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The matrix \[\begin{pmatrix} 3 & -1 \\ c & d \end{pmatrix}\]is its own inverse. Enter the ordered pair $(c,d).$
Since $\begin{pmatrix} 3 & -1 \\ c & d \end{pmatrix}$ is its own inverse, \[\begin{pmatrix} 3 & -1 \\ c & d \end{pmatrix}^2 = \begin{pmatrix} 3 & -1 \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 3 & -1 \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} = \mathbf{I}.\]This gives us \[\begin{pmatrix} 9 - c & -d - 3 \\ cd + 3c & d^2 - c \end{pmatrix} = \ma...
Find the curve defined by the equation \[\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}.\](A) Line (B) Circle (C) Parabola (D) Ellipse (E) Hyperbola Enter the letter of the correct option.
All points that make an angle of $\frac{\pi}{3}$ with the positive $x$-axis lie on the graph. [asy] unitsize(1 cm); draw(3*dir(240)--3*dir(60),red); draw((-2,0)--(2,0)); draw((0,-3)--(0,3)); label("$\frac{\pi}{3}$", (0.5,0.4)); label("$\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}$", (2,1.8), red); [/asy] But all points that make an angl...
Points $A,$ $B,$ $C,$ and $D$ are equally spaced along a line such that $AB = BC = CD.$ A point $P$ is located so that $\cos \angle APC = \frac{4}{5}$ and $\cos \angle BPD = \frac{3}{5}.$ Determine $\sin (2 \angle BPC).$
Let $a = AP,$ $b = BP,$ $c = CP,$ and $d = DP.$ Let $\alpha = \angle APC,$ $\beta = \angle BPD,$ $\gamma = \angle BPC,$ and $\delta = \angle APD.$ Then $\cos \alpha = \frac{4}{5}$ and $\cos \beta = \frac{3}{5}.$ Since \[\cos^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \beta = 1,\]and $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are acute, these angles must satisfy ...
The sphere with radius 1 and center $(0,0,1)$ rests on the $xy$-plane. A light source is at $P = (0,-1,2).$ Then the boundary of the shadow of the sphere can be expressed in the form $y = f(x),$ for some function $f(x).$ Find the function $f(x).$
Let $O = (0,0,1)$ be the center of the sphere, and let $X = (x,y,0)$ be a point on the boundary of the shadow. Since $X$ is on the boundary, $\overline{PX}$ is tangent to the sphere; let $T$ be the point of tangency. Note that $\angle PTO = 90^\circ.$ Also, lengths $OP$ and $OT$ are fixed, so $\angle OPT = \angle OP...
Let $\mathcal{C}$ be the hyperbola $y^2 - x^2 = 1$. Given a point $P_0$ on the $x$-axis, we construct a sequence of points $(P_n)$ on the $x$-axis in the following manner: let $\ell_n$ be the line with slope 1 passing passing through $P_n$, then $P_{n+1}$ is the orthogonal projection of the point of intersection of $\...
Let $P_n = (x_n, 0)$. Then the $\ell_n$ meet $\mathcal{C}$ at $(x_{n+1}, x_{n+1} - x_n)$. Since this point lies on the hyperbola, we have $(x_{n+1} - x_n)^2 - x_{n+1}^2 = 1$. Rearranging this equation gives \[ x_{n+1} = \frac{x_n^2 - 1}{2x_n}. \]Choose a $\theta_0 \in (0, \pi)$ with $\cot\theta_0 = x_0$, and define $\t...
Find the phase shift of the graph of $y = 2 \sin \left( 2x + \frac{\pi}{3} \right).$
Since the graph of $y = 2 \sin \left( 2x + \frac{\pi}{3} \right)$ is the same as the graph of $y = 2 \sin 2x$ shifted $\frac{\pi}{6}$ units to the left, the phase shift is $\boxed{-\frac{\pi}{6}}.$ [asy]import TrigMacros; size(400); real g(real x) { return 2*sin(2*x + pi/3); } real f(real x) { return 2*sin(2*x); ...
Find the matrix that corresponds to reflecting over the vector $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.$
Let $\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix},$ let $\mathbf{r}$ be the reflection of $\mathbf{v}$ over $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix},$ and let $\mathbf{p}$ be the projection of $\mathbf{v}$ onto $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.$ Note that $\mathbf{p}$ is the midpoint of $\mathbf{v}$ and $\mathb...
Convert the point $(6,2 \sqrt{3})$ in rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates. Enter your answer in the form $(r,\theta),$ where $r > 0$ and $0 \le \theta < 2 \pi.$
We have that $r = \sqrt{6^2 + (2 \sqrt{3})^2} = 4 \sqrt{3}.$ Also, if we draw the line connecting the origin and $(6,2 \sqrt{3}),$ this line makes an angle of $\frac{\pi}{6}$ with the positive $x$-axis. [asy] unitsize(0.6 cm); draw((-1,0)--(8,0)); draw((0,-1)--(0,4)); draw(arc((0,0),4*sqrt(3),0,30),red,Arrow(6)); dr...
Convert the point $\left( 8, \frac{7 \pi}{6} \right)$ in polar coordinates to rectangular coordinates.
