2006 AMC 10B Problem 2

Attempt Problem 2 of the 2006 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 2006 AMC 10B solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

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

Answer: A
Concepts:custom operationdifference of squares
Difficulty rating: 870
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 1#1
Full Exam

Problem 2 in Other Years