Difference between revisions of "2023 AMC 8 Problems/Problem 16"

(Solution 1)
(Solution)
(68 intermediate revisions by 20 users not shown)
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==Problem==
 
==Problem==
  
The letters <math>P, Q,</math> and <math>R</math> are entered into a <math>20\times20</math> table according to the pattern shown below. How many <math>P</math>s, <math>Q</math>s, and <math>R</math>s will appear in the completed table?  
+
The letters <math>\text{P}, \text{Q},</math> and <math>\text{R}</math> are entered into a <math>20\times20</math> table according to the pattern shown below. How many <math>\text{P}</math>s, <math>\text{Q}</math>s, and <math>\text{R}</math>s will appear in the completed table?  
 
<asy>
 
<asy>
/* Made by MRENTHUSIASM */
+
/* Made by MRENTHUSIASM, Edited by Kante314 */
size(125);
+
usepackage("mathdots");
 +
size(5cm);
 +
draw((0,0)--(6,0),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
 +
draw((0,1)--(6,1),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
 +
draw((0,2)--(6,2),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
 +
draw((0,3)--(6,3),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
 +
draw((0,4)--(6,4),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
 +
draw((0,5)--(6,5),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
  
for (int y = 0; y<=5; ++y) {
+
draw((0,0)--(0,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
for (int x = 0; x<=5; ++x) {
+
draw((1,0)--(1,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
  draw((x,0)--(x,6),mediumgrey);
+
draw((2,0)--(2,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
draw((0,y)--(6,y),mediumgrey);
+
draw((3,0)--(3,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
}
+
draw((4,0)--(4,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
}
+
draw((5,0)--(5,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
 
 
label("$P$",(0.5,0.5));
 
label("$Q$",(1.5,0.5));
 
label("$R$",(2.5,0.5));
 
label("$P$",(3.5,0.5));
 
label("$Q$",(4.5,0.5));
 
 
 
label("$Q$",(0.5,1.5));
 
label("$R$",(1.5,1.5));
 
label("$P$",(2.5,1.5));
 
label("$Q$",(3.5,1.5));
 
label("$R$",(4.5,1.5));
 
  
label("$R$",(0.5,2.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (.5,.5));
label("$P$",(1.5,2.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (.5,1.5));
label("$Q$",(2.5,2.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (.5,2.5));
label("$R$",(3.5,2.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (.5,3.5));
label("$P$",(4.5,2.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (.5,4.5));
 +
label("$\vdots$", (.5,5.6));
  
label("$P$",(0.5,3.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (1.5,.5));
label("$Q$",(1.5,3.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (1.5,1.5));
label("$R$",(2.5,3.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (1.5,2.5));
label("$P$",(3.5,3.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (1.5,3.5));
label("$Q$",(4.5,3.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (1.5,4.5));
 +
label("$\vdots$", (1.5,5.6));
  
label("$Q$",(0.5,4.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (2.5,.5));
label("$R$",(1.5,4.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (2.5,1.5));
label("$P$",(2.5,4.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (2.5,2.5));
label("$Q$",(3.5,4.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (2.5,3.5));
label("$R$",(4.5,4.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (2.5,4.5));
 +
label("$\vdots$", (2.5,5.6));
  
label("$\vdots$",(0.5,5.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (3.5,.5));
label("$\vdots$",(1.5,5.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (3.5,1.5));
label("$\vdots$",(2.5,5.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (3.5,2.5));
label("$\vdots$",(3.5,5.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (3.5,3.5));
label("$\vdots$",(4.5,5.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (3.5,4.5));
 +
label("$\vdots$", (3.5,5.6));
  
label("$\cdots$",(5.5,0.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (4.5,.5));
label("$\cdots$",(5.5,1.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (4.5,1.5));
label("$\cdots$",(5.5,2.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (4.5,2.5));
label("$\cdots$",(5.5,3.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (4.5,3.5));
label("$\cdots$",(5.5,4.5));
+
label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (4.5,4.5));
 +
label("$\vdots$", (4.5,5.6));
  
label("$\cdot$",(5.3,5.3));
+
label(scale(.9)*"$\dots$", (5.5,.5));
label("$\cdot$",(5.45,5.45));
+
label(scale(.9)*"$\dots$", (5.5,1.5));
label("$\cdot$",(5.6,5.6));
+
label(scale(.9)*"$\dots$", (5.5,2.5));
 +
label(scale(.9)*"$\dots$", (5.5,3.5));
 +
label(scale(.9)*"$\dots$", (5.5,4.5));
 +
label(scale(.9)*"$\iddots$", (5.5,5.6));
 
