2008 AMC 10A Problem 9

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 9 of the 2008 AMC 10A, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2008 AMC 10A solutions, or check the answer key.

All of the real AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, and AIME problems in our complete solution collection are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

Concepts:fractionparitydivisibility

Difficulty rating: 1170

9.

Suppose that

2x3x6 \dfrac{2x}{3} - \dfrac{x}{6}

is an integer. Which of the following statements must be true about x?x?

It is negative.

It is even, but not necessarily a multiple of 3.3.

It is a multiple of 3,3, but not necessarily even.

It is a multiple of 6,6, but not necessarily a multiple of 12.12.

It is a multiple of 12.12.

Solution:

Combining over a common denominator, 2x3x6=4xx6=x2.\dfrac{2x}{3} - \dfrac{x}{6} = \dfrac{4x - x}{6} = \dfrac{x}{2}.

For x2\dfrac{x}{2} to be an integer, xx must be even.

The example x=4x = 4 shows that xx need not be a multiple of 33 and rules out the other statements.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

Problem 9 in Other Years