2011 AMC 12A Problem 20

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 20 of the 2011 AMC 12A, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2011 AMC 12A solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:quadratic system of equations bounding to limit cases

Difficulty rating: 2030

20.

Let $f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c,$ where $a,$ $b,$ and $c$ are integers. Suppose that $f(1) = 0,$ $50 \lt f(7) \lt 60,$ $70 \lt f(8) \lt 80,$ and $5000k \lt f(100) \lt 5000(k+1)$ for some integer $k.$ What is $k?$

$1$

$2$

$3$

$4$

$5$

Solution:

Since $f(1) = a + b + c = 0,$ we have $c = -a - b.$ Then $f(7) = 48a + 6b = 6(8a + b), \qquad f(8) = 63a + 7b = 7(9a + b).$

From $50 \lt 6(8a + b) \lt 60$ we get $8a + b = 9,$ and from $70 \lt 7(9a + b) \lt 80$ we get $9a + b = 11.$ Subtracting, $a = 2,$ then $b = -7$ and $c = 5.$

So $f(100) = 20000 - 700 + 5 = 19305,$ which lies in $5000 \cdot 3 \lt 19305 \lt 5000 \cdot 4,$ giving $k = 3.$

Thus, the correct answer is C.

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