1951 AMC 12 Problem 17

Attempt Problem 17 of the 1951 AMC 12 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 1951 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.

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

17.

Indicate in which one of the following equations yy is neither directly nor inversely proportional to xx:
x+y=0x+y=0
3xy=103xy=10
x=5yx=5y
3x+y=103x+y=10
xy=3\dfrac{x}{y}=\sqrt3
Answer: D
Concepts:ratio and proportionlinear equation
Small hint:
Direct proportion has the form y=kxy=kx, while inverse proportion has the form xy=kxy=k
Big hint:
Rewrite each equation by solving for yy
Solution:
Choices A, C, and E rearrange to y=kx,y=kx, and choice B rearranges to xy=k.xy=k. But choice D gives y=10−3x,y=10-3x, which is neither form.
Thus, the correct answer is D.
LIVE by Po-Shen Loh
Programs

LIVE Classes

Self-Paced Classes

Stars

Scholarship

About Us

Who Is Po-Shen Loh?

Email Contact

Newsletter

Jobs

Become a Star

For a more Thought Full world.

© 2026 Expii, Inc.