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2010 Math Kangaroo

Problem 10

Problem 10 · 2010 Math Kangaroo Easy
Algebra & Patterns substitution

Which of the numbers a, b, c, d and e is biggest if \(a-1 = b+2 = c-3 = d+4 = e-4\)?

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Answer: Ee
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Hint 1 of 2
Set every expression equal to one common value and solve for each letter.
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Hint 2 of 2
Whichever letter has the largest amount added is the biggest.
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Approach: compare each letter to a common value
  1. Let the common value be k: a = k+1, b = k-2, c = k+3, d = k-4, e = k+4.
  2. The largest is the one with the biggest amount added, which is e = k+4.
  3. So e is the biggest.
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