2011 AMC 10A Problem 4

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 4 of the 2011 AMC 10A, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2011 AMC 10A solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:arithmetic sequencesummation

Difficulty rating: 770

4.

Let X and Y be the following sums of arithmetic sequences: X=10+12+14++100,Y=12+14+16++102. \begin{align*}X &= 10+12+14+\cdots+100,\\ Y &= 12+14+16+\cdots+102.\end{align*} What is the value of YX?Y - X?

9292

9898

100100

102102

112112

Solution:

Note that the terms 1010 through 100100 are common to both sums. When we subtract, all these terms cancel out.

This means that YX=10210=92. Y - X = 102 - 10 = 92.

Thus, A is the correct answer.

Problem 4 in Other Years