In rectangular coordinates, $\left( 8, \frac{7 \pi}{6} \right)$ becomes \[\left( 8 \cos \frac{7 \pi}{6}, 8 \sin \frac{7 \pi}{6} \right) = \boxed{(-4 \sqrt{3},-4)}.\]
Given vectors $\mathbf{v}$ and $\mathbf{w}$ such that $\|\mathbf{v}\| = 3,$ $\|\mathbf{w}\| = 7,$ and $\mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{w} = 10,$ then find $\|\operatorname{proj}_{\mathbf{w}} \mathbf{v}\|.$
Note that \begin{align*} \|\operatorname{proj}_{\mathbf{w}} \mathbf{v}\| &= \left\| \frac{\mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{w}}{\|\mathbf{w}\|^2} \mathbf{w} \right\| \\ &= \frac{|\mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{w}|}{\|\mathbf{w}\|^2} \cdot \|\mathbf{w}\| \\ &= \frac{|\mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{w}|}{\|\mathbf{w}\|} \\ &= \boxed{\frac{10}...
Find the range of \[f(A)=\frac{\sin A(3\cos^{2}A+\cos^{4}A+3\sin^{2}A+\sin^{2}A\cos^{2}A)}{\tan A (\sec A-\sin A\tan A)}\]if $A\neq \dfrac{n\pi}{2}$ for any integer $n.$ Enter your answer using interval notation.
We can factor the numerator, and write the denominator in terms of $\sin A$ and $\cos A,$ to get \begin{align*} f(A) &= \frac{\sin A (3 \cos^2 A + \cos^4 A + 3 \sin^2 A + \sin^2 A \cos^2 A)}{\tan A (\sec A - \sin A \tan A)} \\ &= \frac{\sin A (\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A)(\cos^2 A + 3)}{\frac{\sin A}{\cos A} (\frac{1}{\cos A} ...
Let $O$ be the origin. A variable plane has a distance of 1 from the origin, and intersects the $x$-axis, $y$-axis, and $z$-axis at $A,$ $B,$ and $C,$ respectively, all distinct from $O.$ Let $(p,q,r)$ be the centroid of triangle $ABC.$ Find \[\frac{1}{p^2} + \frac{1}{q^2} + \frac{1}{r^2}.\]
Let $A = (\alpha,0,0),$ $B = (0,\beta,0),$ and $C = (0,0,\gamma).$ Then the equation of plane $ABC$ is given by \[\frac{x}{\alpha} + \frac{y}{\beta} + \frac{z}{\gamma} = 1.\]Since the distance between the origin and plane is 1, \[\frac{1}{\sqrt{\frac{1}{\alpha^2} + \frac{1}{\beta^2} + \frac{1}{\gamma^2}}} = 1.\]Then \...
Simplify $\tan \frac{\pi}{24} + \tan \frac{7 \pi}{24}.$
We can write \[\tan \frac{\pi}{24} + \tan \frac{7 \pi}{24} = \frac{\sin \frac{\pi}{24}}{\cos \frac{\pi}{24}} + \frac{\sin \frac{7 \pi}{24}}{\cos \frac{7 \pi}{24}} = \frac{\sin \frac{\pi}{24} \cos \frac{7 \pi}{24} + \cos \frac{\pi}{24} \sin \frac{7 \pi}{24}}{\cos \frac{\pi}{24} \cos \frac{7 \pi}{24}}.\]By the angle add...
Compute $\arcsin \left( -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \right).$ Express your answer in radians.
Since $\sin \left( -\frac{\pi}{3} \right) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2},$ $\arcsin \left( -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \right) = \boxed{-\frac{\pi}{3}}.$
Let $S$ be a region in the plane with area 4. When we apply the matrix \[\begin{pmatrix} 2 & -1 \\ 7 & 2 \end{pmatrix}\]to $S,$ we obtain the region $S'.$ Find the area of $S'.$
Note that \[\begin{vmatrix} 2 & -1 \\ 7 & 2 \end{vmatrix} = (2)(2) - (-1)(7) = 11,\]so the matrix scales the area of any region by a factor of 11. In particular, the area of $S'$ is $11 \cdot 4 = \boxed{44}.$
In triangle $ABC$, $\cos(2A-B)+\sin(A+B)=2$ and $AB=4$. What is $BC$?
The only way that the sum of a cosine and a sine can equal 2 is if each is equal to 1, so \[\cos (2A - B) = \sin (A + B) = 1.\]Since $A + B = 180^\circ,$ $0 < A + B < 180^\circ.$ Then we must have \[A + B = 90^\circ.\]This means $A < 90^\circ$ and $B < 90^\circ,$ so $2A - B < 180^\circ$ and $2A - B > -90^\circ.$ Henc...
A line passes through $(2,2,1)$ and $(5,1,-2).$ A point on this line has an $x$-coordinate of 4. Find the $z$-coordinate of the point.
The direction vector of the line is given by \[\begin{pmatrix} 5 - 2 \\ 1 - 2 \\ -2 - 1 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -1 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix},\]so the line is parameterized by \[\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -1 \\ - 3 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 + 3t \\ 2 - t \\ 1 - 3t ...
There exists a scalar $c$ so that \[\mathbf{i} \times (\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{i}) + \mathbf{j} \times (\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{j}) + \mathbf{k} \times (\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{k}) = c \mathbf{v}\]for all vectors $\mathbf{v}.$ Find $c.$
In general, the vector triple product states that for any vectors $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ and $\mathbf{c},$ \[\mathbf{a} \times (\mathbf{b} \times \mathbf{c}) = (\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{c}) \mathbf{b} - (\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b}) \mathbf{c}.\]So \begin{align*} \mathbf{i} \times (\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{i}) &=...
For all real numbers $x$ except $x=0$ and $x=1$ the function $f(x)$ is defined by \[f \left( \frac{x}{x - 1} \right) = \frac{1}{x}.\]Suppose $0\leq t\leq \frac{\pi}{2}$. What is the value of $f(\sec^2t)$?
