Art of Problem Solving
AoPS Online
Math texts, online classes, and more
for students in grades 5-12.
Visit AoPS Online ‚
Books for Grades 5-12 Online Courses
Beast Academy
Engaging math books and online learning
for students ages 6-13.
Visit Beast Academy ‚
Books for Ages 6-13 Beast Academy Online
AoPS Academy
Small live classes for advanced math
and language arts learners in grades 2-12.
Visit AoPS Academy ‚
Find a Physical Campus Visit the Virtual Campus

Difference between revisions of "2008 AIME I Problems/Problem 9"
 
(6 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
== Problem ==
 
== Problem ==
−
Ten identical crates each of dimensions <math>3</math> ft <math>\times</math> <math>4</math> ft <math>\times</math> <math>6</math> ft.  The first crate is placed flat on the floor.  Each of the remaining nine crates is placed, in turn, flat on top of the previous crate, and the orientation of each crate is chosen at random.  Let <math>\frac {m}{n}</math> be the probability that the stack of crates is exactly <math>41</math> ft tall, where <math>m</math> and <math>n</math> are relatively prime positive integers.  Find <math>m</math>.
+
Ten identical crates each of dimensions <math>3\mathrm{ft}\times 4\mathrm{ft}\times 6\mathrm{ft}</math>.  The first crate is placed flat on the floor.  Each of the remaining nine crates is placed, in turn, flat on top of the previous crate, and the orientation of each crate is chosen at random.  Let <math>\frac {m}{n}</math> be the probability that the stack of crates is exactly <math>41\mathrm{ft}</math> tall, where <math>m</math> and <math>n</math> are relatively prime positive integers.  Find <math>m</math>.
  
 
== Solution ==
 
== Solution ==
Line 10: Line 10:
 
Subtracting 3 times the second from the first gives <math>b + 3c = 11</math>, or <math>(b,c) = (2,3),(5,2),(8,1),(11,0)</math>. The last doesn't work, obviously. This gives the three solutions <math>(a,b,c) = (5,2,3),(3,5,2),(1,8,1)</math>. In terms of choosing which goes where, the first two solutions are analogous.
 
Subtracting 3 times the second from the first gives <math>b + 3c = 11</math>, or <math>(b,c) = (2,3),(5,2),(8,1),(11,0)</math>. The last doesn't work, obviously. This gives the three solutions <math>(a,b,c) = (5,2,3),(3,5,2),(1,8,1)</math>. In terms of choosing which goes where, the first two solutions are analogous.
  
−
For <math>(5,2,3),(3,5,2)</math>, we see that there are <math>2\cdot\dfrac{10!}{5!2!3!} = 10\cdot9\cdot8\cdot7</math> ways to stack the crates. For <math>(1,8,1)</math>, there are <math>2\dbinom{10}{2} = 90</math>. Also, there are <math>3^{10}</math> total ways to stack the crates to any height.
+
For <math>(5,2,3),(3,5,2)</math>, we see that there are <math>2\cdot\dfrac{10!}{5!2!3!} = 10\cdot9\cdot8\cdot7</math> ways to stack the crates. For <math>(1,8,1)</math>, there are <math>\dfrac{10!}{8!1!1!} = 90</math>. Also, there are <math>3^{10}</math> total ways to stack the crates to any height.
  
 
Thus, our probability is <math>\dfrac{10\cdot9\cdot8\cdot7 + 90}{3^{10}} = \dfrac{10\cdot8\cdot7 + 10}{3^{8}} = \dfrac{570}{3^8} = \dfrac{190}{3^{7}}</math>. Our answer is the numerator, <math>\boxed{190}</math>.
 
