2017 AMC 12A Problem 1

Attempt Problem 1 of the 2017 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 2017 AMC 12A solutions, or check the answer key.

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

1.

Pablo buys popsicles for his friends. The store sells single popsicles for $1\$1 each, 33-popsicle boxes for $2,\$2, and 55-popsicle boxes for $3.\$3. What is the greatest number of popsicles that Pablo can buy with $8?\$8?
88
1111
1212
1313
1515
Answer: D
Concepts:optimizationrate
Small hint:
The best value is the 55-popsicle box, at $3\$3 for 55
Big hint:
Spend $6\$6 on two 55-boxes, then use the remaining $2\$2 on a 33-box
Solution:
The cheapest popsicles come from the 55-popsicle box, at $35=$0.60\dfrac{\$3}{5}=\$0.60 each. Even at that rate, 1414 popsicles would cost 14⋅$0.60=$8.40,14\cdot\$0.60=\$8.40, more than $8.\$8.
So Pablo can buy at most 13,13, and he achieves this with two 55-boxes for $6\$6 and one 33-box for $2,\$2, giving 2⋅5+3=132\cdot5+3=13 popsicles.
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.