AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solutions to AMO 2016 Primary 6 (Grade 6)

Question 1
Find the value of (4 × 6 × 8 × 10) ÷ (2 × 3 × 4 × 5).
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Perform smaller division problems.
Instead of multiplying the numbers in each set of parentheses consider the
following equivalent expression: (4 ÷ 2) × (6 ÷ 3) × (8 ÷ 4) × (10 ÷ 5). This
equals 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 𝟏𝟔.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Eliminate matching factors.

Find the factors that match in each of the two parts of the expression. The 4 in
te first part matches the 4 in the second part and the 10 in the first part
matches the 2 × 5 in the second part. Since 4 ÷ 4 = 1 and 10 ÷ (2 × 5) = 1, we
are left with (6 × 8) ÷ 3 = 48 ÷ 3 = 16.

Question 2
What is the value of (74 × 20) − (32 × 20) − (22 × 20)?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Use the common factor and the distributive property.
Each product has 20 as a factor. Apply the distributive property to rewrite the
expression as: (74 − 32 − 22) × 20 = 20 × 20 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Use a real-world model to simplify.

Imagine counting 20-dollar bills. We had 74 of them, but then we removed 32
of them, leaving 42 of them. Then we removed another 22 of them, leaving
twenty 20-dollar bills. The value of twenty 20-dollar bills is 20 × 20 = 400
dollars.

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 3
How many square units (units2 ) bigger is a 6  6 square than a 5  5 square?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Find the area of each square and find the difference.
The area of the larger square is 6 × 6 = 36 square units.
The area of the smaller square is 5 × 5 = 25 square units.
The difference of the two areas is 36 − 25 = 𝟏𝟏 square units.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Draw the smaller square inside the

larger square.
Find the number of squares outside the smaller square but
inside the larger square. There are 11 square units not
shaded.

Question 4
Each letter in the ordered list A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H represents a number. The
numbers are not necessarily different, which means that two letters can
represent the same number. The sum of the values of any three adjacent
letters is 18. When B = 5 and D = 7, what is the value of F?
Solution:
Strategy: Determine the letters one at a time.
Since B + C + D = 18, and B = 5 and D = 7, we have that C = 18 − 5 − 7 = 6.
Now find the value of I. Notice that E = 18 − 6 − 7 = 5. Therefore F = 18 − 7 −
5 = 𝟔.

Question 5
Four students are in an election. Thirty votes are cast. Samantha has more
votes than anyone else. What is the least number of votes she could have?

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Begin with a close vote total and adjust Samantha’s
upward.
Since a total of 30 votes were cast among 4 candidates, begin by assigning
Samantha 7 votes [7 is close to 30 divided by 4]. Since Samantha won, each of
the other candidates must have received at most 6 votes, but 7 + 6 + 6 + 6
only sums to 25. Next try 8 votes for Samantha. If Samantha had 8, each of the
other two candidates could have received at most 7 votes each. Since 8 + 7 +
7 + 7 sums to only 29, we need to try 9 votes for Samantha. If Samantha had 9
votes, each of the other two candidates could have received 7 and 9 + 7 + 7 +
7 = the required 30 votes. Therefore, Samantha had at least 9 votes.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Begin with the greatest possible vote total for Samantha
and work down.
Assume each candidate had at least one vote. Then a possible outcome would
be
27 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 30. Continue decreasing the number of votes for Samantha,
then distribute the remaining votes between the other two candidates. Here are
some possible outcomes: 26 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 30, 24 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 30, 21 + 3 +
3 + 3 = 30, … , 9 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 30. Notice that if Samantha has 8 votes then
one of the other candidates must have at least 8 votes and that violates one of
the conditions in the problem. Samantha had at least 9 votes.

Question 6
On Wednesday, the store sign said that the new video game would be available
in 33 days. On what day of the week should the sign say that it will be available
in only 3 days?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Count by sevens since there are seven days in a week.
Twenty-eight days from Wednesday will be another Wednesday. Since the
problem states that the game will be available in 33 days, subtract 33 − 28 = 5,
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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

so in five more days, it would be Monday. However, we need 3 days left for the
sale, counting back 3 days is a Friday.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Make a chart.

Make a chart showing the number of days Su M Tu W Th F Sa
until the new video game will be released. 33 32 31 30
29 28 27 26 25 24 23
Notice that every seven days ends up being 22 21 20 19
12
the same day of the week, so strategically fill
5 4 3 2
in the table by just subtracting 7 each
Wednesday. Since we want to know what day the game will be available in 3
days, count until there are just two days left, which is Friday.

Question 7
A bicyclist takes 1 minute, 30 seconds to travel a distance of 1 mile. At this
rate, how many miles will the bicyclist travel in 1 hour?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Simplify the time it takes to bike 2 miles.
1 min 30 sec + 1 min 30 sec = 3 minutes
3 minutes → bike 2 miles
6 minutes → bike 4 miles
60 minutes → bike 40 miles

METHOD 2: Strategy: Convert all the times to minutes and use a number line.
The cyclist traveled 4 miles in 6
minutes or 40 miles in 60 minutes
which is 1 hour.

METHOD 3: Strategy: Simplify the time it takes to bike 2 miles.

There are 60 seconds in 1 minutes, so the bicyclist takes (60 + 30 = 90) 90
seconds to travel 1 mile. There are 3600 seconds in 1 hour (60 sec/min  60
min = 3600 sec).
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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Let x = the number of miles traveled in 3600 seconds so the proportion is

x 1 3600
= 90. Multiply both sides of the equation by 3600, hence, x = = 𝟒𝟎
3600 90

miles in 1 hour.

Question 8
In the addition shown, different letters represent different
digits. What is the value of A + B + C + D?

Solution:
Strategy: Work right to left to add the known numbers in each column and
substitute to make the sum true.
Starting with the ones column, since we know the sum of all the digits in the
ones column will result in a 5 in the ones place of the sum, A has to be 5. The
sum of the ones column is 25. Carry the 2 and add it to the sum of the
numbers in the tens column to get a sum ending with 4, so B is 3 and the sum
is 24. Carry the 2 and add it to the sum of the numbers in the hundreds
column. Since the sum ends in a 3, C is 2 and the sum is 13. Carry the 1, so D
is 0. So, A + B + C + D = 5 + 4 + 3 + 0 = 𝟏𝟎.

Question 9
In a parking lot there are 70 cars, all of which are black or blue and all of which
are Fords or Dodges. There are 17 black Dodges. There are 27 blue cars.
There are 37 Fords. How many blue Fords are there?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Use the process of elimination.
If there are 70 cars and 27 are blue, 70 – 27 = 43 are black. Seventeen of the
43 are Dodges so 43 − 17 = 26 are black Fords. If 26 of the 37 Fords are black,
then 37 − 26 = 11 must be blue. There are 11 blue Fords.

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

METHOD 2: Strategy: Complete a table. Black Blue Total

Create a table of the four possible cars: Dodge 17 16 33
Ford 11 37
The bold numbers in the table are the given Total 27 70
values.
The italicized numbers were found in the following order: 33, 16, 11. There are
11 blue Fords.

Question 10
Two 13 × 17 rectangles overlap as shown to
form a 13 × 31 rectangle. What is the area of
the overlap region?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Find the area of each 13  17 rectangle.
Each 13 × 17 rectangle has an area of 13 × 17 = 221. Two such rectangles
have a total area of 2 × 221 = 442. The 13 × 31 rectangle has an area of
13 × 31 = 403, so the overlapping region has an area of 442 − 403 = 𝟑𝟗 sq
units.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Find the dimensions of the overlap.

The lengths of the two 13 × 17 rectangles add to 34. The length of the 13 × 31
rectangle is 31, so there are 3 units along the length
of the overlap. The overlap is a rectangle whose
height is 13 and whose base is 3 so the area is
3 × 13 = 𝟑𝟗 sq units.

