s(n) is a n-digit number formed by attaching the first n perfect squares, in order, into one integer. For example, s(1) = 1, s(2) = 14, s(3) = 149, s(4) = 14916, s(5) = 1491625, etc. How many digits Q are in s(99)? Choices:
A) q = 350
B) q = 353
C) q = 354
D) q = 356
E) 357

Rationale: focus on the points where the number of digits q in squares change : 1 , 2 , 3 - single digit squares . first 2 digit number is 10 . 4 , 5 , . . . 9 - two digit squares . to get 9 , the last number with two digit square , think that first 3 digit number is 100 which is 10 ^ 2 . so 9 ^ 2 must be the last 2 digit square . 10 , 11 , 12 , . . . 31 - three digit squares . to get 31 , think of 1000 - the first 4 digit number . it is not a perfect square but 900 is 30 ^ 2 . 32 ^ 2 = 2 ^ 10 = 1024 , the first 4 digit square . 32 - 99 - four digit squares . to get 99 , think of 10000 - the first 5 digit number which is 100 ^ 2 . so number of digits in s ( 99 ) = 3 * 1 + 6 * 2 + 22 * 3 + 68 * 4 = 3 + 12 + 66 + 272 = 353 . b
Answer: B