2024 State Competition Solutions

Are you wondering how we could have possibly thought that a Mathlete® would be able
to answer a particular Sprint Round problem without a calculator?

Are you wondering how we could have possibly thought that a Mathlete would be able
to answer a particular Target Round problem in less 3 minutes?

Are you wondering how we could have possibly thought that a particular Team Round
problem would be solved by a team of only four Mathletes?

The following pages provide detailed solutions to the Sprint, Target and Team
Rounds of the 2024 MATHCOUNTS State Competition. These solutions show
creative and concise ways of solving the problems from the competition.

There are certainly numerous other solutions that also lead to the correct answer,
some even more creative and more concise!

We encourage you to find a variety of approaches to solving these fun and challenging
MATHCOUNTS problems.

Special thanks to solutions author

Howard Ludwig
for graciously and voluntarily sharing his solutions
with the MATHCOUNTS community.
 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Sprint 1
2𝑛𝑛 + 10 = 48 → 2𝑛𝑛 = 38 → 𝑛𝑛 = 19.
Sprint 2
32 egg 3 16 3×4×4 12
$0.75 × 10 egg = $ × =$ =$ = $𝟐𝟐. 𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒.
4 5 4×5 5

Sprint 3
(3+(−4)+2+0+8+𝑥𝑥)
A straightforward equation for the mean, by definition, leads to 6
= 2 → 12 = 3 +
(−4) + 2 + 0 + 8 + 𝑥𝑥 = 9 + 𝑥𝑥 → 𝑥𝑥 = 𝟑𝟑 . However, understanding the following logic could help
with more complex problems in the future. The value 3 is 1 above the desired mean of 2; −4 is 6
below so 5 below net so far; 2 is right on; 0 is 2 below so 7 below net; 8 is 6 above so 1 below net; so
𝑥𝑥 needs to be 1 above to balance out and end up with 0 net, so 𝑥𝑥 = 2 + 1 = 3.
Sprint 4
4 divides 𝑦𝑦 and 6 divides 𝑦𝑦 implies lcm(4, 6) = 12 divides 𝑦𝑦. For the product of the digits to be 18
and for 𝑦𝑦 to be even (so 4 can divide it), the digits must be 3 and 6, or 9 and 2. Out of 36 and 92, only
36 is a multiple of 12.
Sprint 5
Getting all 20 correct earns 100 points. Changing a correct answer to incorrect causes a loss of 8
points (loss of 5 points for not getting credit for spelling the word correctly and increasing the loss
by 3 points for the incorrectness penalty). A score of 68 points means a loss of 32 points which
corresponds to 32/8 = 4 incorrect answers.
Sprint 6
The number of cents that a token is worth matches the number of grams in that token’s
mass. Therefore, 435 g of mass of tokens corresponds to 435¢ = $4.35 value.
Sprint 7
For an outer circle of radius 𝑅𝑅 and an inner circle of radius 𝑟𝑟, the area of the annulus is π(𝑅𝑅² − 𝑟𝑟²).
Area for 𝑅𝑅 = 16 cm/2 = 8 cm and 𝑟𝑟 = 5 cm is π[(8 cm)² − (5 cm)²] = π(64 − 25) cm² = 39π cm².
Sprint 8
12 c 4
(3/4) c
× 32 oz = 12 × × 32 oz = 4 × 4 × 32 oz = 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 oz.
3

Sprint 9
Let 𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏 and 𝑐𝑐 be ordered so that 𝑐𝑐 is the greatest of the three to achieve maximum possible value;
𝑎𝑎+5+𝑐𝑐
the median 5 is the middle value, so let 𝑏𝑏 = 5. Then = 10 → 𝑎𝑎 + 5 + 𝑐𝑐 = 30 → 𝑐𝑐 = 25 − 𝑎𝑎, so
3
𝑐𝑐 is maximized when 𝑎𝑎 is minimized: 𝑎𝑎 ≥ 1 → 𝑐𝑐 ≤ 24.
Sprint 10
Let Pr(M), Pr(T) and Pr(M∨T) be the probability of snow on Monday, on Tuesday and on either or
both days, respectively. Then 1 − Pr(M) and 1 − Pr(T) are the probability of no snow on Monday
and on Tuesday, respectively, so (1 − Pr(M))(1 − Pr(T)) = (1 − 0.5)(1 − 0.6) = 0.5 × 0.4 = 0.2 is
the probability that it snows neither Monday nor Tuesday; otherwise, it snows at least one of the
two days, so Pr(M∨T) = 1 − 0.2 = 0.8 = 80 %.

Copyright MATHCOUNTS, Inc. 2024. All rights reserved.

 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Sprint 11
The drop distance 𝑑𝑑 and time 𝑡𝑡 are related by 𝑑𝑑 = 𝑘𝑘𝑡𝑡², so letting 𝑑𝑑₂ and 𝑑𝑑₃ be drop distance after 2 s
𝑑𝑑 𝑘𝑘(2 s)2 4 4 4
and 3 s, respectively, yields the ratio 𝑑𝑑2 = 𝑘𝑘(3 s)2 = , so 𝑑𝑑2 = 𝑑𝑑3 = (144 ft) = 4(16 ft) = 𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔 ft.
3 9 9 9

