2008 AMC 10A Problems/Problem 9

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Problem

Suppose that \[\frac{2x}{3}-\frac{x}{6}\] is an integer. Which of the following statements must be true about $x$?

$\mathrm{(A)}\ \text{It is negative.}\qquad\mathrm{(B)}\ \text{It is even, but not necessarily a multiple of 3.}\\\qquad\mathrm{(C)}\ \text{It is a multiple of 3, but not necessarily even.}\\\qquad\mathrm{(D)}\ \text{It is a multiple of 6, but not necessarily a multiple of 12.}\\\qquad\mathrm{(E)}\ \text{It is a multiple of 12.}$

Solution

\[\frac{2x}{3}-\frac{x}{6}\quad\Longrightarrow\quad\frac{4x}{6}-\frac{x}{6}\quad\Longrightarrow\quad\frac{3x}{6}\quad\Longrightarrow\quad\frac{x}{2}\] For $\frac{x}{2}$ to be an integer, $x$ must be even, but not necessarily divisible by $3$. Thus, the answer is $\mathrm{(B)}$.

See also

2008 AMC 10A (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 8
Followed by
Problem 10
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All AMC 10 Problems and Solutions