2007 AMC 10A Problem 9

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 9 of the 2007 AMC 10A, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2007 AMC 10A solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:exponentsystem of equations

Difficulty rating: 1240

9.

Real numbers aa and bb satisfy the equations 3a=81b+23^a = 81^{b+2} and 125b=5a3.125^b = 5^{a-3}. What is ab?ab?

60-60

17-17

99

1212

6060

Solution:

The equations become 3a=34(b+2)3^a = 3^{4(b+2)} and 53b=5a3.5^{3b} = 5^{a-3}.

So a=4(b+2)a = 4(b + 2) and 3b=a3.3b = a - 3.

Solving gives a=12a = -12 and b=5,b = -5, so ab=60.ab = 60.

Thus, the correct answer is E.

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