sum of 100 signed numbers in 10 concentric circles equals zero
Source: 1997 Greece Junior p4
March 17, 2020
algebracombinatoricsSumcircle
Problem Statement
Consider ten concentric circles and ten rays as in the following figure.
At the points where the inner circle is intersected by the rays write successively, in direction clockwise, the numbers . In the next circle we write the numbers successively, and so on successively until the last round were we write the numbers successively. In this orde, the numbers are in the same ray, and similarly for the other rays. In front of of those numbers, we use the sign '''' such as:
a) in each of the ten rays, exist exactly signs '''' , and also
b) in each of the ten concentric circles, to be exactly signs ''''.
Prove that the sum of the signed numbers that occur, equals zero.
https://cdn.artofproblemsolving.com/attachments/9/d/ffee6518fcd1b996c31cf06d0ce484a821b4ae.gif