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Difference between revisions of "2020 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 23"

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Square <math>ABCD</math> in the coordinate plane has vertices at the points <math>A(1,1), B(-1,1), C(-1,-1),</math> and <math>D(1,-1).</math> Consider the following four transformations:
 
Square <math>ABCD</math> in the coordinate plane has vertices at the points <math>A(1,1), B(-1,1), C(-1,-1),</math> and <math>D(1,-1).</math> Consider the following four transformations:
  
 +
<math>\quad\bullet\qquad</math> <math>L,</math> a rotation of <math>90^{\circ}</math> counterclockwise around the origin;
  
−
      <math>L,</math> a rotation of <math>90^{\circ}</math> counterclockwise around the origin;
+
<math>\quad\bullet\qquad</math> <math>R,</math> a rotation of <math>90^{\circ}</math> clockwise around the origin;
  
−
      <math>R,</math> a rotation of <math>90^{\circ}</math> clockwise around the origin;
+
<math>\quad\bullet\qquad</math> <math>H,</math> a reflection across the <math>x</math>-axis; and
  
−
      <math>H,</math> a reflection across the <math>x</math>-axis; and
+
<math>\quad\bullet\qquad</math> <math>V,</math> a reflection across the <math>y</math>-axis.
  
−
      <math>V,</math> a reflection across the <math>y</math>-axis.
+
Each of these transformations maps the squares onto itself, but the positions of the labeled vertices will change. For example, applying <math>R</math> and then <math>V</math> would send the vertex <math>A</math> at <math>(1,1)</math> to <math>(-1,-1)</math> and would send the vertex <math>B</math> at <math>(-1,1)</math> to itself. How many sequences of <math>20</math> transformations chosen from <math>\{L, R, H, V\}</math> will send all of the labeled vertices back to their original positions? (For example, <math>R, R, V, H</math> is one sequence of <math>4</math> transformations that will send the vertices back to their original positions.)
 +
 
 +
<math>\textbf{(A)}\ 2^{37} \qquad\textbf{(B)}\ 3\cdot 2^{36} \qquad\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38} \qquad\textbf{(D)}\ 3\cdot 2^{37} \qquad\textbf{(E)}\ 2^{39}</math>
 +
 
 +
== Solution 1 ==
 +
For each transformation:
 +
<ol style="margin-left: 1.5em;">
 +
  <li>Each labeled vertex will move to an adjacent position.</li><p>
 +
  <li>The labeled vertices will maintain the consecutive order <math>ABCD</math> in either direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).</li><p>
 +
  <li><math>L</math> and <math>R</math> will retain the direction of the labeled vertices, but <math>H</math> and <math>V</math> will alter the direction of the labeled vertices.</li><p>
 +
</ol>
 +
After the <math>19</math>th transformation, vertex <math>A</math> will be at either <math>(1,-1)</math> or <math>(-1,1).</math> All possible configurations of the labeled vertices are shown below:
 +
<asy>
 +
/* Made by MRENTHUSIASM */
 +
unitsize(7mm);
 +
label("$A$",(1,0));
 +
label("$B$",(1,1));
 +
label("$C$",(0,1));
 +
label("$D$",(0,0));
  
−
Each of these transformations maps the squares onto itself, but the positions of the labeled vertices will change. For example, applying <math>R</math> and then <math>V</math> would send the vertex <math>A</math> at <math>(1,1)</math> to <math>(-1,-1)</math> and would send the vertex <math>B</math> at <math>(-1,1)</math> to itself. How many sequences of <math>20</math> transformations chosen from <math>\{L, R, H, V\}</math> will send all of the labeled vertices back to their original positions? (For example, <math>R, R, V, H</math> is one sequence of <math>4</math> transformations that will send the vertices back to their original positions.)
+
label("$C$",(5,0));
 +
label("$D$",(5,1));
 +
label("$A$",(4,1));
 +
label("$B$",(4,0));
 +
 
 +
label("$A$",(9,0));
 +
label("$D$",(9,1));
 +
label("$C$",(8,1));
 +
label("$B$",(8,0));
 +
 
