1958 AMC 12 Problem 3

Attempt Problem 3 of the 1958 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 1958 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.

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

3.

Of the following expressions, the one equal to a−1b−1a−3−b−3\dfrac{a^{-1}b^{-1}}{a^{-3}-b^{-3}} is:
a2b2b2−a2\dfrac{a^2b^2}{b^2-a^2}
a2b2b3−a3\dfrac{a^2b^2}{b^3-a^3}
abb3−a3\dfrac{ab}{b^3-a^3}
a3−b3ab\dfrac{a^3-b^3}{ab}
a2b2a−b\dfrac{a^2b^2}{a-b}
Answer: B
Concepts:exponentalgebraic manipulationrational equation
Small hint:
Rewrite every negative power as a reciprocal
Big hint:
Express a−3−b−3a^{-3}-b^{-3} over the common denominator a3b3a^3b^3
Solution:
We have a−3−b−3=b3−a3a3b3. a^{-3}-b^{-3} =\frac{b^3-a^3}{a^3b^3}. Hence 1abb3−a3a3b3=a2b2b3−a3. \frac{\frac{1}{ab}}{\frac{b^3-a^3}{a^3b^3}} =\frac{a^2b^2}{b^3-a^3}.
Thus, the correct answer is B.
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.