2008 Gauss Solution
2008 Gauss Solution
2008 Gauss Solution
Mathematics
Competition
An activity of the Centre for Education
in Mathematics and Computing,
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario
Solutions
2007
c Waterloo Mathematics Foundation
2008 Gauss Contest Solutions Page 2
Ed Anderson
Lloyd Auckland
Steve Brown
Jennifer Couture
Fiona Dunbar
Jeff Dunnett
Barry Ferguson
Judy Fox
Sandy Graham
Judith Koeller
Joanne Kursikowski
Angie Lapointe
Dean Murray
J.P. Pretti
Linda Schmidt
Kim Schnarr
Jim Schurter
Carolyn Sedore
Ian VanderBurgh
Troy Vasiga
Grade 7
1. Calculating, 6 × 2 − 3 = 12 − 3 = 9.
Answer: (A)
1
3. Using a common denominator of 8, we have 2
+ 41 + 1
8
= 4
8
+ 28 + 1
8
= 78 .
Answer: (D)
4. Since the polygon has perimeter 108 cm and each side has length 12 cm, then the polygon has
108 ÷ 12 = 9 sides.
Answer: (D)
5. In the set, three of the numbers are greater than or equal to 3, and two of the numbers are less
than 3.
The smallest number must be one of the numbers that is less than 3, that is, 2.3 or 2.23.
Of these two numbers, 2.23 is the smallest, so is the smallest number in the set.
Answer: (D)
9. Since 50% selected chocolate and 10% selected strawberry as their favourite flavour, then overall
50% + 10% = 60% chose chocolate or strawberry as their favourite flavour.
60
Now 60% = 100 = 35 , so 35 of the people surveyed selected chocolate or strawberry as their
favourite flavour.
Answer: (A)
10. Since Max sold 41 glasses of lemonade on Saturday and 53 on Sunday, he sold 41 + 53 = 94
glasses in total.
Since he charged 25 cents for each glass, then his total sales were 94 × $0.25 = $23.50.
Answer: (A)
2008 Gauss Contest Solutions Page 4
11. Since Chris spent $68 in total and $25 on the helmet, then he spent $68 − $25 = $43 on the
two hockey sticks.
Since the two sticks each cost the same amount, then this cost was $43 ÷ 2 = $21.50.
Answer: (C)
Therefore, x = 6 − 4 = 2.
Answer: (B)
16. In the diagram, the length of one side of the large square is equal to eight side lengths of the
smaller squares, so the large square consists of 8 × 8 = 64 small squares.
Of these 64 small squares, 48 are shaded. (We can obtain this number by counting the 48 shaded
squares or by counting the 16 unshaded squares.)
48
As a percentage, this fraction equals 64 × 100% = 34 × 100% = 75%.
Answer: (D)
17. Solution 1
Since the perimeter of a rectangle equals twice the length plus twice the width, then the length
plus the width equals 120 ÷ 2 = 60.
Since the length equals twice the width plus 6, then twice the width plus the width equals
60 − 6 = 54.
In other words, three times the width equals 54, so the width equals 54 ÷ 3 = 18.
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Solution 2
Let the width of the rectangle be w.
Then the length of the rectangle is 2w + 6.
Since the perimeter is 120, then
2w + 2(2w + 6) = 120
2w + 4w + 12 = 120
6w = 108
w = 18
19. After some experimentation, the only way in which the two given pieces can be put together
to stay within a 4 × 4 grid and so that one of the given choices can fit together with them is to
20. The possible ways of writing 72 as the product of three different positive integers are: 1×2×36;
1 × 3 × 24; 1 × 4 × 18; 1 × 6 × 12; 1 × 8 × 9; 2 × 3 × 12; 2 × 4 × 9; 3 × 4 × 6.
(We can find all of these possibilities systematically by starting with the smallest possible first
number and working through the possible second numbers, then go to the next possible smallest
first number and continue.)
The sums of these sets of three numbers are 39, 28, 23, 19, 18, 17, 15, 13, so the smallest
possible sum is 13.
Answer: (A)
21. Since Andrea has completed 73 of the total 168 km, then she has completed 37 × 168 km or
3 × 24 = 72 km.
This means that she has 168 − 72 = 96 km remaining.
To complete the 96 km in her 3 remaining days, she must average 96
3
= 32 km per day.
Answer: (D)
22. Solution 1
Since P Q is parallel to SR, then the height of 4P QS (considering P Q as the base) and the
height of 4SRQ (considering SR as the base) are the same (that is, the vertical distance be-
tween P Q and SR).