</asy>
 
</asy>
 
<math>\textbf{(A)}~132\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }134\text{ Rs}</math>  
 
<math>\textbf{(A)}~132\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }134\text{ Rs}</math>  
Line 69: Line 72:
 
<math>\textbf{(E)}~134\text{ Ps, }133\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}</math>
 
<math>\textbf{(E)}~134\text{ Ps, }133\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}</math>
  
== Solution 1 ==
+
== Solution 1 (Logic/Finding Patterns)==
  
In our <math>5 \times 5</math> grid we can see there are <math>8,9</math> and <math>8</math> of the letters <math>P, Q,</math> and <math>R</math>’s respectively. We can see our pattern between each is <math>x, x+1,</math> and <math>x</math> for the <math>P, Q,</math> and <math>R</math>’s respectively. This such pattern will follow in our bigger example, so we can see that the only answer choice which satisfies this condition is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.</math>
+
In our <math>5 \times 5</math> grid we can see there are <math>8,9</math> and <math>8</math> of the letters <math>\text{P}, \text{Q},</math> and <math>\text{R}</math>’s respectively. We can see our pattern between each is <math>x, x+1,</math> and <math>x</math> for the <math>\text{P}, \text{Q},</math> and <math>\text{R}</math>’s respectively. This such pattern will follow in our bigger example, so we can see that the only answer choice which satisfies this condition is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.</math>
  
(Note: you could also "cheese" this problem by listing out all of the letters horizontally in a single line and looking at the repeating pattern.)
+
(Note: you could also "cheese" this problem by brute force/listing out all of the letters horizontally in a single line and looking at the repeating pattern. Refer to solution 4)
  
~apex304, SohumUttamchandani, wuwang2002, TaeKim, Cxrupptedpat
+
~apex304, SohumUttamchandani, wuwang2002, TaeKim, Cxrupptedpat, Nivaar
  
 
== Solution 2 ==
 
== Solution 2 ==
  
We think about which letter is in the diagonal with <math>20</math> of a letter. We find that it is <math>2(2 + 5 + 8 + 11 + 14 + 17) + 20 = 134</math>. The rest of the grid with the P's and R's is symmetrical, so therefore, the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}</math>.
+
We think about which letter is in the diagonal with <math>20</math> of a letter. We find that it is <math>2(2 + 5 + 8 + 11 + 14 + 17) + 20 = 134.</math> The rest of the grid with the <math>\text{P}</math>'s and <math>\text{R}</math>'s is symmetric. Therefore, the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.</math>
  
 
~[[User:ILoveMath31415926535|ILoveMath31415926535]]
 
~[[User:ILoveMath31415926535|ILoveMath31415926535]]
Line 85: Line 88:
 
== Solution 3 ==
 
== Solution 3 ==
  
Notice that rows <math>x</math> and <math>x+3</math> are the same, for any <math>1 \leq x \leq 17</math>. Additionally, rows <math>1</math>, <math>2</math>, and <math>3</math> collectively contain the same number of <math>P</math>s, <math>Q</math>s, and <math>R</math>s, because the letters are just substituted for one another. Therefore, the number of <math>P</math>s, <math>Q</math>s, and <math>R</math>s in the first <math>18</math> rows is <math>120</math>. The first row has <math>7P</math>, <math>7Q</math>, and <math>6R</math>, and the second row has <math>6P</math>, <math>7Q</math>, and <math>7R</math>. Adding these up, we obtain <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}</math>.
+
Notice that rows <math>x</math> and <math>x+3</math> are the same, for any <math>1 \leq x \leq 17.</math> Additionally, rows <math>1, 2,</math> and <math>3</math> collectively contain the same number of <math>\text{P}</math>s, <math>\text{Q}</math>s, and <math>\text{R}</math>s, because the letters are just substituted for one another. Therefore, the number of <math>\text{P}</math>s, <math>\text{Q}</math>s, and <math>\text{R}</math>s in the first <math>18</math> rows is <math>120</math>. The first row has <math>7</math> <math>\text{P}</math>s, <math>7</math> <math>\text{Q}</math>s, and <math>6</math> <math>\text{R}</math>s, and the second row has <math>6</math> <math>\text{P}</math>s, <math>7</math> <math>\text{Q}</math>s, and <math>7</math> <math>\text{R}</math>s. Adding these up, we obtain <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}</math>.
 +
 