Sprint 12
Let the weights of the pumpkins be 𝑤𝑤₁, 𝑤𝑤₂, 𝑤𝑤₃, 𝑤𝑤₄, 𝑤𝑤₅ in increasing order of weight. The median of 5
1+5
sorted values must be # = #3, so 𝑤𝑤₃ = 73 kg. Thus, 77 kg must go with 𝑤𝑤₄ or 𝑤𝑤₅ (or both). We
2
have 𝑤𝑤₁ ≤ 𝑤𝑤₂ ≤ 73 kg ≤ 𝑤𝑤₄ ≤ 𝑤𝑤₅, and we wish to minimize 𝑤𝑤₅ − 𝑤𝑤₁. Let’s see how small we can
make 𝑤𝑤₅ and how big we can make 𝑤𝑤₁, consistent with the various constraints. [We must be careful
though, because this does not necessarily mean that we can have the maximum possible value of 𝑤𝑤₁
simultaneously with the minimum possible value of 𝑤𝑤₅.] We must allow for the value of 77 kg, so we
must have either 77 kg = 𝑤𝑤₄ ≤ 𝑤𝑤₅ or 73 kg ≤ 𝑤𝑤₄ ≤ 𝑤𝑤₅ = 77 kg. The less we make 𝑤𝑤₄, the greater we
can make 𝑤𝑤₁ and 𝑤𝑤₂, and we must have such an offset in order to keep the mean at 73 kg. Thus, our
latter option is more promising: 73 kg ≤ 𝑤𝑤₄ ≤ 𝑤𝑤₅ = 77 kg, and we can try the extreme of making
𝑤𝑤₄ = 73 kg, so we are at 𝑤𝑤₁ ≤ 𝑤𝑤₂ ≤ 73 kg, 𝑤𝑤₃ = 𝑤𝑤₄ = 73 kg, 𝑤𝑤₅ = 77 kg. The 5 values having mean of
73 kg means: 0 kg = (𝑤𝑤₁ − 73 kg) + (𝑤𝑤₂ − 73 kg) + (𝑤𝑤₃ − 73 kg) + (𝑤𝑤₄ − 73 kg) + (𝑤𝑤₅ − 73 kg) =
(𝑤𝑤₁ − 73 kg) + (𝑤𝑤₂ − 73 kg) + 0 kg + 0 kg + 4 kg → 𝑤𝑤₁ + 𝑤𝑤₂ = 73 kg + 73 kg − 4 kg = 142 kg.
Thus, the greatest that 𝑤𝑤₁ can be while keeping 𝑤𝑤₁ ≤ 𝑤𝑤₂ occurs with 𝑤𝑤₁ = 𝑤𝑤₂ = (142 kg)/2 = 71 kg.
Therefore, the least possible range is 𝑤𝑤₅ − 𝑤𝑤₁ = 77 kg − 71 kg = 6 kg.
Sprint 13
1
In 1 h, the minute hand moves 1 rotation, thus 360° while the hour hand moves rotation, thus
12
360° 360°−30°
= 30°. Therefore, the minute hand moves at an angular rate of = 330°/h relative to the
12 1h
hour hand. At 02:00, the minute hand is straight up at the 12, but the hour hand has moved to
2 × 30° = 60° ahead of the minute hand. The minute hand needs to close the 60° gap to 0° and then
move on to open the gap to 180° on the other side of the hour hand to be directly opposite. At a rate
240° 8×30 𝟖𝟖
of 330°/h, this 240° shift will take 330°/h = h= h.
11×30 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

Sprint 14
L→O: 4 options; O→DM: 3 options; DM→O: 3 options; O→L: 4 options.
The number of options for each of the 4 choices is independent of which option is picked for the
other choices, so the total is the product of the options count at each choice: 4 × 3 × 3 × 4 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏.
Sprint 15
Let 𝑥𝑥 be the measure of the desired angle ∠DBC. By the isosceles triangle theorem, ∠ABD ≡ ∠ADB;
let 𝑦𝑦 be the measure of those two angles. As the supplementary angle of ∠ADB, ∠CDB has measure
180° − 𝑦𝑦. The sum of the measures of the three angles of a triangle is 180°, so ∠DCB has measure
180° − (180° − 𝑦𝑦) − 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑦𝑦 − 𝑥𝑥. We are given 30° = 𝑚𝑚∠ABC − 𝑚𝑚∠ACB = (𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦) − (𝑦𝑦 − 𝑥𝑥) = 2𝑥𝑥.
Therefore, 𝑥𝑥 = 15°.
Sprint 16
5
The two pairs of rectangular brackets enclose opposite values. Let 𝑎𝑎 = 2 − � ∗ 1�. Then the
1024
ultimate operation is 𝑎𝑎 ∗ (−𝑎𝑎). Let’s evaluate this for arbitrary 𝑎𝑎 as we might save time not plugging
𝑎𝑎+(−𝑎𝑎)+𝑎𝑎(−𝑎𝑎) 0−𝑎𝑎2
in numbers: 𝑎𝑎 ∗ (−𝑎𝑎) = 𝑎𝑎 2
= 𝑎𝑎 2
= −1 for all 𝑎𝑎 ≠ 0, which 𝑎𝑎 satisfies, so the result is −1.

Copyright MATHCOUNTS, Inc. 2024. All rights reserved.

 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Sprint 17
The first card dealt could have been A, B or C to have the ☯, with each being equally likely, thus
1
probability 3. The only cards satisfying the criteria for the second card are A [if applicable—not to
be repeated from first choice], D, E and F. If A was the first card dealt, then only D, E and F out of the
3
5 remaining cards satisfy the desired criteria as the second card, for a probability of ; if either B or
5
C was the first card dealt, then A, D, E and F out of the 5 remaining cards satisfy the desired criteria
4
as the second card, for a probability of . Combining the probabilities for each of the three possible
5
1 3 1 4 1 4 1 3+4+4 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
first-card scenarios yields × + × + × = × = .
3 5 3 5 3 5 3 5 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

Sprint 18
Intersecting the 𝑥𝑥-axis means 𝑦𝑦 = 0, which occurs at −√6 and +√6. For a quadratic equation, this
means the equation is of the form 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎�𝑥𝑥 + √6��𝑥𝑥 − √6� = 𝑎𝑎(𝑥𝑥 2 − 6). At 𝑥𝑥 = 0, 𝑦𝑦 is given to be 2,
1 1 1 1
so 2 = 𝑎𝑎(02 − 6) = −6𝑎𝑎 → 𝑎𝑎 = − . Therefore, 𝑦𝑦 = − (𝑥𝑥 2 − 6) = − 𝑥𝑥 2 + 2 = − 𝑥𝑥 2 + 0𝑥𝑥 + 2
3 3 3 3
1 𝟓𝟓
→ 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 + 𝑐𝑐 = − + 0 + 2 = .
3 𝟑𝟑

