2009 AIME I Problems/Problem 1: Difference between revisions
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== Solution == | == Solution == | ||
The largest geometric number is <math>964</math> and the smallest is <math>124</math>. Thus the difference is <math>964 - 124 = \boxed{840}</math>. | Assume that the largest geometric number starts with a nine. We know that the common ratio must be k/3, because a whole number should be attained for the 3rd term as well. When k = 1, the number is <math>931</math>. When k = 2, the number is 964. When k = 3, we get <math>999</math>, but the integers must be distinct. By the same logic, the smallest geometric number is <math>124</math>. The largest geometric number is <math>964</math> and the smallest is <math>124</math>. Thus the difference is <math>964 - 124 = \boxed{840}</math>. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
Revision as of 21:14, 20 March 2009
Problem
Call a 
-digit number geometric if it has distinct digits which, when read from left to right, form a geometric sequence. Find the difference between the largest and smallest geometric numbers.
Solution
Assume that the largest geometric number starts with a nine. We know that the common ratio must be k/3, because a whole number should be attained for the 3rd term as well. When k = 1, the number is 
. When k = 2, the number is 964. When k = 3, we get 
, but the integers must be distinct. By the same logic, the smallest geometric number is 
. The largest geometric number is 
and the smallest is . Thus the difference is 
.
See also
| 2009 AIME I (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
| Preceded by First Question |
Followed by Problem 2 | |
| 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 | ||
| All AIME Problems and Solutions | ||
