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2003 AMC 12A Problem 1

Problem 1 of 25EasierAlgebraCounting & Probability

What is the difference between the sum of the first 20032003 even counting numbers and the sum of the first 20032003 odd counting numbers?

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Solution

The kkth even counting number is 2k2k and the kkth odd counting number is 2k1,2k-1, which differ by 1.1. Summing this difference over all 20032003 pairs gives 20031=2003.2003 \cdot 1 = 2003. Thus, the correct answer is D.

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Concepts: summation · pairing and grouping

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