AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Solutions to AMO 2016 Secondary 2 (Grade 8)

Question 1
Fully simplify using the order of operations: 17 − 18 ÷ 9 × 3 + 8.
Solution:
Strategy: Use the correct order of operations.
Using order of operations, start from the left checking for parentheses and then
exponents. Since there are none, search for division and multiplication (since they
belong to the same order). Follow the left to right rule, so first, divide 18 by 9 to
get 2 and then multiply that result by 3 to get 6. Now perform the addition and
subtract working from left to right: 17 − 6 + 8 = 11 + 8 = 𝟏𝟗.

Question 2
The number 20,000,100 may be expressed in expanded form as (2 × 10x ) +
(1 × 10y ). Evaluate the expression x(100 + y) + 1.
Solution:
Strategy: Separate 20,000,100 using exponents.
20,000,100 = 20,000,000 + 100 = 2 × 107 + 1 × 102 . Then x = 7 and y = 2.
It follows that x(100 + y) + 1 = 7(100 + 2) + 1 = 7(102) + 1 = 𝟕𝟏𝟓.

Question 3
The pattern of 6 individual figures shown below repeats indefinitely to form a
sequence.

1 2 3 4 5 6
What is the 2020th figure in the sequence?

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Observe the repeating pattern.
Since the sequence is repeated every 6 figures and 2020 ÷ 6 = 336 with a
remainder of 4, the forth symbol in the sequence, , will be the 2020th figure.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Apply the divisibility rule for 6.

The sequence has a pattern of six figures. We are looking for the 2020th term of
the sequence. Since the sum of the digits of 2020 is 4, then it is not divisible by
6. However, 2016 is divisible by 6 since the sum of the digits is 9 and the number

is even. Therefore, the 2016th term in the sequence would be . The 2020th

term would be four figure after which would be .

Question 4
How much greater is the least 3-digit prime than the greatest 2-digit prime?
Solution:
Strategy: Test odd numbers near 100.
The number 99 is not prime since it has a factor of 3. The next odd 2-digit number
to test is 97, which is prime. The first 3-digit number to test is 101, which is
prime.
Their positive difference is 101 – 97 = 4.

Question 5
Each of the nine digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 is placed, one to a box, to form
the two-digit and three-digit arithmetic problem shown. Find the least value of
integer N such that
N = □□ + □□□ − (□□ + □□) + 1000.
Solution:
Strategy: Create the smallest three-digit number and largest sum.
The smallest sum of a two-digit number and a three-digit number is formed from
35 + 124 = 125 + 34 = 159. The largest sum of two two-digit numbers is formed

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

from 97 + 86 = 96 + 87 = 183. In either case, the least value of 𝑁 is 159 − 183 +

1000 = 𝟗𝟕𝟔.

Question 6
The first five “pentagonal numbers” are:
1, 5, 12, 22 and 35 as shown by the
number of dots in the diagrams at the
right. What is the 9th pentagonal
number?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Examine successive differences and look for a pattern.

1 5 12 22 35 51 70 92 117

4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25

Notice that successive differences increase by 3. Add the proper next successive
difference to the previous pentagonal number to obtain the next pentagonal
number. The 9th pentagonal number equals 117.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Use the diagram.

Pentagonal number n adds 5(n – 1) points along the
edges to the previous pentagonal number. However,
some of these points overlap existing points. For
example, the third pentagonal number adds a pentagon with edge length 2 to
the first pentagon. This means that 5(3 – 1) = 10 points are added to the previous
diagram with 5 points. However, 3 of the new points overlap with the previous
points so we end up with
5 + 10 − 3 = 12 as the third pentagonal number. The overlap in the fourth
diagram (n = 4) is 5. The overlap in the fifth diagram (n = 5) is 7. In general,
the overlap is 2n – 3. Therefore, to get the nth pentagonal number take the
previous number, add 5(n – 1) and then subtract 2n – 3. The sixth pentagonal

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

number = 35 + 5(6 − 1) − (2(6) − 3) = 35 + 25 − 9 = 51. Continue using the

previous value to get the ninth number which is 117.

Question 7
Given the cube is shown at the right. An ant travels from vertex A
to vertex B, always walking along an edge of the cube. How many
shortest paths are there from A to B?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Deform the cube and list all the possible paths.
The shortest path for the ant to get from A to B consists of 3 edges. The
list of all possible paths of length 3 is: ACEB, ACDB, AFDB, AFGB, AHGB
and AHEB. Thus there are exactly 6 shortest paths from A to B.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Count the paths based upon direction.

The shortest path from A to B consists of 3 steps: one right, one up, and one
backward. Select any one of the 3 ways to start. Then there are only 2 ways left
and then 1 way to complete the path. Therefore, the number of different paths
will be
3 × 2 × 1 = 𝟔.

Question 8
Milk is poured from a full pitcher into an empty glass until both pitcher and
6
glass are full. If the capacity of the pitcher is 84 ounces of liquid, how many
7

more ounces of milk are needed to fill the glass?

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Use algebra.
1 6
Represent the fact that of the pitcher fills of the glass with the equation
7 7
𝑃 6𝐺
7
= 7
. Multiply both sides by 7 to get P = 6G or 1 pitcher = 6 glasses. Substitute

84 ounces for 1 pitcher to get 84 ounces = 6 glasses. Divide both sides by 6 to

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

6 6
get that 14 ounces fills 1 glass. Since the glass is full it already has (7) of 14
7

ounces or 12 ounces. It needs 14 − 12 = 𝟐 additional ounces to be full.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Find the amount of milk transferred initially.

6 1 1
Since the 84-ounce pitcher is full, it is also empty and of 84 is 12. These 12
7 7 7
6 1 6 1
ounces fills 7 of the glass with left to fill. One sixth of is 7, and one sixth of 12
7 7

is 2. Thus 2 ounces must be added to fill the glass.

Question 9
1 1
Suppose x = + 3 and y = − 9. Select the number of the expression having the
numerically greatest result:
(1) x + y (2) x 2 − y (3) x 2 + y (4) x − y (5) y − x.
Solution:
Strategy: Evaluate each of the five expressions.
1 1 2 1 2 1 2
(1) x + y = 3 + (− 9) = 9 (2) x 2 − y = (3) − (− 9) = 9

1 2 1 1 1 4
(3) x 2 + y = (3) + (− 9) = 0 (4) x − y = 3 − (− 9) = 9
1 1 4
(5) y − x = (− 9) − 3 = − 9

Thus (4) has the greatest value.

Question 10
The pyramid shown has 7 vertices, 12 edges, and 7 faces (one of
which is a hexagon). At least one of the edges on each of the faces
is to be colored red. What will be the least number of edges colored
red?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Apply mathematical reasoning.
There are six triangular faces. If three edges are colored red, each bordering on
two triangles, and no two edges of any triangle are colored red, the hexagon
would not have an edge colored red. So, if one of the edges of the hexagon is
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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

colored red, we have a total of 4 edges colored red. The least number of edges
colored red is 4.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Deform the pyramid and consider a “top” view.

Looking down from the top you can see the hexagon and the six triangles.
One possible coloring that would color at least one edge of each of the
triangles and the hexagon can be seen in the diagram. Only 4 edges need
to be colored red.