 
~mathboy100
 
~mathboy100
  
==Animated Video Solution==
+
== Solution 4 (Brute-Force) ==
 +
 
 +
From the full diagram below, the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.</math>
 +
<asy>
 +
/* Made by MRENTHUSIASM, Edited by Kante314 */
 +
usepackage("mathdots");
 +
size(16.666cm);
 +
 
 +
for (int y = 0; y<=20; ++y) {
 +
for (int x = 0; x<=20; ++x) {
 +
  draw((x,0)--(x,20),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
 +
draw((0,y)--(20,y),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);
 +
}
 +
}
 +
 
 +
void drawDiagonal(string s, pair p) {
 +
while (p.x >= 0 && p.x < 20 && p.y >= 0 && p.y < 20) {
 +
    label(scale(.9)*("\textsf{" + s + "}"),p);
 +
        p += (1,-1);
 +
    }
 +
}
 +
 
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,0.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,1.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,2.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,3.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,4.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,5.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,6.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,7.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,8.5));
 +
 
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,9.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,10.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,11.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,12.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,13.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,14.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,15.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,16.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,17.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,18.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,19.5));
 +
 
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (1.5,19.5));
 +
 
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (2.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (3.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (4.5,19.5));
 +
 
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (5.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (6.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (7.5,19.5));
 +
 
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (8.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (9.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (10.5,19.5));
 +
 
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (11.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (12.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (13.5,19.5));
 +
 
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (14.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (15.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (16.5,19.5));
 +
 
 +
drawDiagonal("P", (17.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("Q", (18.5,19.5));
 +
drawDiagonal("R", (19.5,19.5));
 +
</asy>
 +
<b>This solution is extremely time-consuming and error-prone. Please do not try it in a real competition unless you have no other options.</b>
 +
 
 +
~MRENTHUSIASM
 +
 
 +
== Solution 5 ==
 +
This solution refers to the full diagram in Solution 4.
 +
 
 +
Note the <math>\text{Q}</math> diagonals are symmetric. The <math>\text{R}</math> and <math>\text{P}</math> diagonals are not symmetric, but are reflections of each other about the <math>\text{Q}</math> diagonals:
 +
 
 +
* The upper <math>\text{Q}</math> diagonal of length <math>2</math> is surrounded by a <math>\text{P}</math> diagonal of length <math>3</math> and an <math>\text{R}</math> diagonal of length <math>1.</math>
 +
 
 +
* The lower <math>\text{Q}</math> diagonal of length <math>2</math> is surrounded by a <math>\text{P}</math> diagonal of length <math>1</math> and an <math>\text{R}</math> diagonal of length <math>3.</math>
 +
 
 +
When looking at a pair of <math>Q</math> diagonals of the same length <math>x,</math> there is a total of <math>2x</math> <math>\text{R}</math>s and <math>\text{P}</math>s next to these <math>2</math> diagonals.
 +
 
 +
The main diagonal of <math>20</math> <math>\text{Q}</math>s has <math>19</math> <math>\text{P}</math>s and <math>19</math> <math>\text{R}</math>s next to it.  Thus, the total is <math>x+1</math> <math>\text{Q}</math>s, <math>x</math> <math>\text{P}</math>s, <math>x</math> <math>\text{R}</math>s. Therefore, the answer is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.</math>
 +
 
 +
~ERMSCoach
 +
 
 +
== Solution 6 (Modular Arithmetic)==
 +
 
 +
Note that the a different letter is always to either the left and right to one letter (there will never be two of the same letter in a row or column).
 +
 
