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2024 AMC 12A Problem 2

Problem 2 of 25EasierAlgebra

A model used to estimate the time it will take to hike to the top of a 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

From 1.5a+800b=1.2a+1100b1.5a+800b=1.2a+1100b we get 0.3a=300b,0.3a=300b, so a=1000b.a=1000b. Then 69=1.5a+800b69=1.5a+800b =1500b+800b=2300b,=1500b+800b=2300b, giving b=0.03b=0.03 and a=30.a=30. For L=4.2, G=4000,L=4.2,\ G=4000, T=30(4.2)T=30(4.2) +0.03(4000)+0.03(4000) =126+120=246.=126+120=246. Thus, the correct answer is B.

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Concepts: system of equations · substitution

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