Question 11
Yevgeny was born on August 24, . On August 25, 2015, he was in
the sixth year of his seventh decade of life. What is the sum of digits of his year
of birth?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Count the number of decades first.
The first decade of life is years 0 to 10 years. The second decade is 10 to 20
years. The third decade is 20 to 30 years and so on. That makes the seventh
decade of life 60 to 70 years. Since Yevgeny is in the sixth year of the seventh
decade he is 65 years old. Working backwards would make the year he was born
1950. So the sum of digits of his year of birth is 1 + 9 + 5 + 0 = 𝟏𝟓.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Compute the age directly.

On August 25, 2015, Yevgeny was 2015 – ABCD years old, where ABCD is the 4-
digit year of his birth. Deciphering the language in the second statement, on
August 25, 2015, he was 65 years old. Since a person of age n is living in their
(n + 1)th year, he was born in 2015 – 65 = 1950. Then the sum of digits of his
year of birth is 1 + 9 + 5 + 0 = 𝟏𝟓.

Question 12
Find the whole number value of N when 142 + 2 × 14 × N + N2 = 192 .
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Factor algebraic expressions of the form 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 .
Consider that (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2. Therefore,

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

142 + 2 × 14 × N + N 2 = (14 + N)2 = 192 .

It follows that 14 + N = 19 or 14 + N = – 19. Since N must be a whole number N
= 5.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Multiply and combine like terms.

142 + 2 × 14 × N + N2 = 196 + 28N + N 2 = 361. Subtract 196 from each side of
the equation: 28N + N2 = 165. Factor each side of the equation N(28 + N) =
5 × 33. Since N is less than 28 + N, N = 𝟓.

Question 13
A rug is in the shape of an equilateral triangle with sides of length 20 feet. The
rug is entirely composed of 100 equilateral triangular patches with sides of length
2 foot. How many of the smaller patches have one or more of their sides on the
perimeter of the large rug?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Draw a diagram and examine the
triangular patches along each side.
There are 10 patches along each edge of the triangle for a total
of 30 patches. However, each corner of the rug would be counted
twice since they touch two sides of the rug. Thus there are 30 – 3 = 27 patches
that have one or more sides on the perimeter of the rug.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Count the number of shaded triangles in

the diagram.
See the diagram. No further explanation necessary.

Question 14
Find the sum of the digits in the product of: 1001 × 1001 × 1001.

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Multiply two numbers at a time.
Multiply the first two terms to get 1001 × 1001 = 1002001. Multiply this result by
1001. The final result is 1001 × 1002001 = 1003003001. The sum of the digits is
8.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Rewrite 1001 and apply the distributive property.

Rewrite
1001 × 1001 × 1001
= (1000 + 1) × (1000 + 1) × (1000 + 1)
= (103 + 1) × (103 + 1) × (103 + 1)
= (103 + 1)(106 + 2 × 103 + 1)
= 103 (106 + 2 × 103 + 1) + 1(106 + 2 × 103 + 1)
= 109 + 2 × 106 + 103 + 106 + 2 × 103 + 1
= 109 + 3 × 106 + 3 × 103 + 1
= 1,003,003,001
So the sum of the digits is 1 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 𝟖.

METHOD 3: Strategy: Use the fact that (𝑎 + 𝑏)3 = 𝑎3 + 3𝑎2 𝑏 + 3𝑎𝑏 2 + 𝑏 3 .

It follows that (1001)3 = (1000 + 1)3 = 10003 + 3 × 10002 × 1 + 3 × 1000 ×
12 + 13 . When this is expanded and the terms added together the result is
1003003001.

Question 15
A ski resort has three pricing options: $60 for just a lift ticket, $20 for just a ski
lesson, or $70 when both are bought together. On Sunday, 60 people bought
exactly one of the three options. If 42 lift tickets and 23 lessons were sold, what
was the mean or average purchase amount in dollars for these 60 people? (Round
your answer to a nearest whole number)

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Find the number of people in each category.
Since 60 people purchased 42 + 23 = 65 items, 5 people must have purchased
both a ticket and a lesson. Then 42 − 5 = 37 people purchased just a lift ticket
and 23 − 5 = 18 people purchased just a lesson. The total paid was
(5 × $70) + (37 × $60) + (18 × $20) = $2,930.
The mean purchase amount for the 60 customers was $2,930 ÷ 60 = $48.83 ≈
$𝟒𝟗.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Treat the third option as a discount.

The lift tickets brought in 42 × $60 = $2520 and the lessons brought in
23 × $20 = $460. However, 5 people received a discount of $10 for purchasing
both items. Thus the resort grossed $2520 + $460 − $50 = $2930. The mean
purchase for the 60 customers was $48.83 ≈ $𝟒𝟗.

Question 16
Sixteen players enter a chess tournament which offers a prize to the winner in
each of an upper section and a lower section. Winners of the matches in round
one are placed in the upper section. The players who lose matches in round one
are placed in the lower section. From this point onward, players only play those
opponents in their own section and are eliminated from receiving a prize after
their next loss. If there are no ties, how many matches are played in the
tournament?
Solution:
Strategy: Consider “round one” and then consider the remaining rounds.
In round one, 8 games are played to determine which players are in each section.
Within each of the lower and upper sections, 7 of the 8 players will be eliminated
in exactly 7 games, leaving a section winner. In total, there are 8 + 7 + 7 = 𝟐𝟐
games.

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 17
17 B C D
Find the least whole number value of B + C + D so that = 3 + 9 + 18 satisfies
18
the two conditions:
(1) Each of B, C and D are positive whole numbers, and
B C D
(2) Each of the fractions 3 , 9 and is in lowest terms.
18

Solution:
Strategy: Find a common denominator and make a chart.
17 B C D
The least common denominator for the fractions is 18 so = 3 + 9 + 18.
18
Therefore, 17 = 6B + 2C + D.

B C D Notes
9 1
1 1 9 = 2; not in lowest terms
18
1 2 7 B + C + D = 10
3 1
1 3 5 = 3; not in lowest terms
9
3 1
1 4 3 = 6; not in lowest terms
18
1 5 1 B+C+D=7
3 1
2 1 3 = 6; not in lowest terms
18
2 2 1 B+C+D=5

The least whole number sum for B + C + D is 5.

Question 18
Suppose 3x − 4y = 10 and 6x − 7y + z = 53. Find the whole number value of
y + z.
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Use elimination.
The goal is to find y + z. Look at the two given equations. If the first equation is
doubled and the result subtracted from the second equation the left side is
exactly what was requested in the problem. 2(3x − 4y = 10)→ 6x − 8y = 20.
Then (6x − 7y + z = 53) − (6x − 8y = 20)→ y + z = 𝟑𝟑.

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

METHOD 2: Strategy: Use substitution.

Solve for x in the first equation by adding 4y to both sides of the equation and
10+4𝑦
then divide by 3. Then 3𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 10 → 𝑥 = 3 . Substitute this value for x in
the second equation to get
10 + 4y
6( ) − 7y + z = 53
3
2(10 + 4y) − 7y + z = 53
20 + 8y − 7y + z = 53
y + z = 𝟑𝟑.

Question 19
A rectangular box is 7 cm  10 cm  10 cm. Point A is a vertex, A
and point B is the center of the front face as shown. Find the 10
number of centimeters in the shortest distance from A to B B
along the surface of the box. 7
10
Solution:
Strategy: Open the right side of the cube and apply the Pythagorean theorem.
Consider two adjacent faces that include B and A. Flatten them out to form a
rectangle with known lengths. The shortest distance from A to B is the length of
the straight line connecting the points. Since B is in the center of the front
square face, the length BC is 5 + 7 = 12 and AC = 5. The Pythagorean theorem
can be used to find AB: AB2 = 52 + 122 = 25 + 144 = 169 so AB = 𝟏𝟑.
*It is better to draw the figure for solution.

