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2024 AMC 10A Problem 2

Problem 2 of 25EasierAlgebra

A model used to estimate the time it will take to hike to the top of the mountain on a trail is of the form T=aL+bG,T = aL + bG, where aa and bb are constants, TT is the time in minutes, LL is the length of the trail in miles, and GG is the altitude gain in feet. The model estimates that it will take 6969 minutes to hike to the top if a trail is 1.51.5 miles long and ascends 800800 feet, as well as if a trail is 1.21.2 miles long and ascends 11001100 feet. How many minutes does the model estimate it will take to hike to the top if the trail is 4.24.2 miles long and ascends 40004000 feet?

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Solution

Subtract the two equations 1.5a+800b=691.5a + 800b = 69 and 1.2a+1100b=691.2a + 1100b = 69 to kill the 69.69. That leaves 0.3a300b=0,0.3a - 300b = 0, so a=1000b.a = 1000b. Now substitute: 1500b+800b=2300b=69,1500b + 800b = 2300b = 69, so b=0.03b = 0.03 and a=30.a = 30. Then T=30(4.2)+0.03(4000)T = 30(4.2) + 0.03(4000) =126+120= 126 + 120 =246.= 246. Therefore, the answer is B.

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Concepts: system of equations · linear equation

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