 +
It follows that if a letter is in a horizontal position <math>k</math>, then that same letter will appear in position <math>k+3m</math>, for a positive integer <math>m</math>. In other words, all positions congruent to <math>k</math> modulo <math>3</math> will have the same letter as <math>p</math>.
 +
 
 +
Since <math>p</math> is in position <math>1</math>, <math>p</math> will be in every position congruent to <math>1 \pmod 3</math>. There are <math>7</math> numbers less than or equal to <math>20</math> that satisfy this restraint. There are also <math>7</math> numbers less than or equal to <math>2</math> that are congruent to <math>2 \pmod 3</math>, but only <math>6</math> that are multiples of <math>3</math>.
 +
 
 +
In <math>p</math>'s case, it will appear <math>7</math> times in row one, only <math>6</math> in row <math>2</math> (as its first appearence is in position <math>3</math>), and <math>7</math> in row <math>3</math>. So in the first <math>3</math> rows, <math>P</math> appears <math>20</math> times.
 +
 
 +
Therefore, in the first <math>18</math> rows, <math>P</math> appears <math>20\cdot 6 = 120</math> times. Row <math>19</math> looks identical to row <math>1</math>, as <math>19\equiv 1\pmod 3</math>, so <math>P</math> appears in row <math>19</math> <math>7</math> times. It follows that <math>P</math> appears in row <math>20</math> <math>6</math> times. There are <math>134 P</math>s.
 +
 
 +
Counting <math>Q</math>s is nearly identical, but <math>Q</math> begins in position <math>2</math>. In the first <math>18</math> rows, there are an identical amount of <math>Q</math>s too, namely <math>6(7+7+6) = 120</math>. However, by a similar argument to <math>P</math>, <math>Q</math> appears <math>7+7</math> times in the last two rows; because row <math>20</math> is the same as row <math>2</math>, <math>Q</math> appears in position <math>1</math>, and thus <math>7</math> times.
 +
 
 +
Therefore, there are <math>120+14 = 134</math> <math>Q</math>s and <math>133</math> <math>P</math>. We could go through a similar argument for <math>R</math>, or note that the only answer choice with these two options is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.</math>
 +
 
 +
-Benedict T (countmath1)
 +
 
 +
== Solution 7 (Answer Choices, Fast)==
 +
 
 +
We can first observe that <math>P</math> shows on diagonals increasing or decreasing by <math>3.</math>
 +
 
 +
It starts at <math>1,4,7,9... </math> and increases in the form <math>3x-2</math>. Using our answer choices, <math>(B)</math> and <math>(C)</math> are the only fits.
 +
 
 +
<math>Q</math> is like this as well, increasing <math>2,5,8,11....</math> This means <math>Q</math> has to be in the form of <math>3x-1.</math> Testing this out leads us with <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.</math>
 +
 
 +
~andyluo
 +
 
 +
==Solution 8 (Patterns)==
 +
NOTE THAT THIS SOLUTION IS VERY SIMILAR TO SOLUTION 1.
 +
 
 +
We can start by writing down the <math>P</math>s, <math>Q</math>s, and <math>R</math>s for <math>5\times5, 4\times4, 3\times3,</math> and <math>2\times2</math> squares:
 +
 
 +
* <math>5\times5: \ 8,9,8</math>
 +
* <math>4\times4: \ 6,5,5</math>
 +
* <math>3\times3: \ 3,3,3</math>
 +
* <math>2\times2: \ 1,2,1</math>
 +
 
 +
We know that all the squares with side lengths that are multiples of <math>3</math> will have an equal number of <math>P</math>s, <math>Q</math>s, and <math>R</math>s, so we don't worry too much about the <math>3\times3.</math> From the other ones, we can easily see that they are all <math>x, x+1,</math> and <math>x.</math> Using this, we find the only option that provides this format, which is <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.</math>
 +
 
 +
~CoOlPoTaToEs
 +
 
 +
==Video Solution (Solve under 60 seconds!!!)==
 +
https://youtu.be/6O5UXi-Jwv4?si=KvvABit-3-ZtX7Qa&t=731
 +
 