Question 11
Find the least counting number which when divided by 5 gives a remainder of 1
and when divided by 12 gives a remainder of 3.

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Create a table.
In both rows, start with the remainder, and then add whole groups of the
divisors.
numbers with remainder 1
1 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46 51
when divided by 5
numbers with remainder 3
3 15 27 39 51 …
when divided by 12
The least counting number on both lists is 51.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Apply the divisibility rules.

The multiples of 5 have a ones digit of 0 or 5. We could add 1 to these
numbers to get a remainder of 1 and they all have a ones digit of 1 or 6. The
multiples of 12 are all even but when we add 3 to each of them (so the
remainder will be 3) they all become odd. This means that our answer must
have a ones digit of 1. Consider 12 + 3 = 15, 24 + 3 = 27, 36 + 3 = 39, but
48 + 3 = 51. So 51 is the least number with the required property.

Question 12
The pyramid shown has 7 vertices, 12 edges, and 7 faces (one of
which is a hexagon). At least one of the edges on each of the faces
is to be colored red. What will be the least number of edges colored
red?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Apply mathematical reasoning.
There are six triangular faces. If three edges are colored red, each bordering on
two triangles, and no two edges of any triangle are colored red, the hexagon
would not have an edge colored red. So, if one of the edges of the hexagon is
colored red, we have a total of 4 edges colored red. The least number of edges
colored red is 4.

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

METHOD 2: Strategy: Deform the pyramid and consider a “top” view.

Looking down from the top you can see the hexagon and the six triangles. One
possible coloring that would color at least one edge of each of the
triangles and the hexagon can be seen in the diagram. Only 4
edges need to be colored red.

Question 13
The Funny Book has its pages numbered in the following way: 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3,
4, 4, 4, 4, 5, … . That is, there is one 1, two 2s, three 3s, four 4s, five 5s, and
so on. How many actual pages (including front and back) will the Funny Book
have if it contains all possible pages that are numbered “1” through “30,” but
not any that are numbered “31”?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Pair the numbers that have the same sum.
1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯ + 28 + 29 + 30

There are fifteen pairs which sum to 31 and 15 × 31 = 𝟒𝟔𝟓.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Use Gauss’s formula to sum the numbers.

n×(n+1)
Gauss’ formula states that 1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯ + n = .
2
30×(30+1)
Since n = 30, the sum of the twenty numbers is = 𝟒𝟔𝟓.
2

Question 14
Two rectangles, each 6 cm × 10 cm, overlap to form the 10

8-sided shape in the diagram. The overlap is a rectangle 6

6
with counting numbers for its length and width. What is
10
the least perimeter, in centimeters, that the 8-sided shape
can have? [Diagram not drawn to scale.]

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Minimize the perimeter by creating the greatest overlap.
From the diagram, let each of the four unlabeled solid line lengths equal 1 cm.
The total perimeter is then equal to 6 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 6 + 10 + 1 + 1 = 𝟑𝟔 𝑐𝑚.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Subtract the overlap to find the least perimeter for the
octagon.
Find the perimeter for each rectangle 6 + 10 + 6 + 10 = 32 and then add the
two results: 32 + 32 = 64. In order to obtain the least perimeter, the sides of
the overlapping rectangle must be as great as possible. Let the length be 9 and
the width be 5. The perimeter of the overlap is 2 × 9 + 2 × 5 = 28. Subtract this
from the total perimeter of the two rectangles to get 64 − 28 = 𝟑𝟔 𝑐𝑚.

Question 15
Given the cube is shown at the right. An ant travels from vertex A
to vertex B, always walking along an edge of the cube. How many
shortest paths are there from A to B?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Deform the cube and list all the possible paths.
The shortest path for the ant to get from A to B consists of 3
edges. The list of all possible paths of length 3 is: ACEB, ACDB,
AFDB, AFGB, AHGB, and AHEB. Thus there are exactly 6 shortest
paths from A to B.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Count the paths based upon direction.

The shortest path from A to B consists of 3 steps: one right, one up, and one
backward. Select any one of the 3 ways to start. Then there are only 2 ways left
and then 1 way to complete the path. Therefore, the number of different paths
will be
3  2  1 = 6.

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 16
Tom’s number has four digits in increasing order. The tens digit is the sum of
the hundreds digit and the thousands digit. The ones digit is the sum of the
other three. The sum of all four digits is 16. Find the last 3 digits of Tom’s
number.
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Work backwards.
Call the number A B C D. Since D is equal to the sum of the other three digits,
16
and the sum of all four digits is 16, D must be = 8. Now C is half of the
2
8
remaining value (16 − 8 = 8) or = 4. The only pair of increasing numbers that
2

adds to the remaining value (8 − 4 = 4) is 1 and 3. Therefore, Tom’s number is

1348, and the last 3 digits are 348.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Solve algebraically.

Let the number be A B C D. We know that C = A + B.
We also know that D = A + B + C, so by substitution, D = A + B + (A + B) =
2 × (A + B)
Finally, we know that A + B + C + D = 16, so by substitution, A + B + (A + B) +
2 × (A + B) = 16. This is the same as 4 × (A + B) = 16 so A + B = 4. Since A <
B, the only possible value for A is 1 and therefore B = 3. Tom’s number is 1348.
The last 3 digits are 348.

Question 17
Consider the three-by-three grid shown (middle square
removed). The counting numbers from 1 to 8 are placed in the
squares (one number per square) so that the top row adds to 9,
the bottom row adds to 21, the left column adds to 13, and the
right column adds to 15. What is the sum: A + B + C + D?

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Find the sum of the numbers from 1 to 8.
Consider the sum of the digits 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 = 36. The corner
digits labeled A, B, C, and D will each be used twice, once in each row and once
in each column. The sum of the rows and columns is 9 + 13 + 15 + 21 = 58.
Therefore, the four corner numbers must have a sum of 58 − 36 = 22. That
means that A + B + C + D = 𝟐𝟐.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Use guess and check.

The numbers in the bottom row must be 6, 7, and 8 since those are the only
three numbers from 1 to 8 that have a sum of 21. Since the top row has a sum
of 9, they must either be 1, 3, and 5 or 2, 3, and 4. The sums for each row and
column are odd so each set of three numbers must either contain two even
numbers or no even numbers. No matter how you fill the boxes using this
information, the sum of the four corners will always be 22.

Question 18
A ski resort, has three pricing options: $60 for just a lift ticket, $20 for just a ski
lesson, or $70 when both are bought together. On Sunday, 50 people bought
exactly one of the three options. If 42 lift tickets and 23 lessons were sold, what
was the mean or average purchase amount in dollars for these 50 people? (Round
your answer to nearest whole number)
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Find the number of people in each category.
Since 50 people purchased 42 + 23 = 65 items, 15 people must have purchased
both a ticket and a lesson. Then 42 – 15 = 27 people purchased just a lift ticket
and
23 – 15 = 8 people purchased just a lesson. The total paid was
(15  $70) + (27  $60) + (8  $20) = $2,830.
$2830
The mean purchase amount for the 50 customers was = $56.60, which is
50
approximately $57.

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

METHOD 2: Strategy: Treat the third option as a discount.

The lift tickets brought in 42  $60 = $2520 and the lessons brought in 23  $20
= $460. However, 15 people received a discount of $10 for purchasing both
items. Thus the resort grossed $2520 + $460 – $150 = $2830. The mean
purchase for the 50 customers was $56.60, which is approximately $57.

Question 19
The number in the center of each box is the result of
operations that use the four numbers in the corners
of the same box. Each of the four corner numbers in
a box must be used exactly once. The same set of operations is used for each
box. What number should replace the N?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Use trial and success with observation to find the
relationship that connects the four corner numbers with the center number.
In the leftmost box, the sum of the two top numbers multiplied by the sum of
the two bottom numbers results in the middle number. That is (1 + 2) × (4 +
4) = 24. Verify that this works in the middle two boxes: (3 + 2) × (6 + 4) = 50
and (4 + 5) × (1 + 0) = 9. In the last box, use the same rule: (6 + 2) × (3 +
1) = N, so N = 8 × 4 = 𝟑𝟐.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Consider the greatest number in the boxes.

