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# Problem Writing Party: June 6th to 26th

Problem Writing Party 8 was a great success, and we had so many comments that the page started loading slowly for some people. Thanks for being part of the conversation!

I'm working on creating the quizzes, and will update the following list ASAP. Some of you would also have received B-notifications that your problems were added to the quizzes over the course of the previous week. Keep it up! We value your submissions, and would love to feature more of them.

Here are the quizzes that the Brilliant community helped create:

31 New Brilliant Challenge Quizzes

Arithmetic Progressions: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
GCD/LCM: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5
Conditional Probability: Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5
Euler's Theorem: Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5
Distribution into Bins: Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5
Limits of Functions: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4
Chess Tactical: Level 2, Level 3, Level 4
Chess Abstract: Level 2, Level 3
Pattern Recognition:

Let's kick off our 9th Problem Writing Party!

## How it Works

The party starts right now (June 6th, 2016) and will last for the next two weeks. Throughout the two weeks, we will be focusing on writing awesome problems for the topics listed in quizzes that need your help on the publish page. The topics are:

 All levels: Chess Tactical Rectangular Grid Walk Power Mean inequality Roots of Unity Low levels: Functions Classification of Triangles Newton's Law of Gravity High levels: Triangle Centers Markov Chains

To join, submit as many problems as you want to these listed topics. At the end of the party, Brilliant staff will be picking the best 5-10 problems for each topic. These problems will then be immortalized and formed into a challenge quiz. If we pick your problem, then you can brag to your friends because it will be displayed on Brilliant forever! Your problem has a better chance of being selected if you include a graphic (when appropriate) and a solution.

Happy writing and keep the party alive!

## Use this note to

1. Ask questions about the party or brainstorming ideas from Brilliant staff.

2. Share links to great relevant problems.

3. Bounce your ideas off each other to help formulate the best problem you can.

4. If you're posting your problems, please keep it to one rooted comment (and I will be merging such comments from the same person). This helps us keep the page more orderly.
You can link to your own problems by using the markdown syntax of [text](url link).

Note by Calvin Lin
1 year, 1 month ago

## Comments

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Top Newest

I had a really good one once but I forgot it. I hate that. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Is it like a fabulous proof for which this comment is too small to contain? I hate that too. Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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:-) I have a bad memory for some things. Some of my best ideas come when I don't have a pen and paper on hand, it seems. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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This is my submission for the Power Mean Inequality... And my first submission for the problem writing parties... · 1 year, 1 month ago

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This is an interesting geometric application of the Power Mean Inequality! It is well presented, and the diagram helps too. I am looking forward to more of your problems :) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Hey guys, check out my new problems for the PWP. Hope you like it :) .

Roots of Unity - Let's get United.

Classical Inequalities - Classic ! , Classical ! .

Law of Gravity - Who are A and B ? . · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Ah yes, that's a really important​ property of roots if unity :)

Note that it's the "Power Mean inequalities" chapter instead of all classical inequalities. Yes, we're developing out this section and splitting up the chapter! Finally! So, the IMO question doesn't quite count, but the other one is great!

The phrasing of the gravitational question could be improved on. Right now, it sounds quite forced / unnatural. Can you tweak it slightly? Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Ok, sir. I'll work on the question on Law of gravity. Anyways, thanks. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thanks for inviting me to this party but I am currently facing crisis in my school that my free time is totally cut off. I will see to that I can add something good if I can! · 1 year ago

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Same here, thats why I cant contribute nowadays :( · 1 year ago

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A problem for Rectangular Grid Walk:

Heist of the Diamond · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Woah! Very nice question! +1 for storytelling! Reshared · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thanks! · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here is mine for Roots of unity · 1 year, 1 month ago

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I think asking for the minimum number of sides was a good question if the point wasn't already of the form $$( \cos \frac{2\pi}{n}, \sin \frac{2\pi}{n}$$. Giving the 3rd vertex of a 7-gon would have made it more interesting Staff · 1 year ago

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Here is another rectangular grid walk program. It has to do with a random walk in four dimension, where time is the fourth dimension... Enjoy! :) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Haha, I'm a Doctor Who fan!

