grandes-ecoles

Papers (191)
2025
centrale-maths1__official 40 centrale-maths2__official 42 mines-ponts-maths1__mp 20 mines-ponts-maths1__pc 21 mines-ponts-maths1__psi 21 mines-ponts-maths2__mp 28 mines-ponts-maths2__pc 24 mines-ponts-maths2__psi 26 polytechnique-maths-a__mp 27 polytechnique-maths__fui 16 polytechnique-maths__pc 27 x-ens-maths-a__mp 18 x-ens-maths-c__mp 9 x-ens-maths-d__mp 38 x-ens-maths__pc 27 x-ens-maths__psi 38
2024
centrale-maths1__official 28 centrale-maths2__official 29 geipi-polytech__maths 9 mines-ponts-maths1__mp 25 mines-ponts-maths1__pc 20 mines-ponts-maths1__psi 19 mines-ponts-maths2__mp 23 mines-ponts-maths2__pc 21 mines-ponts-maths2__psi 21 polytechnique-maths-a__mp 44 polytechnique-maths-b__mp 37 x-ens-maths-a__mp 43 x-ens-maths-b__mp 35 x-ens-maths-c__mp 22 x-ens-maths-d__mp 45 x-ens-maths__pc 24 x-ens-maths__psi 26
2023
centrale-maths1__official 44 centrale-maths2__official 33 e3a-polytech-maths__mp 4 mines-ponts-maths1__mp 15 mines-ponts-maths1__pc 23 mines-ponts-maths1__psi 23 mines-ponts-maths2__mp 22 mines-ponts-maths2__pc 18 mines-ponts-maths2__psi 22 polytechnique-maths__fui 23 x-ens-maths-a__mp 25 x-ens-maths-b__mp 24 x-ens-maths-c__mp 20 x-ens-maths-d__mp 20 x-ens-maths__pc 18 x-ens-maths__psi 15
2022
centrale-maths1__mp 48 centrale-maths1__official 48 centrale-maths1__pc 37 centrale-maths1__psi 43 centrale-maths2__mp 32 centrale-maths2__official 32 centrale-maths2__pc 39 centrale-maths2__psi 45 mines-ponts-maths1__mp 25 mines-ponts-maths1__pc 24 mines-ponts-maths1__psi 24 mines-ponts-maths2__mp 24 mines-ponts-maths2__pc 19 mines-ponts-maths2__psi 20 x-ens-maths-a__mp 13 x-ens-maths-b__mp 40 x-ens-maths-c__mp 27 x-ens-maths-d__mp 46 x-ens-maths1__mp 13 x-ens-maths2__mp 40 x-ens-maths__pc 15 x-ens-maths__pc_cpge 15 x-ens-maths__psi 22 x-ens-maths__psi_cpge 23
2021
centrale-maths1__mp 40 centrale-maths1__official 40 centrale-maths1__pc 36 centrale-maths1__psi 29 centrale-maths2__mp 30 centrale-maths2__official 29 centrale-maths2__pc 38 centrale-maths2__psi 37 x-ens-maths2__mp 39 x-ens-maths__pc 44
2020
centrale-maths1__mp 42 centrale-maths1__official 42 centrale-maths1__pc 36 centrale-maths1__psi 40 centrale-maths2__mp 38 centrale-maths2__official 38 centrale-maths2__pc 40 centrale-maths2__psi 39 mines-ponts-maths1__mp_cpge 24 mines-ponts-maths2__mp_cpge 21 x-ens-maths-a__mp_cpge 18 x-ens-maths-b__mp_cpge 20 x-ens-maths-d__mp 14 x-ens-maths1__mp 18 x-ens-maths2__mp 20 x-ens-maths__pc 18
2019
centrale-maths1__mp 37 centrale-maths1__official 37 centrale-maths1__pc 40 centrale-maths1__psi 39 centrale-maths2__mp 37 centrale-maths2__official 37 centrale-maths2__pc 39 centrale-maths2__psi 49 x-ens-maths1__mp 24 x-ens-maths__pc 18 x-ens-maths__psi 26
2018
centrale-maths1__mp 47 centrale-maths1__official 47 centrale-maths1__pc 41 centrale-maths1__psi 44 centrale-maths2__mp 44 centrale-maths2__official 44 centrale-maths2__pc 35 centrale-maths2__psi 38 x-ens-maths1__mp 19 x-ens-maths2__mp 17 x-ens-maths__pc 22 x-ens-maths__psi 24
2017
centrale-maths1__mp 45 centrale-maths1__official 45 centrale-maths1__pc 22 centrale-maths1__psi 17 centrale-maths2__mp 30 centrale-maths2__official 30 centrale-maths2__pc 28 centrale-maths2__psi 44 x-ens-maths1__mp 26 x-ens-maths2__mp 16 x-ens-maths__pc 18 x-ens-maths__psi 26