Question 20
The squares of two consecutive whole numbers differ by 79. Find the lesser
whole number.
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Use algebra.
Let n = the smaller number so n + 1 = the next consecutive number. Then
(n + 1)2 − n2 = 79 → n2 + 2n + 1 − n2 = 79 → 2n + 1 = 79 → 2n = 78 → n =

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

𝟑𝟗. Notice that the difference of the squares is the same as (n + 1) + n, the
sum of the two numbers that are squared. That is (n + 1)2 − n2 = (n + 1) + n.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Look for a pattern in the differences of perfect squares.

Consecutive numbers
Difference of squares
squared
12 = 1 1–0=1
2 =4
2 4–1=3
32 = 9 9–4=5
4 = 16
2 16 – 9 = 7
Notice that consecutive squares differ by consecutive odd integers. The first
difference is 1, the second is 3, the third is 5 and so on so the n th difference is
2n − 1. The larger of the two numbers whose squares differ by 79 is the solution
to 2n − 1 = 79 which is n = 40. The smaller number one is 39. Check that 402 −
392 = 1600 − 1521 = 79.

Question 21
How many of the first 10,000 positive integers contain the digit-pair “43” in that
order?
Solution:
Strategy: Count the number of instances of 43 by considering cases.
Case I: The only 2-digit number is 43 [1 solution].
Case II: 3-digit numbers
(a) Numbers of the form X43 where X may be any digit 1 through 9 [9
solutions].
(b) Numbers of the form 43X where X can be any digit 0 through 9 [10
solutions].
Case III: 4-digit numbers
(a) Numbers of the form 43XY, X and Y may be any digits 0 through 9 [10  10
= 100 solutions].
(b) Numbers of the form X43Y, X cannot be 0 but Y can be 0 [9  10 = 90
solutions].
(c) Numbers of the form XY43, X cannot be 0 but Y can be 0 but XY cannot be
43 since that was already counted in case III (a). [9  10 – 1 = 89 solutions].
There are no cases of single digit or five digit numbers.
Altogether, there are 1 + 9 + 10 + 100 + 90 + 89 = 299 solutions.

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 22
Each of 1000 ping-pong balls is labeled with exactly one of the counting numbers
1, 2, 3, …, 998, 999, 1000. Each ball has a different number. If the ping-pong
balls are selected at random, what is the fewest number that must be selected
and set aside to be certain that the sum of the numbers on two of the selected
ping-pong balls will equal 1005?
Solution:
Strategy: Determine which numbers in the set CANNOT be selected.
The only “partner” for 1000 in the set is 5. The only partner for 999 is 6. The only
partner for 998 is 7. This pattern continues but five numbers (1, 2, 3 and 4) have
no distinct partners. Thus only 1000 – 4 = 996 numbers can be selected. They
form 498 pairs of numbers. When one number is selected from each of the 498
pairs there will be no pair of numbers whose sum is 1005. Even when we add in
the 4 numbers that have no pairs (498 + 4 = 502) we will not have a pair whose
sum is 1005. But, when the next number gets added to this group, it must pair
up with one of the 498 numbers that sum to 1005. Thus 502 + 1 = 503 numbers
selected from the original set of numbers guarantees at least one pair will sum
to 1005.

Question 23
A square floor is completely covered with non-overlapping 1  1 white and 1  1
black square tiles. The tiles along the two longest diagonals are black, while the
remaining tiles are white. How many white tiles are there, if the completed floor
contains 61 black tiles?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Determine the number of tiles in each diagonal.
Since the diagonals consist of 61 black tiles, each diagonal contains 31 tiles (the
middle tile, and the remaining 60 divided by 2). Since the diagonals contain 31
tiles, each side of the floor has 31 tiles. The area (the total number of tiles) of
the 31 by 31 floor is 961 tiles. The number of white tiles is 961 − 61 = 𝟗𝟎𝟎.

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

METHOD 2: Strategy: Make a table and find a pattern.

Black Squares Area White Squares Notice that
5+1
= 3,
9+1
= 5,
2 2
13+1 17+1
= 7, and = 9.
5 33 9 – 5 = 4 = 22 2 2

9 55 25 – 9 = 16 = 42 Therefore, if we have 61

black squares a side of the
61+1
13 77 49 – 13 = 36 = 62 floor will be 2 = 31, the
area will be 31 × 31 = 961
17 99 81 – 17 = 64 = 82 and the number of white tiles
will be
961 − 61 = 𝟗𝟎𝟎 or 302 .

Question 24
The shaded region shown is the area which lies both A
inside right ABC and outside the three sectors formed
by the arcs of radius 3 centered at the three vertices of
ABC. When the sides of ABC are 7, 11, and √170, the
B C
area of the shaded region is 𝑃 − 𝑄𝜋. Find the integer
value of 𝑃 − 𝑄.
Solution:
Strategy: Apply formulas for the area of a triangle and the area of a circle.
1
The formula for the area of a triangle is A = (2) × base × height. In a right
triangle, if one leg is the base then the other leg is the height. In the given
triangle, the hypotenuse is √170 since it is greater than the other two sides so
1 77
A = (2) × 7 × 11 = . The three sectors centered at the three vertices of the
2
triangle form a semicircle since the sum of the angles is 180°. The formula for
1 1 9π
the area of a semicircle is A = (2) π × r 2 = (2) × π × 32 = . The shaded area
2
77 9 77 9 68
equals − (2) π. Thus P = and Q = 2 so P − Q = = 𝟑𝟒.
2 2 2

Question 25
A lattice point is a point with integer coordinates. A straight line segment is drawn
between points A(– 6, – 5) and B(24, 19). Including the endpoints, how many
points on straight-line segment AB are lattice points?

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AMO 2016, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Use the concept of slope and then make a list.
19−(−5) 24 4
The slope of line joining A and B is m = 24−(−6) = 30 = 5. This means for every 5
units added to an x-coordinate there must be 4 units added to the respective y-
coordinate. Start with (–6, –5). The next point is (–6 + 5, –5 + 4) = (–1, –1).
Continue in this fashion to get the points (4, 3), (9, 7), (14, 11), (19, 15) and
(24, 19). There are 7 lattice points.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Find the ratio of the increases.

The total increase in x values is 30 while the total increase in the y values is 24.
y 24 4
The ratio x of 30 reduces to 5. This means that every time we increase x by 5, y
increases by 4. This leads to the lattice points seen in the table: Therefore, there
are 7 lattice points on the segment.

x –6 –1 4 9 14 19 24
y –5 –1 3 7 11 15 19

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Solutions to AMO 2017 Secondary 2 (Grade 8)

Question 1
Find the sum of the digits of the product of 2017 × 99999.
Solution
Strategy: Write 99999 as 100,000-1
2017 × 99999 = 2017 × (100,000 − 1) = 2017 × 100,000 − 2017 = 201697983
Sum of the digits is 2 + 0 + 1 + 6 + 7 + 9 + 8 + 3 = 𝟑𝟔.
Answer: 036

Question 2
The first 5 instances of a pattern involving the sum of three
squares are shown at the right. Find the sum 𝐵 + 𝐷 − 𝐴 − 𝐶.
Solution
Strategy: Find the pattern of terms from line to line.
1st term: always 4, so A = 4.
2nd term: add 8 to the second term in the previous row: 36 + 8 = 44, so B =
44.
3rd term: add the next multiple of 8 (add 16, add 24, add 32) to the third term
in the previous row: the next multiple of 8 is 40. 78 + 40 = 118, so C = 118.
The sum also adds consecutive multiples of 8 {16, 24, 32}, so add 40 to the
previous sum: 86 + 40 = 126, and D = 126.
Finally 𝐵 + 𝐷 − 𝐴 − 𝐶 = 44 + 126 − 4 − 118 = 𝟒𝟖.
Answer: 048

Question 3
3
Write the expression √36 − √36 as an integer.
Solution
METHOD 1: Strategy: Use the information in the note.
3
Simplify: √36 − √36 = √(33 )(33 ) − √(32 )(32 )(32 ) = 33 − 32 = 27 − 9 = 𝟏𝟖.
3

METHOD 2: Strategy: Use the law of exponents that 𝑎𝑏/𝑐 = √𝑎𝑏 .

