Difference between revisions of "2013 AIME II Problems/Problem 14"
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===The Proof=== | ===The Proof=== | ||
− | The solution presented above does not prove why F(x) is found by dividing x by 3. Indeed, that is the case, as rigorously shown below. | + | The solution presented above does not prove why <math>F(x)</math> is found by dividing <math>x</math> by <math>3</math>. Indeed, that is the case, as rigorously shown below. |
− | Consider the case where x = 3k. We shall prove that F(x) = f(x, k+1). | + | Consider the case where <math>x = 3k</math>. We shall prove that <math>F(x) = f(x, k+1)</math>. |
− | For all x/2 >= n > k+1, x = 2n + q, where 0 <= q <= n. This is because x > 3k + 3 = 3n and x < n. Also, as n increases, q decreases. Thus, q = f(x, n) < f(x, k+1) = k - 2 for all n > k+1. | + | For all <math>x/2 >= n > k+1, x = 2n + q</math>, where <math>0 <= q <= n</math>. This is because <math>x > 3k + 3 = 3n</math> and <math>x < n</math>. Also, as n increases, <math>q</math> decreases. Thus, <math>q = f(x, n) < f(x, k+1) = k - 2</math> for all <math>n > k+1</math>. |
− | Consider all n < k+1. f(x, k) = 0 and f(x, k-1) = 3. Also, 0 < f(x, k-2) < k-2. Thus, for k > 5, f(x, k+1) > f(x, n) for n < k+1. | + | Consider all <math>n < k+1. f(x, k) = 0</math> and <math>f(x, k-1) = 3</math>. Also, <math>0 < f(x, k-2) < k-2</math>. Thus, for <math>k > 5, f(x, k+1) > f(x, n)</math> for <math>n < k+1</math>. |
− | Similar proofs apply for x = 3k + 1 and x = 3k + 2. The reader should feel free to derive these proofs himself. | + | Similar proofs apply for <math>x = 3k + 1</math> and <math>x = 3k + 2</math>. The reader should feel free to derive these proofs himself. |
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
{{AIME box|year=2013|n=II|num-b=13|num-a=15}} | {{AIME box|year=2013|n=II|num-b=13|num-a=15}} | ||
{{MAA Notice}} | {{MAA Notice}} |
Revision as of 18:05, 18 October 2014
Problem 14
For positive integers and , let be the remainder when is divided by , and for let . Find the remainder when is divided by .
Solution
Easy solution without strict proof
We can find that
Observing these and we can find that the reminders are in groups of three continuous integers, considering this is true, and we get
So the sum is , so the answer is .
The Proof
The solution presented above does not prove why is found by dividing by . Indeed, that is the case, as rigorously shown below.
Consider the case where . We shall prove that . For all , where . This is because and . Also, as n increases, decreases. Thus, for all . Consider all and . Also, . Thus, for for .
Similar proofs apply for and . The reader should feel free to derive these proofs himself.
See Also
2013 AIME II (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
Preceded by Problem 13 |
Followed by Problem 15 | |
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.