Question

The graphs of $y=\log_3 x,$ $y=\log_x 3,$ $y=\log_{1/3} x,$ and $y=\log_x\dfrac{1}{3}$ are plotted on the same set of axes. How many points in the plane with positive $x$ -coordinates lie on two or more of the graphs?

$2$

$3$

$4$

$5$

$6$

Solution:

Let $u=\log_3 x.$ Then $\log_x 3=\dfrac1u,$ $\log_{1/3}x=-u,$ and $\log_x\dfrac13=-\dfrac1u.$ Two graphs meet where two of $u,\dfrac1u,-u,-\dfrac1u$ are equal for some valid $x\gt 0.$

Setting $u=\dfrac1u$ gives $u=\pm1,$ so $x=3$ or $x=\dfrac13;$ setting $-u=-\dfrac1u$ gives the same values. Setting $u=-u$ gives $u=0,$ i.e. $x=1,$ where $\log_3 x$ and $\log_{1/3}x$ are both $0.$ The remaining pairings have no real solution.

The distinct intersection points are $(1,0),$ $(3,1),$ $\left(\dfrac13,-1\right),$ $(3,-1),$ and $\left(\dfrac13,1\right),$ so there are $5.$

Thus, the correct answer is D.

2016 AMC 12A Problem 16

Solution:

Problem 16 in Other Years