

Answer: C
r tm
Solution. Using the formula A = P 1 + where A is the future amount, P is the
m
principal amount deposited, r is the rate, m is the number of compounding period, and
t is the number of years, we have
 3(2)
0.10
A=P 1+ ≈ 1.34P.
2

Therefore, the percentage gain after 3 years is 34%.

1
8. Let f (x) = ln 4x3 and g(x) = 6e−3x . Find the value of f ′′ (2)g ′′ (ln 3).
3

1 1
A. −2 B. − C. D. 1 E. 2
2 2

Answer: B

1 1 1
Solution. Let f (x) = ln 4x3 and g(x) = 6e−3x . Note that f ′ (x) = and f ′′ (x) = − 2 .
3 x x
Also, g ′ (x) = −18e−3x and g ′′ (x) = 54e−3x . Thus,
   
′′ ′′ 1 −3 ln 3

1 1 1
f (2) g (ln 3) = − 2 54e =− 54 · =− .
2 4 27 2

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

 9. Lexi Corporation belongs under the 22% tax bracket. Their gross margin is 57% of sales.
Operating expenses and administrative costs mark up to 15% of sales. Determine the
approximate percent sale profit after taxes.

A. 33% B. 34% C. 35% D. 36% E. 37%

Answer: A

Solution. First we need to get the gross profit by subtracting the expenses from the
gross margin. We have to subtract this before getting the profit after taxes. In turn, we
calculated it to be 0.57 − 0.15 = 0.42 of the sales. Then, to get the profit after taxes, we
need to get the amount of the gross profit that would be left after tax is deducted. Since
we will be calculating the amount of profits left after tax is deducted, we multiply it by
1.00 − 0.22 = 0.78. Therefore, the gross sales profit after taxes is 0.42 × 0.78 = 0.32.76 or
33%.

10. Find the remainder when x2024 − x2023 + x2022 is divided by x5 + x2 .

A. −2 B. −1 C. 0 D. 1 E. 2

Answer: D

Solution. Note that the expression can be simplified to

x2024 − x2023 + x2022 x2022 (x2 − x + 1) x2020

= = .
x5 + x2 x2 (x + 1)(x2 − x + 1) x+1

Using the remainder theorem, the remainder is (−1)2020 = 1.

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

 PART 2: OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

11. Four dozen of cookies are baked of which 5/8 contain chocolate, 3/4 contain vanilla,
5/6 contain caramel, and 2/3 contain raisins. Determine the largest possible number of
cookies that do not contain any of these ingredients.
Answer: 8
Solution: Since 5/6 is the largest fraction, which means that 5/6 × 48 = 40 cupcakes
that contain caramel. Since 5/8 × 48 = 30 that contain chocolate, could theoretically
be included in the 40 cupcakes that contain caramel, since it does not preclude it! The
same reasoning could be applied to the 3/4 × 48 = 36 cupcakes that contain vanilla could
be included in the 40 cupcakes that contain caramel as well. The same goes for the last
2/3×48 = 32 cupcakes that contain raisins could also be included in the 40 cupcakes that
contain caramel as well. So, the conclusion is that the 5/6 × 48 = 40 could theoretically
contain all four ingredients of chocolates, vanilla, caramel and raisins. This means that
48 − 40 = 8 is the largest possible number of cupcakes that do not contains any of these
ingredients.

12. On a plane, 100 triangles are drawn. What is the maximum number of regions that these
triangles can divide the plane into?
Answer: 29, 702
Solution: By drawing the triangle one by one, the 1st triangle divides the plane in 2
regions, and the 2nd , 3rd , . . . triangle would add at most 6, 12, 18, . . . regions, respectively.
In general, when we draw the k th triangle, at most 6(k − 1) new regions can be created
since each of the three sides of the new triangle may intersect each of the k − 1 existing
triangles, and each such intersections create 2 more regions. Hence, after 99 triangles
have been drawn, the number of regions is at most
 
99 · 100
2 + (6 + 12 + 18 + · · · + 6 · 99) = 2 + 6 = 29, 702.
2

13. How many ways can ten different people be seated around a circular table if 2 of them
refuse to sit next to each other?
Answer: 282240
Solution: The total number of ways to seat ten different people in a circular table is
9! = 362880 while the number of ways these ten people be seated around a circular table
given 2 of them sit next to each other is 2 × 8! = 80640. Thus, the the number ways ten
different people be seated around a circular table if 2 of them refuse to sit next to each
other is 362880 − 80640 = 282240.

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

 14. Find the coefficient of x5 in the expansion of (3x2 − 2x + 5)5 .
Answer: −15932
Solution: Using the expansion of the trinomial, we have

X  5  X  5 
2 5 2 a b c
(3x − 2x + 5) = · (3x ) · (−2x) · 5 = · 3a · (−2)b · 5c · x2a+b
a,b,c≥0
a, b, c a,b,c≥0
a, b, c

 
5 5!
where a, b, c ≥ 0, a + b + c = 5 and = . Since a + b + c = 5, the only
a, b, c a!b!c!
possible triples (a, b, c) so that 2a + b = 5 are (0, 5, 0), (1, 3, 1), and (2, 1, 2). Therefore,
the coefficient of x4 is given by
     
5 0 5 0 5 1 3 1 5
· 3 · (−2) · 5 + · 3 · (−2) · 5 + · 32 · (−2)1 · 52
0, 5, 0 1, 3, 1 2, 1, 2
5! 5! 5!
= · 30 · (−2)5 · 50 + · 31 · (−2)3 · 51 + · 32 · (−2)1 · 52
0!5!0! 1!3!1! 2!1!2!
= −32 − 2400 − 13500
= −15932.

