Question

For each ordered pair of real numbers $(x, y)$ satisfying $\log_2(2x + y) = \log_4(x^2 + xy + 7y^2),$ there is a real number $K$ such that $\log_3(3x + y) = \log_9(3x^2 + 4xy + Ky^2).$ Find the product of all possible values of $K.$

Answer

Solution:

Because $\log_4 u = \log_2 \sqrt{u},$ the first equation is equivalent to $(2x + y)^2 = x^2 + xy + 7y^2$ together with $2x + y \gt 0.$ Expanding gives $3x^2 + 3xy - 6y^2 = 0,$ which factors as $3(x - y)(x + 2y) = 0.$ So $x = y$ or $x = -2y,$ with $(x, y) \ne (0, 0).$

Similarly the second equation says $(3x + y)^2 = 3x^2 + 4xy + Ky^2,$ that is $6x^2 + 2xy + y^2 = Ky^2.$ If $x = y$ (taking $x \gt 0$ so both logarithms are defined), then $K = 6 + 2 + 1 = 9.$ If $x = -2y$ (taking $y \lt 0,$ so $2x + y = -3y \gt 0$ and $3x + y = -5y \gt 0$ ), then $24y^2 - 4y^2 + y^2 = Ky^2,$ so $K = 21.$

Both cases occur, so the product of all possible values is $9 \cdot 21 = 189.$

2018 AIME I Problem 5

Solution:

Problem 5 in Other Years