1987 AMC 12 Problem 15

Attempt Problem 15 of the 1987 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 1987 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.

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15.

If (x,y)(x,y) is a solution to the system xy=6,x2y+xy2+x+y=63, \begin{aligned} xy&=6,\\ x^2y+xy^2+x+y&=63, \end{aligned} find x2+y2.x^2+y^2.
1313
117332\frac{1173}{32}
5555
6969
8181
Answer: D
Concepts:symmetric expressionsfactoringsystem of equations
Small hint:
Factor the second equation using x+yx+y
Big hint:
Use x2+y2=(x+y)2−2xyx^2+y^2=(x+y)^2-2xy
Solution:
The second equation becomes xy(x+y)+(x+y)=(xy+1)(x+y)=63. \begin{aligned} xy(x+y)&+(x+y)\\ &=(xy+1)(x+y)\\ &=63. \end{aligned} Since xy=6,xy=6, we get x+y=9.x+y=9. Therefore x2+y2=(x+y)2−2xy=81−12=69. \begin{aligned} x^2+y^2 &=(x+y)^2-2xy\\ &=81-12=69. \end{aligned}
Thus the correct answer is D.
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