Art of Problem Solving
AoPS Online
Math texts, online classes, and more
for students in grades 5-12.
Visit AoPS Online ‚
Books for Grades 5-12 Online Courses
Beast Academy
Engaging math books and online learning
for students ages 6-13.
Visit Beast Academy ‚
Books for Ages 6-13 Beast Academy Online
AoPS Academy
Small live classes for advanced math
and language arts learners in grades 2-12.
Visit AoPS Academy ‚
Find a Physical Campus Visit the Virtual Campus

Difference between revisions of "2021 AMC 12A Problems/Problem 10"

(→‎Video Solution by Aaron He)
m (→‎Solution 4 (Extremely Quick Observation))
 
(131 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{duplicate|[[2021 AMC 10A Problems#Problem 12|2021 AMC 10A #12]] and [[2021 AMC 12A Problems#Problem 10|2021 AMC 12A #10]]}}
+
{{duplicate|[[2021 AMC 10A Problems/Problem 12|2021 AMC 10A #12]] and [[2021 AMC 12A Problems/Problem 10|2021 AMC 12A #10]]}}
  
 
==Problem==
 
==Problem==
−
Two right circular cones with vertices facing down as shown in the figure below contains the same amount of liquid. The radii of the tops of the liquid surfaces are <math>3</math> cm and <math>6</math> cm. Into each cone is dropped a spherical marble of radius <math>1</math> cm, which sinks to the bottom and is completely submerged without spilling any liquid. What is the ratio of the rise of the liquid level in the narrow cone to the rise of the liquid level in the wide cone?
+
Two right circular cones with vertices facing down as shown in the figure below contain the same amount of liquid. The radii of the tops of the liquid surfaces are <math>3</math> cm and <math>6</math> cm. Into each cone is dropped a spherical marble of radius <math>1</math> cm, which sinks to the bottom and is completely submerged without spilling any liquid. What is the ratio of the rise of the liquid level in the narrow cone to the rise of the liquid level in the wide cone?
  
 
<asy>
 
<asy>
Line 36: Line 36:
 
</asy>
 
</asy>
  
−
<math>\textbf{(A) }1 \qquad \textbf{(B) }\frac{47}{43} \qquad \textbf{(C) }2 \qquad \textbf{(D) }\frac{40}{13} \qquad \textbf{(E) }4</math>
+
<math>\textbf{(A) }1:1 \qquad \textbf{(B) }47:43 \qquad \textbf{(C) }2:1 \qquad \textbf{(D) }40:13 \qquad \textbf{(E) }4:1</math>
  
−
==Solution 1 (Fraction Trick):==
+
==Solution 1 (Algebra)==
−
<b>Initially:</b>
+
<b><u>Initial Scenario</u></b>
  
−
For the narrow cone liquid, the base radius is <math>3.</math> Let its height be <math>h_1.</math> By similar triangles, the ratio of base radius to height is <math>\frac{3}{h_1}.</math> The volume is <math>\frac13\pi(3)^2h_1=3\pi h_1.</math>
+
Let the heights of the narrow cone and the wide cone be <math>h_1</math> and <math>h_2,</math> respectively. We have the following table:
 +
<cmath>\begin{array}{cccccc}
 +
& \textbf{Base Radius} & \textbf{Height} & & \textbf{Volume} & \\ [2ex]
 +
\textbf{Narrow Cone} & 3 & h_1 & & \frac13\pi(3)^2h_1=3\pi h_1 & \\ [2ex]
 +
\textbf{Wide Cone} & 6 & h_2 & & \hspace{2mm}\frac13\pi(6)^2h_2=12\pi h_2 &
 +
\end{array}</cmath>
 +
Equating the volumes gives <math>3\pi h_1=12\pi h_2,</math> which simplifies to <math>\frac{h_1}{h_2}=4.</math>  
  
−
For the wide cone liquid, the base radius is <math>6.</math> Let its height be <math>h_2.</math> By similar triangles, the ratio of base radius to height is <math>\frac{6}{h_2}.</math> The volume is <math>\frac13\pi(6)^2h_2=12\pi h_2.</math>
+
Furthermore, by similar triangles:
  
−
Equating initial volumes gives <math>3\pi h_1=12\pi h_2,</math> from which <math>\frac{h_1}{h_2}=4.</math>
+
* For the narrow cone, the ratio of the base radius to the height is <math>\frac{3}{h_1},</math> which always remains constant.
  