 +
~hsnacademy
 +
 
 +
==Video Solution by Math-X (Let's first Understand the question)==
 +
https://youtu.be/Ku_c1YHnLt0?si=Xxe3CXtrXQYGSYik&t=3081
 +
 
 +
~Math-X
 +
 
 +
==Video Solution (CREATIVE THINKING!!!)==
 +
https://youtu.be/3DTwjLe0Pw0
 +
 
 +
~Education, the Study of Everything
 +
 
 +
==Video Solution (Animated)==
 
https://youtu.be/1tnMR0lNEFY
 
https://youtu.be/1tnMR0lNEFY
  
Line 98: Line 248:
 
==Video Solution by Magic Square==
 
==Video Solution by Magic Square==
 
https://youtu.be/-N46BeEKaCQ?t=3990
 
https://youtu.be/-N46BeEKaCQ?t=3990
 +
==Video Solution by Interstigation==
 +
https://youtu.be/DBqko2xATxs&t=1845
 +
 +
==Video Solution by WhyMath==
 +
https://youtu.be/iMhqlz0-ce0
 +
 +
~savannahsolver
 +
 +
==Video Solution by harungurcan==
 +
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtHe6yLBz-4&t=20s
 +
 +
~harungurcan
  
 
==See Also==  
 
==See Also==  
 
{{AMC8 box|year=2023|num-b=15|num-a=17}}
 
{{AMC8 box|year=2023|num-b=15|num-a=17}}
 
{{MAA Notice}}
 
{{MAA Notice}}

Revision as of 01:07, 21 August 2024

Problem

The letters $\text{P}, \text{Q},$ and $\text{R}$ are entered into a $20\times20$ table according to the pattern shown below. How many $\text{P}$s, $\text{Q}$s, and $\text{R}$s will appear in the completed table? [asy] /* Made by MRENTHUSIASM, Edited by Kante314 */ usepackage("mathdots"); size(5cm); draw((0,0)--(6,0),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); draw((0,1)--(6,1),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); draw((0,2)--(6,2),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); draw((0,3)--(6,3),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); draw((0,4)--(6,4),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); draw((0,5)--(6,5),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);  draw((0,0)--(0,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); draw((1,0)--(1,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); draw((2,0)--(2,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); draw((3,0)--(3,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); draw((4,0)--(4,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); draw((5,0)--(5,6),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray);  label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (.5,.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (.5,1.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (.5,2.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (.5,3.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (.5,4.5)); label("$\vdots$", (.5,5.6));  label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (1.5,.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (1.5,1.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (1.5,2.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (1.5,3.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (1.5,4.5)); label("$\vdots$", (1.5,5.6));  label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (2.5,.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (2.5,1.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (2.5,2.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (2.5,3.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (2.5,4.5)); label("$\vdots$", (2.5,5.6));  label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (3.5,.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (3.5,1.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (3.5,2.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (3.5,3.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (3.5,4.5)); label("$\vdots$", (3.5,5.6));  label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (4.5,.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (4.5,1.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{P}", (4.5,2.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{Q}", (4.5,3.5)); label(scale(.9)*"\textsf{R}", (4.5,4.5)); label("$\vdots$", (4.5,5.6));  label(scale(.9)*"$\dots$", (5.5,.5)); label(scale(.9)*"$\dots$", (5.5,1.5)); label(scale(.9)*"$\dots$", (5.5,2.5)); label(scale(.9)*"$\dots$", (5.5,3.5)); label(scale(.9)*"$\dots$", (5.5,4.5)); label(scale(.9)*"$\iddots$", (5.5,5.6)); [/asy] $\textbf{(A)}~132\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }134\text{ Rs}$

$\textbf{(B)}~133\text{ Ps, }133\text{ Qs, }134\text{ Rs}$

$\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}$

$\textbf{(D)}~134\text{ Ps, }132\text{ Qs, }134\text{ Rs}$

$\textbf{(E)}~134\text{ Ps, }133\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}$

Solution 1 (Logic/Finding Patterns)

In our $5 \times 5$ grid we can see there are $8,9$ and $8$ of the letters $\text{P}, \text{Q},$ and $\text{R}$’s respectively. We can see our pattern between each is $x, x+1,$ and $x$ for the $\text{P}, \text{Q},$ and $\text{R}$’s respectively. This such pattern will follow in our bigger example, so we can see that the only answer choice which satisfies this condition is $\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.$

