2017 AMC 10A Problem 2

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 2 of the 2017 AMC 10A, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2017 AMC 10A solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:moneyoptimization

Difficulty rating: 770

2.

Pablo buys popsicles for his friends. The store sells single popsicles for $1\$1 each, 3-popsicle boxes for $2\$2 each, and 5-popsicle boxes for $3.\$3. What is the greatest number of popsicles that Pablo can buy with $8?\$8?

88

1111

1212

1313

1515

Solution:

The $3\$3 boxes give us the most popsicles per dollar, so we want to buy as many of those as possible.

We can buy two of those, getting 52=105 \cdot 2 = 10 popsicles with $8$6=$2\$8 - \$6 = \$2 remaining.

The $1\$1 single popsicles are the worst deal, so Pablo should spend the rest of his money on the 33-popsicle box.

He then ends up with 10+3=1310 + 3 = 13 popsicles.

Thus, D is the correct answer.

Problem 2 in Other Years