2024 AMC 12A Problem 8

Attempt Problem 8 of the 2024 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 2024 AMC 12A solutions, or check the answer key.

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

8.

How many angles θ\theta with 0≤θ≤2π0\le\theta\le2\pi satisfy log⁡(sin⁡(3θ))+log⁡(cos⁡(2θ))=0?\log(\sin(3\theta))+\log(\cos(2\theta))=0?
00
11
22
33
44
Answer: A
Concepts:logarithmtrigonometrybounding to limit cases
Small hint:
log⁡(sin⁡3θ)+log⁡(cos⁡2θ)\log(\sin3\theta)+\log(\cos2\theta) =log⁡(sin⁡3θcos⁡2θ),=\log(\sin3\theta\cos2\theta), which must equal 00
Big hint:
A product of two numbers each at most 11 equals 11 only when both equal 11
Solution:
The equation means sin⁡(3θ)cos⁡(2θ)=1\sin(3\theta)\cos(2\theta)=1 with both factors positive (for the logs to be defined). Since sin⁡(3θ)≤1\sin(3\theta)\le1 and cos⁡(2θ)≤1,\cos(2\theta)\le1, their product is 11 only if sin⁡(3θ)=1\sin(3\theta)=1 and cos⁡(2θ)=1\cos(2\theta)=1 simultaneously. But cos⁡(2θ)=1\cos(2\theta)=1 forces θ∈{0,π,2π},\theta\in\{0,\pi,2\pi\}, where sin⁡(3θ)=0≠1.\sin(3\theta)=0\ne1. No angle works. Thus, the correct answer is A.
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