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2005 AMC 10A Problems/Problem 22

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Problem

Let S be the set of the 2005 smallest positive multiples of 4, and let T be the set of the 2005 smallest positive multiples of 6. How many elements are common to S and T?

\mathrm{(A) \ } 166\qquad \mathrm{(B) \ } 333\qquad \mathrm{(C) \ } 500\qquad \mathrm{(D) \ } 668\qquad \mathrm{(E) \ } 1001

Solution

Since the least common multiple \mathrm{lcm}(4,6)=12, the elements that are common to S and T must be multiples of 12.

Since 4\cdot2005=8020 and 6\cdot2005=12030, several multiples of 12 that are in T won't be in S, but all multiples of 12 that are in S will be in T. So we just need to find the number of multiples of 12 that are in S.

Since 4\cdot3=12 every 3rd element of S will be a multiple of 12

Therefore the answer is \lfloor\frac{2005}{3}\rfloor=668\Longrightarrow \mathrm{(D)}

See Also

Want to learn how to tackle those tough MATHCOUNTS and AMC counting and probability problems? Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Counting & Probability by David Patrick.
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