−
<b>Finally:</b>
+
* For the wide cone, the ratio of the base radius to the height is <math>\frac{6}{h_2},</math> which always remains constant.
  
−
For the narrow cone liquid, the base radius is <math>3x,</math> where <math>x>1.</math> By similar triangles, it follows that its height is <math>h_1x</math> and its volume is <math>3\pi h_1 x^3.</math>
+
Two solutions follow from here:
  
−
For the wide cone liquid, the base radius is <math>6y,</math> where <math>y>1.</math> By similar triangles, it follows that its height is <math>h_2y</math> and its volume is <math>12\pi h_2 y^3.</math>
+
===Solution 1.1 (Properties of Fractions)===
 +
<b><u>Final Scenario</u></b>
  
−
Equating final volumes simplifies to <math>x^3=y^3,</math> or <math>x=y.</math>
+
For the narrow cone and the wide cone, let their base radii be <math>3x</math> and <math>6y</math> (for some <math>x,y>1</math>), respectively. By the similar triangles discussed above, their heights must be <math>h_1x</math> and <math>h_2y,</math> respectively. We have the following table:
 +
<cmath>\begin{array}{cccccc}
 +
& \textbf{Base Radius} & \textbf{Height} & & \textbf{Volume} & \\ [2ex]
 +
\textbf{Narrow Cone} & 3x & h_1x & & \frac13\pi(3x)^2(h_1x)=3\pi h_1 x^3 & \\ [2ex]
 +
\textbf{Wide Cone} & 6y & h_2y & & \hspace{2.0625mm}\frac13\pi(6y)^2(h_2y)=12\pi h_2 y^3 &
 +
\end{array}</cmath>
 +
Recall that <math>\frac{h_1}{h_2}=4.</math> Equating the volumes gives <math>3\pi h_1 x^3=12\pi h_2 y^3,</math> which simplifies to <math>x^3=y^3,</math> or <math>x=y.</math>
  
−
Lastly, the fraction we seek is <cmath>\frac{h_1 x - h_1}{h_2 y - h_2}=\frac{h_1 (x-1)}{h_2 (y-1)}=\frac{h_1}{h_2}=\boxed{\textbf{(E) }4}.</cmath>
+
Finally, the requested ratio is <cmath>\frac{h_1 x - h_1}{h_2 y - h_2}=\frac{h_1 (x-1)}{h_2 (y-1)}=\frac{h_1}{h_2}=\boxed{\textbf{(E) }4:1}.</cmath>
 +
<u><b>Remarks</b></u>
 +
<ol style="margin-left: 1.5em;">
 +
  <li>This solution uses the following property of fractions: <p>
 +
For unequal positive numbers <math>a,b,c</math> and <math>d,</math> if <math>\frac ab = \frac cd = k,</math> then <math>\frac{a\pm c}{b\pm d}=\frac{bk\pm dk}{b\pm d}=\frac{(b\pm d)k}{b\pm d}=k.</math></li><p>
 +
  <li>This solution shows that, regardless of the shape or the volume of the solid dropped into each cone, the requested ratio stays the same as long as the solid sinks to the bottom and is completely submerged without spilling any liquid.</li><p>
 +
</ol>
 +
~MRENTHUSIASM
 +
 