Sprint 19
415 = 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝑎𝑎(1 + 𝑏𝑏 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏), so 415 is the product of two positive integers. The positive
divisors of 415 are 1, 5, 83 and 415. With 𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏, 𝑐𝑐 being positive integers, each greater than or equal
to 2, so 1 + 𝑏𝑏 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 ≥ 7 > 5, meaning 𝑎𝑎 = 5 and 1 + 𝑏𝑏 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 83. Thus, 82 = 𝑏𝑏 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 𝑏𝑏(1 + 𝑐𝑐). In
turn, 82 has positive divisors 1, 2, 41 and 82. With 2 ≤ 𝑏𝑏 < 82 and 3 ≤ 1 + 𝑐𝑐 < 82, this means 𝑏𝑏 = 2
and 1 + 𝑐𝑐 = 41. Therefore, 𝑐𝑐 = 40.
Sprint 20
The surface area 𝑆𝑆 of a right circular cone includes the base and the side and is given by
𝑆𝑆 = π𝑟𝑟(𝑟𝑟 + 𝑙𝑙), where 𝑟𝑟 is the radius of the circular base and 𝑙𝑙 is the slant height, with 𝑙𝑙² = 𝑟𝑟² + ℎ²,
where ℎ is the vertical height of the cone. We are given that 𝑆𝑆 has value 90π m², so
90 m2 90 m2
π𝑟𝑟(𝑟𝑟 + 𝑙𝑙) = 90π m². Dividing both sides by π𝑟𝑟 yields 𝑟𝑟 + 𝑙𝑙 = → 𝑙𝑙 = − 𝑟𝑟. Square both
𝑟𝑟 𝑟𝑟
2
90 m2 8100 m4
sides and substitute 𝑙𝑙² = 𝑟𝑟² + ℎ² to obtain 𝑟𝑟 2 + ℎ2 = 𝑙𝑙 2 = � − 𝑟𝑟� = − 180 m2 + 𝑟𝑟 2 .
𝑟𝑟 𝑟𝑟 2
Equating the left end and right end of this string of equations and subtracting 𝑟𝑟² from both sides
8100 m4 8100 m4
yields ℎ2 = 𝑟𝑟 2
− 180 m2 . We are given ℎ = 12 m, so 144 m2 = 𝑟𝑟 2
− 180 m2 → 324 m2 =
8100 m4 8100 m4 81×100
𝑟𝑟 2
→ 𝑟𝑟 2 = 324 m2 = 81×4 m2.
π𝑟𝑟 2 ℎ π�25 m2 �(12 m)
Therefore, 𝑟𝑟 2 = 25 m2, and the volume 𝑉𝑉 = = = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏π m3 .
3 3

Sprint 21
9⁶ − 1 = (9³ + 1)(9³ − 1); 9⁵ − 9³ − 9² + 1 = (9² − 1)(9³ − 1) = 80(9³ − 1). Thus, 9³ − 1 is a factor
of both values, so it cannot contribute a prime factor of the first expression without dividing the
second expression as well. Therefore, our answer must come from 9³ + 1 = 730 = 2 × 5 × 73, of
which 73 is the only prime factor of the first expression that is not a factor of the second expression,
so the answer is 73.

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 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Sprint 22
In this case, P(failure) is easier to calculate than P(success), since “failure” can only happen in two
distinct ways: (1) no dime heads or (2) 1 dime head and no nickel heads. [We will then remember,
P(success) = 1 – P(failure).] Let’s first determine that for the two dimes, P(0 heads) = (1/2)(1/2) =
1/4, P(2 heads) = 1/4 and P(1 head) = 1/2. Now, we’ve already calculated the probability of the
first failure scenario – flipping no heads with the dimes – to be ¼. Note that only the dime tosses are
of concern in this failure scenario. The second failure scenario is a bit more involved. It requires no
nickel heads [probability is (1/2)(1/2)(1/2) = 1/8] and exactly one dime head, which we’ve already
calculated to be 1/2, so the probability of our second failure scenario is (1/8)(1/2) = (1/16). Thus,
the probability of failure is (1/4) + (1/16) = 5/16, and the probability of success is 1 – 5/16 =
11/16.

Sprint 23 C E
1
Each segment portion is of 3 cm, thus 1 cm. Each side of △GHI is 1 cm long,
3
so the triangle is equilateral. Point O, the center of the circle and the centroid I
O
of △GHI. Let M be the midpoint of both ���� ����. The altitude MI is
AB and GH
√3
cm; H
2
A B
M G
the distance from the centroid to the base is 1/3 of the altitude, so MO =
√3 3
���� is the radius of circle O and the hypotenuse F D
6
cm; MB = cm. Therefore, OB
2
3 9 84 7 𝟕𝟕π
of △BOM, with length 𝑟𝑟 = � + cm = � cm = � cm, so circle O encloses area π𝑟𝑟² = cm2 .
36 4 36 3 𝟑𝟑

Sprint 24
There are 6³ = 216 outcomes of dice rolls (𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏, 𝑐𝑐), with 𝑣𝑣 = |𝑎𝑎 − 𝑏𝑏| + |𝑏𝑏 − 𝑐𝑐| + |𝑐𝑐 − 𝑎𝑎|:
Pattern Frequency 𝑓𝑓 Value 𝑣𝑣 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
(𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎) for 1 ≤ 𝑎𝑎 ≤ 6 6 0+0+0= 0 0
(𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 1), (𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 1, 𝑎𝑎 + 1), and perm.: 1 ≤ 𝑎𝑎 ≤ 5 (3 + 3) × 5 = 30 0+1+1= 2 60
(𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 2), (𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 2, 𝑎𝑎 + 2), and perm.: 1 ≤ 𝑎𝑎 ≤ 4 (3 + 3) × 4 = 24 0+2+2= 4 96
(𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 3), (𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 3, 𝑎𝑎 + 3), and perm.: 1 ≤ 𝑎𝑎 ≤ 3 (3 + 3) × 3 = 18 0+3+3= 6 108
(𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 4), (𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 4, 𝑎𝑎 + 4), and perm.: 1 ≤ 𝑎𝑎 ≤ 2 (3 + 3) × 2 = 12 0+4+4= 8 96
(1, 1, 6), (1, 6, 6), and permutations 3+3= 6 0 + 5 + 5 = 10 60
(𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 1, 𝑎𝑎 + 2) and permutations: 1 ≤ 𝑎𝑎 ≤ 4 6 × 4 = 24 1+1+2= 4 96
(𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 1, 𝑎𝑎 + 3), (𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 2, 𝑎𝑎 + 3), and perm.: (6 + 6) × 3 = 36 1+2+3= 6 216
1 ≤ 𝑎𝑎 ≤ 3
(𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 1, 𝑎𝑎 + 4), (𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 3, 𝑎𝑎 + 4), and permutations (6 + 6) × 2 = 24 1 + 3 + 4 = 8 192
for 1 ≤ 𝑎𝑎 ≤ 2
(1, 2, 6), (1, 5, 6), and permutations 6 + 6 = 12 1 + 4 + 5 = 10 120
(𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎 + 2, 𝑎𝑎 + 4) and permutations: 1 ≤ 𝑎𝑎 ≤ 2 6 × 2 = 12 2 + 2 + 4 = 8 96
(1, 3, 6), (1, 4, 6), and permutations 6 + 6 = 12 2 + 3 + 5 = 10 120
Total 216 — 1260
The expected value is the Total 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 divided by the Total 𝑓𝑓: 1260/216 = 35/6.