2016
centrale-maths1__mp 42 centrale-maths1__pc 31 centrale-maths1__psi 33 centrale-maths2__mp 25 centrale-maths2__pc 47 centrale-maths2__psi 27 x-ens-maths1__mp 18 x-ens-maths2__mp 46 x-ens-maths__pc 15 x-ens-maths__psi 20
2015
centrale-maths1__mp 42 centrale-maths1__pc 18 centrale-maths1__psi 42 centrale-maths2__mp 44 centrale-maths2__pc 18 centrale-maths2__psi 33 x-ens-maths1__mp 16 x-ens-maths2__mp 31 x-ens-maths__pc 30 x-ens-maths__psi 22
2014
centrale-maths1__mp 28 centrale-maths1__pc 26 centrale-maths1__psi 27 centrale-maths2__mp 24 centrale-maths2__pc 26 centrale-maths2__psi 27 x-ens-maths1__mp 9 x-ens-maths2__mp 16 x-ens-maths__pc 4 x-ens-maths__psi 24
2013
centrale-maths1__mp 22 centrale-maths1__pc 45 centrale-maths1__psi 29 centrale-maths2__mp 31 centrale-maths2__pc 52 centrale-maths2__psi 32 x-ens-maths1__mp 24 x-ens-maths2__mp 35 x-ens-maths__pc 22 x-ens-maths__psi 9
2012
centrale-maths1__mp 36 centrale-maths1__pc 28 centrale-maths1__psi 33 centrale-maths2__mp 27 centrale-maths2__psi 18
2011
centrale-maths1__mp 27 centrale-maths1__pc 17 centrale-maths1__psi 24 centrale-maths2__mp 29 centrale-maths2__pc 17 centrale-maths2__psi 10
2010
centrale-maths1__mp 19 centrale-maths1__pc 30 centrale-maths1__psi 13 centrale-maths2__mp 32 centrale-maths2__pc 37 centrale-maths2__psi 27
2025 mines-ponts-maths1__psi

21 maths questions

Q1 Roots of polynomials Reciprocal and antireciprocal polynomial properties View
Let $P \in \mathbf{C}[X]$ of degree $p$. We write $P = \sum_{k=0}^{p} a_k X^k$, where $a_0, \ldots, a_p$ are complex numbers, and $a_p \neq 0$. Show that $P$ is reciprocal if and only if for every integer $k$, $0 \leq k \leq p$, we have the equality $a_k = a_{p-k}$.
Q2 Roots of polynomials Factored form and root structure from polynomial identities View
Let $P$ be a polynomial of degree $p$ written in factored form $P = a_p \prod_{i=1}^{d} (X - \lambda_i)^{m_i}$, where $\lambda_1, \ldots, \lambda_d$ are the distinct complex roots of $P$ and $m_1, \ldots, m_d$ their multiplicities. Write in factored form the polynomial $X^p P\left(\frac{1}{X}\right)$ and prove that if $P$ is reciprocal then for every integer $i$, $1 \leq i \leq d$, $\lambda_i$ is nonzero and $\frac{1}{\lambda_i}$ is a root of $P$ with multiplicity $m_i$.
Q3 Roots of polynomials Reciprocal and antireciprocal polynomial properties View
Let $Q$ be a polynomial of degree $p$. We say that $Q$ is antireciprocal if $$Q(X) = -X^p Q\left(\frac{1}{X}\right)$$ Show that if $Q$ is antireciprocal, 1 is a root of $Q$ and that there exists a polynomial $P$ that is constant or reciprocal such that $Q = (X-1)P$.
Q4 Roots of polynomials Reciprocal and antireciprocal polynomial properties View
Let $R$ be a non-constant polynomial of $\mathbf{C}[X]$ having the following property: Every root $a$ of $R$ is nonzero and $\frac{1}{a}$ is a root of $R$ with the same multiplicity as $a$. Prove that the product of the roots of $R$, counted with multiplicities, can only take the values 1 or $-1$. One may note that the equality $a = \frac{1}{a}$ holds only for $a = 1$ or $-1$.
