2003 AMC 12A Problem 1

Attempt Problem 1 of the 2003 AMC 12A 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 2003 AMC 12A solutions, or check the answer key.

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1.

What is the difference between the sum of the first 20032003 even counting numbers and the sum of the first 20032003 odd counting numbers?

00

11

22

20032003

40064006

Answer: D
Concepts:summationpairing and grouping
Difficulty rating: 890
Solution:

The kkth even counting number is 2k2k and the kkth odd counting number is 2k1,2k-1, which differ by 1.1.

Summing this difference over all 20032003 pairs gives 20031=2003.2003 \cdot 1 = 2003.

Thus, the correct answer is D.

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