Your question brings up a loophole in the Doctor Who universe, where events are "time locked". They could have just travelled to $$T-1$$ and then wait it out, or travel to a nearby city and then walk over :) Staff · 1 year ago

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TARDISSSSSS! =D =D · 1 year ago

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Hahahaha... Yup, an inside joke for Dr. Who fans! :) (Apropos for a time traveling problem!) · 1 year ago

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Here is my question for Rectangular grid walk. I edited the previous one. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thanks, the final answer is in a much simpler form now. It would be great if you could add a diagram to your problem; it would make the problem easier to visualize. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Ok, I will add one soon. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thanks for the image! I've edited it to make it clearer, and to also show an example of a possible path. Staff · 1 year ago

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Here is a question on functions ( inverse ) . Log inverse · 1 year, 1 month ago

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The final answer format of $$\ln(\log_a e)^{6}$$ is very contrived. Can we simplify that further? It might be better to ask what the constant $$a$$ is, and provide options like $$e^e, e^{ \frac{1}{e}, e^ 1 , e^2$$. Thoughts? Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Sir I cannot change the options but you can. Surely it will be better then. But then the question can be solved by hit and trial. Thats why I did this. Anyways as you wish. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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I've edited the problem. Let me know what you think of it. Staff · 1 year ago

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This is an excellent question that was fun to solve. However, I wonder if replacing the two choices that you can immediately eliminate because they are <1, violating the first assumption in the question, would partially address Prince Loomba's concern about trial and error. Perhaps $$e^{e-1}$$ and $$e^{e^{-2}}$$ can replace $$e^{-1}$$ and $$e^{-e}$$? Staff · 1 year ago

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Welcome to my dazzling problem on Triangle Centers: Tangling Circles. · 1 year ago

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That's interesting (and colorful)! Staff · 1 year ago

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Another one on Roots of Unity: Prime Power Roots. · 1 year ago

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Here's one for Roots of Unity: Odd Powers Only. · 1 year ago

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Triangle problem: It's a whole number!.  Triangle centers: It's a Triangle!. Powers: Powers of 2. Roots of Unity: What value does the area approach?. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Short and simple problems. These problems test basic understanding of the concepts. Thanks for sharing these problems, Akeel :) · 1 year ago

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This is my new question on Power-Mean Inequality: Yummy Jelly.

Should be pretty easy though. ;) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Two easy (I think) problems for functions:

Not many solutions? Part 1

Not many solutions? Part 2 · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here's the applied question for Classical Inequality: Rectangular Inequality.

Enjoy! ;) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Another Function Problem

Click Here · 1 year, 1 month ago

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An easy one on Classification of Triangles: Tri-Max. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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function problem · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Cute question! I thought sinusoidal = periodic only. +1 · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here are my entries for the topics: Functions

Maps to itself... eventually and Use a telescope. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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problem on roots of unity i just made !!! :) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Doesn't your expression of $$\omega\omega^{2n} + \omega^2 \omega^{2n-1} + \cdots + \omega^{2n} \omega$$ simplifies to just $$(2n+1)\omega^{2n+1}$$? Or am I interpreting your question wrongly

Interesting question nonetheless! +1 · 1 year, 1 month ago

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according to me, it adds upto $$2n\omega^{2n+1}$$ which is nothing but $$2n\omega$$ which can be expressed as

$$2ne^{\frac{2\pi i}{2n}}$$ which finally yields an answer of 2

but a moderator(perhaps) editted the question and the answer has been changed to 1 which i cant account for · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Can i post Similar Triangle Problem for Classification Triangle ? · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Hmmmm, I don't think so. They are two different stuffs. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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And if you are not busy, try to write solution in this problem. Yes i know the answer but i don't know how to prove it. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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;(, that's mean i only have one posted problem · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here's my problem for Function( Sorry i was a little bit late ;) ) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here is my fourth submission for triangle centers section. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here is mine for functions · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Well u learnt hoe to link!!! (+1) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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How do you link? · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Use the Syntax:- [Text you want to link](url of the page you want to link) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Ya I refered to the latex help page :> · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Actually it is mentioned in the note too · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here is another rectangular grid walk problem. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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A set on Markov Chains :

· 1 year, 1 month ago

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Winnie the Poo!!!!!!!!!! · 1 year ago

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I have posted two more problems, both relating to classification of triangles. I hope that these two problems are more suitable than my last two:

Stubborn triangles

Believe in yourself, Tommy!