Thus, our probability is <math>\dfrac{10\cdot9\cdot8\cdot7 + 90}{3^{10}} = \dfrac{10\cdot8\cdot7 + 10}{3^{8}} = \dfrac{570}{3^8} = \dfrac{190}{3^{7}}</math>. Our answer is the numerator, <math>\boxed{190}</math>.
 +
 
==1 Min Solution==
 
==1 Min Solution==
−
It would be helpful for this solution to be reformatted. To start with, let us observe the three numbers. Note that 3 and 6 are both divisible by 3, so the number of 4-crates must be congruent to 41 mod 3, which is also congruent to 2 mod 3. Our solutions for the number of 4-crates will repeat mod 3, so if x is a solution, so is x+3. By inspection, we have that 2 is solution, and so are 5 and 8. Each solution splits into its own case.We must solve the equation 41-4*(z)=6x+3y, simultaneously with x+y=10-z. Note that we already know the possible values of z. Solving these(it's AIME 9, you should be able to do this and if anyone feels like they want to write a rundown of this please go ahead), we get the solution  sets {8,1,1},{5,2,3},and {2,3,5}. We can count the number of possible arrangements for each solution by taking 10 choose z and then multiplying by 10-z choose x(the solution sets, for the sake of consistency, are in the form z,x,y). Summing the results for all the solutions gives us 5130. Finally, to calculate the probability we must determine our denominator. Since we have 3 ways to arrange each block, our denominator is 3^10. 5130/3^10=190/3^7. The answer is m= 190.
+
It would be helpful for this solution to be reformatted. To start with, let us observe the three numbers. Note that <math>3</math> and <math>6</math> are both divisible by <math>3</math>, so the number of <math>4</math>-crates must be congruent to <math>41\bmod{3}</math>, which is also congruent to <math>2\bmod{3}</math>. Our solutions for the number of <math>4</math>-crates will repeat mod <math>3</math>, so if <math>x</math> is a solution, so is <math>x+3</math>. By inspection, we have that <math>2</math> is solution, and so are <math>5</math> and <math>8</math>. Each solution splits into its own case.We must solve the equation <math>41-4z=6x+3y</math>, simultaneously with <math>x+y=10-z</math>. Note that we already know the possible values of <math>z</math>. Solving these (it's AIME <math>9</math>, you should be able to do this and if anyone feels like they want to write a rundown of this please go ahead), we get the solution  sets <math>\{8,1,1\},\{5,2,3\},</math> and <math>\{2,3,5\}</math>. We can count the number of possible arrangements for each solution by taking <math>\dbinom{10}{z}</math> and then multiplying by <math>\dbinom{10-z}{x}</math> (the solution sets, for the sake of consistency, are in the form <math>z,x,y</math>). Summing the results for all the solutions gives us <math>5130</math>. Finally, to calculate the probability we must determine our denominator. Since we have <math>3</math> ways to arrange each block, our denominator is <math>3^{10}</math>. <math>\frac{5130}{3^{10}}=\frac{190}{3^7}</math>. The answer is <math>m=\boxed{190}</math>.
  
 
==Solution 2 (a more direct approach)==
 
==Solution 2 (a more direct approach)==
−
Let's make two observations. We are trying to find the number of ways we can add 3,4, and 6 to get 41, and the total number of (non-distinct) sums possible is 3^10.
+
Let's make two observations. We are trying to find the number of ways we can add <math>3\text{s}, 4\text{s}</math>, and <math>6\text{s}</math> to get <math>41</math>, and the total number of (non-distinct) sums possible is <math>3^{10}</math>.
−
Then we just use casework to easily and directly solve for the number of ways to get 41. To begin, the minimum sum is produced with 10 threes, so WLOG we can solve for the number of ways to get 11 with 0, 1, and 3.  
+
Then we just use casework to easily and directly solve for the number of ways to get <math>41</math>. To begin, the minimum sum is produced with <math>10</math> threes, so WLOG we can solve for the number of ways to get <math>11</math> with <math>0\text{s}, 1\text{s}</math>, and <math>3\text{s}</math>.  
  
−
Case 1: 0 zeroes, 0 threes, 11 ones
+
Case I: <math>0</math> zeroes, <math>0</math> threes, <math>11</math> ones
 
Impossible, because there are only ten available spots.
 
Impossible, because there are only ten available spots.
  
−
Case 2: 1 zero, 1 three, 8 ones
+
Case II: <math>1</math> zero, <math>1</math> three, <math>8</math> ones
−
This is just 10! over 8!, so there are 90 possibilities.
+
This is just <math>\frac{10!}{8!}</math>, so there are <math>90</math> possibilities.
  
