2022 AMC 12B Problem 4

Attempt Problem 4 of the 2022 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 2022 AMC 12B solutions, or check the answer key.

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4.

For how many values of the constant kk will the polynomial x2+kx+36x^2 + kx + 36 have two distinct integer roots?

66

88

99

1414

1616

Answer: B
Concepts:Vieta’s Formulasfactorsystematic listing
Difficulty rating: 1200
Solution:

If the roots are integers pp and q,q, then pq=36pq = 36 and k=(p+q).k = -(p+q). Distinct roots must have the same sign, so we list factor pairs of 3636 with pq.p \ne q.

The positive pairs are (1,36),(2,18),(3,12),(4,9),(1,36), (2,18), (3,12), (4,9), and the negative pairs are (1,36),(-1,-36), (2,18),(-2,-18), (3,12),(-3,-12), (4,9).(-4,-9). The pair (6,6)(6,6) is excluded since the roots must be distinct.

Each of these 88 pairs gives a different value of k.k.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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