I am also planning to create some better problems for roots of unity, keeping in mind how Euler's formula can be used as a means of simplifying trigonometric functions. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thank you! I enjoyed solving the problems :) They are easy to understand, and slightly tricky to solve.

I am looking forward to your problems in roots of unity! · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thank you for the compliment, Pranshu! :D · 1 year ago

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Here is my question about Triangle Centers. :> · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thanks for making your first problem contribution to Brilliant! I look forward to seeing more :) Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Not sure if this one counts as a Markov chain? · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Very tangentially. It is more of linearity of expectation, then it has to do with understanding a Markov chain. Great question BTW. Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Yeah, that's kinda what I figured... Still trying to think of a good Markov Chain one... Oh, and thanks! :) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here is my question for Rectangle grid walk

Here is my question for Rectangular grid walk. I edited the previous one. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thank you! Can you add a solution to the problem? To me, it's more natural to ask for the total number of ways, in part because the $$Z! ^3$$ in the denominator seems out of place. Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Than you, sir, for the invitation, I just posted my problems under the community page. I do not know how to add them here. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Well write the syntax:- [word you want to link](the url of the webpage) is my submission for xxx section. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here is my first entry for classification of triangles section.

Here is my entry for triangle centers section.

Here is my third submission for triangle centers section.

Thanks. Here is that $${91}^°$$ question. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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FYI I combined your posts into 1, to keep this note cleaner.

Great question about triangle classifications :) A follow up question could be "Which non-degenerate triangle cannot have $$91^\circ$$ as one of its angles.

I like the triangle centers question too. It's kept simple, and interesting to play around with.

The third problem seems like tedious computation, and I'm not excited to get started with it. You can also tell that from the low attempt rate of the community.

Overall, great improvement​ in the problems that you're posting, especially in comparison to what you started out from. Keep it up! Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Not sure if it fits, but this is my question for Rectangular Grid Walk: Dark Room Hunt.
And for function: Fibonacci Reversed. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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The first problem is really interesting! It doesn't fit under Rectangular grid walks, but I've placed it into the Grid puzzles quiz.

The second problem is pretty fun too. I see that it's been placed in the Functions chapter, and will review​ it later :) Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thanks. The first one is one of my favorite detective question. :) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here is one on rectangular grid walk: Paths

My problem on Classification of Triangles: Get It Right

Problems on functions: Fitting Functions, Flipping Functions · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Ah yes, that's pretty interesting. At first glance, it seems almost impossible to proceed and we have to resort to the old method of listing out paths to every single node. But as it turns out, there is a nice way to interpret the problem and play with it. Thanks for sharing! Could you add a solution to the problem?

The second problem is good too. Ideally, we want to avoid trigonometry in this basic chapter. I have moved the problem into trigonometry instead. Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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I've just posted a solution. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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For Classification of Triangles: That's all?

For Roots of Unity: Unification · 1 year, 1 month ago

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The first question seems computational / tedious, as it's just memorization of an angle. It also doesn't help explain how/why we care about classifying triangles.

Similarly for the second question, which doesn't yet showcase the beauty of roots of unity. It would have been nicer if final form was $$\cos \frac{pi}{n} \times e^{ i \theta }$$, which starts to get at the usefulness of the identities.

Here are some suggestions for writing a great problem. I look forward to seeing your improvements over time :) Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thank you for the advice! I will keep this in mind for next time. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Roots of unity!. will contribute to it · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Looking forward to it! Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Sir like gravitation requires low level problems but i have some level 4-5 problems can i still contribute? · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Sure of course! Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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On Markov Chain :

· 1 year, 1 month ago

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Great! I've added both of these to the Markov Chains chapter. I really like Otto's problem, and the discussion. I was pleasantly surprised at the result. Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here is one for rectangular grids: Avoiding the accident sites.

And a simple one on Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: Rock. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thanks! I combined your posts into 1, to keep this note cleaner.