(Note: you could also "cheese" this problem by brute force/listing out all of the letters horizontally in a single line and looking at the repeating pattern. Refer to solution 4)

~apex304, SohumUttamchandani, wuwang2002, TaeKim, Cxrupptedpat, Nivaar

Solution 2

We think about which letter is in the diagonal with $20$ of a letter. We find that it is $2(2 + 5 + 8 + 11 + 14 + 17) + 20 = 134.$ The rest of the grid with the $\text{P}$'s and $\text{R}$'s is symmetric. Therefore, the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.$

~ILoveMath31415926535

Solution 3

Notice that rows $x$ and $x+3$ are the same, for any $1 \leq x \leq 17.$ Additionally, rows $1, 2,$ and $3$ collectively contain the same number of $\text{P}$s, $\text{Q}$s, and $\text{R}$s, because the letters are just substituted for one another. Therefore, the number of $\text{P}$s, $\text{Q}$s, and $\text{R}$s in the first $18$ rows is $120$. The first row has $7$ $\text{P}$s, $7$ $\text{Q}$s, and $6$ $\text{R}$s, and the second row has $6$ $\text{P}$s, $7$ $\text{Q}$s, and $7$ $\text{R}$s. Adding these up, we obtain $\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}$.

~mathboy100

Solution 4 (Brute-Force)

From the full diagram below, the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.$ [asy] /* Made by MRENTHUSIASM, Edited by Kante314 */ usepackage("mathdots"); size(16.666cm);  for (int y = 0; y<=20; ++y) { 	for (int x = 0; x<=20; ++x) {    		draw((x,0)--(x,20),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); 		draw((0,y)--(20,y),linewidth(1.5)+mediumgray); 	} }  void drawDiagonal(string s, pair p) { 	while (p.x >= 0 && p.x < 20 && p.y >= 0 && p.y < 20) {     	label(scale(.9)*("\textsf{" + s + "}"),p);         p += (1,-1);     } }  drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,0.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,1.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,2.5)); drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,3.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,4.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,5.5)); drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,6.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,7.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,8.5));  drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,9.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,10.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,11.5)); drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,12.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,13.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,14.5)); drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,15.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,16.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (0.5,17.5)); drawDiagonal("P", (0.5,18.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (0.5,19.5));  drawDiagonal("R", (1.5,19.5));  drawDiagonal("P", (2.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (3.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (4.5,19.5));  drawDiagonal("P", (5.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (6.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (7.5,19.5));  drawDiagonal("P", (8.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (9.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (10.5,19.5));  drawDiagonal("P", (11.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (12.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (13.5,19.5));  drawDiagonal("P", (14.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (15.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (16.5,19.5));  drawDiagonal("P", (17.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("Q", (18.5,19.5)); drawDiagonal("R", (19.5,19.5)); [/asy] 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

Solution 5

This solution refers to the full diagram in Solution 4.

Note the $\text{Q}$ diagonals are symmetric. The $\text{R}$ and $\text{P}$ diagonals are not symmetric, but are reflections of each other about the $\text{Q}$ diagonals:

  • The upper $\text{Q}$ diagonal of length $2$ is surrounded by a $\text{P}$ diagonal of length $3$ and an $\text{R}$ diagonal of length $1.$
  • The lower $\text{Q}$ diagonal of length $2$ is surrounded by a $\text{P}$ diagonal of length $1$ and an $\text{R}$ diagonal of length $3.$

When looking at a pair of $Q$ diagonals of the same length $x,$ there is a total of $2x$ $\text{R}$s and $\text{P}$s next to these $2$ diagonals.

The main diagonal of $20$ $\text{Q}$s has $19$ $\text{P}$s and $19$ $\text{R}$s next to it. Thus, the total is $x+1$ $\text{Q}$s, $x$ $\text{P}$s, $x$ $\text{R}$s. Therefore, the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.$

~ERMSCoach

Solution 6 (Modular Arithmetic)

Note that the a different letter is always to either the left and right to one letter (there will never be two of the same letter in a row or column).