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 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Sprint 25 𝑦𝑦
Let S = (8, 5) be the path’s starting point and T = (5, 4) be 5 T′ S
its termination point. Let S′ = (8, −1) be the point of B
4 T
reflection of S about the line 𝑦𝑦 = 2, and T′ = (4, 5) be the
point of reflection of T about the line 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥. The red path 3
S→A→B→T is a potential path of the beetle; each segment 2
A
is a straight segment in order to minimize path length. The 1
solid blue path S′→A→B→T′ is a counterpart “virtual”
𝑥𝑥
path involving projected points. (Note: The ���� AB segment is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
shared by both paths, so it is shaded purple.) The dotted
−1 S′
blue lines show the indicated reflections. △SAS′ is isosceles
because it is the union of two congruent right triangles (sharing a common leg on the line 𝑦𝑦 = 2,
with the other pair of legs being congruent based on the reflection), so SA���� and ����
S′A are congruent.
���� �����
Similarly, △TBT′ is isosceles, with TB and T′B being congruent. This means that regardless where A
is on 𝑦𝑦 = 2 and where B is on 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥, the two paths have the same total length. It is easier to
minimize the length of path S′→A→B→T′ than the length of path S→A→B→T. The length of a path
between two points is minimized if the path is straight. Thus, place A and B where line segment S′T′ �����
intersects 𝑦𝑦 = 2 and 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥, respectively, namely A = (6, 2) and B = (4.4; 4.4). Therefore, the
optimum path length is the distance between S′ and T′, �(8 − 4)2 + (−1 − 5)2 = √42 + 62 =
√52 = 𝟐𝟐√𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏.
[NOTE: The reference to the path of a beetle makes for cute but unrealistic amusement. However,
this problem has real-world application for aiming a laser beam reflecting off of two mirrors to be
able to hit a designated point. The bisector of ∠SAB is perpendicular to line 𝑦𝑦 = 2 and the bisector
of ∠ABT is perpendicular to line 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥, matching with angle of reflection equals angle of incidence.]

Sprint 26
165 = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑧𝑧)(𝑦𝑦 + 𝑧𝑧) = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = (𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥)(𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦); [1]
88 = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥(𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦)(𝑧𝑧 + 𝑦𝑦) = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = (𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦)(𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥); [2]
120 = 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦(𝑧𝑧 + 𝑥𝑥)(𝑦𝑦 + 𝑥𝑥) = 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = (𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥)(𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥). [3]
On the right end of equations [1] to [3], each factor (𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥), (𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦), (𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦) occurs twice in
total (perhaps with terms switched), and nothing else, so the square root of the product of all three
equations yields:
√165 × 88 × 120 = √3 × 5 × 11 × 8 × 11 × 3 × 5 × 8 = 3 × 5 × 8 × 11 =
1320 = (𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥)(𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦)(𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦). [4]
We can now successively divide [4] by each of [1] to [3] to yield [5] through [7], respectively:
8 = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦; [5] 15 = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦; [6] 11 = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥. [7]
Each of 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥, 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 and 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 occurs two times in total in equations [5] to [7], and nothing else occurs, so
half the sum of all three equations yields: 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = (8 + 15 + 11)/2 = 17. [8]
We can now successively subtract [8] minus each of [5] to [7] to yield [9] through [11], respectively:
𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = 9; [9] 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = 2; [10] 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = 6. [11]
Multiplying [9] by [10] and dividing by [11] yields 𝑥𝑥 2 = 9 × 2/6 = 3. [12]
2
Multiplying [9] by [11] and dividing by [10] yields 𝑦𝑦 = 9 × 6/2 = 27. [13]
2 4
Multiplying [10] by [11] and dividing by [9] yields 𝑧𝑧 = 2 × 6/9 = . [14]
3
4 9+81+4 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗
Adding equations [12] to [14] yields 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑦𝑦 2 + 𝑧𝑧 2 = 3 + 27 + = = .
3 3 𝟑𝟑

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 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Sprint 27
Let S be the center of the shaded circle and M be the midpoint of segment ���� AB. With segment ����
AB
being a chord of both circle O and circle S, it follows that OM ����� and SM
���� are both perpendicular to ����
AB
at its midpoint M, and therefore O, S and M are collinear. Create an 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥-coordinate system with
origin at O and positive 𝑥𝑥-axis along ray OM ������⃗. We are given that circle O encloses an area of
625π cm², so the radius is √625 cm2 = 25 cm, with ���� OA being such a radius. We are given
AB = 30 cm, so M being the midpoint means AM = 15 cm. △AOM is a 3-4-5 right triangle with scale
factor 5 cm, so OM = 20 cm. We are given CD = 16 cm, so OC = OD − CD = 25 cm − 16 cm = 9 cm.
Thus, the 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥-coordinates, as number of centimeters, of key points are: O = (0, 0); M = (20, 0);
A = (20, 15). Let P = (𝑥𝑥, 0) for yet-to-be-determined value of 𝑥𝑥. C is 9/25 as far from O as A is and
on the opposite side of O, so C = (−7.2; −5.4). Let 𝑟𝑟 be the radius of circle S. Then SA = SB = SC = 𝑟𝑟.
We can use SC ��� and either SA
���� or SB
���� to determine 𝑟𝑟 (there is a strong interdependence between SA ����
����, so we can use only one of those.
and SB
SA = (𝑥𝑥 − 20 cm)2 + (15 cm)2 = 𝑥𝑥 2 − (40 cm)𝑥𝑥 + 625 cm2. [The 625 cm² comes from 3-4-5 △
2

with scale factor 5 cm and squaring hypotenuse.]

