2002 AMC 12A Problem 20

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 20 of the 2002 AMC 12A, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2002 AMC 12A solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:repeating decimal factor

Difficulty rating: 1630

20.

Suppose that $a$ and $b$ are digits, not both nine and not both zero, and the repeating decimal $0.\overline{ab}$ is expressed as a fraction in lowest terms. How many different denominators are possible?

$3$

$4$

$5$

$8$

$9$

Solution:

Since $0.\overline{ab} = \dfrac{\overline{ab}}{99},$ the reduced denominator divides $99 = 3^2\cdot 11.$ The divisors are $1, 3, 9, 11, 33, 99.$

The denominator $1$ would require $\overline{ab} = 99,$ i.e. $a = b = 9,$ which is excluded. Each of $3, 9, 11, 33, 99$ is achievable, giving $5$ possible denominators.

Thus, the correct answer is C.

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