Since 50 is the result of arithmetic with much smaller numbers, consider the
factors of 50. Some of these are 2, 5, 10, and 25. Notice that 5 = 3 + 2 and
10 = 6 + 4, the four corner numbers in that box. Use this as a start and verify
that the same set of operations can be used in the remaining boxes.

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 20
1
Joseph put candles on a cake. He lit 4 of those candles. Then he lit 5 more of
1
the candles on the cake. As a result, exactly of the candles on the cake were
3

lit. What was the total number of candles on the cake?

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Draw a tape diagram or bar model.
Step one: Divide the bar into 4 equal
parts.
Step two: Divide the bar into 3 equal
parts.
The difference between the two portions, the
one-quarter and the one-third, represents 5 candles.
Since there are 12 small portions, each representing 5 candles, there will be
12 × 5 = 𝟔𝟎 candles.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Use algebra.

1 1
At first of all the candles were lit. When 5 more candles were lit, of all the
4 3

candles were lit. This means that if we let x = the total number of candles then
1 1
x + 5 = 3 x. Multiply the equation by 12, the least common denominator of the
4

fractions, to get 3x + 60 = 4x. Subtract 3x from both sides of the equation to

get 60 = x. Therefore, there are 60 candles on the cake.

Question 21
How many three-digit counting numbers are exactly divisible by 6 but not
exactly divisible by 9?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Make an organized list and count.
Examine the first several multiples of 6 in order to find a pattern (relative to
9’s).
6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 …
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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Note that every third multiple of 6 is a multiple of 9. For every 3 consecutive

2
multiples of 6, one is also a multiple of 9, and two are not. Therefore of all
3

multiples of 6 are not multiples of 9. There are 166 multiples of 6 from 1 to

999. The first 16 have only two digits. Therefore 166 − 16 = 150 have three
2 2
digits. Since of them are not multiples of 9, there are 3 × 150 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 multiples
3

of 6 that are not multiples of 9.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Determine the number of multiples of 6 and of 9.

100
Since is approximately 16.7, the least three-digit multiple of 6 is
6
999
17 × 6 = 102. Since = 166.5, the greatest three-digit multiple of 6 is
6

166 × 6 = 996. There are 166 − 17 + 1 = 150 three-digit multiples of 6. Find

the multiples of 6 that are also multiples of 9. This means find multiples of 9
that are even. These are multiples of 18. The least three-digit multiple of 18 is
18 × 6 = 108 and the greatest three-digit multiple of 18 is 18 × 55 = 990.
There are 55 − 6 + 1 = 50 three-digit even multiples of 9 (multiples of 18).
Therefore, there are 150 − 50 = 100 multiples of 6 that are not multiples of 9.

Question 22
In the figure shown, the numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 are to
be placed one in each empty square. The following 4 sums
are the same: the numbers in the left column, the numbers in
the right column, and the numbers in each diagonal. What is
the greatest possible product of the 3 numbers across the grey row?
Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Label the squares with letters and use the process of
elimination.
Label the empty squares with the letters a, b, c, d, e, and f as seen
in the diagram.
Since the diagonals must add to the same sum, 𝑎 + 4 + 𝑓 = 𝑐 + 4 +
𝑑. If 𝑎 = 1 then f can either be 6 or 7. The possible pairs of numbers for (a, f)
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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

and (c, d) are: (1, 6)  (2, 5), (1, 7)  (2, 6)  (3, 5). If we select 1 and 6
for a and f then the sum is 11 for the two remaining columns. If 2 is in the
same column with 1, then the third number in the column would have to be 8
which is not allowed. If 5 is in the same column with 1, the third number would
also have to be 5 which is not allowed. Therefore, a and f must be 1 and 7, or 2
and 6, or 3 and 5. Each of these allows for a possible arrangement of the
remaining positions as seen in the diagram. The greatest product for the middle
row is 60.

METHOD 2: Strategy: Solve algebraically.

Use the diagrams in method 1. We know that a +
b + c = a + 4 + f so f = b + c − 4. Similarly, d + e +
f = d + 4 + c so f = c − e + 4. Since f = b + c − 4 and f = c − e + 4, b + c − 4 =
c − e + 4. Subtract c from both sides of the equation to get b − 4 = 4 − e. Add
4 + e to each side of this equation to get that b + e = 8. Therefore b + e is
either 1 + 7 or 2 + 6 or 3 + 5. The three possible products are: 1 × 4 × 7 = 28,
2 × 4 × 6 = 48, and 3 × 4 × 5 = 60. The greatest product for the middle row is
60.

Question 23
A Super-Brick is formed by arranging nine 2cm × 2cm × 2cm
cubes into a 6cm × 6cm layer, 2cm thick. Two Super-Bricks
are glued together into the L-shape shown. All faces of the
L-shape are completely painted. What is the area of the
painted surface in square centimeters (cm2 )?
Solution:
Strategy: Find the surface area of a Super-Brick and subtract the areas of the
glued sides.
The surface area of each Super-Brick is the sum of the areas of the 6 faces.

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Area of the front = area of the back = 6 × 6 = 36 cm2

Area of the top = area of the bottom = 2 × 6 = 12 cm2
Area of left side = area of right side = 2 × 6 = 12 cm2
The sum of all 6 faces = 2 × (36 + 12 + 12) = 120 cm2 . Since there are 2 bricks
the total surface area is 240 cm2 . One 2 × 6 face is hidden on each brick, so the
visible area is 240 − (12 + 12) = 𝟐𝟏𝟔 cm2 .

Question 24
A, B, C and D represent the numbers 3, 5, 7 and 9, in some order.
A+B D+C
We also know that = B+A. Find the value (A × B) + (C × D).
C+D

Solution:
Strategy: Apply the commutative property of addition.
Recognize that A + B = B + A and C + D = D + C. Therefore, the two equal
fractions are reciprocals of each other. The only number that equals its
reciprocal is 1. Thus A + B = C + D. The only arrangement of the four given
numbers is 3 + 9 = 5 + 7 = 12 and therefore 3 × 9 = 27 and 5 × 7 = 35 so
(A × B) + (C × D) = 𝟔𝟐.

Question 25
The clock at Bernoulli Towers is slow. Every day, at noon, Karan corrects it from
11:09 am to 12:00 pm. When Karan went on vacation for 7 consecutive days,
he accidentally took the key with him. With no one to reset the clock, it fell far
behind. When Karan returned after the vacation to correct the clock to noon,
what time did the clock show?
(Disregard the colon in your answer. Example, if your answer is 3:00, write 300)

Solution:
METHOD 1: Strategy: Determine the time lost each day.

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AMO 2016, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

There are 51 minutes from 11:09 am to 12:00 pm (noon). For seven

consecutive days, this amount of time was “lost”, so there was a total of 51  7
= 357 minutes lost. The are 360 minutes in six hours, so the clock lost 6 hours
minus three minutes. If the clock lost six hours, it would have read 6:00 am.
The clock was three minutes short of losing that, so the clock read 6:03 (am).

METHOD 2: Strategy: Find and extend a pattern.

Recognize that 51 minutes slow is 9 minutes short of one hour. After exactly
one day, the time shown will be 11:09 am. Twenty-four hours later it will show
10:18, then the next day it will show the time 9:27, and so on. Each day the
hours decrease by one, and the minutes increase by 9, until 6:54 on the sixth
day and 5:63 on the seventh day. However, 5:63 is actually 6:03 am.

