2003 AIME I Problems/Problem 3
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Problem
Let the set Susan makes a list as follows: for each two-element subset of
she writes on her list the greater of the set's two elements. Find the sum of the numbers on the list.
Solution
Order the numbers in the set from greatest to least to reduce error:
Each element of the set will appear in
two-element subsets, once with each other number.
will be the greater number in
subsets.
will be the greater number in
subsets.
will be the greater number in
subsets.
will be the greater number in
subsets.
will be the greater number in
subsets.
will be the greater number in
subsets.
will be the greater number in
subsets.
will be the greater number in
subsets.
Therefore the desired sum is .
See also
2003 AIME I (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
Preceded by Problem 2 |
Followed by Problem 4 | |
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 | ||
All AIME Problems and Solutions |
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