𝑐

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

6 6
3
Rewrite and simplify: √36 − √36 = 32 − 33 = 33 − 32 = 27 − 9 = 𝟏𝟖.
Answer: 018

Question 4
Find the value of (9.87)2 + 19.74 × 0.13 + 0.0169.
Solution
Strategy: Use the formula 𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2 = (𝑎 + 𝑏)2 .
Let 𝑘 = (9.87)2 + 19.74 × 0.13 + 0.0169. Then,
𝑘 = (9.87)2 + 2(9.87)(0.13) + (0.13)2
𝑘 = (9.87 + 0.13)2 = (10)2 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎.
Answer: 100

Question 5
The whole number are arranged five at a time, in every row, as shown. What is
the sum of the row number and the column number of 2017?
1st column 2nd column 3rd column 4th column 5th column
1st row 1 2 3 4 5
2nd row 10 9 8 7 6
3rd row 11 12 13 14 15
4th row 20 19 18 17 16
5th row 21 22 23 24 25
… …

Solution
Strategy: Find a formula to locate every number in the pattern.
Row: To find the location of a number we need to find the row and then its
position in the row. For example, the number 23 is the third smallest number in
row 5. To find this result, divide 23 by 5 to get 4 with remainder 3. Add 1 to the
whole number quotient to find the row while the position is just the remainder.
If the remainder is 0, the quotient is the row and the number is the greatest
number in the row. To find the location for 2017, we find 2017 ÷ 5 = 403 with
remainder 2. So, 2017 will be the second smallest number in row 403 + 1 =
404.
Column: The next to the last number in rows 2, 4, 6, and so on, have a units
digit of 7. The last number in each of these rows is the least number and is one
less than the number to its left. Therefore, 2017 will be the next to the last

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

number in a row that has a last number of 2016, the least number in the row.
Hence, 2017 will be in the 4th column.
Therefore, the sum of the row number and the column number of 2017 is
404 + 4 = 𝟒𝟎𝟖.
Answer: 408

Question 6
If 2016 = 2A × 3B × 7C for positive integers A, B, and C, what is the simplified
value of AB + C?
Solution
Strategy: Factorize 2016.

The circled values indicate the prime factors of 2016.

So 2016 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 7 = 25 × 32 × 7 and 𝐴 = 5, 𝐵 = 2 and
𝐶 = 1. Therefore 𝐴𝐵 + 𝐶 = 52 + 1 = 𝟐𝟔.
Answer: 026

Question 7
How many different sums can be obtained by adding two different integers
chosen from the following list?
{−102, −101, −100, … , 86, 87, 88}
Solution
Strategy: Find the least and greatest possible sums.
The least possible sum is obtained by adding -102 and -101. The greatest
possible sum is obtained by adding 87 and 88. Every integer between these

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

extremes is also a possible sum. By examining a number line from -203 to +175
inclusive, you should see 203 negative sums, 175 positive sums, and zero.
There are 203 + 175 + 1 = 𝟑𝟕𝟗 different sums that can be obtained.
Answer: 379

Question 8
The spinner at the right is divided into 5 equal parts. Spin the
needle once. If it lands on a perfect square number flip a fair 5 1
coin once. If it lands on a prime number do not flip the coin. 2
What is the probability that you did not flip a coin? 4
3
[A fair coin is one that lands on heads half the time.]
(If your answer is p/q in the simplest form, then write p+q)
Solution
Strategy: Use the basic definition of probability
Since the perfect squares are 1 and 4 and the prime numbers are 2, 3, and 5,
3
the probability that you will not flip a coin is 5. Thus, 𝑝 + 𝑞 = 3 + 5 = 𝟖.

Answer: 008

Question 9
Find the positive difference between the sum of all possible integers x and the
sum of all possible integers y that satisfy the equation 𝑥 𝑦 = 81.
Solution
Strategy: Factor and group by powers.
Case I: 81 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 34 so (3, 4) satisfies the equation.
Case II: 81 = 9 × 9 = 92 so (9, 2) satisfies the equation.
Case III: 81 = 811 so (81, 1) satisfies the equation.
Case IV: 81 = (−3)4 so (-3, 4) satisfies the equation.
Case V: 81 = (−9)2 so (-9, 2) satisfies the equation.
The sum of the x’s is 3 + 9 + 81 + (– 3) + (– 9) = 81 and the sum of the
y’s is 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 13. The positive difference between the sum of the x’s
and y’s is 81 − 13 = 𝟔𝟖.
Answer: 068

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 10
Suppose the simplest form of the product of
98 97 96 3 2 1
× × × …× × ×
100 99 98 5 4 3
𝑎
is 𝑏 , what is 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 4000?

Solution
Strategy: Cancellation of identical numbers
The numbers in the numerators are 98, 97, 96, 95 … , 3, 2, 1
The numbers in the numerators are 100, 99, 98, 97 … , 5, 4, 3
Since the operation involved is only multiplication of fractions, then a number 𝑥
in the numerator cancels the number 𝑥 in the denominator.
After cancellation of identical numbers, the remaining numbers are 2 and 1 in
the numerator and 100 and 99 in the denominator. Hence, the product is
2 1 1
= 50(99) = 4950 . It follows that 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 4000 = 1 + 4950 − 4000 = 𝟗𝟓𝟏.
100(99)

Answer: 951

Question 11
𝑎 1 1 𝑎
is a fraction in simplest form where √49 − 625 = 𝑏. Find the value of 𝑎 + 𝑏.
𝑏

Solution
Strategy: Solve using the arithmetic of fractions and square roots.
1 1 625−49 576 (24)2 24 24 𝑎 24
Simplify: √49 − 625 = √(49)(625) = √(49)(625) = √(7)2(25)2 = 7(25) = 175. So, = 175
𝑏
and 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 24 + 175 = 𝟏𝟗𝟗.
Answer: 199

Question 12
A survey of 45 students at the MOEMS Prep Academy found that 32 take
Spanish and 40 take Algebra. What is the fewest (least) possible number of
students surveyed who are taking both Spanish and Algebra?
Solution

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

METHOD 1: Strategy: Apply logical reasoning.

If 32 students take Spanish and 40 take Algebra, some students must be taking
both since only 45 students were surveyed. If all students surveyed take at
least one of the subjects, we will minimize the number taking both subjects.
Since 32 + 40 = 72 and 72 − 45 = 27, the least number of students surveyed
who are taking both Spanish and Algebra is 27.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Make a Venn (Euler) diagram and use algebra.

