2003 AMC 12B Problem 3

Attempt Problem 3 of the 2003 AMC 12B 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 12B solutions, or check the answer key.

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3.

Rose fills each of the rectangular regions of her rectangular flower bed with a different type of flower. The lengths, in feet, of the rectangular regions in her flower bed are as shown in the figure. She plants one flower per square foot in each region. Asters cost $1\$1 each, begonias $1.50\$1.50 each, cannas $2\$2 each, dahlias $2.50\$2.50 each, and Easter lilies $3\$3 each. What is the least possible cost, in dollars, for her garden?

108108

115115

132132

144144

156156

Answer: A
Concepts:optimizationarea
Difficulty rating: 1170
Solution:

The five regions have areas 4,4, 6,6, 15,15, 20,20, and 2121 square feet.

To minimize the cost, plant the most expensive flowers in the smallest regions. The least possible cost is 3(4)+2.5(6)+2(15)+1.5(20)+1(21)=108. \begin{aligned} &3(4) + 2.5(6) + 2(15) \\ &\quad {}+ 1.5(20) + 1(21) = 108. \end{aligned}

Thus, the correct answer is A.

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