2006 AMC 10B Problem 2

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 2 of the 2006 AMC 10B, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2006 AMC 10B solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:custom operationdifference of squares

Difficulty rating: 870

2.

For real numbers xx and y,y, define xy=(x+y)(xy).x \spadesuit y = (x+y)(x-y). What is 3(45)?3 \spadesuit (4 \spadesuit 5)?

72-72

27-27

24-24

2424

7272

Solution:

Since xy=(x+y)(xy)=x2y2,x \spadesuit y = (x+y)(x-y) = x^2 - y^2, we have 45=1625=9.4 \spadesuit 5 = 16 - 25 = -9.

Then 3(9)=981=72.3 \spadesuit (-9) = 9 - 81 = -72.

Thus, the correct answer is A.

Problem 2 in Other Years