2008 Gauss Contest Solutions Page 6
Since SR is twice the length of P Q and the heights are the same, then the area of 4SRQ is
twice the area of 4P QS.
In other words, the area of 4P QS is 13 of the total area of the trapezoid, or 13 × 12 = 4.
Solution 2
Draw a line from Q to T , the midpoint of SR.
P Q
S T R
23. Since Ethan does not sit next to Dianne, the four must arrange themselves in one of the
configurations:
D E D E D E
E D E D E D
For each of these six configurations, there are two ways for Beverly and Jamaal to sit (either
with Beverly on the left or with Jamaal on the left).
Therefore, there are 6 × 2 = 12 possible ways that the four can sit. (Try listing them out!)
Answer: (B)
24. Since the two large triangles are equilateral, then each of their three angles equals 60◦ .
Therefore, each of 6 small triangles in the star has an angle of 60◦ between the two equal sides.
But each of these 6 small triangles is isosceles so each of the remaining two angles must equal
1
2
(180◦ − 60◦ ) or 60◦ .
Therefore, each of the small triangles is equilateral.
This shows us that the inner hexagon has all sides equal, and also that each angle is 180◦ − 60◦
or 120◦ , so the hexagon is regular.
Next, we draw the three diagonals of the hexagon that pass through its centre (this is possible
because of the symmetry of the hexagon).
2008 Gauss Contest Solutions Page 7
Also, because of symmetry, each of the angles of the hexagon is split in half, to get 120◦ ÷2 = 60◦ .
Therefore, each of the 6 new small triangles has two 60◦ angles, and so must have its third angle
equal to 60◦ as well. Thus, each of the 6 new small triangles is equilateral.
So all 12 small triangles are equilateral. Since each has one side length marked by a single
slash, then these 12 small triangles are all identical.
Since the total area of the star is 36, then the area of each small triangle is 36 ÷ 12 = 3.
Since the shaded area is made up of 9 of these small triangles, its area is 9 × 3 = 27.
Answer: (C)
2 + (2 + 1) + (2 + 2) + (2 + 3) + (2 + 4) + (2 + 5) + (2 + 6) + (2 + 7) + (2 + 8) = 54
Of these 2000 integers, 200 have a tens digit of 0, 200 have a tens digit of 1, and so on.
(Ten integers out of every 100 have a tens digit of 0, and so on.)
Therefore, the sum of the tens digits of these integers is
Of these 2000 integers, 200 have a hundreds digit of 0 (that is, 0000 to 0099 and 1000 to 1099),
200 have a hundreds digit of 1, and so on.
(One hundred integers out of every 1000 have a hundreds digit of 0, and so on.)
Therefore, the sum of the hundreds digits of these integers is
Of these 2000 integers, 1000 have a thousands digit of 0 and 1000 have a thousands digits of 1.
Therefore, the sum of the thousands digits of these integers is
Overall, the sum of all of the digits of these integers is 54 + 9000 + 9000 + 9000 + 1000 = 28 054.
Answer: (E)
2008 Gauss Contest Solutions Page 8
2008 Gauss Contest Solutions Page 9
Grade 8
1. Using the correct order of operations, 8 × (6 − 4) + 2 = 8 × 2 + 2 = 16 + 2 = 18.
Answer: (C)
2. Since the polygon has perimeter 108 cm and each side has length 12 cm, then the polygon has
108 ÷ 12 = 9 sides.
Answer: (D)
5. When these four numbers are listed in increasing order, the two negative numbers come first,
followed by the two positive numbers.
Of the two positive numbers, 0.28 and 2.8, the number 0.28 is the smallest.
Of the two negative numbers, −0.2 and −8.2, the number −8.2 is the smallest.
Therefore, the correct order is −8.2, −0.2, 0.28, 2.8.
Answer: (A)
6. From the given formula, the number that should be placed in the box is 53 +5−1 = 125+4 = 129.
Answer: (E)
7. Since 50% selected chocolate and 10% selected strawberry as their favourite flavour, then overall
50% + 10% = 60% chose chocolate or strawberry as their favourite flavour.
60
Now 60% = 100 = 35 , so 35 of the people surveyed selected chocolate or strawberry as their
favourite flavour.
Answer: (A)
8. Solution 1
Since 5 times the number minus 9 equals 51, then 5 times the number must equal 60 (that
is, 51 + 9).
Therefore, the original number is 60 divided by 5, or 12.
Solution 2
Let the original number be x.
60
Then 5x − 9 = 51, so 5x = 51 + 9 = 60, so x = = 12.
5
Answer: (D)
9. Solution 1
20
Since Danny weighs 40 kg, then 20% of his weight is 100 × 40 = 51 × 40 = 8 kg.