The first problem could definitely benefit from an image, which will remove the need to define the streets and avenues. Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here is a first problem for Classification of Triangles · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Great. I've improved the phrasing of the problem. Old version

If $$ABC$$ it a triangle such that its orthocenter lies on its circumscribed circumference. Find the greatest internal angle of $$ABC$$ (in degrees).

into

If $$ABC$$ is a triangle such that the orthocenter lies on the circumcircle, then find the greatest internal angle of $$ABC$$ (in degrees).

Can you add a solution to it? Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here are my entries for Triangle Centres :

· 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thanks! These are great problems that the community likes and will be in the list that I review. In fact, the first problem was already added to a challenge quiz :) Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Oh! I didn't get a notification about it though. Thanks for selecting it. :) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Yea, that happened back in the day before we started sending out notifications lol. I'm so glad that we do it now. Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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I would like to submit these problems for Newton's Law of Gravity: Entry 1, Entry 2, and Entry 3. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Oh, I really like question 1. That same thought occurred to me as I was reading the book and thinking about the environmental differences.

For question 2, I'm not quite sure that 5N of gravitational force between 2 stones that we're holding is a reasonable estimate. It might be better to just say "N newtons" and express the options in terms of that.

For question 3, one potential thought experiment is to ask what happens as $$r \rightarrow 0$$. If the gravitational force goes to infinity, why am I allowed to touch something and release it? Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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I have one more question to add to this party! I just created it today, for functions: Inseparable · 1 year ago

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Final entries for this party::::

Triangle centers:
Centroid?
Some other center?

Grid walk::::
Sudoku
Tron
Limit · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here's my entry for triangle centers · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Hope I'm not late to the party. Here's my entries for Power mean inequality::

Do I need to expand it all?

Maximum value is not as big as you think · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Man you come up with the craziest questions, Pi! ;-) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here is my rectangular grid walk question... Enjoy! :^) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here's a link to a problem I wrote for Newton's Law of Gravity: Splitting the Sun in Two Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Here's another Gravity problem: A Gloopelhopper Problem Staff · 1 year ago

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Interesting problems, Aaron! The scenarios are described in great detail, and the solutions are excellently written. Awesome! · 1 year ago

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Here's another problem I wrote for Newton's Law of Gravity: Voyage from the Sun Staff · 1 year ago

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Thank you, Aaron! It is a lovely problem with a nice diagram.

I have a suggestion; the problem statement was long and slightly difficult to follow:

Express your answer as a ratio $$\dfrac{F_2}{F_1}$$, where $$F_1$$ is the gravitational force applied by the (actual) Sun on the Earth at an orbital distance of $$1 \text{AU}$$.

It can be simplified to:

Suppose the gravitational force applied by the Sun on the Earth at an orbital distance of $$1 \text{ AU}$$ is $$F_1$$.

What is $$\dfrac{F_2}{F_1}$$?

By using shorter sentences, we can make the problem more easy to understand. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Hi Pranshu,

Thank you for your helpful comment! I totally agree with your rephrasing. I will change the problem to incorporate your suggestion. Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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My entry for roots of unity · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Cool problem, Joao! It is simply stated, and clear and concise. Keep it up! :) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thanks! · 1 year, 1 month ago

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This is my question on Markov's Chain: Sun & Beaches. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Nice problem, Dr. Warm. I have added a diagram so it's easier to see what is happening. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Thanks. I was so busy with my work that I didn't have time to draw the diagram. · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Ahh i'm late, need to work fast ;) · 1 year, 1 month ago

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There's still lots of time, don't worry.

And lots of parties too! Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Do it by algebra · 1 year, 1 month ago

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Hm, after our discussion, I don't see what makes this problem interesting / special.

The problem is not in any of the chapters that I listed out. These chapters will get special attention over the next 2 weeks, and thus contributing into those chapters now would increase the likelihood that it makes it into the quizzes. Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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@Calvin Lin sir what about this? Will it work for the AP quiz: Just, AP · 1 year, 1 month ago

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I did review the question as I was putting together the AP set, and it's interesting in it's own way. However, the community didn't find it interesting and wasn't excited to work on it, which is why I didn't place it into the Level 4 quiz.

Here are some guidelines to help you improve the quality of your problems, and I would love to feature them :) Staff · 1 year, 1 month ago

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