 +
label("$C$",(13,0));
 +
label("$B$",(13,1));
 +
label("$A$",(12,1));
 +
label("$D$",(12,0));
 +
 
 +
label("\textbf{Configuration}",(-5,0.5));
 +
label("\textbf{The 20th}",(-5,-1.5));
 +
label("\textbf{Transformation}",(-5,-2.25));
 +
label("$L$",(0.5,-1.875));
 +
label("$R$",(4.5,-1.875));
 +
label("$H$",(8.5,-1.875));
 +
label("$V$",(12.5,-1.875));
 +
</asy>
 +
Each sequence of <math>19</math> transformations generates one valid sequence of <math>20</math> transformations. Therefore, the answer is <math>4^{19}=\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}.</math>
  
−
<math>\textbf{(A)}\ 2^{37} \qquad\textbf{(B)}\ 3\cdot 2^{36} \qquad\textbf{(C)}\  2^{38} \qquad\textbf{(D)}\ 3\cdot 2^{37} \qquad\textbf{(E)}\ 2^{39}</math>
+
~MRENTHUSIASM
  
−
== Solutions ==
+
== Solution 2 ==
−
=== Solution 1 ===
+
Let <math>(+)</math> denote counterclockwise/starting orientation and <math>(-)</math> denote clockwise orientation.
−
Let (+) denote counterclockwise/starting orientation and (-) denote clockwise orientation.
+
Let <math>1,2,3,</math> and <math>4</math> denote which quadrant <math>A</math> is in.
−
Let 1,2,3, and 4 denote which quadrant A is in.
 
  
−
Realize that from any odd quadrant and any orientation, the 4 transformations result in some permutation of <math>(2+, 2-, 4+, 4-)</math>.
+
Realize that from any odd quadrant and any orientation, the <math>4</math> transformations result in some permutation of <math>(2+, 2-, 4+, 4-).</math>
  
−
The same goes that from any even quadrant and any orientation, the 4 transformations result in some permutation of <math>(1+, 1-, 3+, 3-)</math>.
+
The same goes that from any even quadrant and any orientation, the <math>4</math> transformations result in some permutation of <math>(1+, 1-, 3+, 3-).</math>
  
−
We start our first 19 moves by doing whatever we want, 4 choices each time. Since 19 is odd, we must end up on an even quadrant.  
+
We start our first <math>19</math> moves by doing whatever we want, <math>4</math> choices each time. Since <math>19</math> is odd, we must end up on an even quadrant.  
  
−
As said above, we know that exactly one of the four transformations will give us <math>(1+)</math>, and we must use that transformation.
+
As said above, we know that exactly one of the four transformations will give us <math>(1+),</math> and we must use that transformation.
  
−
Thus <math>4^{19}=\boxed{(C) 2^{38}}</math>
+
Thus, the answer is <math>4^{19}=\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}.</math>
  
−
=== Solution 2 ===
+
== Solution 3 ==
−
Hopefully, someone will think of a better one, but here is an indirect answer, use only if you are really desperate.
+
Notice that any '''pair''' of transformations either swaps the <math>x</math> and <math>y</math>-coordinates, negates the <math>x</math> and <math>y</math>-coordinates, swaps and negates the <math>x</math> and <math>y</math>-coordinates, or leaves the original unchanged. Furthermore, notice that for each of these results, if we apply another pair of transformations, one of these results will happen again, and with equal probability. Therefore, no matter what state we are in after we apply the first <math>9</math> pairs of transformations, there is a <math>\frac{1}{4}</math> chance the last pair of transformations will return the figure to its original position. Therefore, the answer is <math>\frac{4^{20}}{4} = 4^{19} = \boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}.</math>
−
<math>20</math> moves can be made, and each move have <math>4</math> choices, so a total of <math>4^{20}=2^{40}</math> moves. First, after the <math>20</math> moves, Point A can only be in first quadrant <math>(1,1)</math> or third quadrant <math>(-1,-1)</math>. Only the one in the first quadrant works, so divide by <math>2</math>. Now, C must be in the opposite quadrant as A. B can be either in the second (<math>(-1, 1)</math>) or fourth quadrant (<math>(1, -1)</math>) , but we want it to be in the second quadrant, so divide by <math>2</math> again. Now as A and B satisfy the conditions, C and D will also be at their original spot. <math>\frac{2^{40}}{2\cdot2}=2^{38}</math>. The answer is <math>\boxed{C}</math>  
 
