2014 AMC 10B Exam Solutions

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All of the real AMC 8 and AMC 10 problems in our complete solution collection are used with official permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

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1.

Leah has 1313 coins, all of which are pennies and nickels. If she had one more nickel than she has now, then she would have the same number of pennies and nickels. In cents, how much are Leah's coins worth?

33 33

35 35

37 37

39 39

41 41

Solution:

Let the number of pennies be p.p. Then, the number of nickels is 13p13-p and p1,p-1, so 13p=p1.13-p=p-1. This means we have 77 pennies and 66 nickels.

Therefore, the number of cents is 7+65=37.7+6\cdot 5=37.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

2.

What is 23+2323+23?\dfrac{2^3 + 2^3}{2^{-3} + 2^{-3}}?

16 16

24 24

32 32

48 48

64 64

Solution:

23+2323+23=223223=26=64\begin{align*} \dfrac{2^3 + 2^3}{2^{-3} + 2^{-3}} &= \dfrac{2\cdot 2^3}{2\cdot 2^{-3}} \\&=2^6 \\&= 64 \end{align*}

Thus, the correct answer is E.

3.

Randy drove the first third of his trip on a gravel road, the next 2020 miles on pavement, and the remaining one-fifth on a dirt road. In miles how long was Randy's trip?

30 30

40011 \dfrac{400}{11}

752 \dfrac{75}{2}

40 40

3007 \dfrac{300}{7}

Solution:

Let the path distance be t.t. Then, we get: t=t5+20+t3t=20+8t15715t=20t=3007.\begin{align*}t &= \dfrac t5 + 20 + \dfrac t3 \\ t &= 20 + \dfrac {8t}{15} \\ \dfrac 7{15} t &= 20\\ t &= \dfrac{300}7.\end{align*}

Thus, the correct answer is E.

4.

Susie pays for 44 muffins and 33 bananas. Calvin spends twice as much paying for 22 muffins and 1616 bananas. A muffin is how many times as expensive as a banana?

32 \dfrac{3}{2}

53 \dfrac{5}{3}

74 \dfrac{7}{4}

2 2

134 \dfrac{13}{4}

Solution:

Let the price for a muffin be mm and let the price for a banana be b.b. Then, 2(4m+3b)=16b+2m8m+6b=16b+2m10b=6mm=53b.\begin{align*} 2(4m+3b) &= 16b + 2m\\ 8m+6b &= 16b + 2m \\ 10b &= 6m\\ m &= \dfrac 53 b.\end{align*}

Thus, the correct answer is B.

5.

Doug constructs a square window using 8 8 equal-size panes of glass, as shown. The ratio of the height to width for each pane is 5:2, 5 : 2 , and the borders around and between the panes are 2 2 inches wide. In inches, what is the side length of the square window?

 26 \ 26

 28 \ 28

 30 \ 30

 32 \ 32

 34 \ 34

Solution:

Let the smaller side of a pane be a distance of x.x.

Then, the side length is 52+4x.5\cdot 2 + 4x. Also, the other direction has pane lengths of 2.5x.2.5x.

This means the side length is 32+2(2.5x).3\cdot 2 + 2(2.5x) . We solve for xx as follows: 10+4x=6+5xx=4\begin{align*}10+4x &= 6+5x \\ x&= 4\end{align*}

Therefore, the side length is 10+44=26.10+4\cdot 4 = 26.

Thus, the correct answer is A.

6.

Orvin went to the store with just enough money to buy 3030 balloons. When he arrived, he discovered that the store had a special sale on balloons: buy 11 balloon at the regular price and get a second at 13\frac{1}{3} off the regular price. What is the greatest number of balloons Orvin could buy?

33 33

34 34

36 36

38 38

39 39

Solution:

Suppose we buy 66 balloons. Then, we can buy 33 at full price and 33 at a price of 23\frac 23 of a ballon.

Therefore, we can buy it at a price of 55 balloons. Thus, with the money to buy 3030 balloons, we could buy 3065=3630 \cdot \frac 65 = 36 balloons.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

7.

Suppose A>B>0A > B > 0 and A is x%x\% greater than B.B. What is x?x?

