1998 AMC 8 Exam Solutions

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All of the real AMC 8 and AMC 10 problems in our complete solution collection are used with official permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

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1.

For x=7,x=7, which of the following is the smallest?

6x\dfrac{6}{x}

6x+1\dfrac{6}{x+1}

6x1\dfrac{6}{x-1}

x6\dfrac{x}{6}

x+16\dfrac{x+1}{6}

Solution:

If we plug in the values into each answer choice, we get the following:

A: 6x=67\dfrac 6x = \dfrac 67

B: 6x+1=68\dfrac 6{x+1} = \dfrac 68

C: 6x1=1\dfrac 6{x-1} = 1

D: x6=76\dfrac x6 = \dfrac 76

E: x+16=43\dfrac {x+1}6 = \dfrac{4}{3}

Thus, the correct answer is B.

2.

If  abcd=adbc,~\begin{array}{r|l}a&b \\ \hline c&d\end{array} = \text{a}\cdot \text{d} - \text{b}\cdot \text{c}, what is the value of  3412 ?~\begin{array}{r|l}3&4 \\ \hline 1&2\end{array}~?

2-2

1-1

00

11

22

Solution:

Plugging into the formula above, we get: 3214=2.3\cdot 2-1\cdot 4=2.

Thus, the correct answer is E.

3.

What is the value of: 38+7845?\dfrac{\frac{3}{8} + \frac{7}{8}}{\frac{4}{5}}?

11

2516 \dfrac{25}{16}

22

4320\dfrac{43}{20}

4716\dfrac{47}{16}

Solution:

This evaluates to: 38+7845=5445=(54)2=2516.\begin{align*} \dfrac{\frac{3}{8} + \frac{7}{8}}{\frac{4}{5}} &= \dfrac{\frac{5}{4}}{\frac{4}{5}} \\ &=\left(\dfrac 54\right)^2 \\ &= \dfrac{25}{16}.\end{align*}

Thus, the correct answer is B.

4.

How many triangles are in this figure? (Some triangles may overlap other triangles.)

99

88

77

66

55

Solution:

First, we can clearly see the 33 small triangles, and the triangle that encompasses the entire figue. Also, there is 11 more triangle when combining the two rightmost smaller triangles.

This leads to us having 55 triangles.

Thus, the correct answer is E.

5.

Which of the following numbers is largest?

9.123449.12344

9.12349.123\overline{4}

9.12349.12\overline{34}

9.12349.1\overline{234}

9.12349.\overline{1234}

Solution:

Each of them start with 9.1234.9.1234. Thus, we need to look at the next digits.

For choices A and B, the next digit is 44 while it is 33 for C, 22 for D, and 11 for E.

This means we only have to look at A and B as possible solutions. After the 9.12344,9.12344, choice A terminates while the next term for B is 4,4, so choice B is larger.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

6.

Dots are spaced one unit apart, horizontally and vertically. The number of square units enclosed by the polygon is

55

66

77

88

99

Solution:

Consider the 2×32 \times 3 rectangle on the bottom. The figure is the same as when we take some area out on the bottom and add the same area on the top. Thus, the area is the same as the the 2×32 \times 3 rectangle, which is 66

Thus, the correct answer is B.

7.

100×19.98×1.998×1000=100\times 19.98\times 1.998\times 1000=

(1.998)2(1.998)^2

(19.98)2(19.98)^2

(199.8)2(199.8)^2

(1998)2(1998)^2

(19980)2(19980)^2

Solution:

We will group the first two terms and the last two terms.

This will make the expression equal to (10019.98)(1.9981000)=(100\cdot 19.98)\cdot (1.998\cdot 1000)= 19981998=19982.1998\cdot 1998=1998^2.

Thus, the correct answer is D.

8.

A child's wading pool contains 200200 gallons of water. If water evaporates at the rate of 0.50.5 gallons per day and no other water is added or removed, how many gallons of water will be in the pool after 3030 days?