−
~Kinglogic
 
  
−
=== Solution 3 ===
+
== Solution 4 ==
−
The total number of sequence is <math>4^{20}=2^{40}</math>.
+
The total number of sequences is <math>4^{20}=2^{40}.</math>
  
−
Note that there can only be even number of reflections since they result in the same anti-clockwise orientation of the verices <math>A,B,C,D</math>. Therefore, the probability of having the same anti-clockwise orientation with the original arrangement after the transformation is <math>\frac{1}{2}</math>.
+
Note that there can only be an even number of reflections since they result in the same anti-clockwise orientation of the vertices <math>A,B,C,D.</math> Therefore, the probability of having the same anti-clockwise orientation with the original arrangement after the transformation is <math>\frac{1}{2}.</math>
  
−
Next, even number of reflections mean that there must be even number of rotations since their sum is even. Even rotations result only in the original position or <math>180^{\circ}</math> rotation of it.  
+
Next, the even number of reflections means that there must be an even number of rotations since their sum is even. Even rotations result in only the original position or a <math>180^{\circ}</math> rotation of it.  
  
−
Since rotation <math>R</math> and rotation <math>L</math> cancels each other out, the difference between the numbers of them define the final position. The probability of the transformation returning the vertices to the orginal position given that there are even number of rotations is equivalent to the probability that
+
Since rotation <math>R</math> and rotation <math>L</math> cancel each other out, the difference between the numbers of them define the final position. The probability of the transformation returning the vertices to the original position, given that there are even number of rotations, is equivalent to the probability that
  
 
<center><math>|n(R)-n(L)|\equiv0\pmod{4}</math> when <math>|n(H)-n(V)|\equiv0\pmod{4}</math></center>
 
<center><math>|n(R)-n(L)|\equiv0\pmod{4}</math> when <math>|n(H)-n(V)|\equiv0\pmod{4}</math></center>
 +
 
<center>or</center>
 
<center>or</center>
 +
 
<center><math>|n(R)-n(L)|\equiv2\pmod{4}</math> when <math>|n(H)-n(V)|\equiv2\pmod{4}</math></center>
 
<center><math>|n(R)-n(L)|\equiv2\pmod{4}</math> when <math>|n(H)-n(V)|\equiv2\pmod{4}</math></center>
  
−
which is again, <math>\frac{1}{2}</math>.
+
which is again, <math>\frac{1}{2}.</math>
 +
 
 +
Therefore, the answer is <math>2^{40}\cdot\frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{1}{2}=\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}.</math>
  
−
Therefore, <math>2^{40}\cdot\frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{1}{2}=\boxed{\textbf{(C) }2^{38}}</math>
 
 
~joshuamh111
 
~joshuamh111
  
−
=== Solution 4 ===
+
~Edits by Eric X
−
Notice that any pair of two of these transformations either swaps the x and y-coordinates, negates the x and y-coordinates, swaps and negates the x and y-coordinates, or leaves the original unchanged. Furthermore, notice that for each of these results, if we apply another pair of transformations, one of these results will happen again, and with equal probability. Therefore, no matter what state after we apply the first <math>19</math> pairs of transformations, there is a <math>\frac14</math> chance the last pair of transformations will return the figure to its original position. Therefore, the answer is <math>\frac{4^{20}}4 = 4^{19} = \boxed{\textbf{(C) }2^{38}}</math>
+
 
 +
== Solution 5 (Group Theory) ==
 +
 
 +
This problem is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihedral_group Dihedral Group] problem, <math>D_4</math>, in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_theory Group Theory].
 +
 