Q5 Roots of polynomials Reciprocal and antireciprocal polynomial properties View
Let $R$ be a non-constant polynomial of $\mathbf{C}[X]$ having the following property: Every root $a$ of $R$ is nonzero and $\frac{1}{a}$ is a root of $R$ with the same multiplicity as $a$. Deduce that $R$ is reciprocal or antireciprocal.
Q6 Matrices Determinant and Rank Computation View
Let $A$ be a matrix belonging to $\mathbf{GL}_n$. Let $x$ be a nonzero real number. Express $\det(x I_n - A)$ in terms of $x$, $\det A$ and $\det\left(\frac{1}{x} I_n - A^{-1}\right)$.
Q7 Matrices Eigenvalue and Characteristic Polynomial Analysis View
Let $A$ be a matrix belonging to $\mathbf{GL}_n$. We assume in this question that $A$ is similar to its inverse. Specify the values that the determinant of $A$ can take, and deduce that $\chi_A$ is either reciprocal or antireciprocal.
Q8 Matrices Diagonalizability and Similarity View
Let $B \in \mathbf{M}_n$ be a diagonalizable matrix. We assume that the characteristic polynomial of $B$ is reciprocal or antireciprocal. Prove that $B$ is invertible and similar to its inverse.
Q9 Matrices Diagonalizability and Similarity View
Show that the matrix $B = \left(\begin{array}{cccc} 2 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 2 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & \frac{1}{2} & 1 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & \frac{1}{2} \end{array}\right)$ is not similar to its inverse (although its characteristic polynomial $\left(X-2\right)^2\left(X-\frac{1}{2}\right)^2$ is reciprocal). One may determine the eigenspaces of $B$ and $B^{-1}$ for the eigenvalue 2.
Q10 Matrices Diagonalizability and Similarity View
We say that a matrix $S \in \mathbf{M}_n$ is a symmetry matrix if $S^2 = I_n$. Prove that if $S_1$ and $S_2$ are two symmetry matrices, the product matrix $A = S_1 S_2$ is invertible and similar to its inverse.
Q11 Matrices Diagonalizability and Similarity View
We say that a matrix $S \in \mathbf{M}_n$ is a symmetry matrix if $S^2 = I_n$. If a matrix $A$ is a product of two symmetry matrices, is the same true for every matrix similar to $A$?
Q12 Matrices Matrix Algebra and Product Properties View
Let $B$ and $C$ be two matrices of $\mathbf{GL}_n$. Let $A \in \mathbf{M}_{2n}$ be the matrix defined by blocks as follows: $$A = \left(\begin{array}{cc} B & 0_n \\ 0_n & C \end{array}\right)$$ Let $S_1$ be the block matrix $$S_1 = \left(\begin{array}{cc} 0_n & P \\ Q & 0_n \end{array}\right),$$ where $P, Q$ are two elements of $\mathbf{GL}_n$. Determine the conditions relating $B, C, P, Q$ for the matrices $S_1$ and $S_2 = S_1 A$ to be symmetry matrices.
Q13 Matrices Diagonalizability and Similarity View
Let $B$ and $C$ be two matrices of $\mathbf{GL}_n$. Let $A \in \mathbf{M}_{2n}$ be the matrix defined by blocks as follows: $$A = \left(\begin{array}{cc} B & 0_n \\ 0_n & C \end{array}\right)$$ Deduce that if $C$ is similar to $B^{-1}$, then $A$ is a product of two symmetry matrices.
Q14 Matrices Linear Transformation and Endomorphism Properties View
Let $E$ be a $\mathbf{C}$-vector space of dimension $n$. Let $g$ be an endomorphism of $E$ such that $g^n = 0$ and $g^{n-1} \neq 0$. Prove that there exists a basis of $E$ in which the matrix of $g$ is the matrix $N$ below: $$N = \left(\begin{array}{ccccc} 0 & 1 & 0 & \ldots & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 & \ddots & \vdots \\ \vdots & \ddots & \ddots & \ddots & 0 \\ \vdots & & & \ddots & 1 \\ 0 & \ldots & & \ldots & 0 \end{array}\right)$$ In other words: $N = (n_{i,j})_{1 \leq i,j \leq n}$ with $n_{i,j} = 1$ if $j = i+1$ and $n_{i,j} = 0$ otherwise.
