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2021 AMC 10A Problem 3

Problem 3 of 25EasierAlgebraNumber Theory

The sum of two natural numbers is 17,402.17{,}402. One of the two numbers is divisible by 10.10. If the units digit of that number is erased, the other number is obtained. What is the difference of these two numbers?

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Solution

Let xx and yy be the two numbers. WLOG, let xx be divisible by 10.10. Then the units digit of xx is 0.0. If we erase the units digit, then we are essentially dividing xx by 10.10. The problem statement also gives us that x10=y.\dfrac{x}{10} = y. Therefore, x10+x=17,40211x10=17,402x=15,820. \begin{aligned} \dfrac{x}{10} + x &= 17,402 \\ \dfrac{11x}{10} &= 17,402 \\ x &= 15,820. \end{aligned} Then xx10=14,238. x - \dfrac{x}{10} = 14,238. Thus, D is the correct answer.

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Concepts: place value · linear equation

Problem text and solution from the LIVE past-contest archive. See also the AoPS wiki page for community solutions.