2004 AMC 12B Problem 3

Attempt Problem 3 of the 2004 AMC 12B 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 2004 AMC 12B solutions, or check the answer key.

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3.

If xx and yy are positive integers for which 2x3y=1296,2^x 3^y = 1296, what is the value of x+y?x + y?

88

99

1010

1111

1212

Answer: A
Concepts:prime factorizationexponent
Difficulty rating: 980
Solution:

Factoring, 1296=64=2434.1296 = 6^4 = 2^4 \cdot 3^4. Matching exponents gives x=4x = 4 and y=4,y = 4, so x+y=8.x + y = 8.

Thus, the correct answer is A.

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