 +
The transformation has associativity, for <math>x, y, z \in \{ L, R, H, V \}</math>, <math>(x \circ y) \circ z = x \circ (y \circ z)</math>.
 +
 
 +
Let <math>I</math> be the initial state of the square <math>A(1,1), B(-1,1), C(-1,-1),</math> and <math>D(1,-1)</math>.
 +
<cmath>\begin{align}
 +
R \circ L = L \circ R = V \circ V = H \circ H = I\\
 +
V \circ H = R \circ R = H \circ V = L \circ L\\
 +
H \circ R = L \circ H = V \circ L = R \circ V\\
 +
V \circ R = L \circ V = H \circ L = R \circ H
 +
\end{align}</cmath>
 +
It's not hard to see that after a series of transformations from initial state <math>I</math> to initial state <math>I</math>, the number of transformations must be even. Denote <math>f(2n)</math> be the number of sequences of <math>2n</math> transformations from initial state <math>I</math> to initial state <math>I</math>. We are going to prove <math>f(2n) = 4^{2n-1}</math>.
 +
 
 +
For each transformation composite operator, there are <math>4</math> replacements.
 +
 
 +
For example, when <math>n = 2</math>:
 +
<cmath>R \circ R \circ R \circ R = (R \circ R) \circ R \circ R = I.</cmath>
 +
From <math>(2)</math>, <math>R \circ R = V \circ H = H \circ V = L \circ L</math>, so <math>R \circ R</math> can be replaced with <math>V \circ H</math>, <math>H \circ V</math>, <math>L \circ L</math> without changing the result. Suppose we choose <math>V \circ H</math>, then <cmath>(R \circ R) \circ R \circ R = (V \circ H) \circ R \circ R = V \circ (H \circ R) \circ R.</cmath>
 +
From <math>(3)</math>, <math>H \circ R = L \circ H = V \circ L = R \circ V</math>, so <math>H \circ R</math> can be replaced with <math>L \circ H</math>, <math>V \circ L</math>, <math>R \circ V</math> without changing the result. Suppose we choose <math>R \circ V</math>, then <cmath>V \circ (H \circ R) \circ R = V \circ (R \circ V) \circ R = V \circ R \circ (V \circ R).</cmath>
 +
From <math>(4)</math>, <math>V \circ R = L \circ V = H \circ L = R \circ H</math>, so <math>V \circ R</math> can be replaced with <math>L \circ V</math>, <math>H \circ L</math>, <math>R \circ H</math> without changing the result. Suppose we choose <math>H \circ L</math>, then <cmath>V \circ R \circ (V \circ R) =V \circ R \circ (H \circ L) = V \circ R \circ H \circ L = I.</cmath>
 +
So, we have <math>f(4) = 4^{4-1}</math>:
 +
<cmath>\underbrace{R \circ R \circ R \circ R \circ \dots R \circ R \circ R}_{2n}.</cmath>
 +
With <math>2n</math> <math>R</math> transformations, it will go from initial state to initial state. There are <math>2n-1</math> transformation composite operators <math>\circ</math> between the transformations, and each pair of transformations surrounding the transformations composite operator <math>\circ</math> have <math>4</math> options. So, we have <math>f(2n) = 4^{2n-1}</math>, from which <math>f(20) = 4^{20-1} = \boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}</math>.
 +
 
 +
<u><b>Side Note</b></u>
 +
 
 +
Equations <math>(2)</math>, <math>(3)</math>, <math>(4)</math> are equivalent. Here I will prove that <math>(2)</math> is equivalent to <math>(3)</math>.
 +
 
 +
From <math>(1)</math>, <math>R \circ L = V \circ V</math>. We have
 +
<cmath>H \circ (R \circ L) = H \circ (V \circ V) = (H \circ V) \circ V.</cmath>
 +
From <math>(2)</math>, <math>H \circ V = V \circ H = L \circ L</math>. We have
 +
<cmath>(H \circ V) \circ V = (V \circ H) \circ V = V \circ (H \circ V) = V \circ (L \circ L).</cmath>
 +
So, <cmath>(H \circ R) \circ L = H \circ (R \circ L) = V \circ (L \circ L) = (V \circ L) \circ L.</cmath>
 +
It follows that <math>H \circ R = V \circ L</math>, which is <math>(3)</math>.
 +
 
