Difference between revisions of "1993 AJHSME Problems/Problem 1"

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<math> \text{(A)}\ \{-4,-9\}\qquad\text{(B)}\ \{-3,-12\}\qquad\text{(C)}\ \left\{\frac{1}{2},-72\right\}\qquad\text{(D)}\ \{ 1,36\}\qquad\text{(E)}\ \left\{\frac{3}{2},24\right\} </math>
 
<math> \text{(A)}\ \{-4,-9\}\qquad\text{(B)}\ \{-3,-12\}\qquad\text{(C)}\ \left\{\frac{1}{2},-72\right\}\qquad\text{(D)}\ \{ 1,36\}\qquad\text{(E)}\ \left\{\frac{3}{2},24\right\} </math>
  
Solution 1
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==Solution 1==
  
Let's calculate each of the answer choices and see which one DOES NOT equal 36.
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Let's calculate each of the answer choices and see which one DOES NOT equal <math>36</math>.
  
A comes out to be -4 x -9= 36
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<math>A</math> comes out to be <math>-4 \times -9= 36</math>,
  
B equals -3 x -12= 36
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<math>B</math> equals <math>-3 \times -12= 36</math>,
  
C is 1/2 x -72= -36
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<math>C</math> is <math>\frac{1}{2} \times -72= -36</math>,
  
D simplifies to 1 x 36= 36
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<math>D</math> simplifies to <math>1 \times 36= 36</math>,
  
and E equals 3/2 x 24= 3 x 12= 36
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and <math>E</math> equals <math>\frac{3}{2} \times 24= 3 \times 12= 36</math>.
  
Thus, our answer is C. It is the only negative result.
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Thus, our answer is <math>\boxed{C}</math>.
  
 
==Solution 2==
 
==Solution 2==
We know that if we want a product of 36, both numbers have to be positive or negative. Scanning the number pairs, the only choice with one negative number and one positive number is <math>\boxed{\text{(C)}}</math>
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~fn106068
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In order for a product to be positive (<math>36</math>), the numbers should either be both positive or both negative. Looking at our answer choices, the only option that does not fit this description is <math>\boxed{C}</math>.
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
 
{{AJHSME box|year=1993|before=First<br />Question|num-a=2}}
 
{{AJHSME box|year=1993|before=First<br />Question|num-a=2}}
 
{{MAA Notice}}
 
{{MAA Notice}}

Latest revision as of 11:05, 27 June 2023

Problem

Which pair of numbers does NOT have a product equal to $36$? $\text{(A)}\ \{-4,-9\}\qquad\text{(B)}\ \{-3,-12\}\qquad\text{(C)}\ \left\{\frac{1}{2},-72\right\}\qquad\text{(D)}\ \{ 1,36\}\qquad\text{(E)}\ \left\{\frac{3}{2},24\right\}$

Solution 1

Let's calculate each of the answer choices and see which one DOES NOT equal $36$.

$A$ comes out to be $-4 \times -9= 36$,

$B$ equals $-3 \times -12= 36$,

$C$ is $\frac{1}{2} \times -72= -36$,

$D$ simplifies to $1 \times 36= 36$,

and $E$ equals $\frac{3}{2} \times 24= 3 \times 12= 36$.

Thus, our answer is $\boxed{C}$.

Solution 2

In order for a product to be positive ($36$), the numbers should either be both positive or both negative. Looking at our answer choices, the only option that does not fit this description is $\boxed{C}$.

See Also

1993 AJHSME (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
First
Question
Followed by
Problem 2
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All AJHSME/AMC 8 Problems and Solutions

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