Since Steven weighs 20% more than Danny, his weight is 40 + 8 = 48 kg.
Solution 2
Since Steven weighs 20% more than Danny, then Steven’s weight is 120% of Danny’s weight.
120
Since Danny’s weight is 40 kg, then Steven’s weight is 100 × 40 = 65 × 40 = 48 kg.
Answer: (C)
2008 Gauss Contest Solutions Page 10
10. Of the given 11 numbers, the numbers 3, 5, 7, 11 and 13 are prime. (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 are not
prime, since they are divisible by 2, and 9 is not prime since it is divisible by 3.)
Therefore, 5 of the 11 numbers are prime.
Thus, if a card is chosen at random and flipped over, the probability that the number on this
5
card is a prime number is 11 .
Answer: (E)
11. In centimetres, the dimensions of the box are 20 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm (since 1 m equals
100 cm).
Therefore, the volume of the box is
12. Solution 1
Since each pizza consists of 8 slices and each slice is sold for $1, then each pizza is sold for $8 in
total.
Since 55 pizzas are sold, the total revenue is 55 × $8 = $440.
Since 55 pizzas were bought initially, the total cost was 55 × $6.85 = $376.75.
Therefore, the total profit was $440 − $376.75 = $63.25.
Solution 2
Since each pizza consists of 8 slices and each slice is sold for $1, then each pizza is sold for $8
in total.
Since each pizza was bought for $6.85 initially, then the school makes a profit of $8.00 − $6.85
or $1.15 per pizza.
Since the school completely sold 55 pizzas, then its total profit was 55 × $1.15 = $63.25.
Answer: (D)
13. Since RSP is a straight line, then ∠RSQ + ∠QSP = 180◦ , so ∠RSQ = 180◦ − 80◦ = 100◦ .
Since 4RSQ is isosceles with RS = SQ, then
15. If Abby had 23 nickels, the total value would be 23 × $0.05 = $1.15.
But the total value of Abby’s coins is $4.55, which is $3.40 more.
Since a quarter is worth 20 cents more than a nickel, then every time a nickel is replaced by a
quarter, the total value of the coins increase by 20 cents.
For the total value to increase by $3.40, we must replace $3.40 ÷ $0.20 = 17 nickels with
quarters.
Therefore, Abby has 17 quarters.
(To check, if Abby has 17 quarters and 6 nickels, the total value of the coins that she has is
17 × $0.25 + 6 × $0.05 = $4.25 + $0.30 = $4.55.)
Answer: (B)
16. After some experimentation, the only way in which the two given pieces can be put together
to stay within a 4 × 4 grid and so that one of the given choices can fit together with them is to
17. The digits after the decimal point occur in repeating blocks of 6 digits.
Since 2008 ÷ 6 = 334.666..., then the 2008th digit after the decimal point occurs after 334
blocks of digits have been used.
In 334 blocks of 6 digits, there are 334 × 6 = 2004 digits in total. Therefore, the 2008th digit
is 4 digits into the 335th block, so must be 8.
Answer: (A)
18. Since Andrea has completed 37 of the total 168 km, then she has completed 37 × 168 km or
3 × 24 = 72 km.
This means that she has 168 − 72 = 96 km remaining.
To complete the 96 km in her 3 remaining days, she must average 96
3
= 32 km per day.
Answer: (D)
19. Solution 1
After some trial and error, you might discover that x = 0 and y = 7 works, since
307 + 703 = 1010.
Therefore, since we are asked for the unique value of y − x, it must be 7 − 0 = 7.
Solution 2
When performing this addition, in the units column either y + 3 = x or y + 3 = x with a carry
of 1, meaning that y + 3 = 10 + x.
Therefore, either y − x = −3 or y − x = 10 − 3 = 7.
If there was no carry, then adding up the tens digits, we would get x + x ending in a 1, which
is impossible as x + x = 2x which is even.
Therefore, the addition y + 3 must have a carry of 1.
Therefore, y − x = 7.
Answer: (C)
2008 Gauss Contest Solutions Page 12
20. Solution 1
The area of a trapezoid equals one-half times the sum of the bases times the height.
Therefore, the area of this trapezoid is
1 1
2
× (9 + 11) × 3 = 2
× 20 × 3 = 10 × 3 = 30
Solution 2
We draw diagonal BD.
9 B
A
3 5
D C
11
Q B
A
3 5
D P C
21. The object has 7 “front” faces, each of which is 1 × 1. Therefore, the surface area of the front
is 7 × 1 × 1 = 7.
Similarly, the surface area of the “back” is 7.
