Question

Which of the following is equivalent to $\begin{aligned} &(2+3)(2^2+3^2)\\ &\quad\cdot(2^4+3^4)(2^8+3^8)\\ &\quad\cdot(2^{16}+3^{16})(2^{32}+3^{32})\\ &\quad\cdot(2^{64}+3^{64})? \end{aligned}$

$3^{127} + 2^{127}$

$3^{127} + 2^{127} + 2 \cdot 3^{63}$ $+ 3 \cdot 2^{63}$

$3^{128} - 2^{128}$

$3^{128} + 2^{128}$

$5^{127}$

Answer: C

Concepts:difference of squares telescoping

Difficulty rating: 1070

Video solution:

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Written solution:

Multiply the product by $3-2=1.$ Repeatedly applying the difference-of-squares identity gives $\begin{aligned} (3-2)(3+2)&=3^2-2^2,\\ (3^2-2^2)(3^2+2^2)&=3^4-2^4, \end{aligned}$ and the same cancellation continues through the final factor. Therefore the product is $3^{128}-2^{128}.$

Thus, C is the correct answer.

2021 AMC 10A Spring Problem 10

Answer: C

Difficulty rating: 1070

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Written solution:

Problem 10 in Other Years