−
Case 3: 3 zeroes, 2 threes, 5 ones
+
Case III: <math>3</math> zeroes, <math>2</math> threes, <math>5</math> ones
−
This is just 10! over 3!, 2!, and 5! This gives 2520 possibilities.
+
This is just <math>\frac{10!}{3!2!5!}</math>. This gives <math>2520</math> possibilities.
  
−
Case 4: 5 zeroes, 3 threes, and 2 ones.
+
Case IV: 5 zeroes, 3 threes, and 2 ones.
−
This is the same as case 3, so also 2520 possibilities.
+
This is the same as case <math>3</math>, so also <math>2520</math> possibilities.
  
 
<math>90+2520+2520=5130</math>
 
<math>90+2520+2520=5130</math>
  
−
5130 has three powers of 3, so 5130 divided by 27 is <math>\boxed{190}</math>.
+
<math>5130</math> has three powers of <math>3</math>, so <math>5130</math> divided by <math>27</math> is <math>\boxed{190}</math>.
  
 +
-jackshi2006
  
−
-jackshi2006
+
==Solution 3 (Generating Functions)==
 +
Note we are placing 10 crates where each "height" is 3, 4, 6 and we want all the heights to sum to 41.
 +
We can model this as the generating function <cmath>\left(x^3+x^4+x^6\right)^{10}</cmath> where we want the coefficient of <math>x^{41}.</math>
 +
First off, factor this to get <cmath>{x^3}^{10}\left(1+x+x^3\right)^{10}</cmath> and then see that we want the coefficient of <math>x^{11}</math> in <math>\left(1+x+x^3\right)^{10}.</math>
 +
From multinomial theorem, this expansion is <cmath>\sum_{a+b+c=10}\binom{10}{a,b,c}1^ax^bx^{3c}</cmath>
 +
If we want the coefficient of <math>x^{11}</math> then we need <math>b + 3c = 11.</math> with <math>b + c \le 10</math>(from the multinomial expansion).
 +
This has the solutions <math>(b, c) = \{8, 1\}, \{5, 2\}, \{2, 3\}.</math> Note that the denominator of the answer is just <math>3^{10}</math> since there are 3 ways to orientate every crate and there are 10 creates. Thus, our answer is
 +
<cmath>\frac{\binom{10}{8,1,1} + \binom{10}{5,2,3} + \binom{10}{2,3,5}}{3^{10}} = \frac{190}{3^7} \rightarrow \boxed{190}</cmath>
 +
 
 +
==Video Solution (Very fast)==
 +
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeSY_ISSX6M&t=33s
 +
 
 +
~fidgetboss_4000
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 14:39, 8 August 2022

Problem

Ten identical crates each of dimensions $3\mathrm{ft}\times 4\mathrm{ft}\times 6\mathrm{ft}$. The first crate is placed flat on the floor. Each of the remaining nine crates is placed, in turn, flat on top of the previous crate, and the orientation of each crate is chosen at random. Let $\frac {m}{n}$ be the probability that the stack of crates is exactly $41\mathrm{ft}$ tall, where $m$ and $n$ are relatively prime positive integers. Find $m$.

Solution

Only the heights matter, and each crate is either 3, 4, or 6 feet tall with equal probability. We have the following:

\begin{align*}3a + 4b + 6c &= 41\\ a + b + c &= 10\end{align*}

Subtracting 3 times the second from the first gives $b + 3c = 11$, or $(b,c) = (2,3),(5,2),(8,1),(11,0)$. The last doesn't work, obviously. This gives the three solutions $(a,b,c) = (5,2,3),(3,5,2),(1,8,1)$. In terms of choosing which goes where, the first two solutions are analogous.

For $(5,2,3),(3,5,2)$, we see that there are $2\cdot\dfrac{10!}{5!2!3!} = 10\cdot9\cdot8\cdot7$ ways to stack the crates. For $(1,8,1)$, there are $\dfrac{10!}{8!1!1!} = 90$. Also, there are $3^{10}$ total ways to stack the crates to any height.

Thus, our probability is $\dfrac{10\cdot9\cdot8\cdot7 + 90}{3^{10}} = \dfrac{10\cdot8\cdot7 + 10}{3^{8}} = \dfrac{570}{3^8} = \dfrac{190}{3^{7}}$. Our answer is the numerator, $\boxed{190}$.