 +
===Solution 1.2 (Bash)===
 +
<b><u>Final Scenario</u></b>
  
−
<b>PS:</b>
+
For the narrow cone and the wide cone, let their base radii be <math>r_1</math> and <math>r_2,</math> respectively; let their rises of the liquid levels be <math>\Delta h_1</math> and <math>\Delta h_2,</math> respectively. We have the following table:
 +
<cmath>\begin{array}{cccccc}
 +
& \textbf{Base Radius} & \textbf{Height} & & \textbf{Volume} & \\ [2ex]
 +
\textbf{Narrow Cone} & r_1 & h_1+\Delta h_1 & & \frac13\pi r_1^2(h_1+\Delta h_1) & \\ [2ex]
 +
\textbf{Wide Cone} & r_2 & h_2+\Delta h_2 & & \frac13\pi r_2^2(h_2+\Delta h_2) &
 +
\end{array}</cmath>
 +
By the similar triangles discussed above, we get
 +
<cmath>\begin{align*}
 +
\frac{3}{h_1}&=\frac{r_1}{h_1+\Delta h_1} &\implies \quad r_1&=\frac{3}{h_1}(h_1+\Delta h_1), & \hspace{10mm} (1) \\
 +
\frac{6}{h_2}&=\frac{r_2}{h_2+\Delta h_2} &\implies \quad r_2&=\frac{6}{h_2}(h_2+\Delta h_2). & (2)
 +
\end{align*}</cmath>
 +
The volume of the marble dropped into each cone is <math>\frac43\pi(1)^3=\frac43\pi.</math>
  
−
1. This problem uses the following fraction trick:
+
Now, we set up an equation for the volume of the narrow cone, then express <math>\Delta h_1</math> in terms of <math>h_1:</math>
 +
<cmath>\begin{align*}
 +
\frac13\pi r_1^2(h_1+\Delta h_1) &= 3\pi h_1+\frac43\pi \\
 +
\frac13 r_1^2(h_1+\Delta h_1) &= 3h_1+\frac43 \\
 +
\frac13\left(\frac{3}{h_1}(h_1+\Delta h_1)\right)^2(h_1+\Delta h_1) &= 3h_1+\frac43 &&\text{by }(1) \\
 +
\frac{3}{h_1^2}(h_1+\Delta h_1)^3 &= 3h_1+\frac43 \\
 +
(h_1+\Delta h_1)^3 &= h_1^3 + \frac{4h_1^2}{9} \\
 +
\Delta h_1 &= \sqrt[3]{h_1^3 + \frac{4h_1^2}{9}}-h_1.
 +
\end{align*}</cmath>
 +
Next, we set up an equation for the volume of the wide cone, then express <math>\Delta h_2</math> in terms of <math>h_2:</math>
 +
<cmath>\frac13\pi r_2^2(h_2+\Delta h_2) = 12\pi h_2+\frac43\pi.</cmath>
 +
Using a similar process from above, we get <cmath>\Delta h_2 = \sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-h_2.</cmath>
 +
Recall that <math>\frac{h_1}{h_2}=4.</math> Therefore, the requested ratio is
 +
<cmath>\begin{align*}
 +
\frac{\Delta h_1}{\Delta h_2}&=\frac{\sqrt[3]{h_1^3 + \frac{4h_1^2}{9}}-h_1}{\sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-h_2} \\
 +
&=\frac{\sqrt[3]{(4h_2)^3 + \frac{4(4h_2)^2}{9}}-4h_2}{\sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-h_2} \\
 +
&=\frac{\sqrt[3]{4^3\left(h_2^3 + \frac{h_2^2}{9}\right)}-4h_2}{\sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-h_2} \\
 +
&=\frac{4\sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-4h_2}{\sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-h_2} \\
 +
&=\boxed{\textbf{(E) }4:1}.
 +
\end{align*}</cmath>
 +
~MRENTHUSIASM
  
−
For unequal positive numbers <math>a,b,c</math> and <math>d,</math> if <math>\frac ab = \frac cd = k,</math> then <math>\frac{a\pm c}{b\pm d}=k.</math>
+
==Solution 2 (Approximate Cones with Cylinders)==
 +
The heights of the cones are not given, so suppose the heights are very large (i.e. tending towards infinity) in order to approximate the cones as cylinders with base radii <math>3</math> and <math>6</math> and infinitely large height. Then the base area of the wide cylinder is <math>4</math> times that of the narrow cylinder. Since we are dropping a ball of the same volume into each cylinder, the water level in the narrow cone/cylinder should rise <math>\boxed{\textbf{(E) } 4}</math> times as much.
 +
 +
~scrabbler94
  
