2021 AMC 10A Spring Problem 12

Below is the video solution and professionally curated solution for Problem 12 of the 2021 AMC 10A Spring, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2021 AMC 10A Spring solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:conesimilarityvolume

Difficulty rating: 1660

12.

Two right circular cones with vertices facing down as shown in the figure below contain the same amount of liquid. The radii of the tops of the liquid surfaces are 33 cm and 66 cm. Into each cone is dropped a spherical marble of radius 11 cm, which sinks to the bottom and is completely submerged without spilling any liquid. What is the ratio of the rise of the liquid level in the narrow cone to the rise of the liquid level in the wide cone?

1:11:1

47:4347:43

2:12:1

40:1340:13

4:14:1

Video solution:
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Written solution:

Let the initial liquid heights in the narrow and wide cones be h1h_1 and h2h_2. Since the liquid volumes are equal,

13π(3)2h1=13π(6)2h2,\frac13\pi(3)^2h_1=\frac13\pi(6)^2h_2,

so h1=4h2h_1=4h_2.

After the identical marbles are dropped in, each cone must contain the same final volume below the liquid surface: the original liquid volume plus the volume of one marble. If the new liquid-surface radii are 3x3x and 6y6y, similarity gives new heights h1xh_1x and h2yh_2y. Thus

13π(3x)2h1x=13π(6y)2h2y.\frac13\pi(3x)^2h_1x=\frac13\pi(6y)^2h_2y.

Using h1=4h2h_1=4h_2, this simplifies to x3=y3x^3=y^3, so x=yx=y. The rise ratio is therefore

h1(x1):h2(y1)=h1:h2=4:1.h_1(x-1):h_2(y-1)=h_1:h_2=4:1.

Thus, E is the correct answer.

Problem 12 in Other Years