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solutions to AMO 2017 Primary 6 (Grade 6)

Question 1
What is the value of 80 × 3 − 70 × 4 + 60 × 5 − 50 × 6 + 40 × 7 − 30 × 8 +
20 × 9?
Solution
METHOD 1: Strategy: Look for patterns.
Notice that 80 × 3 = 30 × 8, 70 × 4 = 40 × 7, and 60 × 5 = 50 × 6. Thus the first
six products have a sum of 0. Then 20 × 9 = 180 and 0 + 180 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎.
METHOD 2: Strategy: Apply the order of operations and simplify.
First multiply to find all of the products and then add and subtract:
240 − 280 + 300 − 300 + 280 − 240 + 180 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎.
METHOD 3: Strategy: Factor out a 10 from each of the products.
This simplifies to: 10 × (8 × 3 − 7 × 4 + 6 × 5 − 5 × 6 + 4 × 7 − 3 × 8 + 2 × 9) =
10 × (24 − 28 + 30 − 30 + 28 − 24 + 18) = 10 × (18) = 𝟏𝟖𝟎.
Answer: 180

Question 2
As shown, the overlap of rectangles ABCD and
EFGH is also a rectangle. The area of ABCD is
174 cm2 and the area of EFGH is 52 cm2 . EF =
13 cm and BC = 29 cm. What is the area, in cm2 , of
the entire figure?

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solution
Strategy: Find the dimensions of the overlap (XYZW) and eliminate the
duplication of the overlap.
Since the area of rectangle EFGH is 52 𝑐𝑚2 and
𝐸𝐹 = 13 𝑐𝑚, then 𝐻𝐸 = 4 𝑐𝑚. Thus, the length of WX is also
4 cm. Likewise, 𝐴𝐵 = 174 ÷ 29 = 6 𝑐𝑚, so that the length of XY is also 6 cm.
The area of the overlap XYZW is 𝑊𝑋 × 𝑋𝑌 = 24 𝑐𝑚2 . It is included in the areas
of both rectangles, ABCD and EFGH. The area of the entire figure is
174 + 52 − 24 = 𝟐𝟎𝟐 𝑐𝑚2.
Answer: 202

Question 3
What is the value of
(115 + 114 + 113 + 112 + 111) − (101 + 102 + 103 + 104 + 105)?
Solution
METHOD 1: Strategy: Pair the numbers to find a common difference.
The difference between the first term in the first group and the last term in the
second group is 115 − 105 = 10.
The difference between the second term of the first group and the second last
term of the second group is also 114 − 104 = 10.
This pattern continues for each of the rest of the term pairs. There are five
pairs whose difference is 10, therefore the value is 5 × 10 = 𝟓𝟎.
METHOD 2: Strategy: Find each sum and then take the difference.
The sum of 115 + 114 + 113 + 112 + 111 = 565.
The sum of 101 + 102 + 103 + 104 + 105 = 515. The value of 565 − 515 is 50.
Answer: 050

Question 4
Larry’s 3-digit number satisfies the following conditions:
• The number is not a multiple of 3.
• Exactly one of the digits is a prime number.
• Another digit is a square number.
• The other digit is neither prime nor square.
What is the largest possible value of Larry’s number?
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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solution
Strategy: Determine which digits satisfy each condition.
The single digit prime numbers are 2, 3, 5 and 7. The single digit perfect
squares are 0, 1, 4 and 9, leaving 6 and 8 as neither prime nor perfect square.
Choose the largest digit in each group and arrange from the greatest to least to
get the largest possible number, 987. But 987 is divisible by 3. The greatest
possible value of Larry’s number is 985.
Answer: 985

Question 5
Sandy multiplies 2 × 4 × 5 × 7 × 8 × 11 × 25 × 125 and writes the product as a
whole number. What is the sum of the digits of this whole number?
Solution
Strategy: Use the associative and commutative properties.
Reorder and insert parentheses to show grouping: (2 × 5) × (4 × 25) ×
(8 × 125) × 7 × 11 = 77,000,000.
So, the sum of the digits of this whole number will be 14.
Answer: 014

Question 6
The cost of 2 pencils and 3 markers is $3.80. The cost of 5 pencils and 4
markers is $5.90. What is the total cost of 26 pencils and 25 markers?
Solution
Strategy: Write a set of equations to find the cost.
Let P = cost of a pencil and let M = cost of a marker.
Then 2𝑃 + 3𝑀 = 3.80 and 5𝑃 + 4𝑀 = 5.90. 3 times of the first equation plus 4
times of the second equation will get 26𝑃 + 25𝑀 = 35. So, the total cost of 26
pencils and 25 markers is $35.
Answer: 035

Question 7
It is given that 25 = ⏟
2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2. If 4096 = 𝑎𝑏 find the sum of all possible
5
values of 𝑎 when 𝑏 is a whole number greater than 1.

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solution
Strategy: Prime factorize 4096.
2 × 2 × … × 2 × 2 = 212 .
4096 = ⏟
12

212 can be expressed as

(1) 212
(2) (2 × 2)6 = 46
(3) (2 × 2 × 2)4 = 84
(4) (2 × 2 × 2 × 2)3 = 163
(5) (2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2)2 = 642
So, all possible values of 𝑎 are 2, 4, 8, 16, 64. The sum is 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 64 =
𝟗𝟒.
Answer: 094

Question 8
Ten standard dice, each showing a different number from 1 to 6, are rolled and
the top faces are added. How many different sums are possible?
Solution
Strategy: Find the range of possible sums.
If each dice shows 1, the total is 10. If each dice shows 6, the total is 60. All
whole number sums from 10 to 60 inclusive are possible. These are all the
whole numbers up to 60, except for 1 through 9. Then 60 − 9 = 𝟓𝟏 different
sums are possible.
Answer: 051

Question 9
How many perfect squares less than or equal to 500 are the sum of three
consecutive whole numbers?
Solution
Strategy: Make a list of perfect squares.
The sum of three consecutive whole numbers must be a multiple of 3.
Make a list of the squares which are multiples of 3:
32 = 9 = 2 + 3 + 4
62 = 36 = 11 + 12 + 13
92 = 81 = 26 + 27 + 28
122 = 144 = 47 + 48 + 49
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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

152 = 225 = 74 + 75 + 76
182 = 324 = 107 + 108 + 109
212 = 441 = 146 + 147 + 148
Perfect squares greater that 212 and a multiple of 3 result in a number greater
than 500. Therefore there are only 7 perfect squares less than 500 equal to the
sum of three consecutive integers.
Answer: 007

Question 10
The length of each edge of a cube is increased by 10%. By what percent is the
volume increased?
(If your answer is 13.2%, then write 132; if your answer is 35.6%, then write
356; if your answer is 4%, then write 004)
Solution
METHOD 1: Strategy: Choose a convenient length for the edge.
Let the edge be 10 so the volume is 103 = 1000. Increase the edge by 10% to
get 11. The volume is now 113 = 1331. The percent increase is (1331 −
1000)/1000 = 0.331 = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟏%
METHOD 2: Strategy: Apply the formula for the volume of a cube.
If the side of the original cube is s its volume is V = s3 . The side of the changed
cube is 1𝑠 + 0.1𝑠 = 1.1𝑠 and its volume is 𝑉 = (1.1𝑠)3 = 1.331𝑠 3 . The volume
has increased by 0.331 or 33.1%.
Answer: 331

Question 11
Given that ▲ + ◼ + ⯁ = 16 and ◼ + ⯁ + ⚫ = 21 and ⯁ + ⚫ + ▲ = 18
and ⚫ + ▲ + ◼ = 14, what is the value of ▲?
Solution
Strategy: Sum up all the equations.
(▲ + ◼ + ⯁) + (◼ + ⯁ + ⚫) + (⯁ + ⚫ + ▲) + (⚫ + ▲ + ◼)
= 16 + 21 + 18 + 14 = 69
3 × (▲ + ◼ + ⯁ + ⚫) = 69 ➔ (▲ + ◼ + ⯁ + ⚫) = 23
So, ▲ = 23 − 21 = 𝟐, ◼ = 23 − 18 = 5, ⯁ = 23 − 14 = 9 and ⚫ = 23 − 16 =
7.
Answer: 002

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 12
Sixteen 1cm by 1cm tiles are arranged in 4 rows and 4 columns to
form a single square as shown. The perimeter of the square is
16cm. If the shape is cut into exactly two pieces along edges of the
tiles, what is the greatest total perimeter of the two pieces, in
centimeters, that can be made?
Solution
METHOD 1: Strategy: Maximize the perimeter by cutting along as many tile
edges as possible.
In order to cut along the most possible tile edges, the cut should not be directly
across or down. By making an indirect cut, the perimeter is maximized. The
cut along the most possible tile edges will be 10 cm. Since the cut will create a
new edge for each figure, it will add 10 × 2 = 20 𝑐𝑚 to the original perimeter.
Thus, the greatest combined perimeter of the two pieces will be 16 + 20 =
𝟑𝟔 𝑐𝑚.
METHOD 2: Strategy: Draw pictures.

