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2003 AMC 10B Problem 13

Problem 13 of 25IntermediateNumber TheoryProblem-Solving Techniques

Let ♣(x)\clubsuit(x) denote the sum of the digits of the positive integer x.x. For example, ♣(8)=8\clubsuit(8)=8 and ♣(123)=1+2+3=6.\clubsuit(123)=1+2+3=6. For how many two-digit values of xx is ♣(♣(x))=3?\clubsuit(\clubsuit(x))=3?

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Solution

Let y=♣(x).y=\clubsuit(x). Since x≤99,x\le 99, we have y≤18,y\le 18, so ♣(y)=3\clubsuit(y)=3 forces y=3y=3 or y=12.y=12. The two-digit numbers with digit sum 33 are 12,12, 21,21, and 3030 (33 of them). Those with digit sum 1212 are 39,39, 48,48, 57,57, 66,66, 75,75, 84,84, and 9393 (77 of them). In all there are 10.10. Thus, the correct answer is E.
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