Now consider the faces on the left, top, right and bottom. Each of these faces is 1 × 2, so each
has an area of 2.
How many of these faces are there?
If we start at the bottom left and travel clockwise around the figure, we have 2 left faces, 2 top
faces, 2 left faces, 1 top face, 3 right faces, 1 bottom face, 1 right face, and 2 bottom faces, or
14 faces in total.
Therefore, the surface area accounted for by these faces is 14 × 2 = 28.
Therefore, the total surface area of the object is 7 + 7 + 28 = 42.
Answer: (A)
2008 Gauss Contest Solutions Page 13
22. There are 6 possibilities for the first row of the grid:
1, 2, 3 1, 3, 2 2, 1, 3 2, 3, 1 3, 1, 2 3, 2, 1
1 2 3
Consider the first row of 1, 2, 3: .
1 2 3 1 2 3
The first column could be 1, 2, 3 or 1, 3, 2: 2 or 3 .
3 2
Each of these grids can be finished with the given rules, but can only be finished in one way.
(In the first grid, the middle number in the bottom row cannot be 2 or 3, so is 1, so the middle
number in the middle row is 3, so the right column is 3, 1, 2.
Similarly, in the second grid, the middle number in the middle row must be 1. Try completing
this grid!)
Therefore, a first row of 1, 2, 3 gives two possible grids.
Similarly, each of the other 5 possible first rows will give two other grids.
(We can see this by trying each of these possibilities or by for example switching all of the 2s
and 3s to get the grids with a first row of 1, 3, 2.)
Therefore, the total number of different ways of filling the grid is 6 × 2 = 12.
Answer: (B)
23. Since the area of the larger circle is 64π and each circle is divided into two equal areas, then
the larger shaded area is 12 of 64π, or 32π.
Let r be the radius of the larger circle. √
Since the area of the larger circle is 64π, then πr2 = 64π or r2 = 64 or r = 64 = 8, since
r > 0.
Since the smaller circle passes through the centre of the larger circle and just touches the outer
circle, then by symmetry, its diameter must equal the radius of the larger circle. (In other
words, if we join the centre of the larger circle to the point where the two circles just touch,
this line will be a radius of the larger circle and a diameter of the smaller circle.)
Therefore, the diameter of the smaller circle is 8, so its radius is 4.
Therefore, the area of the smaller circle is π(42 ) = 16π, so the smaller shaded area is 21 × 16π
or 8π.
Therefore, the total of the shaded areas is 32π + 8π = 40π.
Answer: (D)
2 + (2 + 1) + (2 + 2) + (2 + 3) + (2 + 4) + (2 + 5) + (2 + 6) + (2 + 7) + (2 + 8) = 54
Of these 2000 integers, 200 have a tens digit of 0, 200 have a tens digit of 1, and so on.
(Ten integers out of every 100 have a tens digit of 0, and so on.)
Therefore, the sum of the tens digits of these integers is
Of these 2000 integers, 200 have a hundreds digit of 0 (that is, 0000 to 0099 and 1000 to 1099),
200 have a hundreds digit of 1, and so on.
(One hundred integers out of every 1000 have a hundreds digit of 0, and so on.)
Therefore, the sum of the hundreds digits of these integers is
Of these 2000 integers, 1000 have a thousands digit of 0 and 1000 have a thousands digits of 1.
Therefore, the sum of the thousands digits of these integers is
Overall, the sum of all of the digits of these integers is 54 + 9000 + 9000 + 9000 + 1000 = 28 054.
Answer: (E)
25. Since the length of the candles was equal at 9 p.m., the longer one burned out at 10 p.m., and
the shorter one burned out at midnight, then it took 1 hour for the longer candle and 3 hours
for the shorter candle to burn this equal length.
Therefore, the longer candle burned 3 times as quickly as the shorter candle.
Suppose that the shorter candle burned x cm per hour.
Then the longer candle burned 3x cm per hour.
From its lighting at 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., the longer candles burned for 6 hours, so burned 6 × 3x
or 18x cm.
From its lighting at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the shorter candle burned for 2 hours, so burns 2 × x = 2x
cm.
But, up to 9 p.m., the longer candle burned 32 cm more than the shorter candle, since it began
32 cm longer.
Therefore, 18x − 2x = 32 or 16x = 32 or x = 2.
In summary, the shorter candle burned for 5 hours at 2 cm per hour, so its initial length was
10 cm.
Also, the longer candle burned for 7 hours at 6 cm per hour, so its initial length was 42 cm.
Thus, the sum of the original lengths is 42 + 10 = 52 cm.
Answer: (E)