2018 AMC

Intermediate Solutions

Solutions – Intermediate Division

2018 − 18 2000
1. = = 2,
1000 1000
hence (D).

2. (Also J6)
The major markings are 36, 37 and 38, so the minor markings are 0.2 units apart. Then
the arrow is 0.3 to the right of 37, so it is on 37.3,
hence (E).

3. The sum is 4 + 5 = 9 and the product is 4 × 5 = 20. Their difference is 20 − 9 = 11,

hence (D).

4. (Also S1)
The three angles at P add to 90◦ , so ∠XP Y = 90◦ − 50◦ = 40◦ ,
hence (D).

5. 350 = 7 × 50 and 50 is a multiple of 2, 5 and 25, so 350 ÷ 2, 350 ÷ 7, 350 ÷ 5 and 350 ÷ 25
are all whole numbers.
350 35 1
However, = = 17 is not a whole number,
20 2 2
hence (E).

6. (Also J12)
Alternative 1
Tabulate the letters needed.
Letter A D E N O R W
Nora 1 - - 1 1 1 -
Anne 1 - 1 2 - - -
Warren 1 - 1 1 - 2 1
Andrew 1 1 1 1 - 1 1
Needed 1 1 1 2 1 2 1

Then we need 9 letters to cover every name,

hence (B).

Alternative 2
ANDREW requires letters ADENRW (in alphabetical order).
For WARREN, an additional R is needed: ADENRRW.
For ANNE, an additional N is needed: ADENNRRW.
For NORA, an O is needed: ADENNORRW.
In all, 9 letters are needed,
hence (B).

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2018 2000 50 5
7. Estimating, ≈ = = 5 , which suggests slightly more than 5.5 years.
365 360 9 9
Checking, 365 × 5.5 = 2007.5 and 365 × 6 = 2190, so that 2018 days is closest to 5.5 years,
hence (C).
Note: We assumed that a year is 365 days. One or two extra leap-year days in the 5.5 and
6 years will not change this answer.

8. In the straight path, the length is the hypotenuse of right-angled triangle 4ABC. By
Pythagoras’ theorem, AC 2 = 32 + 42 = 25 and the straight path is AC = 5.
In the stepped path, the horizontal segments have total length 4 and the vertical segments
have total length 3. So the total length of the stepped path is 7.
The difference in lengths of the two paths is then 7 − 5 = 2 metres,
hence (B).

9. (Also S5)
Using the distributive law,

9 × 1.2345 − 9 × 0.1234 = 9 × (1.2345 − 0.1234) = 9 × 1.1111 = 9.9999

hence (A).

10. (Also UP18, J14, S4)

There are many subdivisions of the hexagon into equal areas that show that the shaded
2
area is of the total:
3

2 4 4 8
3 6 6 12
hence (B).

11. (Also J13, S8)

To feed 4 dogs for 1 day costs $60 ÷ 3 = $20, and then to feed 1 dog for 1 day costs
$20 ÷ 4 = $5.
To feed 7 dogs for 7 days will cost $5 × 7 × 7 = $245,
hence (C).

12. December has 31 days, which equals 4 weeks and 3 days. After 28 days, all days will have
appeared 4 times, and the remaining three days will be the 5th appearance of these days.
So these last 3 days can’t include Tuesday or Friday, which also rules out Wednesday and
Thursday. Therefore the 29th, 30th and 31st days of December that year were Saturday,
Sunday and Monday,
hence (A).

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13. (Also J18)

The top centre square must be 8.
Then the top two corners must add to 10 and the bottom two corners must add to 14. So
in any solution, all four corners add to 24.
Checking, there are several possible solutions, as the diagrams show.

3 8 7 4 8 6 8 8 2
10 6 2 8 6 4 0 6 12
5 4 9 6 4 8 10 4 4

hence (D).

14. If the smallest of the integers is x, then

t = x + x + 1 + x + 2 + x + 3 = 4x + 6
t − 6 = 4x
t−6
x=
4

hence (E).