100(ABB) 100\left(\frac{A-B}{B}\right)

100(A+BB) 100\left(\frac{A+B}{B}\right)

100(A+BA) 100\left(\frac{A+B}{A}\right)

100(ABA) 100\left(\frac{A-B}{A}\right)

100(AB) 100\left(\frac{A}{B}\right)

Solution:

By definition, we know A=x+100100BA = \dfrac {x+ 100}{100}B =B+x100B.= B + \dfrac x{100}B.

This implies, (AB)=x100B100(ABB)=x.\begin{align*} (A-B) &= \dfrac x{100}B\\ 100\left(\dfrac{A-B} B\right) &=x.\end{align*}

Thus, the correct answer is A.

8.

A truck travels b6\dfrac{b}{6} feet every tt seconds. There are 33 feet in a yard. How many yards does the truck travel in 33 minutes?

b1080t \dfrac{b}{1080t}

30tb \dfrac{30t}{b}

30bt \dfrac{30b}{t}

10tb \dfrac{10t}{b}

10bt \dfrac{10b}{t}

Solution:

This means it travels b18\dfrac{b}{18} yards in tt seconds since a yard is 33 feet. Then, in one second, it travels b18t\dfrac{b}{18t} yards.

Therefore, in 33 minutes which is 180180 seconds, it travels b18t180=10bt.\dfrac{b}{18t}\cdot 180 = \dfrac {10b}t.

Thus, the correct answer is E.

9.

For real numbers w w and z, z , 1w+1z1w1z=2014. \cfrac{\frac{1}{w} + \frac{1}{z}}{\frac{1}{w} - \frac{1}{z}} = 2014. What is w+zwz? \frac{w+z}{w-z} ?

2014 -2014

12014 \dfrac{-1}{2014}

12014 \dfrac{1}{2014}

1 1

2014 2014

Solution:

Observe that: wzwz1w+1z1w1z=2014w+zzw=2014w+zwz=12014w+zwz=2014.\begin{align*} \dfrac{wz}{wz}\cdot \dfrac{\frac{1}{w} + \frac{1}{z}}{\frac{1}{w} - \frac{1}{z}} &= 2014\\ \dfrac{w+z}{z-w} &= 2014\\ \dfrac{w+z}{w-z} &= -1\cdot 2014\\ \dfrac{w+z}{w-z}&=-2014.\end{align*}

Thus, the correct answer is A.

10.

In the addition shown below A,A, B,B, C,C, and DD are distinct digits. How many different values are possible for D?D? \begin{array}[t]{r} ABBCB \\ + \ BCADA \\ \hline DBDDD \end{array}

2 2

4 4

7 7

8 8

9 9

Solution:

From the leftmost digit, we know A+B=D9A+B = D\leq 9 since it has no carryover.

This means there is no carryover when adding the units digit, making C+D=D.C + D = D. Thus, C=0.C = 0. Then, since A,B0A,B \neq 0 and AB,A \neq B, we know D=A+B1+2=3.D=A+B \geq 1+2 = 3.

Since 3D9,3 \leq D \leq 9, we have 77 values for D.D.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

11.

For the consumer, a single discount of n%n\% is more advantageous than any of the following discounts:

(1) Two successive 15%15\% discounts.

(2) Three successive 10%10\% discounts.

(3) A 25%25\% discount followed by a 5%5\% discount.

What is the smallest possible positive integer value of n?n?

  27 \ \ 27

 28 \ 28

 29 \ 29

 31 \ 31

 33 \ 33

Solution:

We need to find the smallest possible nn such that 1n100<(0.85)2,1- \dfrac n{100} < (0.85)^2, 1n100<(0.9)3,1- \dfrac n{100} < (0.9)^3, 1n100<(0.75)(0.95).1- \dfrac n{100} < (0.75)(0.95). Note that 0.750.95=0.8520.12<0.852,0.75\cdot 0.95 = 0.85^2-0.1^2 < 0.85^2, so we don't need to worry about the first condintion since the last condition is true. Then, the second condition yields 1n100<0.729.1- \dfrac n{100} < 0.729. n>27.1.n > 27.1.

Also, we also can see that 1n100<0.950.751- \dfrac n{100} < 0.95\cdot 0.75 1n100<3419201- \dfrac n{100} < \dfrac 34 \cdot \dfrac{19}{20} 1n100<57801- \dfrac n{100} < \dfrac{57}{80} 1n100<285400.1- \dfrac n{100} < \dfrac{285}{400}.

