Question

There are integers $a,$ $b,$ and $c,$ each greater than $1,$ such that $\sqrt[a]{N \sqrt[b]{N \sqrt[c]{N}}} = \sqrt[36]{N^{25}}$ for all $N \gt 1.$ What is $b?$

$2$

$3$

$4$

$5$

$6$

Answer: B

Concepts:radical exponent

Difficulty rating: 1590

Solution:

The left side equals $N$ raised to the exponent $\dfrac{1}{a} + \dfrac{1}{ab} + \dfrac{1}{abc},$ which must equal $\dfrac{25}{36}.$

Because $b,c\ge2,$ this exponent is at most $\dfrac{7}{4a}.$ If $a\ge3,$ it is at most $\dfrac{7}{12}\lt\dfrac{25}{36},$ so $a=2.$ The equation becomes $\dfrac{1}{2b}+\dfrac{1}{2bc}=\dfrac{7}{36}.$

Clearing denominators gives $c(7b-18)=18.$ Set $d=7b-18,$ so $d$ is a positive divisor of $18.$ Among $1,2,3,6,9,18,$ only $d=3$ makes $b=\dfrac{d+18}{7}$ an integer. Hence $b=3$ and $c=6.$

Thus, B is the correct answer.

2020 AMC 12A Problem 13

Answer: B

Difficulty rating: 1590

Solution:

Problem 13 in Other Years