−
<u>Quick Proof</u>
+
==Solution 3 (Calculus)==
 +
The volume of the shorter cone can be expressed as <math>V_1=3\pi h_1</math>, and the volume of the larger cone can be expressed as <math>V_2=12\pi h_2</math>. We also know that the volume changes by <math>\frac{4\pi}{3}</math>, because the volume of the <math>1</math>cm sphere is <math>\frac{4\pi}{3}</math>.
  
−
From <math>\frac ab = \frac cd = k,</math> we know that <math>a=bk</math> and <math>c=dk</math>. Therefore, <cmath>\frac{a\pm c}{b\pm d}=\frac{bk\pm dk}{b\pm d}=\frac{(b\pm d)k}{b\pm d}=k.</cmath>
+
Taking the derivative of the equations, we get: <math>dV_1=3\pi(dh_1)=\frac{4\pi}{3}</math> and <math>dV_2=12\pi(dh_2)=\frac{4\pi}{3}</math>.
  
−
2. Most of the steps can be done through mental math. Also, drawing a table showing the initial and final measurements can effectively organize the work.
+
Therefore, <math>dh_1=\frac{4\pi}{3}\cdot\frac{1}{3\pi}=\frac{4}{9}</math> and <math>dh_2=\frac{4\pi}{3}\cdot\frac{1}{12\pi}=\frac{1}{9}</math>. The ratio is <math>\frac{4}{9}:\frac{1}{9}</math> giving us the answer of <math>\boxed{\textbf{(E) }4:1}</math>.
  
−
~MRENTHUSIASM
+
~aurellia
 +
 
 +
==Solution 4 (Extremely Quick Observation)==
 +
Note that as long as the volumes are equal, the ratio of the heights of Cone 2 to Cone 1 is always <math>1:4</math>. We can prove this as follows:
 +
 
 +
If we fix Cone 2 to have a certain height, then the volume of the cone is <math>\frac{1}{3}\cdot36\pi{h_1}=12\pi{h_1}</math>. Now if Cone 1 has the same volume, its height would be <math>\frac{12\pi{h_1}}{\frac{1}{3}\cdot9\pi}=\frac{12\pi{h_1}}{3\pi}=4h_1</math>.
  
−
==Solution 2 (Quick and dirty)==
+
==Video Solution (Simple and Quick)==
−
The heights of the cones are not given, so suppose the heights are very large (i.e. tending towards infinity) in order to approximate the cones as cylinders with base radii 3 and 6 and infinitely large height. Then the base area of the wide cylinder is 4 times that of the narrow cylinder. Since we are dropping a ball of the same volume into each cylinder, the water level in the narrow cone/cylinder should rise <math>\boxed{\textbf{(E) } 4}</math> times as much.
+
https://youtu.be/TgjvviBALac
−
 
−
-scrabbler94
 
  
 +
~ Education, the Study of Everything
  
−
==Video Solution by Aaron He==
+
==Video Solution by Aaron He (Algebra)==
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTGDKBthWsw&t=10m20s
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTGDKBthWsw&t=10m20s
  
Line 84: Line 146:
  
 
~ pi_is_3.14
 
~ pi_is_3.14
 +
 +
==Video Solution by TheBeautyofMath==
 +
First-this is not the most efficient solution. I did not perceive the shortcut before filming though I suspected it.
 +
 +
https://youtu.be/t-EEP2V4nAE?t=231 (for AMC 10A)
 +
 +
https://youtu.be/cckGBU2x1zg?t=814 (for AMC 12A)
 +
 +
~IceMatrix
 +
 +
==Video Solution by WhyMath==
 +
https://youtu.be/c-5-8PnCvCk
 +
 +
~savannahsolver
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==

Latest revision as of 14:09, 1 August 2023

The following problem is from both the 2021 AMC 10A #12 and 2021 AMC 12A #10, so both problems redirect to this page.

