1997 AHSME Problems/Problem 14

Problem

The number of geese in a flock increases so that the difference between the populations in year $n+2$ and year $n$ is directly proportional to the population in year $n+1$. If the populations in the years $1994$, $1995$, and $1997$ were $39$, $60$, and $123$, respectively, then the population in $1996$ was

$\textbf{(A)}\ 81\qquad\textbf{(B)}\ 84\qquad\textbf{(C)}\ 87\qquad\textbf{(D)}\ 90\qquad\textbf{(E)}\ 102$

Solution

Let $x$ be the population in $1996$, and let $k$ be the constant of proportionality.

If $n=1994$, then the difference in population between $1996$ and $1994$ is directly proportional to the population in $1995$.

Translating this sentence, $(x - 39) = k(60)$

Similarly, letting $n=1995$ gives the sentence $(123 - 60) = kx$

Since $kx = 63$, we have $k = \frac{63}{x}$

Plugging this into the first equation, we have:

$(x - 39) = \frac{60\cdot 63}{x}$

$x - 39 = \frac{3780}{x}$

$x^2 - 39x - 3780 = 0$

$(x - 84)(x + 45) = 0$

Since $x>0$, we must have $x=84$, and the answer is $\boxed{B}$.

See also

1997 AHSME (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 13
Followed by
Problem 15
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