2005 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 25

Problem

A subset $B$ of the set of integers from $1$ to $100$, inclusive, has the property that no two elements of $B$ sum to $125$. What is the maximum possible number of elements in $B$?

$\mathrm{(A)} 50 \qquad \mathrm{(B)} 51 \qquad \mathrm{(C)} 62 \qquad \mathrm{(D)} 65 \qquad \mathrm{(E)} 68$

Solution

The question asks for the maximum possible number of elements. The integers from $1$ to $24$ can be included because you cannot make $125$ with integers from $1$ to $24$ without the other number being greater than $100$. The integers from $25$ to $100$ are left. They can be paired so the sum is $125$: $25+100$, $26+99$, $27+98$, $\ldots$, $62+63$. That is $38$ pairs, and at most one number from each pair can be included in the set. The total is $24 + 38 = \boxed{\mathrm{(C)}\ 62}$.

See Also

2005 AMC 10B (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
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Problem 24
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