P = 14 P = 10 P = 16 P = 12 P = 22 P = 10 P = 24 P = 12
Total P = 24 Total P = 28 Total P = 32 Total P = 36
Answer: 036

Question 13
PQR is isosceles with PQ = QR. Point B is on side ̅̅̅̅
𝑃𝑅 Q
and point A is on side 𝑃𝑄 , so that when 𝐴𝐵 is extended it
̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅
meets extended side 𝑄𝑅̅̅̅̅ at point C as shown. If BRC is
also isosceles with BR = RC and the measure of C = A
24°, find the number of degrees in the measure of P B
R
24°
QAC.
C
Solution
Strategy: Use properties of angles in triangles.
In  BCR, BR = CR so  BCR   CBR and each measure 24°. Since 24 + 24 =
48, and the sum of the angles in any triangle is 180°, then m∠𝐵𝑅𝐶 = 180 −
48 = 132°. The ∠𝑄𝑅𝐵 = 180 − 132 = 48°. In  PQR, since 𝑃𝑄 = 𝑄𝑅,  QRP 
QPR and each measures 48°. It follows that ∠𝑄 = 180 − (48 + 48) = 84°. In
AQC, ∠𝑄𝐴𝐶 = 180 − (84 + 24) = 𝟕𝟐°.
Answer: 072

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 14
Phineas forms an ordered list consisting of seven consecutive whole numbers.
The sum of the first, third, and sixth of these numbers is 175. Find the sum of
the remaining four whole numbers.
Solution
METHOD 1: Strategy: Use algebra.
Let the seven consecutive whole numbers be: x − 3, x − 2, x − 1, x, x + 1, x + 2,
and x + 3. The statement of the problem suggests the following equation:
(x − 3) + (x − 1) + (x + 2) = 175 → 3x − 2 = 175 → 3x = 177 and finally 𝑥 =
177/3 = 59. The seven consecutive numbers are 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, and
62. The sum of the four requested numbers is 57 + 59 + 60 + 62 = 𝟐𝟑𝟖.
METHOD 2: Strategy: Use number sense.
Seven consecutive numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The sum of the first,
third and sixth numbers is 10. Phineas seeks numbers with a sum of 175. Since
175 − 10 = 165 and 165/3 = 55, we can add 55 to each of the original seven
numbers to get the sequence 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, and 62. The sum of the
four remaining numbers is 57 + 59 + 60 + 62 = 𝟐𝟑𝟖.
METHOD 3: Strategy: Use an educated guess.
Since three nearly consecutive numbers have a sum of 175, divide 175/3 to get
1
58 3. First try a middle number of 58 for the seven numbers. The sum 55 +
57 + 60 ≠ 175. Next try a middle number of 59. The seven consecutive
numbers would be 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, and 62. Verify that 56 + 58 + 61 =
175 so the sum of the other four numbers is 57 + 59 + 60 + 62 = 𝟐𝟑𝟖.
Answer: 238

Question 15
A 4cm by 4cm by 4cm solid cube is cut in two identical
rectangular solids, as shown. The top half is fully flipped
over one edge so that they are now tightly side-by-side.
What is the total surface area, in 𝑐𝑚2 , of the new solid?
Solution
METHOD 1: Strategy: Determine the dimensions of the
new solid and add the areas of the six faces.
The top and bottom measure 8cm by 4cm, the left and right faces measure
4cm by 2cm, and the front and back faces measure 8cm by 2cm. The surface
area is 2 × (8 × 4) + 2 × (4 × 2) + 2 × (8 × 2) = 2 × (32) + 2 × (8) + 2 × (16) =
𝟏𝟏𝟐 𝑐𝑚2.
METHOD 2: Strategy: Consider the surface area one half at a time.

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

The surface area of one half of the result is (4 × 2) + (4 × 2) + (4 × 2) +

(4 × 2) + (4 × 4) + (4 × 4) = 64 𝑐𝑚2 . Since there are two such solids, we
double the result, 2 × 64 = 128 𝑐𝑚2. Finally we need to subtract the areas of
the two faces that touch each other. Thus 128 − 2 × (4 × 2) = 𝟏𝟏𝟐 𝑐𝑚2 .
Answer: 112

Question 16
What is the difference between the sum of the multiples of 3 less than 200, and
the sum of the multiples of 5 less than 250?
Solution
Strategy: Find the multiples of 3 and 5.
The multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, …, 192, 195, and 198. There are 66 such
numbers. The sum of the multiples of 3 is (3 + 198) × 66 ÷ 2 = 6633.
The multiples of 5 are 5, 10, 15, …, 235, 240 and 245. There are 49 such
numbers. The sum of the multiples of 5 is (5 + 245) × 49 ÷ 2 = 6125.
So, the difference between two numbers is 6633 − 6125 = 𝟓𝟎𝟖.
Answer: 508

Question 17
What’s the greatest 3-digit number that is divisible by 24, 28 and 32?
Solution
Strategy: Use the least common multiple (LCM) of 24, 28 and 32.
Factor 24, 28 and 32 to find the LCM: 24 = 23 × 3, 28 = 22 × 7, and 32 = 25 so
the LCM is 25 × 3 × 7 = 𝟔𝟕𝟐, which is the greatest 3-digit multiple.
Answer: 672

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 18
Each of 10 cards displays two different symbols, one on the front
and the other on the back. The symbols are , ,, , • . The front
of each card is shown. No two cards have the same pair of
symbols. What is the least number of cards you can turn over to
ensure that • will appear?
Solution
Strategy: Determine the possible pairs of numbers on each tile.
The following is the list of possible pairings, with the first shape
representing the front of the tile:
 ,  ,  ,•
, , •
 ,•
•
Now consider the four tiles that have • on the back. Each row must have
exactly one such tile, or else two tiles would be identical. The • tile, however, is
the only tile in the bottom row. You can point to the tile that shows the
and know the back has a • . The fewest tiles you can point is 1.
Answer: 001

Question 19
How many 4-digit multiples of 37 are there in total?
Solution
Strategy: Use what you know about remainders to find the first and the last
number.
The largest 4-digit number is 9999. Divide 9999 by 37 and the quotient is 270 r
9. Subtract 9 from 9999. 9999 − 9. So the largest 4-digit number is 9,990 =
37 × 270.
The smallest 4-digit number is 1000. Divide 1000 by 37 and the quotient is 27 r
1. Subtract 1 from 1000. 1000 − 1 = 999. So the smallest 4-digit number is
999 + 37 = 1036 = 37 × 28.
So, there are 270 − 27 = 𝟐𝟒𝟑 4-digit multiples of 37.
Answer: 243

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 20
In the cryptarithm shown, each letter represents a different digit. How ADD
many possible values of 3-digit number “SUM” are there? A cannot
equal 0. ADD

