2005 AMC 10B Problem 16

Attempt Problem 16 of the 2005 AMC 10B below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2005 AMC 10B solutions, or check the answer key.

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16.

The quadratic equation x2+mx+n=0x^2 + mx + n = 0 has roots that are twice those of x2+px+m=0,x^2 + px + m = 0, and none of m,m, n,n, and pp is zero. What is the value of np?\dfrac{n}{p}?

11

22

44

88

1616

Answer: D
Concepts:Vieta’s Formulasquadratic
Difficulty rating: 1480
Small Hint:

Let the roots of x2+px+m=0x^2+px+m=0 be r1r_1 and r2,r_2, then use Vieta’s formulas on both equations

Big Hint:

Express m,m, n,n, and pp in terms of r1+r2r_1+r_2 and r1r2r_1r_2

Solution:

Let r1r_1 and r2r_2 be the roots of x2+px+m=0,x^2 + px + m = 0, so m=r1r2m = r_1 r_2 and p=(r1+r2).p = -(r_1 + r_2).

The roots of x2+mx+n=0x^2 + mx + n = 0 are 2r12r_1 and 2r2,2r_2, so n=4r1r2n = 4r_1 r_2 and m=2(r1+r2).-m = 2(r_1 + r_2).

Then n=4mn = 4m and m=2(r1+r2)=2p,m = -2(r_1 + r_2) = 2p, so p=m2.p = \dfrac{m}{2}. Therefore np=4mm2=8. \dfrac{n}{p} = \dfrac{4m}{\frac{m}{2}} = 8.

Thus, D is the correct answer.

Problem 15#15
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