2021 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 8
Contents
- 1 Problem
- 2 Solution 1 (Observations and Patterns: Considers Only 5 Squares)
- 3 Solution 2 (Observations and Patterns: Considers Only 7 Squares)
- 4 Solution 3 (Brute Force: Draws All 225 Squares Out)
- 5 Video Solution by OmegaLearn (Using Pattern Finding)
- 6 Video Solution by TheBeautyofMath
- 7 Video Solution by Interstigation
- 8 See Also
Problem
Mr. Zhou places all the integers from to
into a
by
grid. He places
in the middle square (eighth row and eighth column) and places other numbers one by one clockwise, as shown in part in the diagram below. What is the sum of the greatest number and the least number that appear in the second row from the top?
Solution 1 (Observations and Patterns: Considers Only 5 Squares)
In the diagram below, the red arrows indicate the progression of numbers. In the second row from the top, the greatest number and the least number are and
respectively. Note that the numbers in the yellow cells are consecutive odd perfect squares, as we can prove by induction.
By observations, we proceed as follows:
Therefore, the answer is
~MRENTHUSIASM
Solution 2 (Observations and Patterns: Considers Only 7 Squares)
In the diagram below, the red arrows indicate the progression of numbers. In the second row from the top, the greatest number and the least number are and
respectively.
By observations, we proceed as follows:
Therefore, the answer is
~MRENTHUSIASM ~Dynosol
Solution 3 (Brute Force: Draws All 225 Squares Out)
From the full diagram below, the answer is
This solution is extremely time-consuming and error-prone. Please do not try it in a real competition unless you have no other options.
~MRENTHUSIASM ~Taco12
Video Solution by OmegaLearn (Using Pattern Finding)
me stupid
Video Solution by TheBeautyofMath
me stupid
Video Solution by Interstigation
me stupid
See Also
me stupid