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1983 AIME Problems/Problem 10

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Problem

The numbers 1447, 1005, and 1231 have something in common. Each is a four-digit number beginning with 1 that has exactly two identical digits. How many such numbers are there?

Solution

Suppose the two identical digits are both one. Since the thousands digits must be one, the other one can be in only one of three digits,

11xy,\qquad 1x1y,\qquad1xy1.

Because the number must have exactly two identical digits, x\neq y, x\neq1, and y\neq1. Hence, there are 3\cdot9\cdot8=216 numbers of this form.

Suppose the two identical digits are not one. Therefore, consider the following possibilities,

1xxy,\qquad1xyx,\qquad1yxx.

Again, x\neq y, x\neq 1, and y\neq 1. There are 3\cdot9\cdot8=216 numbers of this form as well.

Thus, the desired answer is 216+216=432.

See also

1983 AIME (ProblemsResources)
Preceded by
Problem 9
Followed by
Problem 11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Looking for a challenging algebra text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams?
Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Algebra by Richard Rusczyk.
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