Solution ADD
Strategy: Find 𝐴𝐷𝐷 × 4 = 𝑆𝑈𝑀. + ADD
The word SUM is a 3-digit multiple of 4 since it is the result of adding 4 SUM
of the same number. The only possible value for A is 1 or 2. D cannot
be less than 3 since D ≠ U ≠ M.
Case 1: A = 1.
If ADD = 133, then 4 × 133 = 532 which means U = 3. But U ≠ D, so ADD ≠
133.
If ADD = 144, then 4 × 144 = 576. This is a possible solution for SUM.
If ADD = 155, then 4 × 155 = 620. This is a possible solution for SUM.
If ADD = 166, then 4 × 166 = 664 which means U = 6. But U ≠ D, so ADD ≠
166.
If ADD = 177, then 4 × 177 = 708 which means S = 7. But S ≠ D, so ADD ≠
177.
If ADD = 188, then 4 × 188 = 752. This is a possible solution for SUM.
If ADD = 199, then 4 × 199 = 796 which means U = 9. But U ≠ D, so ADD ≠
199.
Case 2: A = 2. D cannot be more than 4, or else will give a 4 digit solution.
If ADD = 233, then 4 × 233 = 932 which means U = 3. But U ≠ D, so ADD ≠
133.
If ADD = 244, then 4 × 244 = 976. This is a possible solution for SUM.
So, there are 4 possible values for SUM.
Answer: 004

Question 21
1 1
1+ 1
2+ 1+
Find the whole number value equal to 2
2 .
4
1−
5

Solution
Strategy: Solve each fraction first.
1 1 1
1
+
1+
1 5 5 2 4 6
2+2 1+4 + 6
= 2 4 = 5 5 = 5 = =𝟐
2 3 3 3 3
1−
5 5 5 5

Answer: 002

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 22
Lucy is Sherry’s mother. Lucy’s age and Sherry’s age have the same digits, but
in reverse order. In 13 years, Lucy will be twice as old as Sherry. How old will
Lucy be when Sherry reaches her age?
Solution
Strategy: Make a table for all possible ages.
Since Sherry’s age and Lucy’s age have the same digits but in reverse, they
could be 12 and 21; 13 and 31; 14 and 41; etc., as shown in the table below.
Age Sherry 13 14 15 16
Now Lucy 31 41 51 61

Age in 13 Sherry 26 27 28 29
years Lucy 44 54 64 74
Looking at the ages in 13 years, there is only one pair where Lucy’s age would
be twice Sherry’s age, which is 27 and 54. Therefore, Sherry is currently 14
years old and Lucy is 41. When Sherry is 41, Lucy will be 41 + (41 − 14) = 𝟔𝟖
years old.
Answer: 068

Question 23
Suppose Jason had a 5 × 5 × 5 cube. He removed a 3 × 2 × 1
cuboid and a 5 × 1 × 1 cuboid from different corners of the
cube. What is the surface area of the remaining solid?
Solution
Strategy: Compare the new solid to the original cube.
Removing the 3 × 2 × 1 cuboid and a 5 × 1 × 1 cuboid created five new faces.
Each of those “new” faces is identical to one of the removed faces! But when
removing 5 × 1 × 1 cuboid, two of the 1 × 1 faces will not be counted. Thus,
the surface area of the new solid is 6 × (5 × 5) − 2 × (1 × 1) = 𝟏𝟒𝟖 𝑐𝑚2.
Answer: 148

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 24
How many different bricks can be formed when the eighty 1 × 1 × 1 cubes are
glued together? [Consider two bricks to be “different” when one brick cannot be
rotated or flipped to exactly coincide with another brick. Therefore, a 2 × 4 × 10
brick and a 4 × 10 × 2 brick are not “different”.]
Solution
Strategy: Find the factors of 80.
The prime factorization of 80 are 24 × 5. The possible dimension of the bricks
are:
1 × 1 × 80 2 × 2 × 20 4×4×5
1 × 2 × 40 2 × 4 × 10
1 × 4 × 20 2×5×8
1 × 5 × 16
1 × 8 × 10
There are 9 possible bricks can be formed by gluing 80 1 × 1 × 1 cubes.
Answer: 009

Question 25
The 7 x 7 chessboard contains one shaded square as
shown. How many squares of any size do not include
the shaded square?
Solution
Strategy: Count in an organized way.
The desired number of squares is the same as the total
squares minus the number of squares containing the
shaded part.

Total number of squares:

1x1 squares: 72 = 49 squares
2x2 squares: 62 = 36 squares
3x3 squares: 52 = 25 squares
4x4 squares: 42 = 16 squares
5x5 squares: 32 = 9 squares
6x6 squares: 22 = 4 squares
7x7 square: 12 = 1 square
Total squares = 49 + 36 + 25 + 16 + 9 + 4 + 1 = 140

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AMO 2017, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Squares containing the shaded part:

1x1 square: 1 square
2x2 squares: 4 squares
3x3 squares: 6 squares
4x4 squares: 8 squares
5x5 squares: 6 squares
6x6 squares: 4 squares
7x7 square: 1 square

Therefore, the number of squares that do not contain the shaded square is
140 – (1+4+6+8+6+4+1)=110.
Answer: 110

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solutions to AMO 2018 Primary 6 (Grade 6)

Question 1
Find the following sum
150 + 195 + 255 + 210 + 120.
Solution:
Strategy: Use convenient grouping.
150 + 195 + 255 + 210 + 120 = 150 + (195 + 255) + 210 + 120
= 150 + 450 + 210 + 210 = (150 + 450) + (210 + 120)
= 600 + 330 = 930
Answer: 930

Question 2
How many whole numbers between 41 and 50 (inclusive) are multiples of either
2 or 3 or 5?
Solution:
Strategy: Make lists and eliminate duplicates.
Multiples of 2: 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50
Multiples of 3: 42, 45 and 48
Multiples of 5: 45, 50.
There are 5 unique numbers that satisfy the requirements.
Answer: 005

Question 3
The numbers 123456789 and 987654321 are added. This sum is divided by a
single digit number, leaving no remainder. How many possible single-digit
numbers could have been used?
Solution:
Strategy: Use Divisibility Rules
123456789 + 987654321 = 1111111110

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Using the respective Divisibility Rules, 1111111110 is divisible by 2, 3, 5 and 9.

It is also divisible by 6 since it is divisible by 2 and 3. From the Divisibility Rules
of 4, 7 and 8, 1111111110 is not divisible by 4, 7 or 8. Obviously, 1111111110
is also divisible by 1. Hence there are 6 possible digits.
Answer: 006

Question 4 B
A
The points A, B, C, D, and E are arranged as shown at the right so that C
no three points lie on a straight line. How many different triangles can be
E
formed, connecting three of these points at a time to use as vertices? D

Solution:

Strategy: Create an organized list of triangles.