15. Determine the smallest possible real value of the function f (x) = cos2 x − 10 cos x + 32.
Answer: 23
Solution: Note that for all real number x, −1 ≤ cos x ≤ 1. Now, observe that

−1 ≤ cos x ≤ 1
−6 ≤ cos x − 5 ≤ −4
16 ≤ cos2 x − 10 cos x + 25 ≤ 36
23 ≤ cos2 x − 10 cos x + 32 ≤ 43.

Thus, the smallest possible real value of the function f (x) = cos2 x − 10 cos x + 32 is 23.

16. If x and y are positive integers such that 5x + 3y = 2025, find the maximum value of
x − y.
Answer: 397
5
Solution: Solving for y in terms of x, we have y = 675 − x. Since 5 and 3 are coprime,
3
x must be divisible by 3 for y to be an integer. Also, since x, y > 0,

5
y = 675 − x > 0
3
5
x < 675
3
x < 405.

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

 Since we are looking for the maximum value of x−y, we need to find the maximum integer
x < 405 that is divisible by 3. That is, x = 402. Substituting this value of x to the above
equation, we obtain y = 5. Therefore, the maximum value of x − y is 402 − 5 = 397.
m n
17. If m and n are the roots of x2 − 253x + 2024, find the value of + .
n m
237 5
Answer: or 29
8 8
Solution: Note that if m and n are the roots of x2 − 253x + 2024, then m + n = 253 and
mn = 2024. Now,

m n m2 + n2
+ =
n m mn
m2 + 2mn + n2 − 2mn
=
mn
2
(m + n) − 2mn
=
mn
2532 − 2(2024)
=
2024
m n 59961 237
+ = = .
n m 2024 8
√ √
3
3 2
3
a+ b+2
18. The equation 3x − 6x − 12x − 8 = 0 has a real root of the form , where
c
a, b, and c are positive integers. Find the value of a − b + c.
Answer: 99
Solution: Rewriting the given equation, we have

3x3 − 6x2 − 12x − 8 = 0 =⇒ 3x3 = 6x2 + 12x + 8

4x3 = x3 + 6x2 + 12x + 8
4x3 = (x + 2)3
(x + 2)3
4=
x3
 3
x+2
4=
x
2
x= √3
4−1

Rationalizing the denominator, we have

√
3
√ √ √ √ √
2 16 + 3 4 + 1 2 3 16 + 2 3 4 + 2 3
128 + 3 32 + 2
x= √
3
·√ √ = = .
4 − 1 3 16 + 3 4 + 1 3 3

It follows that a = 128, b = 32, and c = 3. Therefore, a − b + c = 128 − 32 + 3 = 99.

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

 √
19. If x and x2 + 88x + 2027 are integers, find the minimum value of x.
Answer: −89
Solution: Manipulating the given expression, we have
√ √ p
x2 + 88x + 2027 = x2 + 88x + 1936 + 91 = (x + 44)2 + 91.

The expression under the radical sign must be a perfect square for the entire expression
to be an integer. That is,

s2 = (x + 44)2 + 91
91 = s2 − (x + 44)2
91 = [s + (x + 44)][s − (x + 44)].

Note that 91 = 1 × 91 = 7 × 13. Considering each factor pair separately, we have

x + 44 = −45 =⇒ x = −89
x + 44 = 45 =⇒ x=1
x + 44 = −3 =⇒ x = −47
x + 44 = 3 =⇒ x = −41

Therefore, the minimum value of x is −89.

2024  2
1 X
r 1
20. Let z be a complex number. If z + = −1, find the value of z + r .
z r=1
z
Answer: 4046
Solution: Observe that
 2
21 1
z + 2 = − 2 = (−1)2 − 2 = −1
z+
z z
 4  
4 1 1 2 1
z + 4 = z+ − 4 z + 2 − 6 = −1
z z z
 6    
6 1 1 4 1 2 1
z + 6 = z+ − 6 z + 4 − 15 z + 2 − 20 = 2
z z z z

Continuing in this pattern for even exponents, we obtain −1, −1, 2, −1, −1, 2, . . .. Hence,

2024  2 X2024  
X
r 1 2r 1
z + r = z + 2r + 2
r=1
z r=1
z
2024   X 2024
X
2r 1
= z + 2r + 2
r=1
z r=1

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

      
2 1 4 1 4048 1
= z + 2 + z + 4 + ··· + z + 4048 + 2024(2)
z z z
= 674(−1 − 1 + 2) − 1 − 1 + 2024(2)
= 4046.

