2025 AMC 10A Problem 9

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Concepts:functionpolynomial

Difficulty rating: 1440

9.

Let f(x)=100x3300x2+200x.f(x) = 100x^3 - 300x^2 + 200x. For how many real numbers aa does the graph of y=f(xa)y = f(x - a) pass through the point (1,25)?(1, 25)?

11

22

33

44

more than 44

Solution:

The graph passes through (1,25)(1,25) exactly when f(1a)=25.f(1 - a) = 25. Let t=1a,t = 1 - a, so we just need the number of solutions to f(t)=25.f(t) = 25. Factor f(x)=100x(x1)(x2),f(x) = 100x(x-1)(x-2), with roots 0,1,2.0, 1, 2. Its local maximum on (0,1)(0,1) is f(0.5)=37.5,f(0.5) = 37.5, which beats 25.25. So the line y=25y = 25 cuts the cubic in 33 points. Each one gives a single a,a, so there are 33 values. Thus, C is the correct answer.

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