It follows that if a letter is in a horizontal position $k$, then that same letter will appear in position $k+3m$, for a positive integer $m$. In other words, all positions congruent to $k$ modulo $3$ will have the same letter as $p$.

Since $p$ is in position $1$, $p$ will be in every position congruent to $1 \pmod 3$. There are $7$ numbers less than or equal to $20$ that satisfy this restraint. There are also $7$ numbers less than or equal to $2$ that are congruent to $2 \pmod 3$, but only $6$ that are multiples of $3$.

In $p$'s case, it will appear $7$ times in row one, only $6$ in row $2$ (as its first appearence is in position $3$), and $7$ in row $3$. So in the first $3$ rows, $P$ appears $20$ times.

Therefore, in the first $18$ rows, $P$ appears $20\cdot 6 = 120$ times. Row $19$ looks identical to row $1$, as $19\equiv 1\pmod 3$, so $P$ appears in row $19$ $7$ times. It follows that $P$ appears in row $20$ $6$ times. There are $134 P$s.

Counting $Q$s is nearly identical, but $Q$ begins in position $2$. In the first $18$ rows, there are an identical amount of $Q$s too, namely $6(7+7+6) = 120$. However, by a similar argument to $P$, $Q$ appears $7+7$ times in the last two rows; because row $20$ is the same as row $2$, $Q$ appears in position $1$, and thus $7$ times.

Therefore, there are $120+14 = 134$ $Q$s and $133$ $P$. We could go through a similar argument for $R$, or note that the only answer choice with these two options is $\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.$

-Benedict T (countmath1)

Solution 7 (Answer Choices, Fast)

We can first observe that $P$ shows on diagonals increasing or decreasing by $3.$

It starts at $1,4,7,9...$ and increases in the form $3x-2$. Using our answer choices, $(B)$ and $(C)$ are the only fits.

$Q$ is like this as well, increasing $2,5,8,11....$ This means $Q$ has to be in the form of $3x-1.$ Testing this out leads us with $\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.$

~andyluo

Solution 8 (Patterns)

NOTE THAT THIS SOLUTION IS VERY SIMILAR TO SOLUTION 1.

We can start by writing down the $P$s, $Q$s, and $R$s for $5\times5, 4\times4, 3\times3,$ and $2\times2$ squares:

  • $5\times5: \ 8,9,8$
  • $4\times4: \ 6,5,5$
  • $3\times3: \ 3,3,3$
  • $2\times2: \ 1,2,1$

We know that all the squares with side lengths that are multiples of $3$ will have an equal number of $P$s, $Q$s, and $R$s, so we don't worry too much about the $3\times3.$ From the other ones, we can easily see that they are all $x, x+1,$ and $x.$ Using this, we find the only option that provides this format, which is $\boxed{\textbf{(C)}~133\text{ Ps, }134\text{ Qs, }133\text{ Rs}}.$

~CoOlPoTaToEs

Video Solution (Solve under 60 seconds!!!)

https://youtu.be/6O5UXi-Jwv4?si=KvvABit-3-ZtX7Qa&t=731

~hsnacademy

Video Solution by Math-X (Let's first Understand the question)

https://youtu.be/Ku_c1YHnLt0?si=Xxe3CXtrXQYGSYik&t=3081

~Math-X

Video Solution (CREATIVE THINKING!!!)

https://youtu.be/3DTwjLe0Pw0

~Education, the Study of Everything

Video Solution (Animated)

https://youtu.be/1tnMR0lNEFY

~Star League (https://starleague.us)

Video Solution by OmegaLearn (Using Cyclic Patterns)

https://youtu.be/83FnFhe4QgQ

Video Solution by Magic Square

https://youtu.be/-N46BeEKaCQ?t=3990

Video Solution by Interstigation

https://youtu.be/DBqko2xATxs&t=1845

Video Solution by WhyMath

https://youtu.be/iMhqlz0-ce0

~savannahsolver

Video Solution by harungurcan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtHe6yLBz-4&t=20s

~harungurcan

See Also

2023 AMC 8 (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 15
Followed by
Problem 17
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
All AJHSME/AMC 8 Problems and Solutions

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