2000 AMC 12 Problem 11

Below is the professionally curated solution for Problem 11 of the 2000 AMC 12, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2000 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.

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Concepts:algebraic manipulationsubstitution

Difficulty rating: 1530

11.

Two non-zero real numbers, aa and b,b, satisfy ab=ab.ab = a - b. Find a possible value of ab+baab.\frac{a}{b} + \frac{b}{a} - ab.

2-2

12-\dfrac{1}{2}

13\dfrac{1}{3}

12\dfrac{1}{2}

22

Solution:

Combining over a common denominator, ab+baab=a2+b2(ab)2ab. \frac{a}{b} + \frac{b}{a} - ab = \frac{a^2 + b^2 - (ab)^2}{ab}.

Replacing abab with aba - b in the numerator, a2+b2(ab)2=a2+b2(a22ab+b2)=2ab. a^2 + b^2 - (a - b)^2 = a^2 + b^2 - (a^2 - 2ab + b^2) = 2ab.

Therefore the expression equals 2abab=2.\dfrac{2ab}{ab} = 2.

Thus, the correct answer is E.

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