 +
~[https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php/User:Isabelchen isabelchen]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Solution 6 (Fakesolve? Quick) ==
 +
 
 +
The number of possible ways to orient a square using this method <math>20</math> times would be <math>4^{20}</math>, as for each of the transformations we can only use the four transformations <math>L</math>, <math>V</math>, <math>H</math>, or <math>R</math>.
 +
 
 +
There are only 4 possible outcomes, as each reflection can also be achieved by rotation. By symmetry, all <math>4</math> of these possibilities are equally likely. Thus, our answer is <math>\frac{4^{20}}{4} = 4^{19}=\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}.</math>
 +
 
 +
~cdm
  
−
=== Solution 5 (Combinatorics) ===
+
==Video Solutions==
−
So we have <math>2</math> Rotations and <math>2</math> reflections which make 4 isometries in total. We can start a sequence of isometries trying out different combinations. For example, rotating this square <math>90</math> degrees clockwise and <math>90</math> degrees counterclockwise is a sequence of <math>1</math> transformation away and <math>1</math> transformation back. Trying out bigger sequences, we eventually see that no matter which position the square is in, <math>1</math> of the above isometries will map the vertices of the square back to themeselves. Now we know that for <math>19</math> moves we can do whatever we want and for the <math>20th</math> move, we only have <math>1</math> option. So since each move has <math>4</math> options but the last one, the answer is <math>4^{19} = \boxed{\textbf{(C) }2^{38}}.</math>
+
=== Video Solution 1 ===
 +
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZs9DHg6cx0
  
−
=== Video Solution ===
+
~MathEx
−
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZs9DHg6cx0 ~ MathEx
 
  
−
==Video Solution 2==
+
===Video Solution 2 by The Beauty of Math===
−
https://youtu.be/gPqd-yKQdFg
+
https://youtu.be/Bl2kn9oVxQ8?t=348
  
−
~IceMatrix
+
~Icematrix
  
 
== See Also ==
 
== See Also ==

Latest revision as of 07:39, 9 October 2024

The following problem is from both the 2020 AMC 10B #23 and 2020 AMC 12B #19, so both problems redirect to this page.

Problem

Square $ABCD$ in the coordinate plane has vertices at the points $A(1,1), B(-1,1), C(-1,-1),$ and $D(1,-1).$ Consider the following four transformations:

$\quad\bullet\qquad$ $L,$ a rotation of $90^{\circ}$ counterclockwise around the origin;

$\quad\bullet\qquad$ $R,$ a rotation of $90^{\circ}$ clockwise around the origin;

$\quad\bullet\qquad$ $H,$ a reflection across the $x$-axis; and

$\quad\bullet\qquad$ $V,$ a reflection across the $y$-axis.

Each of these transformations maps the squares onto itself, but the positions of the labeled vertices will change. For example, applying $R$ and then $V$ would send the vertex $A$ at $(1,1)$ to $(-1,-1)$ and would send the vertex $B$ at $(-1,1)$ to itself. How many sequences of $20$ transformations chosen from $\{L, R, H, V\}$ will send all of the labeled vertices back to their original positions? (For example, $R, R, V, H$ is one sequence of $4$ transformations that will send the vertices back to their original positions.)

$\textbf{(A)}\ 2^{37} \qquad\textbf{(B)}\ 3\cdot 2^{36} \qquad\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38} \qquad\textbf{(D)}\ 3\cdot 2^{37} \qquad\textbf{(E)}\ 2^{39}$

Solution 1

For each transformation:

  1. Each labeled vertex will move to an adjacent position.

  2. The labeled vertices will maintain the consecutive order $ABCD$ in either direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).

  3. $L$ and $R$ will retain the direction of the labeled vertices, but $H$ and $V$ will alter the direction of the labeled vertices.