15. (Also J20)

When the objects in diagrams (B), (C), (D) and (E) are viewed from
the top, front-left, front-left and front-right, respectively, and rotated
appropriately, then each of them has the view shown.
However, when we try to do the same with (A) the best we can get is
the mirror-image of this view,
hence (A).

16. (Also S12)

Since x + 3x + 200 = 360, x = 40.
Triangle 4ACD is isosceles with ∠ACD = 40◦ and ∠DAC = ∠CDA. Then 180◦ =
40◦ + 2∠DAC, so that ∠DAC = 70◦ .
Similarly in 4ABC, ∠BAC = ∠ABC = 12 (180 − 120) = 30◦ .
Hence ∠DAC : ∠BAC = 70 : 30 = 7 : 3,
hence (E).

17. The game will only last 1 or 2 tosses.

1 1 1
The probability that Zarwa wins is × = .
2 2 4
1 3
So, the probability that Allan wins is 1 − = ,
4 4
hence (E).

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18. (Also J24)

Alternative 1
Multiply all numbers by lcm(3, 4, 5, 6, 7) = 420 to make an integer version of the problem.

140 105 84 70 60

Some of these numbers will be added, and some subtracted, and the result is a positive
integer as close to 0 as possible. So the task is to separate the 5 integers into two sets
(added versus subtracted), where the totals of the two sets are as close together as possible.
To find these sets, we make the total of each set as close as possible to a target of (140 +
105 + 84 + 70 + 60) ÷ 2 = 229.5.
The number 140 will be in one of the sets. The total of the other number(s) in this set
will be close to 229.5 − 140 = 89.5. Clearly 84 is the closest single number. Also the
smallest possible choice of 2 or more numbers is 60 + 70 = 130, which is worse. So this set
is {140, 84}.
Therefore in the best solution, the two sets are {140, 84} and {105, 70, 60} with totals 224
and 235 respectively, giving this solution.

−140 + 105 − 84 + 70 + 60 = 235 − 224 = 11

Transforming this solution back to the original fraction problem gives this solution.

1 1 1 1 1 11
− + − + + =
3 4 5 6 7 420
1 1 1
This is approximately , which is between and .
40 50 20
1 21 11 1 1 11 1 11 1
Checking, = > and < < , so that < < ,
20 420 420 50 42 420 50 420 20
hence (C).

Alternative 2
As decimals, the numbers in the answers are 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1 and 1. The shortest
interval has length 0.01, so we try to solve to 3 decimal places.
To 3 decimal places, the fractions are 0.333, 0.25, 0.2, 0.167, and 0.143. These add to
1.093, so we try to split into two subsets, each with target 1.093 ÷ 2 ≈ 0.546.
In the subset with 0.333, the remaining number(s) have target 0.546 − 0.333 = 0.213. The
closest we can get is 0.2. That is, the best total is 0.333 + 0.2 = 0.533 and this leaves
0.25 + 0.167 + 0.143 = 0.56 as the total of the other numbers.
Thus the smallest possible positive answer is (0.25 + 0.167 + 0.143) − (0.333 + 0.2) =
1 1
0.56 − 0.533 = 0.027. This answer is between 0.02 = and 0.05 = ,
50 20
hence (C).
Note: There are approximations in this solution, but they do not affect the answer. Each
fraction is within 0.0005 of the decimal approximation used. Hence the true answer is
within 5 × 0.0005 = 0.0025 of 0.027, and will still be between 0.02 and 0.05.

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19. Label the square ABCD and the centre O.