Therefore, n>1154=28.75.n > \dfrac{115}{4} = 28.75. Combining our conditions yields a smallest nn of n=29.n=29.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

12.

The largest divisor of 2,014,000,0002,014,000,000 is itself. What is its fifth-largest divisor?

125,875,000 125, 875, 000

201,400,000 201, 400, 000

251,750,000 251, 750, 000

402,800,000 402, 800, 000

503,500,000 503, 500, 000

Solution:

The fifth-largest divisor is 2,014,000,0002,014,000,000 divided by the fifth smallest divisor.

The prime factoriztion of 2,014,000,0002,014,000,000 is: 27561953.2^7\cdot 5^6 \cdot 19\cdot 53. This makes the first 55 smallest divisors 1,2,4,5,81,2,4,5,8 Therefore, the fifth smallest divisor is 8,8, and the fifth largest divisor must be: 20140000008=251750000.\dfrac{2014000000}8 =251750000.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

13.

Six regular hexagons surround a regular hexagon of side length 11 as shown. What is the area of ABC?\triangle{ABC}?

23 2\sqrt{3}

33 3\sqrt{3}

1+32 1+3\sqrt{2}

2+23 2+2\sqrt{3}

3+23 3+2\sqrt{3}

Solution:

Since AB=BC=ACAB = BC = AC by rotational symmetry, we know it is an equilateral triangle.

Then, one-fourth of ABAB can be found as a the leg of a right triangle with hypotenuse 11 and is opposite to the 6060^{\circ} angle, making it sin(60)=32.\sin(60^\circ) = \dfrac{\sqrt 3}2.

As such, AB=432=23.AB = 4\cdot \dfrac{\sqrt 3}2 = 2\sqrt 3.

Then, since it is an equilateral triangle, it has area s234=1234=33.\dfrac{s^2 \sqrt 3}4 = \dfrac{12\sqrt 3}4 = 3 \sqrt 3.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

14.

Danica drove her new car on a trip for a whole number of hours, averaging 5555 miles per hour. At the beginning of the trip, abcabc miles was displayed on the odometer, where abcabc is a 33-digit number with a1a\ge1 and a+b+c7.a+b+c\le7. At the end of the trip, the odometer showed cbacba miles. What is a2+b2+c2?a^2+b^2+c^2?

26 26

27 27

36 36

37 37

41 41

Solution:

We know that the difference of the numbers cbacba and abcabc is equal to: 100c+10b+a100a10bc100c + 10b+a - 100a - 10b-c =99(ca)= 99(c-a) We know that this number also must be a multiple of 55.55. As gcd(55,99)\gcd(55,99) is 11,11, we know that cac-a is a multiple of 5,5, and c>a.c > a.

This makes a=1,b=0,c=6a = 1, b = 0, c = 6 the only possible value with a+b+c7a+ b+c \leq 7 as every other combination has a+b+c>7.a+b+c > 7. As such, a2+b2+c2=37.a^2+b^2+c^2 = 37.

Thus, the correct answer is D.

15.

In rectangle ABCD,ABCD, DC=2CBDC = 2 \cdot CB and points EE and FF lie on AB\overline{AB} so that ED\overline{ED} and FD\overline{FD} trisect ADC\angle ADC as shown. What is the ratio of the area of DEF\triangle DEF to the area of rectangle ABCD?ABCD?

  36 \ \ \dfrac{\sqrt{3}}{6}

 68 \ \dfrac{\sqrt{6}}{8}

 3316 \ \dfrac{3\sqrt{3}}{16}

 13 \ \dfrac{1}{3}

 24 \ \dfrac{\sqrt{2}}{4}

Solution:

The area of EFBEFB is equal to EFAD2.\dfrac{EF\cdot AD}2 .

Similarly, The area of ABCDABCD is equal to ABAD.AB\cdot AD .

Thus, their ratio is EF2AD=EF4AB.\dfrac{EF}{2\cdot AD} = \dfrac{EF}{4\cdot AB}.