First, we must solve \[\frac{x}{x - 1} = \sec^2 t.\]Solving for $x,$ we find $x = \frac{\sec^2 t}{\sec^2 t - 1}.$ Then \[f(\sec^2 t) = \frac{1}{x} = \frac{\sec^2 t - 1}{\sec^2 t} = 1 - \cos^2 t = \boxed{\sin^2 t}.\]
In right triangle $BCD$ with $\angle D = 90^\circ$, we have $BC = 9$ and $BD = 4$. Find $\sin B$.
The triangle is shown below: [asy] pair B,C,D; C = (0,0); D = (sqrt(65),0); B = (sqrt(65),4); draw(B--C--D--B); draw(rightanglemark(B,D,C,13)); label("$C$",C,SW); label("$B$",B,NE); label("$D$",D,SE); label("$9$",(B+C)/2,NW); label("$4$",(B+D)/2,E); [/asy] The Pythagorean Theorem gives us $CD = \sqrt{BC^2 - BD^2} = \...
If $\cos \theta = \frac{1}{4},$ then find $\cos 3 \theta.$
From the triple angle formula, \[\cos 3 \theta = 4 \cos^3 \theta - 3 \cos \theta = 4 \left( \frac{1}{4} \right)^3 - 3 \cdot \frac{1}{4} = \boxed{-\frac{11}{16}}.\]
Determine the number of angles between 0 and $2 \pi,$ other than integer multiples of $\frac{\pi}{2},$ such that $\sin \theta,$ $\cos \theta$, and $\tan \theta$ form a geometric sequence in some order.
We divide into cases. Case 1: $\sin \theta \tan \theta = \cos^2 \theta.$ The equation becomes $\sin^2 \theta = \cos^3 \theta,$ which we can write as $1 - \cos^2 \theta = \cos^3 \theta.$ Letting $x = \cos \theta,$ we get \[x^3 + x^2 - 1 = 0.\]Let $f(x) = x^3 + x^2 - 1.$ Clearly $x = -1$ is not a root. If $-1 < x \l...
In triangle $ABC,$ the side lengths $a,$ $b,$ and $c$ satisfy $a + 2b + 2c = a^2$ and $a + 2b - 2c = -3.$ Find the largest angle of the triangle, in degrees. Note: $a$ is the side length opposite $\angle A,$ etc.
Multiplying the given equations, we get \[(a + 2b + 2c)(a + 2b - 2c) = -3a^2.\]We can write the left-hand side as $((a + 2b) + 2c)((a + 2b) - 2c),$ so by difference of squares, \[(a + 2b)^2 - (2c)^2 = -3a^2.\]Then $a^2 + 4ab + 4b^2 - 4c^2 = -3a^2,$ so \[4a^2 + 4ab + 4b^2 - 4c^2 = 0,\]or $a^2 + ab + b^2 = c^2.$ Then by...
Simplify \[\frac{\tan 30^\circ + \tan 40^\circ + \tan 50^\circ + \tan 60^\circ}{\cos 20^\circ}.\]
In general, from the angle addition formula, \begin{align*} \tan x + \tan y &= \frac{\sin x}{\cos x} + \frac{\sin y}{\cos y} \\ &= \frac{\sin x \cos y + \sin y \cos x}{\cos x \cos y} \\ &= \frac{\sin (x + y)}{\cos x \cos y}. \end{align*}Thus, \begin{align*} \frac{\tan 30^\circ + \tan 40^\circ + \tan 50^\circ + \tan 60^...
Find the $3 \times 3$ matrix $\mathbf{M}$ such that \[\mathbf{M} \mathbf{v} = -4 \mathbf{v}\]for all three-dimensional vectors $\mathbf{v}.$
Taking $\mathbf{v} = \mathbf{i},$ we get that the first column of $\mathbf{M}$ is \[\mathbf{M} \mathbf{i} = -4 \mathbf{i} = \begin{pmatrix} -4 \\ 0 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}.\]Similarly, the second column of $\mathbf{M}$ is $-4 \mathbf{j},$ and the third column of $\mathbf{M}$ is $-4 \mathbf{k}.$ Therefore, \[\mathbf{M} = \b...
Simplify \[\frac{\tan^3 75^\circ + \cot^3 75^\circ}{\tan 75^\circ + \cot 75^\circ}.\]
We can write \begin{align*} \frac{\tan^3 75^\circ + \cot^3 75^\circ}{\tan 75^\circ + \cot 75^\circ} &= \frac{(\tan 75^\circ + \cot 75^\circ)(\tan^2 75^\circ - \tan 75^\circ \cot 75^\circ + \cot^2 75^\circ)}{\tan 75^\circ + \cot 75^\circ} \\ &= \tan^2 75^\circ - \tan 75^\circ \cot 75^\circ + \cot^2 75^\circ \\ &= \tan^2...
Find the area of the triangle with vertices $(6,5,3),$ $(3,3,1),$ and $(15,11,9).$
Let $\mathbf{u} = \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ 5 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix},$ $\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 3 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix},$ and $\mathbf{w} = \begin{pmatrix} 15 \\ 11 \\ 9 \end{pmatrix}.$ Then \[\mathbf{v} - \mathbf{u} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 2 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}\]and \[\mathbf{w} - \mathbf{u} = \begin{pmatrix} 9 \\ 6 \\ 6...