√ 1
With all lengths in kilometres, the total length of road is 4+2 2. A B
The problem is to minimise the amount of road travelled that has
previously been visited. A route such as ABODCOADCB covers 1 O 1
all roads,
√ with only road CD travelled twice, and so has length
5 + 2 2.
D C
It is possible to rule out any shorter route by elimination, but we 1
can instead use Euler’s rules for paths in networks:
Suppose a network can be traversed by a path that uses every edge exactly once.
Label every vertex with its number of edges, then either (i) every vertex is even
or (ii) exactly two vertices are odd and all others are even. In case (ii), the odd
vertices are the start and finish of the path.
But the road network of this town, shown on the left, has 4 odd vertices. So there is no
path that uses every edge exactly once. This means that any route that covers every edge
at least once must cover some edges more than once.
3 3 3 3 4 3
A B A B A B

O 4 O 4 O 5

D C D C D C
3 3 4 4 3 3

To represent a route traversing roads more than once, add extra edges. Then the route is
an Euler path, and the network has at most 2 odd vertices. We aim to do this with as
little √
extra length as possible. The middle diagram is the network for the route of length
5 + 2 2 found above.
If one of the shorter edges is duplicated, such as in the diagram on the right, then the
graph has less overall length. However, it has 4 odd vertices so is not possible.
There are possibilities
√ where two or more√edges are duplicated, but any of these will be
longer than 5 + 2 2. Consequently 5 + 2 2 is the shortest route length,
hence (E).

20. Alternative 1 x 1
Let x and y be the lengths shown. Since the shaded area is 1
half the rectangle’s area, so is the combined area of the two y
white triangles. These have area 2 × 21 xy = xy while the y
rectangle has area (x + 1)(y + 1). Consequently
2xy = (x + 1)(y + 1) 1
1 x
xy − x − y = 1
(x − 1)(y − 1) − 1 = 1
(x − 1)(y − 1) = 2
Since x and y are positive integers, x − 1 and y − 1 are 1 and 2 in some order, so that x
and y are 2 and 3 in some order. Then x + y = 5 and the perimeter of the rectangle is
2x + 2y + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14,
hence (A).

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Alternative 2
Slide the triangles together and shade the rest of the rectangle, as 1
shown. Since the original rectangle was half shaded, so is this dia-
gram. One solution that can be observed is a 2 × 3 white rectangle
inside a 3 × 4 rectangle. We claim that this is the only possibility.
1
The white rectangle must be more than 1 high, since otherwise it
fits inside the shaded area. So the original rectangle is more than 2 high. Similarly, the
original rectangle is more than 2 wide.
Slice the shaded and white areas into the rectangles shown on the left. Since A = X, it
follows that B = Y .

X 1 X 1
2
Y A 1 A 1
B Z C D
1 1 1

Now slice areas B and Y into the rectangles shown on the right. Then C = Z, so that
D = 2. Since D has integer sides, it can only be 2 × 1.
Consequently the original rectangle is 4 × 3, with perimeter 2 × 4 + 2 × 3 = 14,
hence (A).

21. (Also S18)

We can approximate 2018 = 218 × 1018 = 28 × 210 × 1018 ≈ 200 × 103 × 1018 = 2 × 1023 ,
which has 24 digits. This indicates that 2018 has 24 digits.
More formally, 218 = 28 × 210 > 100 × 1000 = 105 and 218 = 29 × 29 < 1000 × 1000 = 106 .
Then 1023 < 2018 < 1024 and 2018 has 24 digits,
hence (A).
18
Note: 20 = 262 144 000 000 000 000 000 000

22. (Also J25, S19)

Alternative 1
Start with some simple cases:

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
sum of digits = 3 × 1 + 3 × 8 + 9 = 36
2 2 2 2 −
1 1 1 0 8 8 8 9

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
sum of digits = 4 × 1 + 4 × 8 + 9 = 45
2 2 2 2 2 −
1 1 1 1 0 8 8 8 8 9

Clearly this pattern continues, and we can generalise. Then the sum of all digits is 49 ×
1 + 0 + 49 × 8 + 9 = 450,
hence (D).

