Chapter

Mixed Problems I

The module trains method selection without an announced topic: divisibility, GCD, congruences, factorisation, Diophantine equations, periods, CRT, descent, and constructions.
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Theory

Key Idea

In mixed problems, the method is not announced in advance. The goal of this module is to learn what blocks a direct solution: a large parameter, a hidden GCD, an impossible residue, an expression that should be factored, or a construction that must be built.

Good olympiad work begins not with computation but with choosing the right language: divisibility, congruences, GCD, factorisation, descent, order, or CRT. The same problem may have several starts, but usually only one removes the unnecessary complexity quickly.

Basic Facts

  • To prove divisibility by a composite number, split it into coprime factors.
  • For \(\gcd(f(n),g(n))\), use the Euclidean algorithm: subtract multiples of expressions.
  • If an equation seems impossible, check squares modulo \(3,4,5,8\).
  • If products and sums appear together, try to transform the equation into \((x+a)(y+b)=c\).
  • To construct a number with several residues, translate the conditions into a system of congruences.
  • For impossibility or infinite-process arguments, look for a minimal counterexample or descent.

When to Use This Method

  • After reading the problem, it is not clear which formula or modulus should be used.
  • The statement mixes powers, divisibility, digits, GCD, or equations.
  • Naive case checking quickly becomes long.
  • You must not only find an answer, but explain why no other cases exist.

How to Recognise the Method

First ask: what happens if the variable is replaced by a residue? If the expression collapses, it is a modular problem. If two expressions have a common divisor, replace one by a difference. If \(xy\) and linear terms appear together, look for a completed product.

If the problem asks for existence, think of CRT or the pigeonhole principle. If it asks for impossibility in positive integers, check residues and the possibility of infinite descent.

Typical Mistakes

  • Starting a large search instead of choosing a modulus.
  • Forgetting to check that factor pairs give positive integer solutions.
  • Confusing an existence proof with finding one small example.
  • Dividing a congruence without checking coprimality.
  • In descent problems, not proving that the new solution is genuinely smaller.

Mini-Checklist

  • Is there a natural modulus?
  • Can the GCD be replaced by a simpler GCD?
  • Can the expression be factored or completed to a product?
  • Do we need to construct a number rather than compute it?
  • If a candidate is found, have all conditions been checked?
  • If impossibility is proved, where exactly does the contradiction occur?

Examples

Example 1. Divisibility Without Search

We practise splitting into coprime factors.

Problem. Prove that \(n^3-n\) is divisible by \(6\) for every integer \(n\).

Solution.

We have \(n^3-n=n(n-1)(n+1)\), the product of three consecutive integers. One of them is even, so the product is divisible by \(2\). One of them is divisible by \(3\). Since \(2\) and \(3\) are coprime, the product is divisible by \(6\).

Comment. The method is chosen from the composite divisor \(6=2\cdot3\).

Example 2. GCD by Subtraction

A complicated GCD often hides a small divisor.

Problem. Find \(\gcd(n^2+1,n+1)\).

Solution.

Subtract: \(n^2+1-(n-1)(n+1)=2\). Hence the common divisor divides \(2\). If \(n\) is odd, then both \(n+1\) and \(n^2+1\) are even, so the GCD is \(2\). If \(n\) is even, both cannot be even, so the GCD is \(1\).

Comment. The answer is \(2\) for odd \(n\), and \(1\) for even \(n\).

Example 3. Impossibility Modulo a Number

Sometimes a square table replaces all casework.

Problem. Prove that \(x^2+y^2=8z+7\) has no integer solutions.

Solution.

A square modulo \(8\) can only be \(0,1,4\). The sum of two such residues cannot be \(7\) modulo \(8\); possible sums are \(0,1,2,4,5\). But the right-hand side is \(7\) modulo \(8\). Contradiction.

Comment. The key is to choose modulus \(8\), not to solve the equation.

Example 4. A Divisor of Linear Form

The hidden move is to multiply by \(4\) so that the divisor forms a square.

Problem. Find all positive integers \(n\) such that \(2n+1\mid n^2+n+3\).

Solution.

If \(2n+1\mid n^2+n+3\), then \(2n+1\mid4(n^2+n+3)\). But \(4(n^2+n+3)=(2n+1)^2+11\). Thus \(2n+1\mid11\). Since \(n\ge1\), \(2n+1\ge3\), so \(2n+1=11\), giving \(n=5\). Check: \(11\mid33\).

Comment. This is a typical olympiad replacement: make the expression match the divisor.

Example 5. Completing to a Product

An equation with \(xy\) and linear terms often factors.

Problem. Solve \(xy+x+y=35\) in positive integers.

Solution.

Add \(1\): \((x+1)(y+1)=36\). Now list factor pairs of \(36\) greater than \(1\). We get \((x,y)=(1,17),(2,11),(3,8),(5,5),(8,3),(11,2),(17,1)\).

Comment. Factorisation turns an infinite search into a finite divisor list.

Example 6. Repunit and Order

A long number of ones should become a congruence for \(10^n\).

Problem. Find all \(n\) for which \(R_n\) is divisible by \(13\).

Solution.

Since \(13\) is coprime to \(9\), the condition \(13\mid R_n\) is equivalent to \(10^n\equiv1\pmod{13}\). The order of \(10\) modulo \(13\) is \(6\). Therefore \(13\mid R_n\) exactly when \(6\mid n\).

Comment. The method is suggested by the form \(111\ldots111\).