SC 2 = (𝑥𝑥 + 7.2 cm)2 + (5.4 cm)2 = 𝑥𝑥 2 + (14.4 cm)𝑥𝑥 + 81 cm2. [The 81 cm² comes from 3-4-5 △
with scale factor 1.8 cm and squaring hypotenuse.]
Setting these two equal yields 𝑥𝑥 2 − (40 cm)𝑥𝑥 + 625 cm2 = 𝑥𝑥 2 + (14.4 cm)𝑥𝑥 + 81 cm2, so
(54.4 cm)𝑥𝑥 = 544 cm2 → 𝑥𝑥 = 10 cm. Therefore, 𝑟𝑟 2 = SA2 = (10 cm − 20 cm)2 + (15 cm)2 =
100 cm2 + 225 cm2 = 325 cm2 and the area enclosed by circle S is π𝑟𝑟² = 325π cm².
Sprint 28
(𝑛𝑛+3)!+(𝑛𝑛−1)!
� (𝑛𝑛−1)!
− 1 = �𝑛𝑛(𝑛𝑛 + 1)(𝑛𝑛 + 2)(𝑛𝑛 + 3) + 1 − 1 for any positive integer 𝑛𝑛.
𝑛𝑛(𝑛𝑛 + 1)(𝑛𝑛 + 2)(𝑛𝑛 + 3) + 1 = [𝑛𝑛(𝑛𝑛 + 3)][(𝑛𝑛 + 1)(𝑛𝑛 + 2)] + 1
3 2 3 2 3 2 1 2
= ��𝑛𝑛 + � − � � � ��𝑛𝑛 + � − � � � + 1
2 2 2 2
2
3 4 5 3 2 25 3 2 5
= �𝑛𝑛 + � − �𝑛𝑛 + � + = ��𝑛𝑛 + � − � = (𝑛𝑛2 + 3𝑛𝑛 + 1)2 .
2 2 2 16 2 4
(𝑛𝑛+3)!+(𝑛𝑛−1)!
Thus, � (𝑛𝑛−1)!
− 1 = �(𝑛𝑛2 + 3𝑛𝑛 + 1)2 − 1 = 𝑛𝑛2 + 3𝑛𝑛 + 1 − 1 = 𝑛𝑛2 + 3𝑛𝑛 = 𝑛𝑛(𝑛𝑛 + 3), because
𝑛𝑛2 + 3𝑛𝑛 + 1 > 0 for 𝑛𝑛 > 0. For the question at hand, 𝑛𝑛 = 2020, so we need the prime factorization of
2020 × 2023. Now, 2020 = 2² × 5 × 101; 2023 = 7 × 289 = 7 × 17², which consolidates to:
2020 × 2023 = 2² × 5¹ × 7¹ × 17² × 101¹, with (2 + 1)(1 + 1)(1 + 1)(2 + 1)(1 + 1) = 3² × 2³ = 72
positive integer factors.
Sprint 29
The pair of equations 𝑥𝑥 4 + 𝑦𝑦 4 = 48 (Lamé curve, hyperellipse) and 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 = 2 (equilateral hyperbola)
have some nice symmetries, in particular swapping the roles of 𝑥𝑥 and 𝑦𝑦 has no impact on the
equations so a symmetry axis of reflection 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥, and changing the sign of both 𝑥𝑥 and 𝑦𝑦 together has
no impact on the equations so a symmetry through the origin. This means that if (𝑥𝑥, 𝑦𝑦) is a solution,
then (−𝑥𝑥, −𝑦𝑦), (𝑦𝑦, 𝑥𝑥) and (−𝑦𝑦, −𝑥𝑥) are also solutions. As a consequence, we also have a symmetry
axis of reflection 𝑦𝑦 = −𝑥𝑥 and a 2-fold rotation symmetry, not 4-fold as some people sometimes
2
erroneously assume. Let’s rewrite the hyperbola equation as 𝑦𝑦 = and substitute that in the
𝑥𝑥
4 16
hyperellipse equation: 𝑥𝑥 + = 48. Multiply through by 𝑥𝑥 and rearrange: 𝑥𝑥 8 − 48𝑥𝑥 4 + 16 = 0.
4
𝑥𝑥 4
This equation is quadratic in 𝑥𝑥 4 , so solve using quadratic equation: 𝑥𝑥 4 = 24 ± √560 (not reducing
intermediate calculations). Let’s try determining the square root of this, to find 𝑥𝑥 2 :
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 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions
2
Let 𝑥𝑥 2 = √𝑎𝑎 + √𝑏𝑏. Then 𝑥𝑥 4 = �√𝑎𝑎 + √𝑏𝑏� = 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 + 2√𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = (𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏) + √4𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎, so we need 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑏𝑏
such that 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏 = 24 and 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 140, which is satisfied by 𝑎𝑎 = 14, 𝑏𝑏 = 10, so 𝑥𝑥 2 = √14 ± √10. Thus,
(𝑥𝑥, 𝑦𝑦) is either of ± ��√14 + √10, �√14 − √10� or ± ��√14 − √10, �√14 + √10�, where in both
cases, either the + or the − may be applied to both components of the ordered pair (no mixing of
one sign to one component and the other sign to the other component). These four solutions form
the vertices of a rectangle, with two vertices in Quadrant I and two in Quadrant III. First find the
distance between the two Quadrant1 points: Note that the difference of the 𝑥𝑥-components is the
negative of the difference in 𝑦𝑦, so their squares will match—just double the square of the
2
𝑥𝑥-component differences: �2 ��√14 + √10 − �√14 − √10� =

�2 ��√14 + √10� + �√14 − √10� − 2��√14 + √10��√14 − √10�� = �2�2√14 − 2 × 2� =

�4√14 − 8. Now let’s similarly handle a perpendicular side of the rectangle. Let’s take as endpoints
��√14 + √10; �√14 − √10� and �−�√14 − √10; −�√14 + √10�—the negative of each of these
would also work, but a pairing of the form (𝑥𝑥; 𝑦𝑦) with (−𝑥𝑥; −𝑦𝑦) yields a diagonal, not a side, by
symmetry. Again the square of the differences match for the 𝑥𝑥- and 𝑦𝑦-components, so apply factor 2
2
to 𝑥𝑥-term inside square root: �2 ��√14 + √10 + �√14 − √10� =

�2 ��√14 + √10� + �√14 − √10� + 2��√14 + √10��√14 − √10�� = �2�2√14 + 2 × 2� =

�4√14 + 8. Therefore, the area enclosed by the rectangle is the product of the two adjacent sides:
2
�4√14 − 8�4√14 + 8 = ��4√14� − 82 = √16 × 14 − 64 = √160 = 𝟒𝟒√𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏.

