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# Problems of the Week

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Consider the equation $x^2+y^2=3z^2.$ Are there any other integer solutions besides the solution where $$x=y=z=0?$$

A liquid is kept in a cylindrical vessel, which is being rotated about its axis. The liquid rises at the side, as shown in the diagram.

If the radius of the vessel is $$0.05\text{ m}$$ and the speed of rotation is $$2$$ revolutions per second, find the difference in the heights of the liquid at the center of the vessel and its sides (in centimeters).

Take $$g = \pi^2 \text{ m/s}^2.$$

Find the number of pairs of positive integers $$(a,b)$$ with $$1\leq a < b \leq 100$$ such that

there is at least one positive integer $$m$$ with $$a<m<b$$ such that $$m$$ is divisible by every common divisor of $$a$$ and $$b.$$

$\large { \sqrt[30]{20x +\sqrt[30]{20x + \sqrt[30]{20x + 17}}} = 17 }$

Let $$N$$ be the sum of all the real solutions to the above equation. If $$N = \dfrac{a^b-a}{c},$$ where $$a,$$ $$b,$$ and $$c$$ are positive integers and $$a$$ and $$c$$ are coprime, then what is $$a+b+c?$$

A guitar string of length $$l$$ stretched along the $$x$$-axis is plucked in the middle. The initial deflection of the string has the shape $u(x, t = 0) = u_0(x) = \begin{cases} \frac{2 A_0 x}l & x < \frac l2 \\\\ \frac{2 A_0 (l - x)}l & x \geq \frac l2, \end{cases}$ where $$A_0$$ is in the middle (see diagram). The string is then released and swings freely for time $$t > 0,$$ and the resulting string vibration can be written as a superposition of standing waves $u(x, t) = \sum_{n = 1}^\infty A_n \cos(2 \pi f_n t) \sin\left( \frac{n\pi}{l} x \right),$ with eigenfrequencies $$f_n = n \cdot \nu$$ and fundamental frequency $$\nu$$.

What is the relative amount of vibrational energy stored in the fundamental mode $$f = \nu?$$ To do this, you'll have to determine the amplitudes $$A_n$$.

Hint:

• The set of sine functions has the property $\int_0^l \sin\left( \frac{n\pi}{l} x \right) \sin\left( \frac{m\pi}{l} x \right) dx = \begin{cases}\frac l2 & n = m \\ 0 & n \not= m, \quad n, m \in \mathbb{N}. \end{cases}$
• The kinetic energy of a small section of the string at position $$x$$ of length $$dx$$ is given by $$\frac12 \overbrace{\left(\frac{m}{l}dx\right)}^\textrm{mass} \left(\frac{du(x,t)}{dt}\right)^2,$$ where $$m$$ is the mass of the string. Assume that this holds along the entire string.
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