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Difference between revisions of "2018 AMC 10A Problems/Problem 17"

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== Solution ==
 
== Solution ==
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Intuitively, one would see this list and start with prime numbers. However, there are only 5 prime numbers less than <math>12</math>, making this impossible. It is also clear that another number can't be added in, so <math>2</math> can't be the smallest. Next, we start the sequence with <math>3</math>, and a bit of trial and error shows it's impossible. Lastly, starting with <math>4</math>, we find that the sequence <math>4,5,6,7,9,11</math> works, giving us <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)} \text{ 4}}</math>.
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If we start with <math>1</math>, we can include nothing else, so that won't work.
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If we start with <math>2</math>, we would have to include every odd number to fill out the set, but then <math>3</math> and <math>9</math> would violate the rule, so that won't work.
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Experimentation with <math>3</math> shows it's likewise impossible. You can include <math>7</math>, <math>11</math>, and either <math>5</math> or <math>10</math> (which are always safe). But after adding either <math>4</math> or <math>8</math> we have nowhere else to go.
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Finally, starting with <math>4</math>, we find that the sequence <math>4,5,6,7,9,11</math> works, giving us <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)} \text{ 4}}</math>.
 
(Random_Guy)
 
(Random_Guy)
  

Revision as of 21:06, 8 February 2018

Problem

Let $S$ be a set of 6 integers taken from $\{1,2,\dots,12\}$ with the property that if $a$ and $b$ are elements of $S$ with $a<b$, then $b$ is not a multiple of $a$. What is the least possible values of an element in $S?$

$\textbf{(A)}\ 2\qquad\textbf{(B)}\ 3\qquad\textbf{(C)}\ 4\qquad\textbf{(D)}\ 5\qquad\textbf{(E)}\ 7$

Solution

If we start with $1$, we can include nothing else, so that won't work.

If we start with $2$, we would have to include every odd number to fill out the set, but then $3$ and $9$ would violate the rule, so that won't work.

Experimentation with $3$ shows it's likewise impossible. You can include $7$, $11$, and either $5$ or $10$ (which are always safe). But after adding either $4$ or $8$ we have nowhere else to go.

Finally, starting with $4$, we find that the sequence $4,5,6,7,9,11$ works, giving us $\boxed{\textbf{(C)} \text{ 4}}$. (Random_Guy)

See Also

2018 AMC 10A (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by
Problem 16 		Followed by
Problem 18
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
2018 AMC 12A (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 12 Problems and Solutions

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