Then, EF=AFAE=ABtan(ADE)ABtan(ADF)=AB(tan(60)tan(30))=AB(333)=AB(233)\begin{align*} EF &= AF - AE \\&= AB \tan(\angle ADE) \\&\quad - AB \tan(\angle ADF) \\&= AB( \tan(60^\circ) - \tan(30^ \circ)) \\&= AB\left(\sqrt 3 - \dfrac {\sqrt{3}}3\right) \\&= AB \left(\dfrac{2\sqrt 3}3\right)\end{align*} This makes our result EF4AB=AB(233)4AB=36.\dfrac{EF}{4\cdot AB} = \dfrac{AB(\frac{2 \sqrt 3}3)}{4\cdot AB} = \dfrac {\sqrt 3}6.

Thus, the correct answer is A.

16.

Four fair six-sided dice are rolled. What is the probability that at least three of the four dice show the same value?

136 \dfrac{1}{36}

772 \dfrac{7}{72}

19 \dfrac{1}{9}

536 \dfrac{5}{36}

16 \dfrac{1}{6}

Solution:

There are two cases: All of the numbers are the same or one of the numbers is different from the other ones.

Case 1 - All numbers are the same: The probability of this is 664 \dfrac{6}{6^4} since there are 66 combinations where they are all the same due to the 66 possible values for the dice.

Case 2 - One of the numbers are: The probability of this is 45664 \dfrac{4\cdot 5\cdot 6}{6^4} since there are 44 ways to choose the dice that is different, 66 values for the dice that are the same, and 55 values for the other dice.

This makes the probability 654+664=21216=772. \dfrac{6\cdot 5\cdot 4+6} {6^4} = \dfrac{21}{216} = \dfrac 7{72}.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

17.

What is the greatest power of 22 that is a factor of 1010024501?10^{1002} - 4^{501}?

21002 2^{1002}

21003 2^{1003}

21004 2^{1004}

21005 2^{1005}

21006 2^{1006}

Solution:

Observe that: 1010024501=10100221002=21002(510021)=21002(255011).\begin{align*} 10^{1002}-4^{501} &=10^{1002}-2^{1002} \\&= 2^{1002} (5^{1002}-1) \\&= 2^{1002} (25^{501}-1).\end{align*} Then, since 2550115011mod8,25^{501} \equiv 1^{501} \equiv 1 \mod 8, We know that 25501125^{501}-1 is a multiple of 23,2^3, making our number a multiple of 21005.2^{1005}.

However, 25501195011mod169(81250)1mod168mod16,\begin{align*} &25^{501} -1\\&\equiv 9^{501} -1\mod 16 \\&\equiv 9\left(81^{250}\right)-1 \mod 16\\&\equiv 8 \mod 16, \end{align*} so 25501125^{501}-1 is not a multiple of 24,2^4, and as such, our number isn't a multiple of 21006.2^{1006} .

Thus, the correct answer is D.

18.

A list of 1111 positive integers has a mean of 10,10, a median of 9,9, and a unique mode of 8.8. What is the largest possible value of an integer in the list?

24 24

30 30

31 31

33 33

35 35

Solution:

Since 99 is the median, there are 55 numbers less than or equal to 99 besides the middle.

Also, there are 55 numbers greater than or equal to 99 besides the middle.

Also, since 88 is the unique mode, it must show up at least twice.

Furthermore, since we are trying to maximize the largest number and we have their mean, we need to minimize the sum of the first 1010 numbers. Finally, notice that the sum should be 1110=110.11\cdot 10=110.

Now, we could case on the number of times 88 appears since every other number must show up less than it.

If it appears twice, every other number must show up at most once, so the maximum sum is 1+2+3+8+8+91+2+3+8+8+9+10+11+12+13+10+11+12+13=77.= 77. This makes the largest number 33.33.

If it appears three times, every other number must show up at most twice, so the maximum sum is 1+1+8+8+81+1+8+8+8+9+9+10+10+11+9+9+10+10+11=75.= 75. This makes the largest number 35.35.

If it appears four times, every other number must show up at most once, so the maximum sum is 1+8+8+8+81+8+8+8+8+9+9+9+9+10+9+9+9+9+10=79.= 79. This makes the largest number 31.31.

This makes the maximum 35.35.

Thus, the correct answer is E.

19.

Two concentric circles have radii 11 and 2.2. Two points on the outer circle are chosen independently and uniformly at random. What is the probability that the chord joining the two points intersects the inner circle?