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Alternative 2

111 . . 111} − 222

| .{z | .{z . . 111} − 111
. . 222} = |111 .{z . . 111} − 111
| .{z | .{z
. . 111}
100 50 100 50 50

. . 111} 000
= |111 .{z . . 000} − 111
| .{z | .{z
. . 111}
50 50 50

. . 110} 999
= |111 .{z . . 999} − 111
| .{z | .{z
. . 110}
50 50 50

= |111 .{z
. . 110} 888
| .{z
. . 889}
50 50

In the digit sum of this number, we can pair the 1 + 8 terms, giving 50 × 9 = 450,
hence (D).

23. Let p have digits a and b.

p2 − q 2 = (10a + b)2 − (10b + a)2

= (10a + b + 10b + a)(10a + b − 10b − a)
= 32 × 11(a + b)(a − b)

Since p2 − q 2 is a perfect square, 11(a + b)(a − b) is a perfect square, and so its prime
factorisation includes 112 . Hence either (a + b) or (a − b) is a multiple of 11.
Since a and b are digits, a − b ≤ 9, and then a − b is not a multiple of 11. Consequently
a + b is a multiple of 11, and since a + b ≤ 18, a + b = 11,
hence (C).
Note: The only solution is p = 65, q = 56.

24. Alternative 1
Let the area of 4QST be x cm2 .
Since P Q k U T , 4SP U and 4QST have the same height and their areas are proportional
120 PS PS
to their bases. So = = .
x SQ UT
Similarly, since SU k QR, 4RU T and 4QST have the same height, so their areas are
270 TR TR
proportional to their bases. So = = .
x QT SU
Due to corresponding angles, ∠QP R = ∠T U R and ∠QRP = ∠SU P , so that 4QP R,
PS SU
4SP U and 4T U R are similar. Hence = .
UT TR
120 PS SU x
Then = = = . Solving, x2 = 120 × 270 = 22 × 302 × 32 and x = 180,
x UT TR 270
hence (D).

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Alternative 2
Due to the parallel lines, ∠SP U = ∠T U R and ∠SU P = ∠T RU . Hence 4SP U , 4T U R
and 4QP R are similar.
 2
270 9 3 3
Now, 4T U R has = = times the area of 4SP U , so it has sides that are
120 4 2 2
3
times the sides of 4SP U . In particular T R = SU .
2
2
Due to the parallelogram SQT U , QT = SU = T R. Considering 4QT S with base QT
3
and 4T RU with base T R, these two triangles have equal altitude and bases in the ratio
2
2 : 3. Consequently the area of 4QST is × 270 = 180,
3
hence (D).

25. We rule out the possibility that the teacher’s age is a single-digit number, on the grounds
that Ann would be the same age. Hence assume that the teacher’s age is the 2-digit number
10x + y, so that Ann’s age is x + y. If y = 5 or 10x + y > 95, then in 5 years Ann’s age
would be 0, which can’t happen. In five years Ann’s age will be x + y + 5 and the teacher’s
age will be either 10x + (y + 5), if y ≤ 4, or 10(x + 1) + (y − 5), if x < 9 and y ≥ 6. The
product condition for each case gives the following equations:

Case I: y ≤ 4 Case II: y ≥ 6

x(y + 5) = x + y + 5 (x + 1)(y − 5) = x + y + 5
xy + 5x = x + y + 5 xy + y − 5x − 5 = x + y + 5
xy + 4x = y + 5 xy − 6x = 10
y+5 10
x= x=
y+4 y−6

Since we are looking for single-digit positive integer solutions for x and y, constrained by
the respective inequalities for y, it is clear that Case I has no solution and Case II only has
the solution y = 8 and x = 5. Hence one possible solution is that the teacher is currently
58 and Ann is 5+8 = 13, and in five years the teacher will be 63 and Ann will be 6×3 = 18,
as required.
Finally, we consider the possibility that the teacher’s age is a 3-digit number of the form
100 + 10x + y, on the grounds that even teachers generally do not live into their 200s, and
Ann’s age is 1 + x + y. Using the same reasoning we have the following additional cases:

Case III: y ≤ 4 Case IV: y ≥ 5

1x(y + 5) = 1 + x + y + 5 1(x + 1)(y − 5) = 1 + x + y + 5
xy + 5x = x + y + 6 xy + y − 5x − 5 = x + y + 6
xy + 4x = y + 6 xy − 6x = 11
y+6 11
x= x=
y+4 y−6

Since neither of these has single-digit positive integer solutions we can rule out the 3-digit
case,
hence (B).

