2016 AMC 12B Problem 8

Attempt Problem 8 of the 2016 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 2016 AMC 12B solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

8.

A thin piece of wood of uniform density in the shape of an equilateral triangle with side length 33 inches weighs 1212 ounces. A second piece of the same type of wood, with the same thickness, also in the shape of an equilateral triangle, has side length 55 inches. Which of the following is closest to the weight, in ounces, of the second piece?
14.014.0
16.016.0
20.020.0
33.333.3
55.655.6
Answer: D
Concepts:power scaling of length, area, and volumeratio and proportion
Small hint:
The weight is proportional to the area, which scales with the square of the side length
Big hint:
Multiply 1212 by (53)2\left(\dfrac53\right)^2
Solution:
Weight is proportional to area, and area scales with the square of the side length. The second side is 53\tfrac53 times the first, so its weight is 12⋅(53)2=1003≈33.312\cdot\left(\dfrac53\right)^2=\dfrac{100}{3}\approx33.3 ounces.
Thus, the correct answer is D.
LIVE by Po-Shen Loh
Programs

LIVE Classes

Self-Paced Classes

Stars

Scholarship

About Us

Who Is Po-Shen Loh?

Email Contact

Newsletter

Jobs

Become a Star

For a more Thought Full world.

© 2026 Expii, Inc.