The point $(1,1,1)$ is rotated $180^\circ$ about the $y$-axis, then reflected through the $yz$-plane, reflected through the $xz$-plane, rotated $180^\circ$ about the $y$-axis, and reflected through the $xz$-plane. Find the coordinates of the point now.
After $(1,1,1)$ is rotated $180^\circ$ about the $y$-axis, it goes to $(-1,1,-1).$ After $(-1,1,-1)$ is reflected through the $yz$-plane, it goes to $(1,1,-1).$ After $(1,1,-1)$ is reflected through the $xz$-plane, it goes to $(1,-1,-1).$ After $(1,-1,-1)$ is rotated $180^\circ$ about the $y$-axis, it goes to $(-1,-...
Let $G$ be the centroid of triangle $ABC.$ If $GA^2 + GB^2 + GC^2 = 58,$ then find $AB^2 + AC^2 + BC^2.$
Let $\mathbf{a}$ denote $\overrightarrow{A},$ etc. Then \[\mathbf{g} = \frac{\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c}}{3},\]so \begin{align*} GA^2 &= \|\mathbf{g} - \mathbf{a}\|^2 \\ &= \left\| \frac{\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c}}{3} - \mathbf{a} \right\|^2 \\ &= \frac{1}{9} \|\mathbf{b} + \mathbf{c} - 2 \mathbf{a}...
Find the smallest positive integer $n$ such that \[\begin{pmatrix} \cos 170^\circ & -\sin 170^\circ \\ \sin 170^\circ & \cos 170^\circ \end{pmatrix}^n = \mathbf{I}.\]
The matrix \[\begin{pmatrix} \cos 170^\circ & -\sin 170^\circ \\ \sin 170^\circ & \cos 170^\circ \end{pmatrix}\]corresponds to rotating the origin by an angle of $170^\circ$ counter-clockwise. [asy] unitsize(2 cm); draw((-1,0)--(1,0)); draw((0,-1)--(0,1)); draw(arc((0,0),0.8,40,210),red,Arrow(6)); draw((0,0)--dir(40)...
Compute $\arccos \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}.$ Express your answer in radians.
Since $\cos \frac{\pi}{6} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2},$ $\arccos \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = \boxed{\frac{\pi}{6}}.$
The distance between two vectors is the magnitude of their difference. Find the value of $t$ for which the vector \[\bold{v} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -3 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} 7 \\ 5 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}\]is closest to \[\bold{a} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 4 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}.\]
The equation \[\bold{v} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -3 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix} + \begin{pmatrix} 7 \\ 5 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix} t = \begin{pmatrix} 2 + 7t \\ -3 + 5t \\ -3 - t \end{pmatrix}\]describes a line, so if $\bold{v}$ is the vector that is closest to $\bold{a}$, then the vector joining $\bold{v}$ and $\bold{a}$ is orthogona...
Given $\begin{vmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{vmatrix} = 5,$ find $\begin{vmatrix} 2a & 2b \\ 2c & 2d \end{vmatrix}.$
From $\begin{vmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{vmatrix} = 5,$ $ad - bc = 5.$ Then \[\begin{vmatrix} 2a & 2b \\ 2c & 2d \end{vmatrix} = (2a)(2d) - (2b)(2c) = 4(ad - bc) = \boxed{20}.\]
Let $a$ and $b$ be angles such that \[\cos (a + b) = \cos a + \cos b.\]Find the maximum value of $\cos a.$
From $\cos (a + b) = \cos a + \cos b,$ $\cos a = \cos (a + b) - \cos b.$ Then from sum-to-product, \[\cos (a + b) - \cos b = -2 \sin \frac{a + 2b}{2} \sin \frac{a}{2}.\]Let $k = \sin \frac{a + 2b}{2},$ so \[\cos a = -2k \sin \frac{a}{2}.\]Then \[\cos^2 a = 4k^2 \sin^2 \frac{a}{2} = 4k^2 \cdot \frac{1}{2} (1 - \cos a) ...
The lengths of the sides of a triangle are consecutive integers, and the largest angle is twice the smallest angle. Find the cosine of the smallest angle.
Let the side lengths be $n,$ $n + 1,$ $n + 2.$ Then the smallest angle $x$ is opposite the side of length $n,$ and its cosine is \[\cos x = \frac{(n + 1)^2 + (n + 2)^2 - n^2}{2(n + 1)(n + 2)} = \frac{n^2 + 6n + 5}{2(n + 1)(n + 2)} = \frac{(n + 1)(n + 5)}{2(n + 1)(n + 2)} = \frac{n + 5}{2(n + 2)}.\]The largest angle $y...
Let \[\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix}.\]Compute $\mathbf{A}^{100}.$
We compute the first few powers of $\mathbf{A}$: \begin{align*} \mathbf{A}^2 &= \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}, \\ \mathbf{A}^3 &= \mathbf{A} \mathbf{A...
Let $\mathbf{u},$ $\mathbf{v},$ and $\mathbf{w}$ be vectors such that $\|\mathbf{u}\| = 3,$ $\|\mathbf{v}\| = 4,$ and $\|\mathbf{w}\| = 5,$ and \[\mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w} = \mathbf{0}.\]Compute $\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{w} + \mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{w}.$
From $\mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w} = \mathbf{0},$ we have $(\mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w}) \cdot (\mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w}) = 0.$ Expanding, we get \[\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{w} \cdot \mathbf{w} + 2 (\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{u} \cdot \m...
