By a pure repeating decimal (in base $10$), we mean a decimal $0.\overline{a_1\cdots a_k}$ which repeats in blocks of $k$ digits beginning at the decimal point. An example is $.243243243\cdots = \tfrac{9}{37}$. By a mixed repeating decimal we mean a decimal $0.b_1\cdots b_m\overline{a_1\cdots a_k}$ which eventually repeats, but which cannot be reduced to a pure repeating decimal. An example is $.011363636\cdots = \tfrac{1}{88}$. Prove that if a mixed repeating decimal is written as a fraction $\tfrac pq$ in lowest terms, then the denominator $q$ is divisible by $2$ or $5$ or both.

The cubic equation $x^3 + ax^2 + bx + c = 0$ has three real roots. Show that $a^2-3b\geq 0$, and that $\sqrt{a^2-3b}$ is less than or equal to the difference between the largest and smallest roots.

A function $f(S)$ assigns to each nine-element subset of $S$ of the set $\{1,2,\ldots, 20\}$ a whole number from $1$ to $20$. Prove that regardless of how the function $f$ is chosen, there will be a ten-element subset $T\subset\{1,2,\ldots, 20\}$ such that $f(T - \{k\})\neq k$ for all $k\in T$.

Let $I$ be the incenter of triangle $ABC$, and let $A'$, $B'$, and $C'$ be the circumcenters of triangles $IBC$, $ICA$, and $IAB$, respectively. Prove that the circumcircles of triangles $ABC$ and $A'B'C'$ are concentric.

A polynomial product of the form \[(1-z)^{b_1}(1-z^2)^{b_2}(1-z^3)^{b_3}(1-z^4)^{b_4}(1-z^5)^{b_5}\cdots(1-z^{32})^{b_{32}},\]where the $b_k$ are positive integers, has the surprising property that if we multiply it out and discard all terms involving $z$ to a power larger than $32$, what is left is just $1-2z$. Determine, with proof, $b_{32}$.

These problems are copyright $\copyright$ Mathematical Association of America.