(From the 2001 Russian Math Olympiad, Grade 11)
We have $f(f(x)) = f(x^2 + 4x + 2) = (x^2 + 4x + 2)^2 + 4(x^2 + 4x + 2) + 2$. Setting this equal to 2, we get $(x^2 + 4x + 2)^2 + 4(x^2 + 4x + 2) = 0$. Factoring, we have $(x^2 + 4x + 2)(x^2 + 4x + 6) = 0$. The quadratic $x^2 + 4x + 6 = 0$ has no real roots, so we must have $x^2 + 4x + 2 = 0$. Applying the quadratic formula, we get $x = -2 \pm \sqrt{2}$. russian math olympiad problems and solutions pdf verified
Russian Math Olympiad Problems and Solutions (From the 2001 Russian Math Olympiad, Grade 11)
(From the 1995 Russian Math Olympiad, Grade 9) The quadratic $x^2 + 4x + 6 =
In a triangle $ABC$, let $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$, and let $I$ be the incenter. Suppose that $\angle BIM = 90^{\circ}$. Find $\angle BAC$.
Let $\angle BAC = \alpha$. Since $M$ is the midpoint of $BC$, we have $\angle MBC = 90^{\circ} - \frac{\alpha}{2}$. Also, $\angle IBM = 90^{\circ} - \frac{\alpha}{2}$. Therefore, $\triangle BIM$ is isosceles, and $BM = IM$. Since $I$ is the incenter, we have $IM = r$, the inradius. Therefore, $BM = r$. Now, $\triangle BMC$ is a right triangle with $BM = r$ and $MC = \frac{a}{2}$, where $a$ is the side length $BC$. Therefore, $\frac{a}{2} = r \cot \frac{\alpha}{2}$. On the other hand, the area of $\triangle ABC$ is $\frac{1}{2} r (a + b + c) = \frac{1}{2} a \cdot r \tan \frac{\alpha}{2}$. Combining these, we find that $\alpha = 60^{\circ}$.
The Russian Math Olympiad is a prestigious mathematics competition that has been held annually in Russia since 1964. The competition is designed to identify and encourage talented young mathematicians, and its problems are known for their difficulty and elegance. In this paper, we will present a selection of problems from the Russian Math Olympiad, along with their solutions.