 16 \ \dfrac{1}{6}

 14 \ \dfrac{1}{4}

 222 \ \dfrac{2-\sqrt{2}}{2}

 13 \ \dfrac{1}{3}

 12 \ \dfrac{1}{2}

Solution:

First, without loss of generality, we could choose some point on the outer circle. Then, the second point can be chosen in a region on the other circle.

This region is such that it has a line that intersects the circle, so the edge of the region is such that the chord is perpendicular with the inner circle.

If we look at the angle at the center, we can see that it has 2 right triangles where the adjacent side is 11 and the hypotenuse is 2,2, making cos(θ2)=12.\cos \left(\dfrac \theta 2\right) = \dfrac 12.

Thus, θ2=60,\dfrac \theta 2 = 60^\circ, making θ=120.\theta = 120 ^\circ .

Therefore, the probability is 120360=13.\dfrac {120^\circ}{360^\circ} = \dfrac 13 .

Thus, the correct answer is D.

20.

For how many integers xx is the number x451x2+50x^4-51x^2+50 negative?

8 8

10 10

12 12

14 14

16 16

Solution:

First, note that x451x2+50x^4-51x^2+50 =(x250)(x21).= (x^2-50)(x^2-1).

If (x250)(x21)<0(x^2-50)(x^2-1) < 0 means that one of the terms is negative.

Since x250<x21,x^2-50 < x^2-1, it must be that x^2-50 < 0, x^2-1 >0. This means 1<x2<50,1 < x^2 < 50, making 1<x7,1< |x| \leq 7, resulting in 1212 solutions.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

21.

Trapezoid ABCD ABCD has parallel sides AB \overline{AB} of length 33 33 and CD \overline {CD} of length 21. 21 . The other two sides are of lengths 10 10 and 14. 14 . The angles A A and B B are acute. What is the length of the shorter diagonal of ABCD? ABCD ?

106 10\sqrt{6}

25 25

810 8\sqrt{10}

182 18\sqrt{2}

26 26

Solution:

Let the base of the altitude from CC to ABAB be E.E. and let the base of the altitude from DD to ABAB be F.F. Also, let BC=10BC = 10 since we can assign any value. This yields the following diagram:

Then, let FB=xFB = x and the altitude be h.h. This means AE=33xEF=33x21=12x.\begin{align*}AE &= 33-x-EF\\&=33-x-21 \\&= 12-x.\end{align*}

This suggests that: 142=(12x)2+h214^2 = (12-x)^2 + h^2 102=x2+h2.10^2 = x^2 + h^2. Subtracting the equations, we get: 96=14424x96 = 144 - 24x x=2.x = 2. Then, we want to find (21+x)2+h2\sqrt{ (21+x)^2+h^2} =212+42x+(x2+h2)= \sqrt{21^2 + 42x + (x^2 + h^2) }=441+422+100= \sqrt{441+42\cdot 2 + 100} =625= \sqrt{625}=25.=25.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

22.

Eight semicircles line the inside of a square with side length 2 as shown. What is the radius of the circle tangent to all of these semicircles?

1+24 \dfrac{1+\sqrt2}4

512\dfrac{\sqrt5-1}2

3+14\dfrac{\sqrt3+1}4

235\dfrac{2\sqrt3}5

53\dfrac{\sqrt5}3

Solution:

The distance from the center of the square to the center of the semicircles can be found as a hypotenuse of a right triangle.

One of the legs is from the center of the square to the center of one of the sides which is of distance 1.1.

The other leg is from the center of the side to the center of one of the semicircles which is of distance 12.\dfrac 12. This also shows that the radius of the semicircles is 12.\dfrac 12.

Therefore, the distance from the center of the square to the center of the semicircle is 12+122=52.\sqrt{1^2 + \dfrac 12 ^2} = \dfrac {\sqrt 5}2. Then , we subtract 12\dfrac 12 for the radius of the semicircle. This makes the radius of the circle 512.\dfrac{\sqrt 5 -1}2 .

Thus, the correct answer is B.

23.

A sphere is inscribed in a truncated right circular cone as shown. The volume of the truncated cone is twice that of the sphere. What is the ratio of the radius of the bottom base of the truncated cone to the radius of the top base of the truncated cone?