Let x be the number of students taking both and let y be the number of
students taking neither. We can set up and solve the following equation: 45 −
𝑦 = 32 + 40 − 𝑥 → 𝑥 = 27 + 𝑦. To minimize x we want to let 𝑦 = 0. Therefore
the least value of x, the number of students taking both subjects is 27.
Answer: 027

Question 13
Some of the 12 edges of a cube are to be coloured red, so that
each face has exactly 3 red edges. What is the number of red
edges?
Solution
Strategy: Apply logical reasoning.
A cube has 12 edges. Since every face is a square that has exactly 3 red edges,
3
it must also have exactly 1 black edge. It follows that 4 of the edges are red
1
and are black. Therefore there are 9 red edges.
4

Answer: 009

Question 14
There are exactly N whole number cubes between 76 and 59 . Find N. Do not
include 76 or 59 in your count.
Solution
Strategy: Apply the rules of exponents to form cubic numbers.
Rewrite 76 = (72 )3 and 59 = (53 )3 . Since 72 = 49 and 53 = 125, there are
125 − 49 − 1 = 75 numbers between 49 and 125 so 𝑁 = 𝟕𝟓.
Answer: 075
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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 15
The cardboard pattern shown is composed of six numbered
squares, and is folded to form a cube. What is the greatest 2
product of the numbers on three faces that meet at a 6 11 4 3
common vertex?
5

Solution
METHOD 1: Strategy: Consider opposite faces that can never meet.
Once folded, the numbers 4 and 6 lies on opposite faces, 11 and 3 lies on
opposite faces, and 2 and 5 lies on opposite faces. Opposite faces can never
meet at a common vertex or a common edge. Choose the greatest number
from each pair of opposite faces listed above: 6, 11 and 5. These faces all meet
at a vertex and their product is the greatest possible product: 6 × 11 × 5 =
𝟑𝟑𝟎.
METHOD 2: Strategy: Change your
perspective. TOP

If the cube is transparent and you look at it up FRONT

close from the front, this is what you would LEFT BACK RIGHT
see. If the back is numbered 4, the right face
could be 3, the left face 11, the top 2 and the
BOTTOM
bottom 5. The front would have the number 6.
The front, left and bottom faces meet at a
vertex. The product of these numbers is 6 × 11 × 5 = 𝟑𝟑𝟎. This is the greatest
possible product for 3 faces that meet at a vertex.
Answer: 330

Question 16
If the product of 450 and the positive integer N is a perfect cube number, what
is the least possible value of N?
Solution
Strategy: Prime factorize 450
Since 450 = 2 × 32 × 52 , then we need to multiply it by 22 × 3 × 5 to get the
least possible perfect cube, which is 23 × 33 × 53 . Hence, 𝑁 = 22 × 3 × 5 = 𝟔𝟎.
Answer: 060

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 17
In rectangle ABCD, X is the midpoint of AB and Y is the
midpoint of AD. What is the area of triangle XYC, in cm2 ,
if the area of rectangle ABCD is 880 cm2 ?
Solution
Strategy: Compare their parts and use the area of
triangle formula.
Based on the given, we have 𝐴𝐵 × 𝐵𝐶 = 880. Also,
(𝐴𝑋)(𝐴𝑌) (𝐴𝑋)(𝐴𝐷) (𝐴𝑋)(𝐵𝐶) (𝐴𝐵)(𝐵𝐶) 880
Area of Δ𝐴𝑋𝑌 = = = = = = 110,
2 4 4 8 8
(𝐷𝐶)(𝑌𝐷) (𝐷𝐶)(𝐴𝐷) (𝐴𝐵)(𝐵𝐶) 880
Area of Δ𝑌𝐷𝐶 = = = = = 220,
2 4 4 4
(𝑋𝐵)(𝐵𝐶) (𝐴𝐵)(𝐵𝐶) 880
Area of Δ𝑋𝐵𝐶 = = = = 220.
2 4 4

Then we obtain
Area of Δ𝑋𝑌𝐶 = Area of ABCD – (Area of Δ𝐴𝑋𝑌 + Area of Δ𝑌𝐷𝐶 + Area of
Δ𝑋𝐵𝐶)
Area of Δ𝑋𝑌𝐶 = 880 − (110 + 220 + 220) = 𝟑𝟑𝟎 𝑐𝑚2 .
Answer: 330

Question 18
How many four-digit positive integers consist of distinct non-zero digits such
that the sum of the four digits equals 14?
Solution
METHOD 1: Strategy: Compute the sums in an organized manner.
Greatest Digit Remaining Sum Possibility
8 6 1+2+3
7 7 1+2+4
6 8 1+2+5
6 8 1+3+4
5 9 2+3+4
Since we are forming 4-digit integers consisting of distinct non-zero digits, the
order of the digits can be rearranged. For each possibility of four digits listed
above, there are 4! or 24 arrangements. Hence, there are 5 × 24 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎 that
satisfy the conditions.

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

[Note: The largest possible integer is 8, since 9 + 1 + 2 + 3 = 15, which is

greater than 14.]
METHOD 2: Strategy: Count in a systematic fashion.
Step 1: List the distinct digits (whose sum is 14) from least to greatest to avoid
duplication.
Step 2: Apply the multiplication principle to count the number of possible
rearrangements of the digits.
The least digit can only be a 1 or a 2 since if it were 3 or greater, the sum of
the four digits would be greater than 14.
Here is a list of sets of possible digits: {1, 2, 3, 8}, {1, 2, 4, 7}, {1, 2, 5, 6}, {1,
3, 4, 6} and {2, 3, 4, 5}. There are only five such sets of four distinct digits that
sum to 14. The four digits in each set can be arranged in 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 24
ways. Altogether, there are 5 × 24 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎 whole numbers.
Answer: 120

Question 19
Two squares with integer length sides overlap so that two sides of
the smaller square rest along two sides of the larger square as
shown. The area of the L-shaped shaded region is 27 square units.
Find the sum of the two possible lengths of the side of the smaller
square.
Solution
Strategy: Apply an algebraic technique.
Let 𝑥 and 𝑦 be the side of the larger square and smaller square, respectively.
Since 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 − 𝑦)(𝑥 + 𝑦) = 27, we are looking for 2 positive integers that
multiply to be 27. The only possibilities are 1 and 27 or 3 and 9. Using 1 and
27, we need to find x and y such that 𝑥 − 𝑦 = 1 and 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 27. Since the
integers differ by 1, they must be 13 and 14. Notice that 142 − 132 = 196 −
169 = 27. Similarly, if 𝑥 − 𝑦 = 3 and 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 9, the values of x and y must be 6
and 3. The sum of the lengths of the two possible sides of the smaller square is
13 + 3 = 𝟏𝟔.
Answer: 016

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 20
Jethro wishes to tile a 10 cm x 15 cm rectangular floor using giant
“J” shaped tiles. Each “J” shaped tile has an area of 6 cm2 and is
composed of 1 cm x 1 cm square sections as shown. What is the
smallest area (in cm2 of the 10 cm x 15 cm floor that cannot be
covered using Jethro’s “J” shaped tiles? Tiles cannot be cut or overlapped.
Solution
Strategy: Combine two “J” shapes to form a rectangle.
Notice that two “J” shaped tiles form a 3 cm x 4 cm
rectangle whose area is 12 cm2. Since we are trying
to fill a floor that is 10 cm x 15 cm which has an
area of 150 cm2, the best we can expect to fill with
the rectangular pair of tiles is 144 cm2 (12 × 12)
with 6 cm2 without tile. To see how this can be
accomplished consider the diagram. There are
several other configurations that also have 6 cm2
uncovered.
Answer: 006

Question 21
For how many whole numbers from 4002 to 4499 does the product of the
middle two digits exceed 6?
Solution
METHOD 1: Strategy: Create an organized chart.
In the hundreds position, we can have 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. For each of these
numbers, list numbers in the tens position that result in a product that exceeds
6.
Hundreds digit 0 1 2 3 4

Tens digit
None 7, 8, 9 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Count the amount of numbers in each box of the second row: 0 + 3 + 6 + 7 +

8 = 24.
Since the ones digit can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, there are 24 whole
numbers for each of these 10 units digits. Altogether there are 240 numbers
that satisfy the conditions.
METHOD 2: Strategy: Find those numbers for which the product is less than or
equal to 6.