Sprint 30
The given expression 103⁴ + 101⁴ + 2⁴ is of the form 𝑚𝑚⁴ + 𝑛𝑛⁴ + (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛)⁴, with 𝑚𝑚 = 101 and 𝑛𝑛 = 2.
𝑚𝑚⁴ + 𝑛𝑛⁴ + (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛)⁴ = 𝑚𝑚⁴ + 𝑛𝑛⁴ + 𝑚𝑚⁴ + 4𝑚𝑚³𝑛𝑛 + 6𝑚𝑚²𝑛𝑛² + 4𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚³ + 𝑛𝑛⁴
= 2𝑚𝑚⁴ + 4𝑚𝑚³𝑛𝑛 + 6𝑚𝑚²𝑛𝑛² + 4𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚³ + 2𝑛𝑛⁴ = 2(𝑚𝑚⁴ + 2𝑚𝑚³𝑛𝑛 + 3𝑚𝑚²𝑛𝑛² + 2𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚³ + 𝑛𝑛⁴) = 2(𝑚𝑚² + 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑛𝑛²)².
[The coefficient pattern 1-2-3-2-1 corresponds to 111², which involves the square of a trinomial.]
Thus, the expression given in the question equals 2(101² + 101 × 2 + 2²)² = 2(10 201 + 202 + 4)²
= 2(10 407)². We immediately see 2 as a prime factor. Any prime factor of 10 407² must be a factor
of 10 407 itself. The sum of the digits of 10 407 is 12, which is divisible by 3, so 3² divides 10 407²:
10 407 = 3 × 3469. We have found two prime factors, 2 and 3, neither of which divides 3469, so
based on the given assumption, which we will trust [and it is, in fact, true], that there are three
[distinct] prime factors, the 3469 that remains must be either prime or a power of a prime. To be a
perfect square, number being squared would need to be between 50 and 60, closer to 60, and end in
3 or 7—57² is 3249, so no square (nor fourth power, …). To be a perfect cube, the number being
cubed would need to be between 10 and 20 and end in 9, but 19³ is way too big. For higher powers,
the prime factor must be less than 10, we already have 2 and 3, 5 clearly does not work (3469 not
ending in 0 or 5), and trying 7 yields a remainder of 1. Thus, 3469 is the remaining prime. Of the
three choices, 2, 3 and 3469, the greatest is 3469.

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 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Target 1
𝑗𝑗 + 𝑏𝑏 = 16 oz [1] — Given.
3𝑗𝑗 + 3𝑏𝑏 = 48 oz [2] — Multiplying [1] by 3.
𝑗𝑗 + 3𝑏𝑏 = 24 oz [3] — Given.
2𝑗𝑗 + 3𝑏𝑏 = 24 oz [4] — Subtract [2] minus [3]. Therefore, 𝑗𝑗 = 24 oz/2 = 12 oz.
Target 2
Segment OO′����� connects the centers of externally tangent circles O
and O′, so its length is (18 cm + 6 cm)/2 = 12 cm. Let A and B be the
O′ O
lower points where the band transitions between straight (segment
����
AB) and circular (wrapping around the logs) arcs of O′ and O,
A
respectively. Construct a diameter of circle O perpendicular to ����� OO′ C
and let D be the lower intersection point of the diameter with circle
B
O. Segments �����O′A and OB���� are perpendicular to ����
AB (a line tangent to a D
circle is perpendicular to the radius of the circle at the point of tangency). Construct a segment from
���� and parallel to AB
O′ to OB ���� (and, therefore, perpendicular to OB
����) with point of intersection being C.
CB = O′A = 3 cm. Thus, OC = OB − CB = 9 cm − 3 cm = 6 cm. OO′C is a right triangle, the length of
whose leg OC ���� is 1/2 that of hypotenuse OO′, so 𝑚𝑚∠OO′C = 30°. That means AB = O′C = OC × √3 =
6√3 cm. There is a like straight segment in the upper half of the figure. ∠BOD ≅ ∠OO′C, thus
measuring 30°. By symmetry, there is a like arc in the top half plus a full semicircle to the right of
the line ⃖����⃗
OD. Thus, the band is in contact with the large log for 180° + 2 × 30° = 240° of arc, which is
2 2
of the circumference of circle O, which is × 2𝜋𝜋(9 cm) = 12π cm. The remaining 120° of circular
3 3
1
arc of band contacting a log is on the left side of circle O′, which means of the circumference of
3
1
circle O′, which is 3 × 2𝜋𝜋(3 cm) = 2π cm. Therefore, the length of the band is �12𝜋𝜋 + 2𝜋𝜋 +
2 × 6√3� cm = �14𝜋𝜋 + 12√3� cm = 64.7669 … cm, which rounds to 65 cm.

Target 3
𝑐𝑐 = (84 − 63)/3 = 7 cars. Having 1 additional person per car ride back means 7 more people rode
back, so 7 less people rode the bus back, so 63 − 7 = 56 bus riders on the return trip.
Target 4
Let 𝑛𝑛 be number of attendees and 𝑠𝑠 be the sum of their ages.
𝑛𝑛 = 1 + 2 + 11 + 13 + 12 + 9 + 6 + 2 + 7 + 2 + 5 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 75.
𝑠𝑠 = (1 × 16 + 2 × 17 + 11 × 18 + 13 × 19 + 12 × 20 + 9 × 21 + 6 × 23 + 2 × 24 + 7 × 28
+ 2 × 30 + 5 × 35 + 1 × 36 + 2 × 38 + 2 × 40) yr
= 16 + 34 + 198 + 247 + 240 + 189 + 138 + 48 + 196 + 60 + 175 + 36 + 76 + 80 = 1733 yr.
The mean age value = (1733 yr)/75 = 23.106… yr. The median age is age of #(1 + 75)/2 = #38
attendee. The first 4 histogram blocks have 27 values, and the first 5 have 39 values, so #38 is in the
fifth block, which is age 20 yr. The absolute difference is 23.106… yr − 20 yr = 3.106… yr, which
rounds to one decimal place as 3.1 yr.
Target 5
This is a geometric series with 7 terms (for 7 days of the week), initial term 5 and common ratio 3.
5(37 −1) 5×2186
Therefore, the sum is 3−1
= = 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓.
2

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 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Target 6 Q
The upper figure is Step 3 in the question, plus labels P, Q and R introduced early
from Step 4, plus point I being added as the point where a line is dropped from Q
perpendicular to the top edge of the unshaded part of the strip down to the bottom P IR
���
edge of the shaded part of the strip; In the lower figure, S is the intersection of QI Q
���� ���
and PR. If you cut both layers along QI and unfold the right piece, you get triangle
QST. The gray-shaded QSR is from the topside of the lower folded piece and the P S RT
blue-shaded QRT is from the underside of the upper folded piece, with the
unfolding process moving QI ��� from the upper piece to become QT ���� in the unfolded strip. By
���� ���� ����
construction, QR bisects ∠SQT, QT ⊥ QP and the angle between QP ���� and the upper edge of the strip
in the lower figure is congruent to ∠SQT. Let the measure of ∠SQR and ∠RQT be 𝑚𝑚. Then ∠SQT,
∠QPR and the angle between the upper edge of the strip are congruent and have measure 2𝑚𝑚.
Angles RQT and PQR are complementary, so the measure of ∠PQR is 90° − 𝑚𝑚, and the measure of
∠PRQ is 180° − (2𝑚𝑚 + 90° − 𝑚𝑚) = 90° − 𝑚𝑚. Thus, ∠PQR and ∠PRQ, so △QPR is isosceles. We were
given that the area of △QPR is 36 cm2, we constructed ����
QS ⊥ ����
PR and QS = 6 (the width of the strip),
so 36 = (1/2)(PR)(QS) = (1/2)(PR)(6) and PR = 12 cm. Thus, for isosceles triangle △QPR,
PQ = PR = 12 cm. In △PQS, PQ = 12 cm is the hypotenuse and QS = 6 cm is a leg of the right
triangle, so we have a 30°-60°-90° triangle with the other leg PS being 6√3 cm, SR = (12 − 6√3) cm.
2
Therefore, by Pythagoras QR = �(6 cm)2 + �(12 − 6√3) cm� = �36 + 144 + 108 − 144√3 cm =
�288 − 144√3 cm = 6.211 657… cm, which rounds to 6.21 cm.

