2000 AMC 12 Problem 15

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Concepts:functionsubstitutionVieta’s Formulas

Difficulty rating: 1650

15.

Let ff be a function for which f ⁣(x3)=x2+x+1.f\!\left(\dfrac{x}{3}\right) = x^2 + x + 1. Find the sum of all values of zz for which f(3z)=7.f(3z) = 7.

13-\dfrac{1}{3}

19-\dfrac{1}{9}

00

59\dfrac{5}{9}

53\dfrac{5}{3}

Solution:

Setting x3=3z\dfrac{x}{3} = 3z gives x=9z,x = 9z, so f(3z)=(9z)2+9z+1=81z2+9z+1=7. f(3z) = (9z)^2 + 9z + 1 = 81z^2 + 9z + 1 = 7.

This rearranges to 81z2+9z6=0.81z^2 + 9z - 6 = 0.

By the sum-of-roots formula, the sum of the values of zz is 981=19.-\dfrac{9}{81} = -\dfrac{1}{9}.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

Problem 15 in Other Years