2024 AMC 10A Problem 3

Attempt Problem 3 of the 2024 AMC 10A below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2024 AMC 10A solutions, or check the answer key.

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3.

What is the sum of the digits of the smallest prime that can be written as a sum of 55 distinct primes?

55

77

99

1010

1111

Answer: B
Concepts:primeparityoptimization
Difficulty rating: 1050
Solution:

Suppose 22 is one of the five primes. Then the total is even and bigger than 2,2, so it is composite. Thus all five primes must be odd. The five smallest odd primes give 3+5+7+11+13=393 + 5 + 7 + 11 + 13 = 39 =313,= 3 \cdot 13, which is not prime. The next possible sum is obtained by replacing 1313 with the next prime, 17;17; changing any earlier term forces at least as large an increase to keep the primes distinct. This gives 3+5+7+11+17=43,3 + 5 + 7 + 11 + 17 = 43, which is prime. Its digit sum is 4+3=7.4 + 3 = 7. Thus, B is the correct answer.

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