Problem

Two right circular cones with vertices facing down as shown in the figure below contain the same amount of liquid. The radii of the tops of the liquid surfaces are $3$ cm and $6$ cm. Into each cone is dropped a spherical marble of radius $1$ cm, which sinks to the bottom and is completely submerged without spilling any liquid. What is the ratio of the rise of the liquid level in the narrow cone to the rise of the liquid level in the wide cone?

[asy] size(350); defaultpen(linewidth(0.8)); real h1 = 10, r = 3.1, s=0.75; pair P = (r,h1), Q = (-r,h1), Pp = s * P, Qp = s * Q; path e = ellipse((0,h1),r,0.9), ep = ellipse((0,h1*s),r*s,0.9); draw(ellipse(origin,r*(s-0.1),0.8)); fill(ep,gray(0.8)); fill(origin--Pp--Qp--cycle,gray(0.8)); draw((-r,h1)--(0,0)--(r,h1)^^e); draw(subpath(ep,0,reltime(ep,0.5)),linetype("4 4")); draw(subpath(ep,reltime(ep,0.5),reltime(ep,1))); draw(Qp--(0,Qp.y),Arrows(size=8)); draw(origin--(0,12),linetype("4 4")); draw(origin--(r*(s-0.1),0)); label("$3$",(-0.9,h1*s),N,fontsize(10)); real h2 = 7.5, r = 6, s=0.6, d = 14; pair P = (d+r-0.05,h2-0.15), Q = (d-r+0.05,h2-0.15), Pp = s * P + (1-s)*(d,0), Qp = s * Q + (1-s)*(d,0); path e = ellipse((d,h2),r,1), ep = ellipse((d,h2*s+0.09),r*s,1); draw(ellipse((d,0),r*(s-0.1),0.8)); fill(ep,gray(0.8)); fill((d,0)--Pp--Qp--cycle,gray(0.8)); draw(P--(d,0)--Q^^e); draw(subpath(ep,0,reltime(ep,0.5)),linetype("4 4")); draw(subpath(ep,reltime(ep,0.5),reltime(ep,1))); draw(Qp--(d,Qp.y),Arrows(size=8)); draw((d,0)--(d,10),linetype("4 4")); draw((d,0)--(d+r*(s-0.1),0)); label("$6$",(d-r/4,h2*s-0.06),N,fontsize(10)); [/asy]

$\textbf{(A) }1:1 \qquad \textbf{(B) }47:43 \qquad \textbf{(C) }2:1 \qquad \textbf{(D) }40:13 \qquad \textbf{(E) }4:1$

Solution 1 (Algebra)

Initial Scenario

Let the heights of the narrow cone and the wide cone be $h_1$ and $h_2,$ respectively. We have the following table: \[\begin{array}{cccccc} & \textbf{Base Radius} & \textbf{Height} & & \textbf{Volume} & \\ [2ex] \textbf{Narrow Cone} & 3 & h_1 & & \frac13\pi(3)^2h_1=3\pi h_1 & \\ [2ex] \textbf{Wide Cone} & 6 & h_2 & & \hspace{2mm}\frac13\pi(6)^2h_2=12\pi h_2 & \end{array}\] Equating the volumes gives $3\pi h_1=12\pi h_2,$ which simplifies to $\frac{h_1}{h_2}=4.$

Furthermore, by similar triangles:

  • For the narrow cone, the ratio of the base radius to the height is $\frac{3}{h_1},$ which always remains constant.
  • For the wide cone, the ratio of the base radius to the height is $\frac{6}{h_2},$ which always remains constant.