140140

170170

185185

198.5198.5

199.85199.85

Solution:

The amount lost is 0.530=150.5\cdot 30=15 gallons. Therefore, the amount left is 20015=185.200-15=185.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

9.

For a sale, a store owner reduces the price of a $10\$10 scarf by 20%.20\% . Later the price is lowered again, this time by one-half the reduced price. The price is now

$2.00

$3.75

$4.00

$4.90

$6.40

Solution:

After the 20%20\% reduction, the price is $10\cdot 0.8=$8.

Then, after halving the price, the price is \dfrac {$8}2 = $4.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

10.

Each of the letters W,W, X,X, Y,Y, and ZZ represents a different integer in the set {1,2,3,4},\{ 1,2,3,4\}, but not necessarily in that order. If WXYZ=1,\dfrac{W}{X} - \dfrac{Y}{Z}=1, then the sum of WW and YY is:

33

44

55

66

77

Solution:

The fractions WX\dfrac{W}{X} and YZ\dfrac YZ must be integers as there is no other fractional part that can there twice.

Thus, they are both integers, making 11 a denominator. The only other possible denominator could be 22 with its numerator being 4.4.

Thus, we could get 3142=1,\dfrac 31 - \dfrac 42=1, making the sum equal to 4+3=7.4+3=7.

Thus, the correct answer is E.

11.

Harry has 3 sisters and 5 brothers. His sister Harriet has S\text{S} sisters and B\text{B} brothers. What is the product of S\text{S} and B?\text{B}?

88

1010

1212

1515

1818

Solution:

Since Harry has 3 sisters and 5 brothers, the family has 3 girls and 6 boys. Then, Harriet would be one or the girls, so she had 22 sisters and 66 brothers. Thus, the product of the number of brothers and sisters is 26=12.2\cdot 6=12.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

12.

What is the value of the following expression? 2(112)+3(113)+2\left(1-\dfrac{1}{2}\right) + 3\left(1-\dfrac{1}{3}\right) + 4(114)++10(1110)4\left(1-\dfrac{1}{4}\right) + \cdots + 10\left(1-\dfrac{1}{10}\right)

4545

4949

5050

5454

5555

Solution:

Directly evaluating, we get that: 2(112)+3(113)+4(114)++10(1110)=(21)++(101)=1+28+9=45\begin{align*}&2\left(1-\dfrac{1}{2}\right) + 3\left(1-\dfrac{1}{3}\right) +\\ &4\left(1-\dfrac{1}{4}\right) + \cdots + 10\left(1-\dfrac{1}{10}\right)\\ &=(2-1)+\cdots +(10-1)\\ &=1+2 \cdots 8+9 \\ &= 45\end{align*}

Thus, the correct answer is A.

13.

What is the ratio of the area of the shaded square to the area of the large square? (The figure is drawn to scale)

16\dfrac{1}{6}

17\dfrac{1}{7}

18\dfrac{1}{8}

112\dfrac{1}{12}

116\dfrac{1}{16}

Solution:

We could extend the figure to the following:

Then, we could look at the bottom triangle that makes up a quarter of the figure.

Half of that area is the shaded area, so the entire shaded area is 18.\dfrac 18.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

14.

An Annville Junior High School, 30%30\% of the students in the Math Club are in the Science Club, and 80%80\% of the students in the Science Club are in the Math Club. There are 1515 students in the Science Club. How many students are in the Math Club?

1212

1515

3030

3636

4040

Solution:

Since 80%80\% of people are in both clubs, the number of people in both clubs is 0.815=12.0.8\cdot 15=12. This is 30%30\% of the math club, so the number of people in the math club is 120.3=40.\dfrac{12}{0.3}=40.

Thus, the correct answer is E.

15.

In the very center of the Irenic Sea lie the beautiful Nisos Isles. In 19981998 the number of people on these islands is only 200,200, but the population triples every 2525 years. Queen Irene has decreed that there must be at least 1.51.5 square miles for every person living in the Isles. The total area of the Nisos Isles is 2490024900 square miles.