Example 7. Descent Instead of Search

If one positive solution produces a smaller positive solution, none exist.

Problem. Prove that \(x^2+y^2=3xy\) has no positive integer solutions.

Solution.

Assume a solution exists and choose one with minimal \(x+y\). Let \(x\ge y\). Then \(x<3y\). Treating the equation as quadratic in \(x\), the second root is \(x'=3y-x\). It is positive, integral, and gives another solution. Also \(x(3y-x)=y^2\) implies \(x>2y\), hence \(0

Comment. This is a first taste of Vieta descent without heavy machinery.

Example 8. Constructing a Block

Existence is often proved by construction rather than by finding a small example.

Problem. Prove that there exist \(5\) consecutive composite numbers.

Solution.

Take \(N=6!\). Then \(N+2,N+3,N+4,N+5,N+6\) are divisible respectively by \(2,3,4,5,6\), and each is larger than its divisor. Hence all are composite.

Comment. This is a factorial construction; later it can be replaced by CRT constructions.

Problems

Problems

#19.1
#19.1

Two Consecutive Numbers

Divisibility Grade 7 Grade 8 ★☆☆☆☆

Prove that \(n(n+1)\) is divisible by \(2\) for every integer \(n\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P001
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Divisibility
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#19.2
#19.2

Consecutive Numbers

GCD Grade 7 Grade 8 ★☆☆☆☆

Prove that \(\gcd(n,n+1)=1\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P002
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: GCD
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#19.3
#19.3

Squares Modulo \(4\)

Modular Arithmetic Grade 7 Grade 8 ★☆☆☆☆

Which residues can a square of an integer have modulo \(4\)?

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P003
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Modular Arithmetic
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#19.4
#19.4

Difference of Squares

Factorisation Grade 7 Grade 8 ★☆☆☆☆

Factor \(x^2-y^2\) and explain when it is useful.

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P004
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#19.5
#19.5

Last Digit

Power Cycle Grade 7 Grade 8 ★☆☆☆☆

Find the last digit of \(7^{2025}\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P005
Difficulty: Level 1 of 5
Tag: Power Cycle
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#19.6
#19.6

Cube and Number

Divisibility Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Prove that \(3\mid n^3-n\) for every integer \(n\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P006
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Divisibility
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.7
#19.7

GCD of Expressions

Factorisation Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Find \(\gcd(n^2-1,n+1)\) for positive integer \(n\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P007
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.8
#19.8

Product After Adding

Factorisation Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Solve \(xy+x+y=23\) in positive integers.

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P008
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.9
#19.9

Impossible Remainder

Modular Arithmetic Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Prove that \(x^2+y^2=4z+3\) has no integer solutions.

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P009
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Modular Arithmetic
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.10
#19.10

Two Remainders

Chinese Remainder Theorem Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Find all \(n\) such that \(n\equiv1\pmod3\) and \(n\equiv2\pmod5\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P010
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Chinese Remainder Theorem
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.11
#19.11

Period of a Fraction

Decimal Period Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Find the period length of \(\frac{1}{11}\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P011
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Decimal Period
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.12
#19.12

Odd Number of Divisors

Divisor Counting Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Prove that a positive integer has an odd number of positive divisors if and only if it is a square.

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P012
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Divisor Counting
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.13
#19.13

Residues of an Expression

Modular Arithmetic Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Find all residues \(n\pmod7\) for which \(7\mid n^2+n+1\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P013
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Modular Arithmetic
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.14
#19.14

GCD with a Parameter

GCD Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Find \(\gcd(n^2+1,n+2)\) for positive integer \(n\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P014
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: GCD
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.15
#19.15

Hidden Product

Factorisation Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Solve \(xy=3x+2y\) in positive integers.

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P015
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.16
#19.16

Divisor \(n+2\)

Divisibility Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Find all positive integers \(n\) such that \(n+2\mid n^2+5\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P016
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Divisibility
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.17
#19.17

Sum of Two Squares

Modular Arithmetic Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Prove that a number of the form \(4k+3\) cannot be represented as a sum of two integer squares.

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P017
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Modular Arithmetic
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#19.18
#19.18

Ones and Divisibility by \(7\)

Repunit Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Find all \(n\) for which \(7\mid R_n\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P018
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Repunit
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#19.19
#19.19

Three Conditions on Consecutive Numbers

Chinese Remainder Theorem Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Find one positive integer \(n\) such that \(2\mid n+1\), \(3\mid n+2\), and \(5\mid n+3\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P019
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Chinese Remainder Theorem
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#19.20
#19.20

GCD of Power Numbers

GCD Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Prove that \(\gcd(2^m-1,2^n-1)=2^{\gcd(m,n)}-1\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P020
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: GCD
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#19.21
#19.21

Difference of Squares \(2025\)

Factorisation Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Find all pairs of positive integers \(x>y\) such that \(x^2-y^2=2025\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P021
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Factorisation
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#19.22
#19.22

Equation with No Solutions

Descent Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Prove that \(x^2+y^2=3xy\) has no positive integer solutions.

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P022
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Descent
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#19.23
#19.23

Divisor \(2n+1\)

Divisibility Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Find all positive integers \(n\) such that \(2n+1\mid n^2+n+3\).

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P023
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Divisibility
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#19.24
#19.24

A Long Block of Composite Numbers

Factorial Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

Prove that for every \(k\ge1\), there exist \(k\) consecutive positive integers, each composite.

Details
Problem: NT-B1-M11-P024
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Factorial
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10

Ladders

No published ladders were found.
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