After the $19$th transformation, vertex $A$ will be at either $(1,-1)$ or $(-1,1).$ All possible configurations of the labeled vertices are shown below: [asy] /* Made by MRENTHUSIASM */ unitsize(7mm); label("$A$",(1,0)); label("$B$",(1,1)); label("$C$",(0,1)); label("$D$",(0,0)); label("$C$",(5,0)); label("$D$",(5,1)); label("$A$",(4,1)); label("$B$",(4,0)); label("$A$",(9,0)); label("$D$",(9,1)); label("$C$",(8,1)); label("$B$",(8,0)); label("$C$",(13,0)); label("$B$",(13,1)); label("$A$",(12,1)); label("$D$",(12,0)); label("\textbf{Configuration}",(-5,0.5)); label("\textbf{The 20th}",(-5,-1.5)); label("\textbf{Transformation}",(-5,-2.25)); label("$L$",(0.5,-1.875)); label("$R$",(4.5,-1.875)); label("$H$",(8.5,-1.875)); label("$V$",(12.5,-1.875)); [/asy] Each sequence of $19$ transformations generates one valid sequence of $20$ transformations. Therefore, the answer is $4^{19}=\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}.$

~MRENTHUSIASM

Solution 2

Let $(+)$ denote counterclockwise/starting orientation and $(-)$ denote clockwise orientation. Let $1,2,3,$ and $4$ denote which quadrant $A$ is in.

Realize that from any odd quadrant and any orientation, the $4$ transformations result in some permutation of $(2+, 2-, 4+, 4-).$

The same goes that from any even quadrant and any orientation, the $4$ transformations result in some permutation of $(1+, 1-, 3+, 3-).$

We start our first $19$ moves by doing whatever we want, $4$ choices each time. Since $19$ is odd, we must end up on an even quadrant.

As said above, we know that exactly one of the four transformations will give us $(1+),$ and we must use that transformation.

Thus, the answer is $4^{19}=\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}.$

Solution 3

Notice that any pair of transformations either swaps the $x$ and $y$-coordinates, negates the $x$ and $y$-coordinates, swaps and negates the $x$ and $y$-coordinates, or leaves the original unchanged. Furthermore, notice that for each of these results, if we apply another pair of transformations, one of these results will happen again, and with equal probability. Therefore, no matter what state we are in after we apply the first $9$ pairs of transformations, there is a $\frac{1}{4}$ chance the last pair of transformations will return the figure to its original position. Therefore, the answer is $\frac{4^{20}}{4} = 4^{19} = \boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}.$

Solution 4

The total number of sequences is $4^{20}=2^{40}.$

Note that there can only be an even number of reflections since they result in the same anti-clockwise orientation of the vertices $A,B,C,D.$ Therefore, the probability of having the same anti-clockwise orientation with the original arrangement after the transformation is $\frac{1}{2}.$

Next, the even number of reflections means that there must be an even number of rotations since their sum is even. Even rotations result in only the original position or a $180^{\circ}$ rotation of it.

Since rotation $R$ and rotation $L$ cancel each other out, the difference between the numbers of them define the final position. The probability of the transformation returning the vertices to the original position, given that there are even number of rotations, is equivalent to the probability that

$|n(R)-n(L)|\equiv0\pmod{4}$ when $|n(H)-n(V)|\equiv0\pmod{4}$
or
$|n(R)-n(L)|\equiv2\pmod{4}$ when $|n(H)-n(V)|\equiv2\pmod{4}$

which is again, $\frac{1}{2}.$

Therefore, the answer is $2^{40}\cdot\frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{1}{2}=\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}.$

~joshuamh111

~Edits by Eric X

Solution 5 (Group Theory)

This problem is a Dihedral Group problem, $D_4$, in Group Theory.

The transformation has associativity, for $x, y, z \in \{ L, R, H, V \}$, $(x \circ y) \circ z = x \circ (y \circ z)$.