Estimate the population of Nisos in the year 2050.2050.

600600

800800

10001000

20002000

30003000

Solution:

The population in 2048,2048, which is 5050 years after 1998,1998, is 32200=1800.3^2\cdot 200=1800.

Therefore, as 20482050,2048\approx 2050, the population in 20502050 is approximately 1800,1800, which is approximately equal to 20002000

Thus, the correct answer is D.

16.

In the very center of the Irenic Sea lie the beautiful Nisos Isles. In 19981998 the number of people on these islands is only 200,200, but the population triples every 2525 years. Queen Irene has decreed that there must be at least 1.51.5 square miles for every person living in the Isles. The total area of the Nisos Isles is 2490024900 square miles.

Estimate the year in which the population of Nisos will be approximately 6000.6000.

20502050

20752075

21002100

21252125

21502150

Solution:

This would be the year the population is 3030 times as much as in 1998.1998. This means the population triples approximately 33 times, making the year approximately 325=753\cdot 25=75 years after 1998.1998. This would be 2073,2073, so 20752075 is the best approximation.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

17.

In the very center of the Irenic Sea lie the beautiful Nisos Isles. In 19981998 the number of people on these islands is only 200,200, but the population triples every 2525 years. Queen Irene has decreed that there must be at least 1.51.5 square miles for every person living in the Isles. The total area of the Nisos Isles is 2490024900 square miles.

In how many years, approximately, from 19981998 will the population of Nisos be as much as Queen Irene has proclaimed that the islands can support?

5050 years

7575 years

100100 years

125125 years

150150 years

Solution:

The maximal population is 249001.5=16600.\dfrac{24900}{1.5}=16600. This is 8383 times as much as the population in 1998,1998, so it would be about 44 triples from 1998.1998. That would be 254=10025\cdot 4=100 years.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

18.

As indicated by the diagram below, a rectangular piece of paper is folded bottom to top, then left to right, and finally, a hole is punched at XX. What does the paper look like when unfolded?

Solution:

When we undo the fold, the rectangle with the punched hole in the upper left is in the bottom right. The only such answer choice is B.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

19.

Tamika selects two different numbers at random from the set {8,9,10}\{ 8,9,10 \} and adds them. Carlos takes two different numbers at random from the set {3,5,6}\{3, 5, 6\} and multiplies them. What is the probability that Tamika's result is greater than Carlos' result?

49\dfrac{4}{9}

59\dfrac{5}{9}

12\dfrac{1}{2}

13\dfrac{1}{3}

23\dfrac{2}{3}

Solution:

Tamika, with equal probability, can get one of 17,18,19.17,18,19.

Carlos, with equal probability, can get one of 15,18,30.15,18,30.

There is a 13\frac 13 probability that Carlos gets 15,15, which would always have Tamika having a higher number.

There is a 13\frac 13 probability that Carlos gets 18,18, which would have a 13\dfrac 13 probability that Tamika gets a higer number of 19.19.

There is a 13\frac 13 probability that Carlos gets 30,30, which would always have Tamika never a higher number.

Therefore, the total probability is: 13+1313=49.\dfrac 13 + \dfrac 13\cdot \dfrac 13 = \dfrac 49.

Thus, the correct answer is A.

20.

Let PQRSPQRS be a square piece of paper. PP is folded onto RR and then QQ is folded onto S.S. The area of the resulting figure is 9 square inches. Find the perimeter of square PQRS.PQRS.

99

1616

1818

2424

3636

Solution:

Let the side length be s.s. Then, folding PP to RR would give an isoceles right triangle with area 12s2.\frac 12{s^2}. Here, QQ and SS are across from each other, so when it is folded, the area is 14s2=9,\frac14{s^2}=9, making s=6.s=6.

