MATHCOUNTS Mini #24 - Finding Simpler Ways to Approach a Complex Problem

This video focuses on finding simpler ways to approach complex problems.

Video by Art of Problem Solving's Richard Rusczyk, a MATHCOUNTS alum. Visit Art of Problem Solving for many more educational resources.

[GameFreakg]

I did the L-shaped problem yesterday in a practice. Thanks now I know the answer and how to do it

[jwm]

...ah...more sums if that L-shaped piece can be flipped over...! And it would be curious to see related problem using "knight's move" L-shaped piece - 3 squares in a row, then a 4th attached at 90-degree angle to either end square.

[toddbiesel]

How about this way: Each 2×2 block of unit squares will contain four L-shaped pieces, and no piece will appear in more than one block. In each block, each number will be used in three pieces. So, you just add up the digits in each 2×2 block (some will repeat), and multiply the sum by three.

[jwm]

Yeah Richard...lost very little time getting the February video onboard! Yes, the night before Groundhog Day! Wow! Will 'Phil' see his octahedral shadow?

[dugelstudios]

For the L-shaped problem theres a lot faster way. The L can fit into the board 16 different ways. The average value every time is 15. 16*15 = 240.

[GameFreakg]

I did the L-shaped problem yesterday in a practice. Thanks now I know the answer and how to do it