Art of Problem Solving

2003 AIME II Problems/Problem 8: Difference between revisions

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== Solution ==
== Solution ==
{{solution}}
If you multiply the corresponding terms of two arithmetic sequences, you get the terms of a quadratic function. Thus, we have a quadratic <math>ax^2+bx+c</math> such that f(1)=1440, f(2)=1716, and f(3)=1848. Plugging in the values for x gives us a system of three equations:
a+b+c=1440
 
4a+2b+c=1716
9a+3b+c=1848
 
Solving gives a=-72, b=492, and c=1020. Thus, the answer is <math>-72(8)^2+492\cdot8+1020=348</math>


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{AIME box|year=2003|n=II|num-b=7|num-a=9}}
{{AIME box|year=2003|n=II|num-b=7|num-a=9}}

Revision as of 16:12, 21 January 2008

Problem

Find the eighth term of the sequence $1440,$ $1716,$ $1848,\ldots,$ whose terms are formed by multiplying the corresponding terms of two arithmetic sequences.

Solution

If you multiply the corresponding terms of two arithmetic sequences, you get the terms of a quadratic function. Thus, we have a quadratic $ax^2+bx+c$ such that f(1)=1440, f(2)=1716, and f(3)=1848. Plugging in the values for x gives us a system of three equations: a+b+c=1440

4a+2b+c=1716

9a+3b+c=1848

Solving gives a=-72, b=492, and c=1020. Thus, the answer is $-72(8)^2+492\cdot8+1020=348$

See also

2003 AIME II (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 7
Followed by
Problem 9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
All AIME Problems and Solutions