finance wrote:There are 100 tokens numbered from 1 to 100. In how many ways can two tokens be drawn simultaneously so that their sum is greater than 100?
Let B = the bigger integer in each pair.
The largest possible value of B = 100.
The smallest possible value of B = 51.
If B ≤ 50, there will be no smaller integer that could be added to B to yield a sum greater than 100.
Thus, 51 ≤ B ≤ 100.
To count consecutive integers:
Number = biggest - smallest + 1.
B = 100:
Adding 100 to any integer from 99 to 1, inclusive, will yield a sum greater than 100.
Total options = (99-1) + 1 = 99.
B = 99:
Adding 99 to any integer from 98 to 2, inclusive, will yield a sum greater than 100.
Total options = (98-2) + 1 = 97.
B = 98:
Adding 98 to any integer from 97 to 3, inclusive, will yield a sum greater than 100.
Total options = (97-3) + 1 = 95.
B = 51:
Adding 51 to 50 will yield a sum greater than 100.
Total options = 1.
Note the pattern exhibited by the results above.
The number of options is the set of decreasing consecutive odd integers from 99 to 1, inclusive.
Thus, the total number ways to pick the tokens = the sum of the consecutive odd integers from 1 to 99, inclusive.
Sum of evenly spaced integers = (number of integers) * (average).
To count consecutive odd integers:
Number = (biggest-smallest)/2 + 1.
(99-1)/2 + 1 = 50.
Average of evenly spaced integers = (biggest+smallest)/2.
(99+1)/2 = 50.
Sum = number * average = 50*50 = 2500.
Thus, the total number of ways to pick the tokens = 2500.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at
[email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3