Q15 Matrices Linear System and Inverse Existence View
For every $\lambda \in \mathbf{C}$ nonzero, we set $J_n(\lambda) = \lambda I_n + N$. Prove that $J_n(\lambda)$ is invertible and determine in terms of $N$ and $\lambda$ the matrix $N'$ such that $J_n(\lambda)^{-1} = \frac{1}{\lambda} I_n + N'$.
Q16 Matrices Diagonalizability and Similarity View
For every $\lambda \in \mathbf{C}$ nonzero, we set $J_n(\lambda) = \lambda I_n + N$, and $N'$ is the matrix such that $J_n(\lambda)^{-1} = \frac{1}{\lambda} I_n + N'$. Calculate $(N')^n$ and deduce that $J_n(\lambda)^{-1}$ is similar to $J_n\left(\frac{1}{\lambda}\right)$.
Q17 Matrices Matrix Algebra and Product Properties View
For every polynomial $P = P(X) \in \mathbf{C}_{n-1}[X]$ we set $$\left\{\begin{array}{l} s_1(P) = P(-X) \\ s_2(P) = P(1-X) \\ g(P) = P(X+1) - P(X) \end{array}\right.$$ We thus define three endomorphisms of the vector space $\mathbf{C}_{n-1}[X]$. Calculate $s_1^2$, $s_2^2$ and express $s_1 \circ s_2$ in terms of $g$ and $Id_{\mathbf{C}_{n-1}[X]}$.
Q18 Polynomial Division & Manipulation View
For every polynomial $P = P(X) \in \mathbf{C}_{n-1}[X]$ we set $$g(P) = P(X+1) - P(X)$$ Let $P$ be a non-constant polynomial. Express the degree of the polynomial $g(P)$ in terms of the degree of $P$.
Q19 Matrices Matrix Algebra and Product Properties View
For every polynomial $P = P(X) \in \mathbf{C}_{n-1}[X]$ we set $$\left\{\begin{array}{l} s_1(P) = P(-X) \\ s_2(P) = P(1-X) \\ g(P) = P(X+1) - P(X) \end{array}\right.$$ For every $\lambda \in \mathbf{C}$ nonzero, $J_n(\lambda) = \lambda I_n + N$ where $N = (n_{i,j})_{1 \leq i,j \leq n}$ with $n_{i,j} = 1$ if $j = i+1$ and $n_{i,j} = 0$ otherwise. Deduce from the previous questions that the matrix $J_n(1)$ is a product of two symmetry matrices.
Q20 Matrices Diagonalizability and Similarity View
Let $A$ be a matrix of $\mathbf{GL}_n$ similar to its inverse. We admit that $A$ is similar to a block diagonal matrix of the form $$A' = \left(\begin{array}{cccc} J_{n_1}(\lambda_1) & 0 & \ldots & 0 \\ 0 & J_{n_2}(\lambda_2) & \ddots & \vdots \\ \vdots & \ddots & \ddots & 0 \\ 0 & \ldots & 0 & J_{n_r}(\lambda_r) \end{array}\right)$$ where the $\lambda_i$ are the eigenvalues of $A$ (not necessarily distinct) and $r$ as well as the $n_i$, $1 \leq i \leq r$, are nonzero natural integers. Moreover the matrix $A'$ is unique up to the order of the blocks. Prove that $A^{-1}$ is similar to $\left(\begin{array}{cccc} J_{n_1}\left(\frac{1}{\lambda_1}\right) & 0 & \cdots & 0 \\ 0 & J_{n_2}\left(\frac{1}{\lambda_2}\right) & \ddots & \vdots \\ \vdots & \ddots & \ddots & 0 \\ 0 & \cdots & 0 & J_{n_r}\left(\frac{1}{\lambda_r}\right) \end{array}\right)$.
Q21 Matrices Matrix Algebra and Product Properties View
Let $A$ be a matrix of $\mathbf{GL}_n$ similar to its inverse. We admit that $A$ is similar to a block diagonal matrix of the form $$A' = \left(\begin{array}{cccc} J_{n_1}(\lambda_1) & 0 & \ldots & 0 \\ 0 & J_{n_2}(\lambda_2) & \ddots & \vdots \\ \vdots & \ddots & \ddots & 0 \\ 0 & \ldots & 0 & J_{n_r}(\lambda_r) \end{array}\right)$$ where the $\lambda_i$ are the eigenvalues of $A$ (not necessarily distinct) and $r$ as well as the $n_i$, $1 \leq i \leq r$, are nonzero natural integers. Moreover the matrix $A'$ is unique up to the order of the blocks. Using the results established in the previous parts, prove that $A$ is a product of two symmetry matrices.