Let $I$ be the initial state of the square $A(1,1), B(-1,1), C(-1,-1),$ and $D(1,-1)$. \begin{align} R \circ L = L \circ R = V \circ V = H \circ H = I\\ V \circ H = R \circ R = H \circ V = L \circ L\\ H \circ R = L \circ H = V \circ L = R \circ V\\ V \circ R = L \circ V = H \circ L = R \circ H \end{align} It's not hard to see that after a series of transformations from initial state $I$ to initial state $I$, the number of transformations must be even. Denote $f(2n)$ be the number of sequences of $2n$ transformations from initial state $I$ to initial state $I$. We are going to prove $f(2n) = 4^{2n-1}$.

For each transformation composite operator, there are $4$ replacements.

For example, when $n = 2$: \[R \circ R \circ R \circ R = (R \circ R) \circ R \circ R = I.\] From $(2)$, $R \circ R = V \circ H = H \circ V = L \circ L$, so $R \circ R$ can be replaced with $V \circ H$, $H \circ V$, $L \circ L$ without changing the result. Suppose we choose $V \circ H$, then \[(R \circ R) \circ R \circ R = (V \circ H) \circ R \circ R = V \circ (H \circ R) \circ R.\] From $(3)$, $H \circ R = L \circ H = V \circ L = R \circ V$, so $H \circ R$ can be replaced with $L \circ H$, $V \circ L$, $R \circ V$ without changing the result. Suppose we choose $R \circ V$, then \[V \circ (H \circ R) \circ R = V \circ (R \circ V) \circ R = V \circ R \circ (V \circ R).\] From $(4)$, $V \circ R = L \circ V = H \circ L = R \circ H$, so $V \circ R$ can be replaced with $L \circ V$, $H \circ L$, $R \circ H$ without changing the result. Suppose we choose $H \circ L$, then \[V \circ R \circ (V \circ R) =V \circ R \circ (H \circ L) = V \circ R \circ H \circ L = I.\] So, we have $f(4) = 4^{4-1}$: \[\underbrace{R \circ R \circ R \circ R \circ \dots R \circ R \circ R}_{2n}.\] With $2n$ $R$ transformations, it will go from initial state to initial state. There are $2n-1$ transformation composite operators $\circ$ between the transformations, and each pair of transformations surrounding the transformations composite operator $\circ$ have $4$ options. So, we have $f(2n) = 4^{2n-1}$, from which $f(20) = 4^{20-1} = \boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}$.

Side Note

Equations $(2)$, $(3)$, $(4)$ are equivalent. Here I will prove that $(2)$ is equivalent to $(3)$.

From $(1)$, $R \circ L = V \circ V$. We have \[H \circ (R \circ L) = H \circ (V \circ V) = (H \circ V) \circ V.\] From $(2)$, $H \circ V = V \circ H = L \circ L$. We have \[(H \circ V) \circ V = (V \circ H) \circ V = V \circ (H \circ V) = V \circ (L \circ L).\] So, \[(H \circ R) \circ L = H \circ (R \circ L) = V \circ (L \circ L) = (V \circ L) \circ L.\] It follows that $H \circ R = V \circ L$, which is $(3)$.

~isabelchen


Solution 6 (Fakesolve? Quick)

The number of possible ways to orient a square using this method $20$ times would be $4^{20}$, as for each of the transformations we can only use the four transformations $L$, $V$, $H$, or $R$.

There are only 4 possible outcomes, as each reflection can also be achieved by rotation. By symmetry, all $4$ of these possibilities are equally likely. Thus, our answer is $\frac{4^{20}}{4} = 4^{19}=\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 2^{38}}.$

~cdm

Video Solutions

Video Solution 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZs9DHg6cx0

~MathEx

Video Solution 2 by The Beauty of Math

https://youtu.be/Bl2kn9oVxQ8?t=348

~Icematrix

See Also

2020 AMC 10B (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by
Problem 22 		Followed by
Problem 24
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 AMC 10 Problems and Solutions
2020 AMC 12B (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by
Problem 18 		Followed by
Problem 20
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 AMC 12 Problems and Solutions

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