2013 AMC 8 Problem 3

Attempt Problem 3 of the 2013 AMC 8 below, then check your answer against the video solution and professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2013 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

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3.

What is the value of 4⋅(−1+2−3+4−5+6−7+⋯+1000)? \begin{aligned} &4 \cdot (-1 + 2 - 3 + 4 - 5 + 6 \\ &\qquad {}- 7 + \cdots + 1000)? \end{aligned}
−10-10
00
11
500500
20002000
Answer: E
Concepts:summationpairing and grouping
Small hint:
Pair the terms inside the parentheses.
Big hint:
Each pair (−1+2),(−3+4),…(-1+2),(-3+4),\ldots has the same sum.
Video solution:
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Written solution:
Within the parentheses, pair consecutive terms: (−1+2)+(−3+4)+⋯+(−999+1000). \begin{aligned} &(-1+2)+(-3+4) \\ &\quad {}+\cdots+(-999+1000). \end{aligned}
Each pair has sum 11, and there are 500500 pairs, so the value inside the parentheses is 500500. Multiplying by 44 gives 20002000.
Thus, E is the correct answer.
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