Every triangle consists of three vertices shown here in alphabetical order:
ABC, ABD, ABE, ACD, ACE, ADE, BCD, BCE, BDE and CDE. These
are the 10 possible triangles with vertices on the indicated points.
Answer: 010

Question 5
1
Faye and Ingrid are fruit vendors. Faye’s total fruits is 21 more than 1 2 of Ingrid’s

total fruits. Their total number of fruits is 216. How many fruits does Faye have?
Solution:
METHOD 1 Strategy: Use the model method.
Let the number of Ingrid’s fruits be 2 units. Then Faye has 3 units and 21.
Ingrid: 1 unit 1 unit
Faye 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit 21
Total: 216
5 units + 21 = 216
5 units = 216 – 21 = 195
1 unit = 195 ÷ 5 = 39
Hence Faye has 3 × 39 + 21 = 138 fruits.
Answer: 138
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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 6
Michael opens his favorite mathematics puzzle book and notes that the product
of the page numbers facing him is 462. Find the sum of these two page numbers.
Solution:
Strategy: Look for closest perfect square.
The page numbers facing him must be two consecutive whole numbers. 462 is
more than 202 = 400. We can check that it is also more than 212 = 441 and less
than 222 = 484. Multiplying 21 by 22 gives the desired product 462. Hence the
sum is 21 + 22 = 43.
Answer: 043

Question 7
In the repeating pattern below, how many letter O’s will be written before the
1808th letter?
ODAKOOODAKOOODAK…(and so on)

Solution:
Strategy: Find the pattern.
We can notice that OOODAK keeps repeating. So, the pattern is
ODAK OOODAK OOODAK OOODAK OOODAK …
ODAK has 4 letters.
OOODAK has 6 letters.
We have 1808 – 4 = 1804 letters after the first 4 terms (from 5th term to the
1808th term). Each set of OOODAK has 3 ‘O’s and there are 1800 ÷ 6 = 300
sets of OOODAK from 5th term to the 1808th term and remaining OOOD.
Thus, there are 1 + 300 × 3 + 3 = 𝟗𝟎𝟒 ‘O’s before the 1808th letter.
Answer: 904

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 8
Consider the figures below. How many dots will the 22nd figure contain?

Solution:
Strategy: Find the pattern
From the table below, we can notice that the differences are consecutive
multiples of 4.
Figure Number of dots Difference
Figure 1 1
Figure 2 5 +4
Figure 3 13 +8
Figure 4 25 +12
Figure 5 41 +16
Figure 6 61 +20

By listing the number of dots in figures in the same way, we will find that there
are 925 dots in Figure 22.
Answer: 925

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 9
Jericho has a collection of stickers. When the stickers are arranged in piles of 6,
there are 5 stickers left over. When the stickers are arranged in piles of 22, there
are 21 stickers left over. When the stickers are arranged in piles of 14, there are
13 stickers left over. What is the least number of stickers Jericho can have in his
collection?
Solution:
Strategy: Use properties of whole numbers.
If we add 1 to the total number of chips, then the new number N is divisible by
6, 14 and 22. The smallest possible value of N is the least common multiple of 6,
14 and 22 which is 462. Hence the least number of chips that Jericho can have
is 462 – 1 = 461.
Answer: 461

Question 10
The first 73 odd whole numbers are written. How many times does ‘3’ appear as
a digit?
Solution:
Strategy: Count using place value.
The first 73 odd counting numbers begin with 1 and end with 145.
The number ‘3’ will appear in the tens place:
10 times (31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139)
and it will appear in the ones place:
15 times (3, 13, 23, …, 123, 133, 143).
Therefore the number ‘3’ will appear 10 + 15 = 25 times in the first 73 odd
whole numbers.
Answer: 025

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 11
Find the sum of the digits of the sum:
1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 + 256 + 512 + 1024 + 2048.
Solution:
Strategy: Add a number to double the summands.
Let us add 1 to the sum and calculate it in the following way:
1 + 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 + 256 + 512 + 1024 =
(1 + 1) + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 + 256 + 512 + 1024 =
2 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 + 256 + 512 + 1024 =
(2 + 2) + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 + 256 + 512 + 1024 =
4 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 + 256 + 512 + 1024 =
(4 + 4) + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 + 256 + 512 + 1024 =
(8 + 8) + 16 + 32 + 64 + 128 + 256 + 512 + 1024 =
⋮
1024 + 1024 = 2048
Hence, the sum in the question is 2048 − 1 = 2047 and its sum of the digits is
2 + 0 + 4 + 7 = 13.
Answer: 013

Question 12
Samantha looked at a clock and realized that the number of hours remaining until
3
noon was of the number of hours that had passed since midnight. What time
5

did the clock show?

(Disregard the colon in your answer. Example, if your answer is 3:00, write 300)
Solution:
Let the number of hours that had passed since midnight be 5 units. Then the
number of hours remaining until noon is 3 units. The total number of hours
from the midnight to noon is 12 hours. Therefore,
5 units + 3 units = 12 hours or 12 × 60 = 720 minutes
8 units = 720 minutes
1 unit = 720 ÷ 8 = 90 minutes.
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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Hence the number of hours that had passed since midnight is 90 × 5 = 450
minutes or 7 hours and 30 minutes, and the time is 7:30.
Answer: 730

Question 13
Given  +  +  = 60,  +  +  = 44,  +  +  = 52, and
 +  +  +  = 74, find the value of  +  + .
Solution:
Strategy: Solve for individual values.
Since  +  +  +  = 74 and
•  +  +  = 44, 44 +  = 74 so  = 30
•  +  +  = 60, 60 +  = 74 so  = 14
•  +  +  = 52, 52 +  = 74 so  = 18
Thus,  +  +  = 14 + 30 + 18 = 62.
Answer: 062

Question 14
Remi had a square garden that had an area of 16 square meters. She extends
the length of the garden by 3 meters and the width by 2 meters. What is the new
perimeter, in meters, of the garden?
Solution:
Strategy: Find the new length and width.
The side length of the square garden is 4 meters since the area is 16 m2. The
new length is 4 + 3 = 7 meters and the new width is 4 + 2 = 6 meters.
Hence the new perimeter is 2 × (7 + 6) = 26 meters.
Answer: 026

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 15
Three sisters have the same birthday but were born in different years. Five years
ago, the oldest sister’s age was 9 times the age of the youngest sister. At that
time, the age of the middle sister was 4 times the age of the youngest sister.
Today, the oldest sister’s age is four times the age of the youngest sister. Today,
how old is the oldest sister?
Solution:
METHOD 1 Strategy: Use a table.
Ages 5 years ago 1, 4, 9 2, 8, 18 3, 12, 27
Current ages 6, 9, 14 7, 13, 23 8, 17, 32
If the ages of the 3 sisters were 3, 12, and 27 four years ago, the oldest sister
today, 32, would be four times the age of the youngest sister, 8.
METHOD 2 Strategy: Set up an equation and use algebra to solve it.
Let the ages of the three sisters 5 years ago be x, 4x, and 9x. Their current ages
are x+5, 4x+5 and 9x + 5. The fourth sentence can be written as the equation:
9x + 5 = 4(x + 5). To solve this equation, apply the distributive property for
multiplication over addition to get 9x + 5 = 4x + 20. Now subtract 4x and 5 from
each side of the equation to find that x = 3. Therefore, the oldest sister is 9 × 3
+ 5 = 32 years old.
Answer: 032

Question 16
The figure shown is created by overlapping three 2 cm-by-6 cm
rectangles. Suppose an ant moves around the perimeter traveling at 1
cm/second on each horizontal segment and 2 cm/second on each vertical
segment. How long, in seconds, did the ant take to complete its entire
journey?

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Solution:
Strategy: Apply the definition of perimeter.
Each “smaller” line segment has length 2 cm. There are 6 horizontal segments
and 10 vertical segments. The total time to complete the entire journey is 6 × 1 +
10 × 2 = 𝟐𝟔 seconds.
Answer: 026
Question 17
Consider four right angled triangles with leg lengths 1 cm  4 cm, 2 cm  4 cm,
3 cm  4 cm, and 4 cm  4 cm. Arrange the four triangles, without overlap. What
is the smallest possible area, in whole number cm2, of the rectangle that can fit
them?
(Legs of a right-angled triangle are the sides beside the right angle)
Solution:
Strategy: Use the properties of a rectangle.
It is obvious that all the sides of the desired rectangle must be at least 4 cm
long. The combined area of the four triangles is 20 cm2. Hence the dimensions
of the rectangle must be 5 cm by 4 cm or 6 cm by 4 cm. It is impossible to fit
the triangles into 5 cm by 4 cm rectangle. Thus, the smallest possible area is
6 × 4 = 𝟐𝟒 cm2.
(The diagram below shows one possible arrangement where 6 cm by 4 cm
rectangle can fit all the triangles.)