21. A triangle has sides with lengths 3x, 5x, and 7x. If the radius of an inscribed circle is r,
x
find the value of .
r
√
2 3
Answer:
3
Solution: Solving for the semiperimeter of the triangle, we have

3x + 5x + 7x 15x
s= = .
2 2
p
We can use both formulas A = sr and A = s(s − 3x)(s − 5x)(s − 7x) for the area of
the triangle and combine to obtain
p
sr = s(s − 3x)(s − 5x)(s − 7x)
s    
15xr 15x 15x 15x 15x
= − 3x − 5x − 7x
2 2 2 2 2
r
15xr 15x 9x 5x x
= · · ·
2 2 2 2 2
√
15xr 15 3x2
=
2 4 √
x 2 2 3
=√ = .
r 3 3

  12  1
1 1 2
22. Find all real numbers x such that x− + 1− = x.
x x
√
1+ 5
Answer:
2
 1  1  1  1
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
Solution: Since x − ≥ 0 and 1 − ≥ 0, then x = x − + 1− ≥ 0.
x x x x
1
Note that x ̸= 0. Else, would not be defined so x > 0. Now,
x
 1  1
1 2 1 2
x− + 1− =x
x x
    s  
1 1 1 1
x− + 1− +2 x− 1− = x2
x x x x

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

 r
2 1 1
x + 1 − + 2 x − 1 − + 2 = x2
x x x
√
x + x − 2 + 2 x3 − x2 − x + 1 = x3
2
√
x3 − x2 − x + 2 − 2 x3 − x2 − x + 1 = 0
√
(x3 − x2 − x + 1) − 2 x3 − x2 − x + 1 + 1 = 0
√ 2
x3 − x2 − x + 1 − 1 = 0
√
x3 − x2 − x + 1 = 1
x3 − x2 − x + 1 = 1
x3 − x2 − x = 0
x(x2 − x − 1) = 0
√ √ √
1± 5 1+ 5 1− 5
Since x ̸= 0, x = . Let α = and β = . Note that α + β = 1 and
2 2 2
αβ = −1 and β < 0 < α. Since β < 0, β is not a solution. Now, if x = α, then
  12   12
1 1 1 1 1 1
α− + 1− = (α + β) 2 + (1 + β) 2 = 1 2 + (β 2 ) 2 = 1 − β = α.
α α

23. Find the area surrounded by |y + 2024| = 24 − |x + 2024|.

Answer: 1152 sq. units
Solution: Consider the following cases:
Case 1: y + 2024 = 24 − |x + 2024|
For y + 2024 = 24 − |x + 2024|, we have

y + 2024 = 24 − |x + 2024| =⇒ y = −2000 − |x + 2024|

=⇒ y = −2000 − (x + 2024) and y = −2000 − (−x − 2024)
=⇒ y = −x − 4024 and y = x + 24
=⇒ x = −2024 and y = −2000

Case 2: y + 2024 = |x + 2024| − 24

For y + 2024 = |x + 2024| − 24, we have

y + 2024 = |x + 2024| − 24 =⇒ y = |x + 2024| − 2048

=⇒ y = (x + 2024) − 2048 and y = −(x + 2024) − 2048
=⇒ y = x − 24 and y = −x − 4072
=⇒ x = −2024 and y = −2048

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level

 Note that since the given equation can also be written as |x + 2024| = 24 − |y + 2024|,
we can also have another two pairs x = −2000, y = −2024 and x = −2048, y =
−2024. Observe that these four points (−2024, −2000), (−2024, −2048), (−2000, −2024),
and (−2048, −2024) form a square with side length
p √ √
side length = (−2000 + 2024)2 + (−2024 + 2000)2 = 242 + 242 = 24 2.
√
Therefore, the area surrounded by |y + 2024| = 24 − |x + 2024| is (24 2)2 = 1152 sq.
units.

24. A real number a is randomly chosen in the interval −2024 ≤ a ≤ 2024. What is the
probability that all roots of the equation x3 + (2a + 1)x2 + (4a − 1)x + 2 = 0 are real?
2023
Answer:
2024
Solution: Note that x3 + (2a + 1)x2 + (4a − 1)x + 2 = (x + 2)(x2 + (2a − 1)x + 1). Hence,
all the roots of the equation are real if and only if the discriminant of the quadratic
polynomial x2 + (2a − 1)x + 1 is nonnegative. That is,

1 3
(2a − 1)2 − 4 ≥ 0 =⇒ a≤− and a ≥ .
2 2

Therefore, the probability that all the roots are real is

 
3 1
− −
2 2 1 2023
1− =1− = .
2024 − (−2024) 2024 2024

25. A car costing $90,000 is to be bought by paying a down payment of $25,000 and the
rest at 20% compounded annually for 6 years. Determine the required monthly payment.
(Round off to the nearest hundreds)
Answer: $2, 700
Solution: Since a down payment of $25,000 is made, the remaining balance will be

A = $65, 000(1 + 0.2)6 = $194, 088.96.

Therefore, the monthly payment is $194, 088.96 ÷ 72 = $2, 695.68 ≈ $2, 700.

PhIMO Heat Round VTAMPS 15.0 Set 3 Senior Secondary Level