1966 AMC 12 Problem 7

Attempt Problem 7 of the 1966 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 1966 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.

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

7.

Let
35x−29x2−3x+2=N1x−1+N2x−2 \frac{35x-29}{x^2-3x+2} =\frac{N_1}{x-1}+\frac{N_2}{x-2}
be an identity in x.x. The numerical value of N1N2N_1N_2 is:
−246-246
−210-210
−29-29
210210
246246
Answer: A
Concepts:linear equationpartial fractions
Small hint:
Combine the two fractions over (x−1)(x−2)(x-1)(x-2)
Big hint:
Compare the coefficient of xx and the constant term
Solution:
Combining the right side gives numerator N1(x−2)+N2(x−1)=(N1+N2)x−(2N1+N2). \begin{aligned} &N_1(x-2)+N_2(x-1)\\ &\quad=(N_1+N_2)x\\ &\qquad-(2N_1+N_2). \end{aligned} Thus N1+N2=35N_1+N_2=35 and 2N1+N2=29.2N_1+N_2=29. Hence N1=−6,N_1=-6, N2=41,N_2=41, and N1N2=−246.N_1N_2=-246.
Therefore, the correct answer is A.
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