Answer: 024

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 18
Ananya wants to tile a floor that is 24 m by 40 m. There 1
2
are two types of tiles: a square that is 2 m on a side and
3
an L-shape as shown. The L-shaped tile can be turned 2 1
over or rotated if needed. What is the least number of tiles 2
Ananya needs to tile the floor completely?
Solution:
Let us show that the least number of tiles Ananya needs to tile 12 m by 20 m
floor completely is 60. Then the least number needed to tile 24 m by 40 m floor
is 4 × 60 = 240.
METHOD 1 Strategy: Use subdivisions of the area.
First note that both the 2  2 and L-shape fill 4 units of area. Because the floor
is 20  12 = 240 m2, the best we can hope for is 240 ÷ 4 = 60
tiles. Now, let's put a few tiles together at a time. Two L-
shapes can fill a 2  4 rectangle, if one L is flipped and
rotated. Two 2  2 squares can also join to become a 2  4
rectangle. Either way, the 12 rows of the floor’s grid can be
filled by all squares, all L-shapes, or a combination of both. That would yield 6
row blocks by 5 column blocks, each with 2 matching tiles. That is, 6  5  2 =
60 tiles, the optimal solution. One possible arrangement is shown.
METHOD 2 Strategy: Use objects.
Draw a grid of 20  12. Create L-shaped and square tiles as described in the
problem (perhaps by tearing paper). The area of a square tile is 4, and the area
of an L-shaped tile is also 4. Fifteen blocks comprised of four 2  2 tiles would
fit on the grid (15  4 = 60). Thirty blocks comprised of two L-shaped
tiles (one flipped and rotated) would also fit on the grid (30  2 = 60).
Twenty blocks comprised of two L-shaped tiles and one square tile
would also fit on the grid (20  3 = 60). Because both 12 and 20 are divisible
by 4; 4  4, 2  4, and 3  4 rectangles can cover the grid. In any
configuration, the least number of tiles that would cover the floor would be 60.
Answer: 240

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 19
In a family, there are four children. Angela’s age is the sum of Betty’s and Carla’s
ages. Four years ago, Daniel’s age was the sum of Betty’s age then and Carla’s
age then. Eight years ago, Angela’s age was twice Daniel’s age then. Betty and
Carla are twins. How old (in years) is Betty?
Solution:
Strategy: Construct equations.
Let Angela’s age be 𝐴, Betty’s age be 𝐵, Carla’s age be 𝐶 and Daniel’s age be
𝐷. Then construct equation from each sentence
Angela’s age is the sum of Betty’s and Carla’s ages.
𝐴=𝐵+𝐶
Four years ago, Daniel’s age was the sum of Betty’s age then and Carla’s age
then.
𝐷 − 4 = (𝐵 − 4) + (𝐶 − 4)
Eight years ago, Angela’s age was twice Daniel’s age then.
𝐴 − 8 = 2 × (𝐷 − 8)
Since Betty and Carla are twins (or 𝐵 = 𝐶), then rewrite all 3 equations:
𝐴 = 2𝐵
𝐷 − 4 = 2 × (𝐵 − 4) = 2𝐵 − 8
𝐴 − 8 = 2 × (𝐷 − 8)
After solving the equations, we get 𝑩 = 𝟖.
Answer: 008

Question 20
In the following cryptarithm, each different letter represents a
MINED
different digit. Assuming a number cannot start with 0, find
+ DENIM
the last three digits of the smallest possible sum.
(Example, if your answer is 1234, then write 234.)
Solution:
Strategy: Use less valued digits to represent letters with higher place values.
Since M and D have the highest place values, let them represent 1 and 2. Since
I and E have the second highest place values, let them represent 3 and 4. Since
N has the next highest place value, let it represent 5. Note that M and D share
the same place value, therefore each letter could represent either digit (1 or 2)
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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

and would yield the same sum. The same applies to I and E. Therefore, the last
three digits of the largest possible sum [sample representation: 13542 +
24531] is 073.
Answer: 073

Question 21
There is a rectangular billboard with an area of 120 square meters with lights
placed around the perimeter, one per meter. The length is greater than the
height, but not greater than twice the height. If the length and height are whole
numbers and the perimeter is not 46 meters, what is the perimeter in meters?
Solution:
Strategy: Make a table of reasonable values based on area.

Length 120 60 40 30 24 20 15 12
Width 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10
Perimeter 242 124 86 68 58 52 46 44

Only perimeter of 44 meters satisfies the requirements of the question.

Answer: 044

Question 22
In the following cryptarithm, each different letter BE TT ER
represents a different digit in the 6-digit numbers. If B is BI TT ER
not 0, find the first three digits of the smallest possible BA TT ER
+ BU TT ER
sum.
(Example, if your answer is 12345, then write 123.)
Solution:
Strategy: Use place value and number sense to problem solve. 105506
Since the question asks for the least sum possible, start with the 125506
135506
hundred-thousands place and assign B the least possible value,
+ 145506
which is 1, since B ≠ 0. Assign the letters in the ten-thousands 512024

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

place with the least remaining unused digits. Since E repeats in the tens place,
assign E = 0. Then assign 2, 3, and 4 to I, A, and U in some order. As a result,
the next least available digits for T and R are 5 and 6, respectively. Therefore,
the first three digits of the least possible sum 512024 is 512.
Answer: 512

Question 23
A painting job is shared by four sisters who all paint at the same rate. After Alice
finishes 1/4 of the job, Beth comes in and finishes 2/3 of what is left. Then Cathy
comes in and finishes 3/4 of what remains. The last part of the job is finished by
Dee, who completes her part in 20 minutes. What was the total length of time,
in minutes, for the whole job to be completed?
Solution:
Strategy: Draw a diagram.
Let the painting job be 16 units:

After Alice finishes 1/4 of the job,

Alice

Beth comes in and finishes 2/3 of what is left

Alice Beth

Then Cathy comes in and finishes 3/4 of what remains.

Alice Beth Cathy

The last part (or 1 unit) of the job is finished by Dee, who completes her part in
20 minutes. Hence the total length of time for the whole job to be completed is
20 × 16 = 320 minutes.
Answer: 320

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 24
The numbers 1 through 12 are placed in the diagram, one in each circle, so that
the sum of the numbers along each line is the same. What is the largest possible
value of this sum per line?

Solution:
Strategy: Add the numbers along 3 sides
Let the sum of the numbers along each line be 𝑆 and the numbers on the
vertices (circles) of the triangle be 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐.
Next, let us add all the number along 3 lines. We can notice that the numbers 1
through 12 except 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 were added only once whereas 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 were
added twice. Thus,
3𝑆 = (1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯ + 12) + 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 78 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐
78 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐
𝑆=
3
The largest possible value of 𝑆 is obtained when 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 is the largest
possible.
78+10+11+12 111
Hence 𝑆 must be = = 𝟑𝟕.
3 3

Answer: 037

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AMO 2018, Primary 6 (Grade 6) Contest Solutions

Question 25
Each of the whole numbers 1 through 9 is written on 9 cards, one number per
card. Three cards are given to each of the three players. How many ways can
the cards be given such that the sum of Player One’s cards is 8 and the sum of
Player Two’s cards is 15?
Solution:
Strategy: Find the possible cards of Player One and Two.
There are only 2 ways to get 8 as the sum of 3 numbers:
1+2+5=8
1+3+4=8
When Player Two gets 1, 2 and 5, there is only 1 way to get 15 as the sum of 3
numbers:
3 + 4 + 8 = 15
When Player Two gets 1, 3 and 4, there are only 2 ways to get 15 as the sum
of 3 numbers:
2 + 5 + 8 = 15
2 + 6 + 7 = 15
In total, there are 3 ways for Player One and Two to get their cards. One they
get their cards, Player Three just gets the remaining. Thus, the number of ways
remains the same 3.
Answer: 003

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