1967 AMC 12 Problem 10

Attempt Problem 10 of the 1967 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 1967 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.

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

10.

If
a10x−1+b10x+2=2⋅10x+3(10x−1)(10x+2) \begin{aligned} &\frac{a}{10^x-1}+\frac{b}{10^x+2}\\ &\qquad=\frac{2\cdot10^x+3} {(10^x-1)(10^x+2)} \end{aligned}
is an identity for positive rational values of x,x, then the value of a−ba-b is:
43\dfrac43
53\dfrac53
22
114\dfrac{11}{4}
33
Answer: A
Concepts:rational equationsystem of equations
Small hint:
Multiply by (10x−1)(10x+2)(10^x-1)(10^x+2)
Big hint:
Compare the coefficient of 10x10^x and the constant term
Solution:
Clearing denominators gives a(10x+2)+b(10x−1)=2⋅10x+3. \begin{aligned} &a(10^x+2)+b(10^x-1)\\ &\qquad=2\cdot10^x+3. \end{aligned} Therefore a+b=2a+b=2 and 2a−b=3.2a-b=3. Solving gives a=53, b=13,a=\frac{5}{3},\ b=\frac{1}{3}, so a−b=43.a-b=\frac{4}{3}.
Therefore, the correct answer is A.
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