2011 AMC 8 Problem 21

Attempt Problem 21 of the 2011 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 2011 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

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

21.

Students guess that Norb’s age is 24,24, 28,28, 30,30, 32,32, 36,36, 38,38, 41,41, 44,44, 47,47, and 49.49. Norb says, “At least half of you guessed too low, two of you are off by one, and my age is a prime number.” How old is Norb?
2929
3131
3737
4343
4848
Answer: C
Concepts:logical deductionprime
Small hint:
The two guesses off by one force Norb near either 3737 or 4848.
Big hint:
At least half too low puts Norb above the fifth listed guess.
Solution:
The first part of the statement means that Norb’s age is greater than 36.36.
The second part means that Norb’s age is either between 3636 and 3838 or between 4747 and 49.49.
Since 3737 is prime and 4848 is not, Norb’s age is 37.37.
Thus, C is the correct answer.
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