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Start as above, but now in the second row list those numbers that yield a
product of 6 or less.
Hundreds digit
0 1 2 3 4

Tens digit
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 0, 1, 2, 3 0, 1, 2 0, 1

Count the amount of numbers in each box of the second row: 10 + 7 + 4 + 3 +

2 = 26.
Since the ones digit can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, there are 26 whole
numbers for each of these 10 units digits. In the 260 numbers just counted, we
have the number 5000. Thus there are only 259 numbers that do not satisfy
the condition. Since there are 499 numbers between 4000 and 4500, exclusive
of both end numbers, there are 499 − 259 = 𝟐𝟒𝟎 numbers which do satisfy the
given conditions.
Answer: 240

Question 22
Mel sells jumbo cheesy pretzel nuggets in a 5 nugget “diet” size, a 8 nugget
“share” size and a 14 nugget “party” size. What is the greatest total number of
jumbo cheesy pretzel nuggets that cannot be purchased from Mel? [Example: It
is possible to buy 8 nuggets but not possible to buy 9 nuggets.]
Solution
Strategy: Find a string of five consecutive possible purchases.
Find the first instance of five consecutive quantities that can be purchased.
Once found, add multiples of 5 to each of the numbers in that string to get
every quantity greater than the numbers in the string.
Here is a list of the purchases that can be made: 5, 8, 5 + 5 = 10, 5 + 8 = 13, 14,
5 + 5 + 5 = 15, 8 + 8 = 16, 5 + 5 + 8 = 18, 5 + 14 = 19, 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20,
8 + 8 + 5 = 21, 8 + 14 = 22
Since 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 can be purchased; adding 5 to each of these, we
can also purchase 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 nuggets. This process can be
continued indefinitely. The largest number that cannot be purchased is 17.
Answer: 017

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 23
Two squares overlap so that a vertex of the larger (25 cm 24
square) lies at the center of the smaller (24 cm square) as 13 B
shown. If the distance from A to B is 13 cm, find the number of A
centimeters in the perimeter of the quadrilateral determined by 25
the overlapping shaded region.
Solution
Strategy: Draw two segments and use congruent right triangles.
Draw the perpendicular from point A to BC and the C
perpendicular from A to DE. Label the intersections P and 24
Q. The lengths of these segments are 12 cm each. Right 12 P5
ABP has a leg 12 cm and hypotenuse 13 cm, so the other A 13 B
leg must be 5 cm by Pythagoras theorem. Since ABP ≅ 12 E
13
ADQ by ASA, the length of AD is also 13 cm. Since 𝑃𝐸 = Q 9
12 cm and 𝑃𝐵 = 5 cm, 𝐵𝐸 = 7 cm. We find that 𝐷𝐸 = D5
𝐷𝑄 + 𝑄𝐸 = 5 + 12 = 17 𝑐𝑚. Thus the perimeter of
quadrilateral 𝐷𝐴𝐵𝐸 = 13 + 13 + 7 + 17 = 𝟓𝟎 cm.
Answer: 050

Question 24
How many four-digit whole numbers contain the digit pair “27” without other
intervening digits? [Note: 3127 is one such example, but 3217 is not.]
Solution
Strategy: Examine all possible cases.
The digit pair 27 can either be in the first 2 positions, the middle 2 positions, or
the last 2 positions.
Case I (2 7 _ _): There are 10 × 10 = 100 possible 4-digit numbers.
Case II (_ 2 7 _): There are 9 × 10 = 90 possible 4-digit numbers. [The leading
digit cannot be 0.]
Case III (_ _ 2 7): There are 9 × 10 = 90 possible 4-digit numbers.
From the total of 100 + 90 + 90, it is necessary to subtract 1 since 2727 was
counted twice, once in case I and again in case III. Therefore there are 100 +
90 + 90 − 1 = 𝟐𝟕𝟗 4-digit numbers containing “27”.
Answer: 0279

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AMO 2017, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 25
A cricket can climb a staircase by leaping either 1 step up or 2 steps up with
each bound. In how many different ways can the cricket climb a 8-step
staircase?
[Example: the cricket can ascend a 3-step staircase in exactly 3 ways: 1 + 1 +
1, 1 + 2, or 2 + 1.]

Solution
Strategy: Solve a simpler problem.
Case I: (1 step) Only 1 way.
Case II: (2 steps) Either 1-1 or 2, so 2 ways.
Case III: (3 steps) Possible ways are 1-1-1, 1-2, or 2-1, so 3 ways.
Case IV: (4 steps) If the crickets first move is to go up 1 step then 3 steps
remain and we know that there are 3 ways to get to the top. If the first move is
to go up 2 steps, there are 2 steps remaining and there are 2 ways to get to
the top. So the total number of ways is 3 + 2 = 5.
Case V: (5 steps) If the first move is 1 step, 4 steps remain and if the first
move is 2 steps, 3 steps remain. Therefore add the previous two results to get
5 + 3 = 8 ways. Continue in this fashion to find the results for 6 steps (8 + 5 =
13 ways), for 7 steps (13 + 8 = 21 ways), and for 8 steps (21 + 13 = 𝟑𝟒).
(The pattern is a Fibonacci sequence: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34)
Answer: 034

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Solutions to AMO 2018 Secondary 2 (Grade 8)

Question 1
What is the greatest 3-digit number divisible by 5, 6 and 7?
Solution:
Strategy: Common Factors
Since 5, 6 and 7 has no common factors, the 3-digit number must be a product
of 5, 6 and 7 (5 × 6 × 7 = 210)
The greatest possible 3-digit number that is a multiple of 210 is 210 × 4 = 𝟖𝟒𝟎.
Answer: 840

Question 2
3 64
Determine the integer closest to the value of √ +2.
0.03

Solution:

3 64 4 4
√ +2≈ 3 +2= + 2 ≈ 13 + 2 = 𝟏𝟓.
0.03 √0.027 0.3

Answer: 015

Question 3
The point (–3, 5) is reflected over the x-axis. Its image is then reflected over the

y-axis to the point (a, b). Find the value of a-b.

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Solution:
𝑦
1
Point 1 represents the initial point. (−3,5)∙
Point 2 represents the reflection of
point 1 in the x-axis. Point 3 𝑥

represents the reflection of point 2

2 3
in the y-axis. (−3, −5) ∙ (3, −5) ∙
𝑎 − 𝑏 = 3 − (−5) = 𝟖
Answer: 008

Question 4
Solve for N:
2 2𝑁
=
1 13
3+𝑁

Solution:
2 2𝑁
=
1 13
3+𝑁

2 2𝑁
=
3𝑁 + 1 13
𝑁
2𝑁 2𝑁
=
3𝑁 + 1 13
3𝑁 + 1 = 13
𝑁 = 𝟒.
Answer: 004

Question 5
Different letters stand for different digits in the cryptarithm shown.
CUP
Find the first three digits of the least possible value of "PINT".
+CUP
[Assume P and C are not both 0.]
PINT

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Solution:

Start by using the smallest digit to get the smallest 4-digit sum. Since our search
is for the smallest value for PINT, we want to find the value of C that produces
the smallest 2-digit sum. Therefore C = 5, P = 1, I = 0 and T = 2.