Let $O$ be the origin, and let $(a,b,c)$ be a fixed point. A plane passes through $(a,b,c)$ and intersects the $x$-axis, $y$-axis, and $z$-axis at $A,$ $B,$ and $C,$ respectively, all distinct from $O.$ Let $(p,q,r)$ be the center of the sphere passing through $A,$ $B,$ $C,$ and $O.$ Find \[\frac{a}{p} + \frac{b}{q}...
Let $A = (\alpha,0,0),$ $B = (0,\beta,0),$ and $C = (0,0,\gamma).$ Since $(p,q,r)$ is equidistant from $O,$ $A,$ $B,$ and $C,$ \begin{align*} p^2 + q^2 + r^2 &= (p - \alpha)^2 + q^2 + r^2, \\ p^2 + q^2 + r^2 &= p^2 + (q - \beta)^2 + r^2, \\ p^2 + q^2 + r^2 &= p^2 + q^2 + (r - \gamma)^2. \end{align*}The first equation ...
A ray of light passing through the point $A = (-3,9,11),$ reflects off the plane $x + y + z = 12$ at $B,$ and then passes through the point $C = (3,5,9).$ Find the point $B.$ [asy] import three; size(180); currentprojection = perspective(6,3,2); triple A, B, C; A = (0,-0.5,0.5*1.5); B = (0,0,0); C = (0,0.8,0.8*1.5...
Let $D$ be the reflection of $A$ in the plane. Then $D,$ $B,$ and $C$ are collinear. [asy] import three; size(180); currentprojection = perspective(6,3,2); triple A, B, C, D, P; A = (0,-0.5,0.5*1.5); B = (0,0,0); C = (0,0.8,0.8*1.5); D = (0,-0.5,-0.5*1.5); P = (A + D)/2; draw(surface((-1,-1,0)--(-1,1,0)--(1,1,0)-...
Find the distance from the point $(1,-1,2)$ to the line passing through $(-2,2,1)$ and $(-1,-1,3).$
Let $\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -1 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.$ The line can be parameterized by \[\bold{v} = \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} -2 + t \\ 2 - 3t \\ 1 + 2t \end{pmatrix}.\]If $\bold{v}$ is the vector that is closest to $\bold{a}$, ...
Convert $\sqrt{2} e^{11 \pi i/4}$ to rectangular form.
We have that $\sqrt{2} e^{11 \pi i/4} = \sqrt{2} \cos \frac{11 \pi}{4} + i \sqrt{2} \sin \frac{11 \pi}{4} = \boxed{-1 + i}$.
The matrices \[\begin{pmatrix} 3 & -8 \\ a & 11 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \begin{pmatrix} 11 & b \\ 4 & 3 \end{pmatrix}\]are inverses. Enter the ordered pair $(a,b).$
The product of the matrices is \[\begin{pmatrix} 3 & -8 \\ a & 11 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 11 & b \\ 4 & 3 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 3b - 24 \\ 11a + 44 & ab + 33 \end{pmatrix}.\]We want this to be the identity matrix, so $3b - 24 = 0,$ $11a + 44 = 0,$ and $ab + 33 = 1.$ Solving, we find $(a,b) = \boxed...
Compute \[\left( 1 + \cos \frac {\pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {3 \pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {5 \pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {7 \pi}{8} \right).\]
First, we have that $\cos \frac{7 \pi}{8} = -\cos \frac{\pi}{8}$ and $\cos \frac{5 \pi}{8} = -\cos \frac{3 \pi}{8},$ so \begin{align*} \left( 1 + \cos \frac {\pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {3 \pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {5 \pi}{8} \right) \left( 1 + \cos \frac {7 \pi}{8} \right) &= \left( 1 + \cos \fra...
Compute \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 & -2 \\ 0 & 4 & -3 \\ -1 & 4 & 3 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 2 & -2 & 0 \\ 1 & 0 & -3 \\ 4 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}.\]
We have that \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 & -2 \\ 0 & 4 & -3 \\ -1 & 4 & 3 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 2 & -2 & 0 \\ 1 & 0 & -3 \\ 4 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix} = \boxed{\begin{pmatrix} -5 & -2 & -3 \\ -8 & 0 & -12 \\ 14 & 2 & -12 \end{pmatrix}}.\]
Let $ABCD$ be a tetrahedron such that edges $AB$, $AC$, and $AD$ are mutually perpendicular. Let the areas of triangles $ABC$, $ACD$, and $ADB$ be denoted by $x$, $y$, and $z$, respectively. In terms of $x$, $y$, and $z$, find the area of triangle $BCD$.
Place $A$, $B$, $C$, and $D$ at $(0,0,0)$, $(b,0,0)$, $(0,c,0)$, and $(0,0,d)$ in Cartesian coordinate space, with $b$, $c$, and $d$ positive. Then the plane through $B$, $C$, and $D$ is given by the equation $\frac{x}{b}+\frac{y}{c}+\frac{z}{d}=1$. [asy] import three; size(250); currentprojection = perspective(6,3,2...
The graph of \[r = -2 \cos \theta + 6 \sin \theta\]is a circle. Find the area of the circle.
From the equation $r = -2 \cos \theta + 6 \sin \theta,$ \[r^2 = -2r \cos \theta + 6r \sin \theta.\]Then $x^2 + y^2 = -2x + 6y.$ Completing the square in $x$ and $y,$ we get \[(x + 1)^2 + (y - 3)^2 = 10.\]Thus, the graph is the circle centered at $(-1,3)$ with radius $\sqrt{10}.$ Its area is $\boxed{10 \pi}.$ [asy] ...