1 Min Solution

It would be helpful for this solution to be reformatted. To start with, let us observe the three numbers. Note that $3$ and $6$ are both divisible by $3$, so the number of $4$-crates must be congruent to $41\bmod{3}$, which is also congruent to $2\bmod{3}$. Our solutions for the number of $4$-crates will repeat mod $3$, so if $x$ is a solution, so is $x+3$. By inspection, we have that $2$ is solution, and so are $5$ and $8$. Each solution splits into its own case.We must solve the equation $41-4z=6x+3y$, simultaneously with $x+y=10-z$. Note that we already know the possible values of $z$. Solving these (it's AIME $9$, you should be able to do this and if anyone feels like they want to write a rundown of this please go ahead), we get the solution sets $\{8,1,1\},\{5,2,3\},$ and $\{2,3,5\}$. We can count the number of possible arrangements for each solution by taking $\dbinom{10}{z}$ and then multiplying by $\dbinom{10-z}{x}$ (the solution sets, for the sake of consistency, are in the form $z,x,y$). Summing the results for all the solutions gives us $5130$. Finally, to calculate the probability we must determine our denominator. Since we have $3$ ways to arrange each block, our denominator is $3^{10}$. $\frac{5130}{3^{10}}=\frac{190}{3^7}$. The answer is $m=\boxed{190}$.

Solution 2 (a more direct approach)

Let's make two observations. We are trying to find the number of ways we can add $3\text{s}, 4\text{s}$, and $6\text{s}$ to get $41$, and the total number of (non-distinct) sums possible is $3^{10}$. Then we just use casework to easily and directly solve for the number of ways to get $41$. To begin, the minimum sum is produced with $10$ threes, so WLOG we can solve for the number of ways to get $11$ with $0\text{s}, 1\text{s}$, and $3\text{s}$.

Case I: $0$ zeroes, $0$ threes, $11$ ones Impossible, because there are only ten available spots.

Case II: $1$ zero, $1$ three, $8$ ones This is just $\frac{10!}{8!}$, so there are $90$ possibilities.

Case III: $3$ zeroes, $2$ threes, $5$ ones This is just $\frac{10!}{3!2!5!}$. This gives $2520$ possibilities.

Case IV: 5 zeroes, 3 threes, and 2 ones. This is the same as case $3$, so also $2520$ possibilities.

$90+2520+2520=5130$

$5130$ has three powers of $3$, so $5130$ divided by $27$ is $\boxed{190}$.

-jackshi2006

Solution 3 (Generating Functions)

Note we are placing 10 crates where each "height" is 3, 4, 6 and we want all the heights to sum to 41. We can model this as the generating function \[\left(x^3+x^4+x^6\right)^{10}\] where we want the coefficient of $x^{41}.$ First off, factor this to get \[{x^3}^{10}\left(1+x+x^3\right)^{10}\] and then see that we want the coefficient of $x^{11}$ in $\left(1+x+x^3\right)^{10}.$ From multinomial theorem, this expansion is \[\sum_{a+b+c=10}\binom{10}{a,b,c}1^ax^bx^{3c}\] If we want the coefficient of $x^{11}$ then we need $b + 3c = 11.$ with $b + c \le 10$(from the multinomial expansion). This has the solutions $(b, c) = \{8, 1\}, \{5, 2\}, \{2, 3\}.$ Note that the denominator of the answer is just $3^{10}$ since there are 3 ways to orientate every crate and there are 10 creates. Thus, our answer is \[\frac{\binom{10}{8,1,1} + \binom{10}{5,2,3} + \binom{10}{2,3,5}}{3^{10}} = \frac{190}{3^7} \rightarrow \boxed{190}\]

Video Solution (Very fast)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeSY_ISSX6M&t=33s

~fidgetboss_4000

See also

2008 AIME I (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by
Problem 8 		Followed by
Problem 10
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15
All AIME Problems and Solutions

The problems on this page are copyrighted by the Mathematical Association of America's American Mathematics Competitions. AMC logo.png

Retrieved from "https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php?title=2008_AIME_I_Problems/Problem_9&oldid=176792"