2026 AMC 8 Problem 1

Attempt Problem 1 of the 2026 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 2026 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

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

1.

What is the value of the following expression? 1+2−3+4+5−6+ 1 + 2 - 3 + 4 + 5 - 6 + {} 7+8−9+10+11−12 7 + 8 - 9 + 10 + 11 - 12
1818
2121
2424
2727
3030
Answer: A
Concepts:whole number operationspairing and grouping
Small hint:
Group the terms in threes
Big hint:
(1+2−3),(4+5−6),…(1+2-3), (4+5-6), \ldots
Video solution:
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Written solution:
Group the expression as (1+2−3)(1+2-3) +(4+5−6)+(4+5-6) +(7+8−9)+(7+8-9) +(10+11−12)+(10+11-12). These group sums are 0,3,6,90,3,6,9, respectively, so the total is 0+3+6+9=180+3+6+9=18.
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