Two solutions follow from here:

Solution 1.1 (Properties of Fractions)

Final Scenario

For the narrow cone and the wide cone, let their base radii be $3x$ and $6y$ (for some $x,y>1$), respectively. By the similar triangles discussed above, their heights must be $h_1x$ and $h_2y,$ respectively. We have the following table: \[\begin{array}{cccccc} & \textbf{Base Radius} & \textbf{Height} & & \textbf{Volume} & \\ [2ex] \textbf{Narrow Cone} & 3x & h_1x & & \frac13\pi(3x)^2(h_1x)=3\pi h_1 x^3 & \\ [2ex] \textbf{Wide Cone} & 6y & h_2y & & \hspace{2.0625mm}\frac13\pi(6y)^2(h_2y)=12\pi h_2 y^3 & \end{array}\] Recall that $\frac{h_1}{h_2}=4.$ Equating the volumes gives $3\pi h_1 x^3=12\pi h_2 y^3,$ which simplifies to $x^3=y^3,$ or $x=y.$

Finally, the requested ratio is \[\frac{h_1 x - h_1}{h_2 y - h_2}=\frac{h_1 (x-1)}{h_2 (y-1)}=\frac{h_1}{h_2}=\boxed{\textbf{(E) }4:1}.\] Remarks

  1. This solution uses the following property of fractions:

    For unequal positive numbers $a,b,c$ and $d,$ if $\frac ab = \frac cd = k,$ then $\frac{a\pm c}{b\pm d}=\frac{bk\pm dk}{b\pm d}=\frac{(b\pm d)k}{b\pm d}=k.$

  2. This solution shows that, regardless of the shape or the volume of the solid dropped into each cone, the requested ratio stays the same as long as the solid sinks to the bottom and is completely submerged without spilling any liquid.

~MRENTHUSIASM

Solution 1.2 (Bash)

Final Scenario

For the narrow cone and the wide cone, let their base radii be $r_1$ and $r_2,$ respectively; let their rises of the liquid levels be $\Delta h_1$ and $\Delta h_2,$ respectively. We have the following table: \[\begin{array}{cccccc} & \textbf{Base Radius} & \textbf{Height} & & \textbf{Volume} & \\ [2ex] \textbf{Narrow Cone} & r_1 & h_1+\Delta h_1 & & \frac13\pi r_1^2(h_1+\Delta h_1) & \\ [2ex] \textbf{Wide Cone} & r_2 & h_2+\Delta h_2 & & \frac13\pi r_2^2(h_2+\Delta h_2) & \end{array}\] By the similar triangles discussed above, we get \begin{align*} \frac{3}{h_1}&=\frac{r_1}{h_1+\Delta h_1} &\implies \quad r_1&=\frac{3}{h_1}(h_1+\Delta h_1), & \hspace{10mm} (1) \\ \frac{6}{h_2}&=\frac{r_2}{h_2+\Delta h_2} &\implies \quad r_2&=\frac{6}{h_2}(h_2+\Delta h_2). & (2) \end{align*} The volume of the marble dropped into each cone is $\frac43\pi(1)^3=\frac43\pi.$

Now, we set up an equation for the volume of the narrow cone, then express $\Delta h_1$ in terms of $h_1:$ \begin{align*} \frac13\pi r_1^2(h_1+\Delta h_1) &= 3\pi h_1+\frac43\pi \\ \frac13 r_1^2(h_1+\Delta h_1) &= 3h_1+\frac43 \\ \frac13\left(\frac{3}{h_1}(h_1+\Delta h_1)\right)^2(h_1+\Delta h_1) &= 3h_1+\frac43 &&\text{by }(1) \\ \frac{3}{h_1^2}(h_1+\Delta h_1)^3 &= 3h_1+\frac43 \\ (h_1+\Delta h_1)^3 &= h_1^3 + \frac{4h_1^2}{9} \\ \Delta h_1 &= \sqrt[3]{h_1^3 + \frac{4h_1^2}{9}}-h_1. \end{align*} Next, we set up an equation for the volume of the wide cone, then express $\Delta h_2$ in terms of $h_2:$ \[\frac13\pi r_2^2(h_2+\Delta h_2) = 12\pi h_2+\frac43\pi.\] Using a similar process from above, we get \[\Delta h_2 = \sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-h_2.\] Recall that $\frac{h_1}{h_2}=4.$ Therefore, the requested ratio is \begin{align*} \frac{\Delta h_1}{\Delta h_2}&=\frac{\sqrt[3]{h_1^3 + \frac{4h_1^2}{9}}-h_1}{\sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-h_2} \\ &=\frac{\sqrt[3]{(4h_2)^3 + \frac{4(4h_2)^2}{9}}-4h_2}{\sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-h_2} \\ &=\frac{\sqrt[3]{4^3\left(h_2^3 + \frac{h_2^2}{9}\right)}-4h_2}{\sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-h_2} \\ &=\frac{4\sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-4h_2}{\sqrt[3]{h_2^3+\frac{h_2^2}{9}}-h_2} \\ &=\boxed{\textbf{(E) }4:1}. \end{align*} ~MRENTHUSIASM