32 \dfrac32

1+52 \dfrac{1+\sqrt5}2

3\sqrt3

22

3+52\dfrac{3+\sqrt5}2

Solution:

Let the radius of the sphere be r.r. Then, let the top have a radius of 11 and let the bottom have a radius of x.x. Then, we could extend the cone to make a smaller cone on top with height h.h. This makes a larger cone with radius xx and height h+2r.h + 2r.

Note that h+2rh=x2rh=x1h=2rx1.\begin{align*}\dfrac{h+2r}h &= x\\ \dfrac {2r}h &= x-1\\h &= \dfrac {2r}{x-1}.\end{align*}

This makes the volume of the whole cone π(h+2r)(x2)3,\dfrac {\pi(h+2r)(x^2)}{3}, and the volume of the top section h3π.\dfrac h3\pi.

As such, the volume of the truncated cone is hx2+2rx2h3π.\dfrac {hx^2+2rx^2-h}3\pi.

Then, by making a slice in the cone, we get the picture above. Then, by making two lines from the corners to the center, we get similar right triangles, which makes r1=xr.\dfrac r1 = \dfrac xr. Thus, we get r2=x.r^2 = x.

This makes the volume h(x21)+2rx23π\dfrac {h(x^2-1)+2rx^2}3 \pi and h=2rx1=2r(x+1)x21.h = \dfrac {2r}{x-1} = \dfrac{2r(x+1)}{x^2-1}. This further simplifies the volume to 2r(x+1)+2rx23π\dfrac {2r(x+1)+2rx^2}3 \pi=2r(x2+x+1)3π. = \dfrac{2r(x^2+x+1)}3 \pi . The volume of the sphere is 4r3π3.\dfrac{4r^3\pi}3. This implies 8r3π3=2r(x2+x+1)3π.\dfrac{8r^3 \pi}3 = \dfrac {2r(x^2+x+1)}3 \pi . Thus, 4x=x2+x+1x23x+1=0x=3+52.\begin{align*}4x &= x^2+x+1\\ x^2-3x+1&=0\\x &= \dfrac {3 + \sqrt 5}2.\end{align*} Since we made the top circle of radius 1,1, the ratio is 3+52.\dfrac{3+\sqrt 5}2.

Thus, the correct answer is E.

24.

The numbers 1,2,3,4,51, 2, 3, 4, 5 are to be arranged in a circle. An arrangement is bad\textit{bad} if it is not true that for every nn from 11 to 1515 one can find a subset of the numbers that appear consecutively on the circle that sum to n.n. Arrangements that differ only by a rotation or a reflection are considered the same. How many different bad arrangements are there?

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5. 5 .

Solution:

We wil always have the numbers 1,2,3,4,51,2,3,4,5 by choosing the number, and we will always have 14,13,12,11,1014,13,12,11,10 by choosing the entire set except one. Then, 1515 is also chosen.

Therefore, we need to find 6,7,8,9.6,7,8,9. Furthermore, if we have 66 or 7,7, we can get 88 and 99 by choosing the rest.

This means a configuration is only not bad if and only if we can find a set of numbers put together that adds to 66 and 7.7.

The only ways to make a sum 66 is with a sequence of (1,2,3),(1,5), or (2,4).(1,2,3),(1,5),\text{ or }(2,4). The only ways to make a sum 77 is with a sequence of (1,2,4),(2,5), or (3,4).(1,2,4),(2,5),\text{ or } (3,4). Note that the triples can be in any order.

This means that for any configuration without one of them, we need to prevent all of the combinations for one of the numbers. Thus, we can case on which number isn't accounted for.

Case 1: There is no 6.6.

This means the 11 isn't next to the 5.5. Thus, it is next to the 2,32,3 or 4.4. However, it can't have both 22 and 3,3, so the 11 must be next to 44 and one of 22 and 3.3.

Also, this means the 22 isn't next to the 4.4. Thus, it is next to the 1,31,3 or 5.5. However, it can't have both 11 and 3,3, so the 22 must be next to 55 and one of 11 and 3.3.

Then, 55 must be next to the 22 and 33 since if it is connected to the 4,4, it would make a 1231-2-3 which has a sum of 6.6. Thus, the configuration is starts with 352.3-5-2. Since 22 isn't next to 4,4, we have 352143-5-2-1-4 as the only configuration.