CU1 5U1 531

+ CU1 + 5U1 + 531

10N2 10N2 1062

Since the digit 1 and 2 have been used, let U = 3 which result in N = 6. Thus,
the least possible value for "PINT" is 1062.
Therefore the product of the digits PINT: 1 × 0 × 6 × 2 = 𝟎.
Answer: 000

Question 6
How many prime numbers are between 50 and 100?
Solution:
Prime numbers between 50 and 100: 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, and 97.
There are a total of 10 numbers.
Answer: 010

Question 7
Consider 10 points, no three of which lie on a straight line. How many different
triangles can be formed by connecting three of these points as vertices?

Solution:

Strategy: Combinatorics

If we have n points & m points lie on a straight line (co-linear), the no. of
different triangles that can be formed: No. of Triangles= (𝑛3) − (𝑚
3
)

In our case, we have 10 points, no 3 of which lie on a straight line, which

means
𝑚 = 2 (we cannot say that we have 1 point lying on a straight line)

No. of Triangles = (10

3
) − (23)

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

However, we cannot have (23) , which simply means choosing 3 out of 2 points,
𝟏𝟎!
it’s impossible! Thus, we have No. of Triangles = (10
3
)= 𝟑!(𝟏𝟎−𝟑)! = 𝟏𝟐𝟎.

Answer: 120

Question 8
Thirty-six points are arranged in a unit-square array as shown. Find
the area of the 8-sided figure in square units.

Solution:

Area of 8-sided figure

= Total area of unit-square array − (𝐴 + 𝐵 + 𝐶 + 𝐷 + 𝐸 + 𝐹)

1 1 1 1 1
= 5 × 5 − (1 × 2 + 2 × 3 × 2 + 2 × 2 × 3 + 2 × 1 × 2 + 2 × 1 × 5 + 2 × 1 × 3)
A
= 25 − 13 B
F C
= 𝟏𝟐
D
Answer: 012
E

Question 9
Beginning with 789, each subsequent term in a sequence is formed by summing
the cubes of the digits of the previous term. Find the 2018th term.

Solution:

The next term after 789 is 73 + 83 + 93 = 1584

The following term after 1584 is 13 + 53 + 83 + 43 = 702

Repeating this method, the sequence is as follows:

789, 1584, 702, 351, 153, 153, 153, …

Thus the sequence repeats the term 153 after the 4 th term. Hence at the 2018th
term, the number will still be 153.

Answer: 153

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 10 I

The diagonals of a kite are perpendicular to one another. 3

K T
If the perimeter of figure KITE is 2(√x + √y) units, find the value 2 2
4
of x + y .
Solution: E

𝐾𝐼 = √22 + 32 = √13

𝐾𝐸 = √22 + 42 = √20

Perimeter of the figure kite = 2(𝐾𝐼 + 𝐾𝐸) = 2(√13 + √20)

Thus, 𝑥 = 13 and 𝑦 = 20. Then 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 13 + 20 = 𝟑𝟑

Answer: 033

Question 11
Jacob initially had 5 biscuits for every 3 biscuits that Sheila had. After Jacob gave
1 biscuit to Sheila, Jacob ended with 3 biscuits for every 2 that Sheila has. How
many biscuits did Jacob have at first?

Solution:
Strategy: Ratio
Denote the number of biscuits Jacob has as 𝐽 and the number of biscuits Sheila
has as 𝑆.
Initially: 𝐽: 𝑆 = 5: 3
After: 𝐽: 𝑆 = 3: 2
The number of units that Sheila has initially must be smaller after she had
received the cookie from Jacob. Similary, the number of units that Jacob has
initially must be greater after he had given one of his cookie to Sheila.

Before After
5: 3 3: 2
25: 15 24: 16
After giving 1 cookie to Sheila, Jacob decrease by 1 unit, and Sheila increase by
1 unit. Thus, taking 1 unit to be 1 cookie. Jacob will have 25 cookies at first.
Answer: 025

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 12
If the sum of the last 4 pages in a puzzle book is 786, find the last page number.

Solution:

Method 1: Algebra

The sum of last 4 pages is also the sum 4 consecutive numbers.

Thus let the 4th last page be 𝑛, summing the next 3 pages will give:

𝑛 + (𝑛 + 1) + (𝑛 + 2) + (𝑛 + 3) = 786

4𝑛 + 6 = 786

𝑛 = 195

Hence, the last page is 195 + 3 = 𝟏𝟗𝟖

Method 2: Average
Likewise, we are summing 4 consecutive numbers to give 786.
786
We find the average of the 4 numbers: = 196.5
4

Therefore we find that the 4 numbers are: 195, 196, 197, 𝟏𝟗𝟖.
Answer: 198

Question 13
How many numbers less than 1000 are perfect squares which are also 3 times
an odd integer?

Solution:
Strategy: Parity and multiples of 3
Note that 3 times an odd integer is simply multiplying 2 odd numbers which will
give an odd number. (3 × 𝑜𝑑𝑑 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟)
Furthermore, the number which we want to find is also a multiple of 3.
Hence, we need to find an odd number perfect square that is a multiple of 3
and less than 1000. i.e. (3𝑛)2 = 9𝑛2 < 1000, where 𝑛 is odd
This will only give us 5 possible 𝑛 values: 1,3,5,7 and 9. Note that 9(11)2 =
1089 > 1000. Hence there are only 5 numbers: 9, 81, 225, 441 and 729.

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 14
There are two primes whose product is 9991. Find the larger prime number.
Solution:
Strategy: Differences of squares
9991 = 1002 − 32 = (100 + 3)(100 − 3) = 103 × 97
The smaller prime number is 𝟏𝟎𝟑
Answer: 103

Question 15
Thirty-six points are arranged in a unit-square array as shown. Find F D

the sum of the interior angles, in degrees, of figure ABCDEF.

E
Solution: B

Strategy: Sum of interior angles in a polygon. A C

Sum of interior angles = (no. of sides −2) × 180° = (6 −
2) × 180° = 𝟕𝟐𝟎°
Answer: 720

Question 16
Define 𝑛! = 𝑛 × (𝑛 − 1) × … × 2 × 1. For example, 4! = 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 24 and
3! = 3 × 2 × 1 = 6. Simplify the following fraction.
41! + 40!
3 × 39! + 2 × 39! + 39!
Solution:
Strategy: Substitution using Algebra
Let 39! be 𝑛,
41! + 40! 41 × 40 × 𝑛 + 40𝑛 1680𝑛 1680
= = = = 𝟐𝟖𝟎
3 × 39! + 2 × 39! + 39! 3𝑛 + 2𝑛 + 𝑛 6𝑛 6
Answer: 280

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 17
What is the greatest whole number less than 1000 that:

(1) can be expressed as the sum of two consecutive whole numbers, and

(2) can be expressed as the sum of three consecutive whole numbers, and

(3) can be expressed as the sum of five consecutive whole numbers?

Solution:

Let the number we want to find be 𝑥

From (1), the sum of 2 consecutive whole numbers, where 𝑛 is the smallest:

𝑛 + 𝑛 + 1 = 2𝑛 + 1

Hence, 𝑥 must be odd.