Let $P$ be the plane passing through the origin with normal vector $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find the matrix $\mathbf{P}$ such that for any vector $\mathbf{v},$ $\mathbf{P} \mathbf{v}$ is the projection of $\mathbf{v}$ onto plane $P.$
Let $\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix},$ and let $\mathbf{p}$ be the projection of $\mathbf{p}$ onto plane $P.$ Then $\mathbf{v} - \mathbf{p}$ is the projection of $\mathbf{v}$ onto the normal vector $\mathbf{n} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}.$ [asy] import three; size(160); curren...
Given that $(1+\sin t)(1+\cos t)=5/4$ and $(1-\sin t)(1-\cos t)=\frac mn-\sqrt{k},$ where $k, m,$ and $n$ are positive integers with $m$ and $n$ relatively prime, find $k+m+n.$
From the givens, $2\sin t \cos t + 2 \sin t + 2 \cos t = \frac{1}{2}$, and adding $\sin^2 t + \cos^2t = 1$ to both sides gives $(\sin t + \cos t)^2 + 2(\sin t + \cos t) = \frac{3}{2}$. Completing the square on the left in the variable $(\sin t + \cos t)$ gives $\sin t + \cos t = -1 \pm \sqrt{\frac{5}{2}}$. Since $|\sin...
In triangle $ABC,$ we have $\angle C = 3\angle A,$ $a = 27,$ and $c = 48.$ What is $b$? Note: $a$ is the side length opposite $\angle A,$ etc.
By the Law of Sines, \[\frac{27}{\sin A} = \frac{48}{\sin 3A}.\]Then $\frac{\sin 3A}{\sin A} = \frac{48}{27},$ or \[3 - 4 \sin^2 A = \frac{16}{9}.\]Hence, $\sin^2 A = \frac{11}{36},$ so $\sin A = \frac{\sqrt{11}}{6}.$ Also, \[\cos^2 A = 1 - \frac{11}{36} = \frac{25}{36}.\]Since $A = \frac{C}{3} < 60^\circ,$ $\cos A = ...
Let \[f(x) = (\arccos x)^3 + (\arcsin x)^3.\]Find the range of $f(x).$ All functions are in radians.
First, we claim that $\arccos x + \arcsin x = \frac{\pi}{2}$ for all $x \in [-1,1].$ Note that \[\cos \left( \frac{\pi}{2} - \arcsin x \right) = \cos (\arccos x) = x.\]Furthermore, $-\frac{\pi}{2} \le \arcsin x \le \frac{\pi}{2},$ so $0 \le \frac{\pi}{2} - \arcsin x \le \pi.$ Therefore, \[\frac{\pi}{2} - \arcsin x = ...
When the vectors $\begin{pmatrix} -5 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}$ are both projected onto the same vector $\mathbf{v},$ the result is $\mathbf{p}$ in both cases. Find $\mathbf{p}.$
Note that the vector $\mathbf{p}$ must lie on the line passing through $\begin{pmatrix} -5 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}$ and $\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}.$ This line can be parameterized by \[\begin{pmatrix} -5 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} + t \left( \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} - \begin{pmatrix} -5 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \r...
Find the point in the plane $3x - 4y + 5z = 30$ that is closest to the point $(1,2,3).$
Let $A = (1,2,3),$ and let $P$ be the point in the plane which is closest to $A.$ [asy] import three; size(180); currentprojection = perspective(6,3,2); triple I = (1,0,0), J = (0,1,0), K = (0,0,1), O = (0,0,0); triple A = (0,1.8,1), P = (0,1.8,0); draw(surface((2*I + 3*J)--(2*I - 1*J)--(-2*I - 1*J)--(-2*I + 3*J)--...
Find the smallest positive integer $k$ such that $ z^{10} + z^9 + z^6+z^5+z^4+z+1 $ divides $z^k-1$.
First, we factor the given polynomial. The polynomial has almost all the powers of $z$ from 1 to $z^6,$ which we can fill in by adding and subtracting $z^2$ and $z^3.$ This allows us to factor as follows: \begin{align*} z^{10} + z^9 + z^6 + z^5 + z^4 + z + 1 &= (z^{10} - z^3) + (z^9 - z^2) + (z^6 + z^5 + z^4 + z^3 + ...
If \[\frac{\sin^4 \theta}{a} + \frac{\cos^4 \theta}{b} = \frac{1}{a + b},\]then find the value of \[\frac{\sin^8 \theta}{a^3} + \frac{\cos^8 \theta}{b^3}\]in terms of $a$ and $b.$
Let $x = \sin^2 \theta$ and $y = \cos^2 \theta,$ so $x + y = 1.$ Also, \[\frac{x^2}{a} + \frac{y^2}{b} = \frac{1}{a + b}.\]Substituting $y = 1 - x,$ we get \[\frac{x^2}{a} + \frac{(1 - x)^2}{b} = \frac{1}{a + b}.\]This simplifies to \[(a^2 + 2ab + b^2) x^2 - (2a^2 + 2ab) x + a^2 = 0,\]which nicely factors as $((a + b)...
Let $x,$ $y,$ and $z$ be angles such that \begin{align*} \cos x &= \tan y, \\ \cos y &= \tan z, \\ \cos z &= \tan x. \end{align*}Find the largest possible value of $\sin x.$
From $\cos x = \tan y,$ \[\cos^2 x = \tan^2 y = \frac{\sin^2 y}{\cos^2 y} = \frac{1 - \cos^2 y}{\cos^2 y} = \frac{1}{\cos^2 y} - 1.\]Since $\cos y = \tan z,$ $\cos^2 x = \cot^2 y - 1.$ Then \[1 + \cos^2 x = \cot^2 z = \frac{\cos^2 z}{\sin^2 z} = \frac{\cos^2 z}{1 - \cos^2 z}.\]Since $\cos z = \tan x,$ \[1 + \cos^2 x =...