Case 2: There is no 7.7.

This means the 22 isn't next to the 5.5. Thus, it is next to the 1,31,3 or 4.4. However, it can't have both 11 and 4,4, so the 22 must be next to 44 and one of 11 and 3.3.

Also, this means the 44 isn't next to the 3.3. Thus, it is next to the 1,21,2 or 5.5. However, it can't have both 11 and 2,2, so the 44 must be next to 55 and one of 11 and 2.2.

Then, 55 must be next to the 11 and 44 since if it is connected to the 3,3, it would make a 1241-2-4 which has a sum of 6.6. Thus, the configuration is starts with 154.1-5-4. Since 44 isn't next to 3,3, we have 154231-5-4-2-3 as the only configuration.

This means there are only two configurations.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

25.

In a small pond there are eleven lily pads in a row labeled 00 through 10.10. A frog is sitting on pad 1.1. When the frog is on pad N,N, 0<N<10,0 < N < 10, it will jump to pad N1N-1 with probability N10\frac{N}{10} and to pad N+1N+1 with probability 1N10.1-\frac{N}{10}. Each jump is independent of the previous jumps.

If the frog reaches pad 00 it will be eaten by a patiently waiting snake. If the frog reaches pad 1010 it will exit the pond, never to return. What is the probability that the frog will escape without being eaten by the snake?

3279 \dfrac{32}{79}

161384 \dfrac{161}{384}

63146 \dfrac{63}{146}

716 \dfrac{7}{16}

12 \dfrac{1}{2}

Solution:

Let the value eie_i be the probability of winning at each time. Then, for all 1i9,1 \leq i \leq 9, we have ei=10i10ei+1+i10ei1.e_i = \dfrac{10-i}{10}e_{i+1} + \dfrac i{10} e_{i-1}. Also, by symmetry, we have e5=12.e_5 = \dfrac 12. Our goal is to find e1.e_1.

Then, e4=610e5+410e3=610(12)+410e3=310+410e3.\begin{align*}e_4 &= \dfrac 6{10} e_5 + \dfrac{4}{10}e_3 \\&=\dfrac 6{10} (\dfrac 12) + \dfrac{4}{10}e_3 \\&=\dfrac 3{10} + \dfrac{4}{10}e_3 .\end{align*}

Then, e3=710e4+310e2=710(310+410e3)+310e2=21100+28100e3+30100e2=2172+3072e2=724+512e2\begin{align*} e_3 &= \dfrac 7{10} e_4 + \dfrac{3}{10}e_2 \\&= \dfrac 7{10} (\dfrac 3{10} + \dfrac{4}{10}e_3) + \dfrac{3}{10}e_2 \\&=\dfrac {21}{100}+ \dfrac {28}{100}e_3 + \dfrac{30}{100}e_2\\&= \dfrac {21}{72} + \dfrac{30}{72}e_2 \\&= \dfrac 7{24} + \dfrac 5{12}e_2\end{align*}

Then, e2=810e3+210e1=810(724+512e2)+210e1=56240+40120e2+210e1=730+13e2+15e1=e2=720+310e1.\begin{align*}e_2 &= \dfrac 8{10} e_3 + \dfrac{2}{10}e_1 \\&= \dfrac 8{10} ( \dfrac 7{24} + \dfrac 5{12}e_2) + \dfrac{2}{10}e_1 \\&= \dfrac {56}{240} + \dfrac{40}{120}e_2 + \dfrac 2{10}e_1 \\&=\dfrac 7{30}+ \dfrac 13 e_2 + \dfrac 15 e_1\\&=e_2 = \dfrac 7{20} + \dfrac 3{10}e_1.\end{align*}

Then, e1=910e2+110e0=e_1 = \dfrac 9{10} e_2 + \dfrac{1}{10}e_0 = 910(720+310e1)= \dfrac 9{10} ( \dfrac 7{20} + \dfrac 3{10}e_1 ) =63200+27100e1. \dfrac {63}{200} + \dfrac {27}{100}e_1 .

This suggests that 73100e1=63200\dfrac{73}{100}e_1 = \dfrac {63}{200} e1=63146.e_1 = \dfrac{63}{146}.

Thus, the correct answer is C.