As such, the area is 46=24.4\cdot 6=24.

Thus, the correct answer is D.

21.

A 4×4×44\times 4\times 4 cubical box contains 64 identical small cubes that exactly fill the box. How many of these small cubes touch a side or the bottom of the box?

4848

5252

6060

6464

8080

Solution:

The entire 4×4×14 \times 4 \times 1 bottom with a volume of 1616 is counted. Then, there are 4848 cubes left. There are 33 layers, with each of being a 4×44 \times 4 square. Only the 2×22 \times 2 interior doesn't touch the outside, so each layer has 4222=124^2-2^2=12 cubes. This makes the total number of cubes equal to 123+16=52.12\cdot 3+16=52.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

22.

Terri produces a sequence of positive integers by following three rules. She starts with a positive integer, then applies the appropriate rule to the result, and continues in this fashion.

Rule 1: If the integer is less than 10, multiply it by 9.

Rule 2: If the integer is even and greater than 9, divide it by 2.

Rule 3: If the integer is odd and greater than 9, subtract 5 from it.

For example, consider the sample sequence: 23,18,9,81,76,.23, 18, 9, 81, 76, \ldots .

Find the 98th98^\text{th} term of the sequence that begins with: 98,49,98, 49, \ldots

66

1111

2222

2727

5454

Solution:

The sequence starts with the following: 98,49,44,22,11,98,49,44,22,11,6,54,27,22,6,54,27,22, \cdots Thus, after the first four, it has a cycle of length 5.5. This makes the 98th98^{th} term equal to the 8th8^{th} term of the sequence, which is 27.27.

Thus, the correct answer is D.

23.

If the pattern in the diagram continues, what fraction of eighth triangle would be shaded?

38\dfrac{3}{8}

527\dfrac{5}{27}

716\dfrac{7}{16}

916\dfrac{9}{16}

1145\dfrac{11}{45}

Solution:

The total number of triangles in the nthn^{th} triangle is n2.n^2.

The total number of shaded triangles in the nthn^{th} triangle is the n1thn-1^{th} triangular number, which is: n2n2.\dfrac{n^2-n}2.

This makes the ratio equal to: n12n=716.\dfrac{n-1}{2n} = \dfrac{7}{16}.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

24.

A rectangular board of 8 columns has squares numbered beginning in the upper left corner and moving left to right so row one is numbered 1 through 8, row two is 9 through 16, and so on. A student shades square 1, then skips one square and shades square 3, skips two squares and shades square 6, skips 3 squares and shades square 10, and continues in this way until there is at least one shaded square in each column.

What is the number of the shaded square that first achieves this result?

3636

6464

7878

9191

120120

Solution:

The only shaded squares are the triangular numbers (the nthn^{th} triangular number is the sum of the first nn numbers). As such, we have to find the first triangular number such that every possible value mod8\mod 8 is accounted for.

Note that the formula for triangular numbers is n2+n2.\dfrac{n^2+n}2.

Thus, we must find a triangular number for each value modulo 8.8. For 0mod8,0\mod 8, the first one is 120,120, meaning the answer is at least 120.120. 120120 is the greatest answer choice available, so we know the answer must be 120.120. By inspection, we can also see that every other value modulo 88 comes before anyways, but that is omitted here.

Thus, the correct answer is E.

25.

Three generous friends, each with some money, redistribute the money as followed: Amy gives enough money to Jan and Toy to double each amount has. Jan then gives enough to Amy and Toy to double their amounts. Finally, Toy gives enough to Amy and Jan to double their amounts. If Toy had $36 at the beginning and $36 at the end, what is the total amount that all three friends have?

$108

$180

$216

$252

$288

Solution:

Since Toy doubles his money after the first two turns, he has $144 in the end. Then, he gives away 144-36=$108. Since this doubles Any and Jan's money, they had $108 before Toy gives them money. Thus, the total amount of money is $144+$108=$252.

Thus, the correct answer is D.