2015 AMC 12A Problem 10

Attempt Problem 10 of the 2015 AMC 12A 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 2015 AMC 12A solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

10.

Integers xx and yy with x>y>0x \gt y \gt 0 satisfy x+y+xy=80.x+y+xy = 80. What is x?x?
88
1010
1515
1818
2626
Answer: E
Concepts:Simon’s Favorite Factoring TrickDiophantine Equation
Small hint:
Add 11 to both sides so the left side factors
Big hint:
(x+1)(y+1)=81;(x+1)(y+1) = 81; use x>y>0x \gt y \gt 0 with 81=3481 = 3^4
Solution:
Adding 11 to both sides and factoring gives (x+1)(y+1)=81=34.(x+1)(y+1) = 81 = 3^4.
Because xx and yy are distinct positive integers with x>y,x \gt y, the only possibility is x+1=33=27x+1 = 3^3 = 27 and y+1=3.y+1 = 3. Therefore x=26.x = 26.
Thus, the correct answer is E.
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