2013 AMC 10B Problem 14

Attempt Problem 14 of the 2013 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 2013 AMC 10B solutions, or check the answer key.

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14.

Define ab=a2bab2. a\clubsuit b=a^2b-ab^2 . Which of the following describes the set of points (x,y) (x, y) for which xy=yx? x\clubsuit y=y\clubsuit x ?

A finite set of points

One line

Two parallel lines

Two intersecting lines

Three lines

Answer: E
Concepts:custom operationfactoring
Difficulty rating: 1140
Solution:

The condition is xy=yxx\clubsuit y=y\clubsuit x, so x2yxy2=y2xyx2x^2y-xy^2=y^2x-yx^2.

Combining like terms gives 2x2y2xy2=2xy(xy)=02x^2y-2xy^2=2xy(x-y)=0.

Thus x=0x=0, y=0y=0, or x=yx=y. These are three lines.

Thus, the correct answer is E .

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