A unit cube has vertices $P_1,P_2,P_3,P_4,P_1',P_2',P_3',$ and $P_4'$. Vertices $P_2$, $P_3$, and $P_4$ are adjacent to $P_1$, and for $1\le i\le 4,$ vertices $P_i$ and $P_i'$ are opposite to each other. A regular octahedron has one vertex in each of the segments $\overline{P_1P_2}$, $\overline{P_1P_3}$, $\overline{P_1...
Place the cube in coordinate space so that $P_1 = (0,0,0)$ and $P_1' = (1,1,1),$ and the edges of the cube are parallel to the axes. Since all the side lengths of the octahedron are equal, the vertices on $\overline{P_1 P_2},$ $\overline{P_1 P_3},$ and $\overline{P_1 P_4}$ must be equidistant from $P_1.$ Let this dis...
Let $\mathcal{T}$ be the set of ordered triples $(x,y,z)$ of nonnegative real numbers that lie in the plane $x+y+z=1.$ Let us say that $(x,y,z)$ supports $(a,b,c)$ when exactly two of the following are true: $x\ge a, y\ge b, z\ge c.$ Let $\mathcal{S}$ consist of those triples in $\mathcal{T}$ that support $\left(\frac ...
We see that $\mathcal{T}$ is the triangle whose vertices are $(1,0,0),$ $(0,1,0),$ and $(0,0,1).$ We are looking for the points $(x,y,z) \in \mathcal{T}$ such that exactly two of the following inequalities hold: $x \ge \frac{1}{2},$ $y \ge \frac{1}{3},$ and $z \ge \frac{1}{6}.$ The plane $x = \frac{1}{2}$ cuts triang...
Find the point in the $xz$-plane that is equidistant from the points $(1,-1,0),$ $(2,1,2),$ and $(3,2,-1).$
Since the point lies in the $xz$-plane, it is of the form $(x,0,z).$ We want this point to be equidistant to the points $(1,-1,0),$ $(2,1,2),$ and $(3,2,-1),$ which gives us the equations \begin{align*} (x - 1)^2 + 1^2 + z^2 &= (x - 2)^2 + 1^2 + (z - 2)^2, \\ (x - 1)^2 + 1^2 + z^2 &= (x - 3)^2 + 2^2 + (z + 1)^2. \end{...
Find \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 3 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 5 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \dotsm \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 99 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}.\]
More generally, \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & a \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & b \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & a + b \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}.\]Therefore, \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 3 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 5 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \dotsm \beg...
Let $\mathbf{P}$ be the matrix for projecting onto the vector $\begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ -7 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find $\det \mathbf{P}.$
A projection matrix is always of the form \[\begin{pmatrix} \cos^2 \theta & \cos \theta \sin \theta \\ \cos \theta \sin \theta & \sin^2 \theta \end{pmatrix},\]where the vector being projected onto has direction vector $\begin{pmatrix} \cos \theta \\ \sin \theta \end{pmatrix}.$ The determinant of this matrix is then \[...
Given vectors $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b},$ let $\mathbf{p}$ be a vector such that \[\|\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{b}\| = 2 \|\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{a}\|.\]Among all such vectors $\mathbf{p},$ there exists constants $t$ and $u$ such that $\mathbf{p}$ is at a fixed distance from $t \mathbf{a} + u \mathbf{b}.$ Enter the ordered...
From $\|\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{b}\| = 2 \|\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{a}\|,$ \[\|\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{b}\|^2 = 4 \|\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{a}\|^2.\]This expands as \[\|\mathbf{p}\|^2 - 2 \mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{p} + \|\mathbf{b}\|^2 = 4 \|\mathbf{p}\|^2 - 8 \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{p} + 4 \|\mathbf{a}\|^2,\]which simplifies to $3...
Given that $\sum_{k=1}^{35}\sin 5k=\tan \frac mn,$ where angles are measured in degrees, and $m$ and $n$ are relatively prime positive integers that satisfy $\frac mn<90,$ find $m+n.$
Let $s = \sum_{k=1}^{35}\sin 5k = \sin 5 + \sin 10 + \ldots + \sin 175$. We could try to manipulate this sum by wrapping the terms around (since the first half is equal to the second half), but it quickly becomes apparent that this way is difficult to pull off. Instead, we look to telescope the sum. Using the identity...
A line is parameterized by a parameter $t,$ so that the vector on the line at $t = 2$ is $\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix},$ and the vector on the line at $t = 3$ is $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix}.$ Find the vector on the line at $t = -7.$
Let the line be \[\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \mathbf{a} + t \mathbf{d}.\]Then from the given information, \begin{align*} \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix} = \mathbf{a} + 2 \mathbf{d}, \\ \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix} = \mathbf{a} + 3 \mathbf{d}. \end{align*}We can treat this system as a linear se...
The area of the parallelogram generated by the vectors $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b}$ is 8. Find the area of the parallelogram generated by the vectors $2 \mathbf{a} + 3 \mathbf{b}$ and $\mathbf{a} - 5 \mathbf{b}.$
Since the area of the parallelogram generated by the vectors $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b}$ is 8, \[\|\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}\| = 8.\]Then the area of the parallelogram generated by the vectors $2 \mathbf{a} + 3 \mathbf{b}$ and $\mathbf{a} - 5 \mathbf{b}$ is \[\|(2 \mathbf{a} + 3 \mathbf{b}) \times (\mathbf{a} - 5 ...