Solution 2 (Approximate Cones with Cylinders)

The heights of the cones are not given, so suppose the heights are very large (i.e. tending towards infinity) in order to approximate the cones as cylinders with base radii $3$ and $6$ and infinitely large height. Then the base area of the wide cylinder is $4$ times that of the narrow cylinder. Since we are dropping a ball of the same volume into each cylinder, the water level in the narrow cone/cylinder should rise $\boxed{\textbf{(E) } 4}$ times as much.

~scrabbler94

Solution 3 (Calculus)

The volume of the shorter cone can be expressed as $V_1=3\pi h_1$, and the volume of the larger cone can be expressed as $V_2=12\pi h_2$. We also know that the volume changes by $\frac{4\pi}{3}$, because the volume of the $1$cm sphere is $\frac{4\pi}{3}$.

Taking the derivative of the equations, we get: $dV_1=3\pi(dh_1)=\frac{4\pi}{3}$ and $dV_2=12\pi(dh_2)=\frac{4\pi}{3}$.

Therefore, $dh_1=\frac{4\pi}{3}\cdot\frac{1}{3\pi}=\frac{4}{9}$ and $dh_2=\frac{4\pi}{3}\cdot\frac{1}{12\pi}=\frac{1}{9}$. The ratio is $\frac{4}{9}:\frac{1}{9}$ giving us the answer of $\boxed{\textbf{(E) }4:1}$.

~aurellia

Solution 4 (Extremely Quick Observation)

Note that as long as the volumes are equal, the ratio of the heights of Cone 2 to Cone 1 is always $1:4$. We can prove this as follows:

If we fix Cone 2 to have a certain height, then the volume of the cone is $\frac{1}{3}\cdot36\pi{h_1}=12\pi{h_1}$. Now if Cone 1 has the same volume, its height would be $\frac{12\pi{h_1}}{\frac{1}{3}\cdot9\pi}=\frac{12\pi{h_1}}{3\pi}=4h_1$.

Video Solution (Simple and Quick)

https://youtu.be/TgjvviBALac

~ Education, the Study of Everything

Video Solution by Aaron He (Algebra)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTGDKBthWsw&t=10m20s

Video Solution by OmegaLearn (Similar Triangles, 3D Geometry - Cones)

https://youtu.be/4Iuo7cvGJr8

~ pi_is_3.14

Video Solution by TheBeautyofMath

First-this is not the most efficient solution. I did not perceive the shortcut before filming though I suspected it.

https://youtu.be/t-EEP2V4nAE?t=231 (for AMC 10A)

https://youtu.be/cckGBU2x1zg?t=814 (for AMC 12A)

~IceMatrix

Video Solution by WhyMath

https://youtu.be/c-5-8PnCvCk

~savannahsolver

See also

2021 AMC 10A (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by
Problem 11 		Followed by
Problem 13
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
2021 AMC 12A (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by
Problem 9 		Followed by
Problem 11
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

The problems on this page are copyrighted by the Mathematical Association of America's American Mathematics Competitions. AMC logo.png

Retrieved from "https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php?title=2021_AMC_12A_Problems/Problem_10&oldid=196323"