Target 7
AD ≤ AB + BC + CD = 4 cm + 3 cm + 7 cm = 14 cm. [Note: Even though we do not know which of
the three lengths goes with which of the three segments, the sum of the three lengths does not
depend on the order.] The three choices for AD are 14 cm and up. Therefore, AD ≤ 14 cm and
AD ≥ 14 cm, which together require AD = 14 cm.
Target 8
Let’s first determine the probability of the underdog team winning a round in 3, 4 or 5 games, along
with the total, to determine the total probability of the favored team to win a round:
1 3 1
Underdog to win in 3: Win all 3 games: � � = .
3 27
3! 1 2 2 1 1
Underdog to win in 4: Win any 2 games and lose 1 of first 3, then win 4th: 2! 1! �3� �3� �3� = 27 × 2 .
4! 1 2 2 2 1 1 8
Underdog to win in 5: Win any 2 games and lose 2 of first 4, then win 5th: � � � � � � = × .
2! 2! 3 3 3 27 3
1 8 1 17 17
Underdog to win altogether: �1 + 2+ �= × = .
27 3 27 3 81
17 64
Therefore, the probability for the favored team to win is 1 − = .
81 81

Connerstown is underdog to win their semifinal round, so probability 17/81 to make it to final.
In the other semifinal round, Appleton is favored for probability 64/81 to make it to final, where
they would be favored over Connerstown, with the latter having probability of 17/81 to win final;
Belleville is the underdog or probability 17/81 to make it to final, where they would be underdog to
Connerstown, who would have probability of 64/81 to win final.
17 64 17 17 17 64 172 ×64
Putting it all together, Connerstown has probability of 81 × 81 × 81 + 81 × 81 × 81 = 2 × 813
36 992
= = 0.069 606… = 6.9606… %, which rounds to 6.96 %.
531 441

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 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Team 1
17 in 3600 s 1 ft 1 mi
19 = 19.68. Therefore, 19.68 × 2h× × 12 in × = 2.236 36… mi, which rounds to
25 s 1h 5280 ft
2.24 mi.
Team 2
Buying 12 carrots means 5/6 of them, or 10 carrots, are regular price, and the other 2 are
260 ¢−2×15 ¢ 230 ¢
discounted: = = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 ¢ for the regular price per carrot.
12−2 10
Team 3
There are 4 one-digit primes (2, 3, 5, 7) With six digits left, perhaps we can get 3 two-digit primes.
However, multi-digit primes must end in 1, 3, 7 or 9, but two of those are used, so only 2 more
primes can possibly work. We can have 2, 3, 5, 7, 41, 89 for a total count of 6 prime terms.
Team 4
Our goal is to find the first band of 6 values we can make, since continuing to add a 6 to each of
them will produce the next 6 values over and over again. The following scores are possible using
each point value on its own:
6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, … 10: 10, 20, 30, 40, … 15: 15, 30, 45, 60, …
Until we use at least one 15, we will not be able to get any odd scores totals. So, let’s start checking
odd numbers greater than 15 until we can get at least 3 consecutive odd numbers. The next
possible odd number is 15 + 6 = 21; then 15 + 10 = 25; then 15 + 6 + 6 = 27; then 15 + 6 + 10 = 31;
then 15 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 33; then 15 + 10 + 10 = 35. We’ve found three consecutive odd values; if we
can construct 30, 32 and 34, we will have found our band of 6 values: 30 = 15 + 15; 32 = 10 + 10 +
6 + 6; 34 = 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 10. So, {30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35} are each possible, meaning each value
greater than 35 also is possible. We were not able to make 29, so that is the greatest unachievable
integer.
Team 5
Create a coordinate system with origin at point B and 𝑥𝑥-axis including segment ���� AB. Thus,
A = (14, 0); B = (0, 0), C = (0, 14). The locus of all points (𝑥𝑥, 𝑦𝑦) at distance 15 units from A are given
by (𝑥𝑥 − 14)² + 𝑦𝑦² = (15)². The locus of all points (𝑥𝑥, 𝑦𝑦) at distance 13 units from B are given by
𝑥𝑥² + 𝑦𝑦² = (13)². Expanding the first equation yields: 𝑥𝑥² − 28𝑥𝑥 + 196 + 𝑦𝑦² = 225, so
[1] 𝑥𝑥² − 28𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦² = 29 and [2] 𝑥𝑥² + 𝑦𝑦² = 169. Performing [2] minus [1] yields 28𝑥𝑥 = 140. Thus,
140
𝑥𝑥 = 28
= 5 cm. With 𝑦𝑦 > 0, 𝑦𝑦² = (13)² − (5)² = 144 implies 𝑦𝑦 = 12. Therefore, P = (5, 12) and
CP = �(5 − 0)2 + (12 − 14)2 = √25 + 4 = √𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐 .

