alpham
How many three-digit numbers ABC, in which A, B, and C are each digits, satisfy the equation 2B = A + C?
A. 33
B. 36
C. 41
D. 45
E. 50
Let us understand why we get 5*5 or 4*5 in our solutions.
1
) If you are quick with numbers, then this is the method.
2B=A+C means A+C is even, and for that either both are even or both are odd.
So whenever A+C has a EVEN value, there is a B for it and each such combination will give us a number ABC.This means we have to concentrate on values of A+C, rather than on B.
(I)
a) Both A and C are ODD..
5 values - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9- possible for each of A and C...Total combinations = 5*5=25
b) Both A and C are EVEN..
5 values - 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 - possible for C, but 0 is not possible for A, so 4 values - 2, 4, 6 and 8....Total combinations = 4*5=20
Answer = 25+20=45
(II)
Total possible values for A without restrictions = 9, that is all digits except 0.
Total possible values for C without restrictions = 10.
All possible combinations = 10*9=90
But possibility of A+C being ODD or EVEN will be same, so 90/2=45 for even.
Answer = 45
2) If we are not very comfortable with permutations and combinations, a normal calculation for values of A, B and C will also help as there are very limited combinations.
B can take values from 0 to 9, but 0 as a value will make ABC as 000.
a) B=1
2B=2......(A,C) = (1,1) and (2,0)..............2
b) B=2
2B=4......(A,C) = (2,2),(3,1),(1,3) and (0,0)..............4
c) B=3
2B=6......(A,C) = (3,3), (4,2)(2,4),(5,1),(1,5) and (0,0).............6
d) B=4
2B=8......(A,C) = (4,4),(3,5),(5,3), (6,2)(2,6),(7,1),(1,7) and (0,0).............8
Now, the sum A+C will become 2-digit number so option (0,0) will not be theree) B=5
2B=10......(A,C) = (5,5), (6,4),(4,6),(7,3), (3,7),(8,2)(2,8),(9,1),(1,9) .............9
Now each values of B as 6, 7, 8,9 will give 2 lesser than previous, so 7, 5, 3, 1 respectively.Total \(2+4+6+8+9+7+5+3+1=45\)