Question

The line $y = \tfrac{1}{3}x + 1$ divides the square region defined by $0 \le x \le 2$ and $0 \le y \le 2$ into an upper region and a lower region. The line $x = a$ divides the lower region into two regions of equal area. Then $a$ can be written as $\sqrt{s} - t,$ where $s$ and $t$ are positive integers. What is $s + t?$

$18$

$19$

$20$

$21$

$22$

Solution:

The lower region has area $\int_0^2\left(\tfrac{x}{3} + 1\right)dx = \tfrac{2}{3} + 2 = \tfrac{8}{3}.$ The slice with $0 \le x \le a$ is a trapezoid of area $a + \tfrac{a^2}{6}.$ We want that to be half the total, namely $\tfrac{4}{3},$ so $a^2 + 6a - 8 = 0$ and $a = -3 + \sqrt{17}.$ Then $s = 17,$ $t = 3,$ and $s + t = 20.$ Therefore, the answer is C.

2025 AMC 10B Problem 6

Solution:

Problem 6 in Other Years