One angle of a triangle is twice another, and the sides opposite these angles have lengths 15 and 9. Compute the length of the third side of the triangle.
Without loss of generality, let the triangle be $ABC,$ where $AB = 9,$ $AC = 15,$ and $\angle B = 2 \angle C.$ Let $a = BC.$ Then by the Law of Cosines, \[\cos C = \frac{a^2 + 15^2 - 9^2}{2 \cdot a \cdot 15} = \frac{a^2 + 144}{30a}.\]By the Law of Sines, \[\frac{9}{\sin C} = \frac{15}{\sin B} = \frac{15}{\sin 2C} = \...
Compute $\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix}^{2018}.$
In general, \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ a & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ b & 1 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ a + b & 1 \end{pmatrix},\]so \[\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix}^{2018} = \underbrace{\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \d...
Let $ABCD$ be a convex quadrilateral, and let $G_A,$ $G_B,$ $G_C,$ $G_D$ denote the centroids of triangles $BCD,$ $ACD,$ $ABD,$ and $ABC,$ respectively. Find $\frac{[G_A G_B G_C G_D]}{[ABCD]}.$ [asy] unitsize(0.6 cm); pair A, B, C, D; pair[] G; A = (0,0); B = (7,1); C = (5,-5); D = (1,-3); G[1] = (B + C + D)/3; G[2...
We have that \begin{align*} \overrightarrow{G}_A &= \frac{\overrightarrow{B} + \overrightarrow{C} + \overrightarrow{D}}{3}, \\ \overrightarrow{G}_B &= \frac{\overrightarrow{A} + \overrightarrow{C} + \overrightarrow{D}}{3}, \\ \overrightarrow{G}_C &= \frac{\overrightarrow{A} + \overrightarrow{B} + \overrightarrow{D}}{3}...
The graph of $r = \cos \theta$ is a circle. Find the smallest value of $t$ so that when $r = \cos \theta$ is plotted for $0 \le \theta \le t,$ the resulting graph is the entire circle.
Let $f(\theta) = \cos \theta.$ When $\theta = 0,$ $r = 1,$ so in rectangular coordinates, \[(x,y) = (1 \cos \theta, 1 \sin \theta) = (1,0).\]Furthermore, the function $f(\theta) = \cos \theta$ is periodic, so we must find the next angle for which $(x,y) = (1,0).$ This occurs if and only if either of the following con...
Given $\tan \theta = 5,$ find \[\frac{1 - \cos \theta}{\sin \theta} - \frac{\sin \theta}{1 + \cos \theta}.\]
We have that \begin{align*} \frac{1 - \cos \theta}{\sin \theta} - \frac{\sin \theta}{1 + \cos \theta} &= \frac{(1 - \cos \theta)(1 + \cos \theta) - \sin^2 \theta}{\sin \theta (1 + \cos \theta)} \\ &= \frac{1 - \cos^2 \theta - \sin^2 \theta}{\sin \theta (1 + \cos \theta)} \\ &= \boxed{0}. \end{align*}
The transformation $T,$ taking vectors to vectors, has the following properties: (i) $T(a \mathbf{v} + b \mathbf{w}) = a T(\mathbf{v}) + b T(\mathbf{w})$ for all vectors $\mathbf{v}$ and $\mathbf{w},$ and for all scalars $a$ and $b.$ (ii) $T(\mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{w}) = T(\mathbf{v}) \times T(\mathbf{w})$ for all v...
From (ii), (iii), and (iv), \[T \left( \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ 6 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} \times \begin{pmatrix} -6 \\ 3 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix} \right) = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ -1 \\ 8 \end{pmatrix} \times \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 8 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}.\]This reduces to \[T \begin{pmatrix} 27 \\ -54 \\ 54 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} ...
A projection takes $\begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}$ to $\begin{pmatrix} \frac{60}{13} \\ \frac{12}{13} \end{pmatrix}.$ Which vector does the projection take $\begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}$ to?
Since the projection of $\begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}$ is $\begin{pmatrix} \frac{60}{13} \\ \frac{12}{13} \end{pmatrix},$ the vector being projected onto is a scalar multiple of $\begin{pmatrix} \frac{60}{13} \\ \frac{12}{13} \end{pmatrix}.$ Thus, we can assume that the vector being projected onto is $\begin{p...
If $\mathbf{a},$ $\mathbf{b},$ and $\mathbf{c}$ are vectors such that $\|\mathbf{a}\| = \|\mathbf{b}\| = 1,$ $\|\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}\| = \sqrt{3},$ and \[\mathbf{c} - \mathbf{a} - 2 \mathbf{b} = 3 (\mathbf{a} \times \mathbf{b}),\]then find $\mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{c}.$
From $\|\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}\| = \sqrt{3},$ $(\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}) \cdot (\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}) = 3.$ Expanding, we get \[\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{a} + 2 \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} + \mathbf{b} \cdot \mathbf{b} = 3.\]Then $1 + 2 \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} + 1 = 3,$ so $\mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} = \frac{1...
If $\cos \theta = \frac{2}{3},$ then find $\cos 2 \theta.$
From the double angle formula, \[\cos 2 \theta = 2 \cos^2 \theta - 1 = 2 \left( \frac{2}{3} \right)^2 - 1 = \boxed{-\frac{1}{9}}.\]