From (2), the sum of 3 consecutive whole numbers, where 𝑛′ − 1 is the smallest:

(𝑛′ − 1) + 𝑛′ + (𝑛′ + 1) = 3𝑛′

Since 𝑛 is also a whole number, 𝑥 must be divisible by 3.

Similarly,

From (3), the sum of 5 consecutive whole numbers, where 𝑛′′ − 2 is the smallest:

(𝑛′′ − 2) + (𝑛′′ − 1) + 𝑛′′ + (𝑛′′ + 1) + (𝑛′′ + 2) = 5𝑛′′

Since 𝑛 is also a whole number, 𝑥 must be divisible by 5.

Thus 𝑥 must be a multiple of 3 × 5 = 15.

Greatest possible integer less than 1000 and is a multiple of 15: 975

975 is also odd which fulfils condition (1). Hence, the answer is 975.

Answer: 975

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 18
When the pattern at the right is continued indefinitely, what number appears
directly below 526?

Solution:
Strategy Sum of numbers
Row 1 has 1 number, Row 2 has 2 numbers and so on. The total number of
numbers until Row 2 is: 1 + 2. We use this pattern to find what Row is 406 in.
𝑛(𝑛+1)
That is ≈ 526
2

𝑛(𝑛 + 1) = 1052
Note that 32 × 33 = 1056
This means 526 lies on row 32. Hence the number below that must be:
526 + 32 = 𝟓𝟓𝟖
Answer: 558

Question 19
Consider an equilateral triangle. Draw the largest possible circle that is completely
inside this triangle. Given the radius of the formed circle is 16 cm, what is the
height (altitude) of the equilateral triangle in cm?

Solution: A

Strategy: Area of Triangle

Let the side length of the equilateral triangle ABC be 𝑙
1
Area of triangle 𝐴𝑀𝐵 = 2 × 16 × 𝑙 = 8𝑙
M

Note that the area of 𝐴𝑀𝐵, 𝐴𝑀𝐶 and 𝐵𝑀𝐶 are equal.
Area of triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 𝐴𝐵𝑀 × 3 = 8𝑙 × 3 = 24𝑙
B C
1
Area of triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 2 × 𝑙 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

1
24𝑙 = × 𝑙 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
2
ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 𝟒𝟖 𝑐𝑚
Answer: 048

Question 20
Find the number of distinct positive divisors in the product 2020  2016.
Solution:
By the Divisor Function, 𝑥 = 𝑝1 𝑎 × 𝑝2 𝑏 × 𝑝3 𝑐 × … , where 𝑝1, 𝑝2 and 𝑝3 are prime
numbers.
The number of positive divisors is (𝑎 + 1) × (𝑏 + 1) × (𝑐 + 1) × ….
Prime factorization of 2020 × 2016 = 27 × 32 × 5 × 7 × 101
Hence the number of positive divisors is (7 + 1) × (2 + 1) × (1 + 1) × (1 + 1) ×
(1 + 1) = 𝟏𝟗𝟐.

Answer: 192

Question 21
Determine the number of non-negative integers M that satisfy exactly three of
the four statements below.
(1) M is prime.
(2) M + 3 is prime.
(3) 1 < √𝑀 < 8.
(4) M + 5 has an odd number of factors.

Solution:
Strategy: Parity
When 𝑀 = 2, the first 3 statements are true and fourth statement is false.
When 𝑀 ≠ 2, one of first two statements must be false since either 𝑀 or 𝑀 + 3
will be even. Hence the third and fourth statement must be true.
From (3), we square both sides to get: 1 < 𝑀 < 64
From (4), 𝑀 + 5 must be a perfect square.
Only 𝑀 = 4, 11, 20, 31, 44 and 59 satisfy both (3) and (4).
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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Hence, we have 𝑀 = 2, 4, 11, 20, 31, 44 and 59. 7 possible values of 𝑀.

Answer: 007

Question 22
The region inside the circle can be cut into two parts by drawing 1
line through it, as shown. If the circle is cut into 407 parts, then
what is the least number of lines that must be drawn through the
region?

Solution: Strategy: Recursion

Given that we need to have the least number of lines, every new line drawn
requires us to get the maximum number of pieces. This means the new line 𝑛𝑡ℎ
to be drawn needs to cut every possible (𝑛 − 1) lines that have already been
drawn so that it can split each existing region into 2 parts. This will give an
additional 𝑛 parts.
We define the function 𝑓(𝑛) to be the maximum number of regions formed with
𝑛 lines, where 𝑛 can be any positive integer including 0.
Note that when 𝑛 = 0, the circle itself form 1 region: 𝑓(0) = 1
Then we have 𝑓(𝑛) = 𝑛 + 𝑓(𝑛 − 1)
By recursion,
𝑓(𝑛) = 𝑛 + (𝑛 − 1) + 𝑓(𝑛 − 2)
𝑓(𝑛) = 𝑛 + (𝑛 − 1) + ⋯ + 2 + 1 + 𝑓(0)
𝑛(𝑛 + 1) 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
𝑓(𝑛) = ( ) + 𝑓(0) = +1
2 2

Given that there are 407 parts, we need to find an 𝑛 such that it satisfies the
equation:
𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
407 = +1
2
812 = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
𝑛 = 28
Thus, the least number of lines is 𝟐𝟖.
Answer: 028

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Question 23
Study the figures below. Let 𝑁 be the total number of dots from figure 1 to figure
31.
𝑁
What is the value of ?
31

Solution:
nth Figure Number of dot(s)
1 1 02 + 12
2 5 12 + 22
3 13 22 + 32
4 25 32 + 42
𝑛 - (𝑛 − 1)2 + 𝑛2

Hence, the total number of dots from figure 1 to figure 31 is

𝑁 = (02 + 12 ) + (12 + 22 ) + ⋯ + (302 + 312 )
30 × 31 × 61
= 02 + 2 × (12 + 22 + ⋯ + 302 ) + 312 = 2 × + 312
6
= 19871
𝑁
= 𝟔𝟒𝟏
31
Answer: 641

Question 24
The digits in 5512 are rearranged to form all possible 4-digit positive integers.
Find the last three digits of the sum of all such positive integers.

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Solution:
Strategy: Combinatorics
4!
There is a total of = 12 combinations:
2!

5512, 5521, 5152, 5125, 5215, 5251

1552,1525, 1255, 2155, 2515, 2551
The sum of these numbers gives: 43329.
Therefore, the last three digits is 329.
Answer: 329

Question 25
Multiply two or more consecutive integers to obtain a six-digit palindrome
whose first two digits are “47”. What is the sum of these consecutive integers?
(A palindrome is a number that reads the same backwards as forwards)
Solution:
Strategy: Last Digit
Our 6-digit palindrome is 47 _ _ 74
Suppose we multiply any 2 consecutive integers, we find that the last digit will
never be 4. Considering the unit digit only:
1×2=2
2×3=6
3×4=2
4×5=0
5×6=0
6×7=2
7×8=6
8×9=2
0×9=0
Hence, we can’t have 2 consecutive integers.

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AMO 2018, Secondary 2 (Grade 8) Contest Solutions

Next, we consider 3 consecutive numbers. Considering the unit digit only, there
only 2 possible cases:
2 × 3 × 4 = 4 and 7 × 8 × 9 = 4
72 × 73 × 74 = 388944 < 470074
82 × 83 × 84 = 571,704 > 479974
77 × 78 × 79 = 474474
Therefore the sum of these integers are 77 + 78 + 79 = 𝟐𝟑𝟒.
Answer: 234

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