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26. (Also J27)

Suppose the number n has digits a, b and c, so that s = a + b + c is the digit sum.
s2 = n − s
= 100a + 10b + c − (a + b + c)
= 99a + 9b
√
Then s2 is a multiple of 9, so that s is a multiple of 3. Also s ≥ 99 > 9 and s ≤ 27. So
we check s = 12, 15, 18, . . . , 27 to see whether n = s2 + s = s(s + 1) works.

s 12 15 18 21 24 27
n = s(s + 1) 156 240 342 462 600 756
X × × × × ×

Here s = 15, . . . , 27 all fail since the digit sum of n is not equal to s. The only solution is
n = 156,
hence (156).

27. (Also J28)

Consider a sign X|Y that uses exactly two different digits, and where X and Y are numbers
with X + Y = 999. There are 10 possibilities for a, the units digit of X. The units digit
of Y will be b = 9 − a, which cannot be the same as a, so the two digits on the sign must
be a and b.
The tens digit of X is either a or b, a two-way choice that also determines the tens digit
of Y . Similarly the hundreds digits of X and Y are a two-way choice.
This gives 10 × 2 × 2 = 40 cases, each of which gives exactly one possible sign. Some of
these have ‘leading zeros’ like X = 090, Y = 909. However these still give a single valid
sign such as 90|909 . So there are 40 signs that only use two digits,
hence (40).

28. Write the division as a multiplication.

8(10Z + X) + Y = 100X + 10Y + Z
8X + Y + 80Z = 100X + 10Y + Z
79Z = 92X + 9Y
Modulo 9, this gives −2Z ≡ 2X, and multiplying both sides by 5 gives −Z ≡ X. Since
1 ≤ X ≤ 9, we have Z = 9 − X.
Then
79Z = 92X + 9Y
79(9 − X) = 92X + 9Y
711 = (92 + 79)X + 9Y = 171X + 9Y
79 = 19X + Y
and since X, Y and Z are in the range 1 to 9, the only solution is X = 4, Y = 3, and then
Z = 5. Checking, 435 ÷ 8 = 54r3,
hence (435).

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29. Since the nth term is the median of the first 2n − 1 terms, it must equal the (2n − 1)th odd
number, which is 2(2n − 1) − 1 = 4n − 3. Hence, to satisfy the median condition for any
odd number of terms, the sequence must be

1, 5, 9, 13, . . .

It can now be verified that the median condition is also satisfied for an even number of
terms: the median of the first 2n terms is the average of the nth and (n + 1)th terms,
namely
(4n − 3) + (4(n + 1) − 3) 8n − 2
= = 2(2n) − 1
2 2
which is the (2n)th odd number as claimed.
Hence the nth term of the sequence equals 4n − 3. Solving for n to find the number of
terms less than 2018, we have

4n − 3 < 2018
4n < 2021
n < 505 14

hence (505).

30. (Also S29)

Let A be the centre of the pattern, then for each circle there
is a centre O and an isosceles triangle 4ABC as pictured. C B
Then
O
360
∠BAC =
n
1 360  180
∠ABC = ∠ACB = 180 − = 90 − A
2 n n
360
∠AOC = 2∠ABC = 180 −
n
360 1 1
 
Then reflex angle AOC = 180 + = + × 360. Consequently the visible arc is
n 2 n
1 1 1 1
+ of the circle and it has arc length + .
2 n 2 n
1 1 n n

The total of all visible arcs is then n + = +1 = 60. Therefore = 59 and n = 118,
2 n 2 2
hence (118).

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