Team 6
Let 𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑖 = 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟 𝑖𝑖−1 for 1 ≤ 𝑖𝑖 ≤ 20 be the 𝑖𝑖th term of the geometric sequence. Then:
32 = 𝑡𝑡4 𝑡𝑡8 𝑡𝑡12 𝑡𝑡16 𝑡𝑡20 = 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟 3 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟 7 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟11 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟15 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟19 = 𝑎𝑎5 𝑟𝑟 55 = (𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟11 )5 = (𝑡𝑡12 )5 , so 𝑡𝑡12 = 2;
4096 = 𝑡𝑡5 𝑡𝑡10 𝑡𝑡15 𝑡𝑡20 = 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟 4 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟 9 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟14 𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟19 = 𝑎𝑎4 𝑟𝑟 46 = (𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟11 )4 𝑟𝑟 2 = (𝑡𝑡12 )4 𝑟𝑟 2 = 24 𝑟𝑟 2 = 16𝑟𝑟 2 , so 𝑟𝑟 2 =
256 and 𝑟𝑟 is either +16 or −16;
𝑡𝑡3 𝑡𝑡6 𝑡𝑡9 𝑡𝑡12 𝑡𝑡15 𝑡𝑡18 = 𝑎𝑎6 𝑟𝑟 2+5+8+11+14+17 = 𝑎𝑎6 𝑟𝑟 57 = (𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑟11 )6 𝑟𝑟 −9 = (𝑡𝑡12 )6 𝑟𝑟 −9 = 26 (±16)−9 =
±26 2−36 = ±2−30 = 2𝑘𝑘 , so 𝑟𝑟 = +16 and 𝑘𝑘 = −30.

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 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Team 7
Our desired prime must be greater than 31. In order to maximize this value while keeping the mean
at 31, all other primes must be less than 31. Let’s say we end up with 𝑛𝑛 prime values included in our
mean: If the prime number 2 is included in the mean, there are 𝑛𝑛 − 1 odd values [all primes other
than 2 being odd] and 1 even value, so the odd-even parity of our sum is the same as the parity of
𝑛𝑛 − 1 but the sum must be 31𝑛𝑛 to have a mean of 31, so the sum has the parity of 𝑛𝑛, which
contradicts the sum having the parity of 𝑛𝑛 − 1; therefore, 2 must be excluded from consideration for
the mean. Including versus excluding 31 has exactly the same outcome, so let’s never use it—keep
things as simple as possible. The greatest prime must be 31𝑛𝑛 minus the sum of all the odd primes
less than 31 that we are using—but that difference does not always have the required primality.
The ideal situation would be that including all 9 odd primes less than 31 would work, but, alas:
31 × 10 − (3 + 5 + 7 + 11 + 13 + 17 + 19 + 23 + 29) = 183 is divisible by 3, so not prime. Thus, we
must remove one or more. We would like to remove as few values as possible and those that we
remove be as close to 31 as possible—these two goals can conflict. Let’s first try removing only 29
(the closest to 31, so having least impact on the mean):
31 × 9 − (3 + 5 + 7 + 11 + 13 + 17 + 19 + 23) removes 31 and adds 29 [a net decrease of 2] to our
first sum of 183 to yield 181, which is prime. We cannot do better than that, so the answer is 181.
Team 8
The probability of getting the two-headed coin is 1/10; when it does happen, the probability of
1 1
getting 10 heads is 1, so the probability of both happening is × 1 = . The probability of getting
10 10
a standard heads/tails coin is 9/10; when it does happen, the probability of getting 10 heads is
9 1 9
(1/2)¹⁰ = 1/1024, so the probability of both happening is × = . These two scenarios
10 1024 10 240
1 9
are disjoint, so the probability of getting 10 heads for the given conditions is the sum + =
10 10 240
1024 9 1033
+ = . The conditional probability that an event 𝐴𝐴 happens whenever an event 𝐵𝐵
10 240 10 240 10 240
1024/10 240 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
happens is given by Pr(𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵)/Pr(B), which for this problem is 1033/10 240 = .
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏

Team 9
The relevant powers of 3 are: 3⁰ = 1; 3¹ = 3; 3² = 9; 3³ = 27; 3⁴ = 81; 3⁵ = 243; 3⁶ = 729. The terms
being separated in value by a factor of 2 or more means that distinct contents in the sums yield
distinct sum values, so we need not be concerned with overlapping sum values. There are 7 terms
from which to choose potentially 2, 4 or 6 to form the sum. The total count of distinct combinations
7! 7! 7!
permitted is 7C2 + 7C4 + 7C6 = 2! 5! + 4! 3! + 6! 1! = 21 + 35 + 7 = 63. However, some of these
violate the criterion of the sum not exceeding 1000. Exceeding 1000 requires at least 4 terms, with
two of them being 729 and 243, with these latter two summing to 972, leaving 28 to spare. The only
way to exceed 1000 is if at least one of 81 and 27 must be included. If 81 is included, we are
definitely over: 81 must be paired with either one other term, with 4 to choose from, or 81 must be
combined with three other terms, thus leaving out any one lower term, of which there are 4 to
chose from; this means we have so far rejected 8 of the 63 to leave 55 to consider. The last case to
consider is 81 is excluded and 27 is included, with one (any one of 9, 3 or 1) or three other terms
(all of 9, 3 and 1) also included—a total of 4 possibilities. The only way for 27 to work is to be
paired with 1, so the other 3 possibilities fail, leaving 52 that work.

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 2024 STATE COMPETITION Solutions

Team 10
���� and CD
���� so that they intersect (X). The sum X
Extend segments AF 18
of the measures of the interior angles of quadrilateral FEDX is F 9
360°; we are given that the sum of all of them except ∠DXF is 24 A
30
270°, so ∠DXF is a right angle. Extend segment DE ���� to intersect 16
����
AB (P); extend segment FE ���� to intersect ����
BC (Q). Because ����
AB ∥ ����
FQ 34 E 24
D P
���� ∥ ����
and DP CB: ∠ DEF and ∠CBA are corresponding and, thus,
12
congruent, and ∠XDE and ∠XCB are corresponding and
congruent; ∠EFX and ∠BAX are corresponding and congruent. C 51 Q
B
Thus, ∠XDE ≅ ∠XCB, ∠DEF ≅ ∠CBA, ∠EFX ≅ ∠BAX and
∠FXD ≅ ∠AXC. So, quadrilaterals XDEF and XCBA are similar. Sides DE and CB are corresponding
2 XD XD 2 FX FX
with linear scale ratio 34 : 51 = 2/3. Thus, 3 = XC
=
XD+12
, so XD = 24; =
3 AX
=
FX+9
, so FX = 18.
Because ∠X is a right angle, and 18 and 24 are leg lengths of a 3-4-5 right triangle with scale factor
6, so hypotenuse FD has length 6 × 5 = 30, and △DFX encloses area 18 × 24/2 = 216. Now, △EFD is
a 8-15-17 right triangle with scale factor 2 and encloses area 16 × 30/2 = 240. The total area
enclosed by quadrilateral XDEF is 216 + 240 = 456. Thus, the area enclosed by quadrilateral XCBA
3 2 9
is � � = the area enclosed by XDEF, and the area enclosed by the hexagon is the difference in
2 4
9 5×456
area of the two quadrilaterals, therefore � − 1� 456 = = 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓.
4 4

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