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2018 AMC 12A Problem 2

Problem 2 of 25EasierAlgebra

While exploring a cave, Carl comes across a collection of 55-pound rocks worth $14\$14 each, 44-pound rocks worth $11\$11 each, and 11-pound rocks worth $2\$2 each. There are at least 2020 of each size. He can carry at most 1818 pounds. What is the maximum value, in dollars, of the rocks he can carry out of the cave?

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Solution

The rocks are worth $2.80,\$2.80, $2.75,\$2.75, and $2\$2 per pound, respectively. For each possible number of 55-pound rocks, use as many 44-pound rocks as fit and fill any leftover capacity with 11-pound rocks. Taking 0,1,2,0,1,2, or 33 of the 55-pound rocks gives maximum values $48,\$48, $49,\$49, $50,\$50, and $48,\$48, respectively. Thus two 55-pound and two 44-pound rocks use all 1818 pounds, and the maximum value is $50.\$50. Thus, the correct answer is C.

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