2004 AMC 8 Problem 4

Attempt Problem 4 of the 2004 AMC 8 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 2004 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

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

4.

Ms. Hamilton’s eighth-grade class wants to participate in the annual three-person-team basketball tournament. Lance, Sally, Joy, and Fred are chosen for the team. In how many ways can the three starters be chosen?
22
44
66
88
1010
Answer: B
Concepts:combinationscomplementary counting
Small hint:
Choosing the three starters is the same as choosing who sits out.
Big hint:
There are 44 possible players who could be the alternate.
Solution:
If there are 33 starters, then one person must not be starting. Choosing the person who doesn’t start determines the starters.
There are 44 choices for the person who doesn’t start.
Thus, B is the correct answer.
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