2014 AIME I Problems/Problem 14

Revision as of 19:33, 14 March 2014 by Enigma1 (talk | contribs) (Solution)

Problem 14

Let $m$ be the largest real solution to the equation

$\frac{3}{x-3}+\frac{5}{x-5}+\frac{17}{x-17}+\frac{19}{x-19}=x^2-11x-4$

There are positive integers $a$, $b$, and $c$ such that $m=a+\sqrt{b+\sqrt{c}}$. Find $a+b+c$.

Solution

The first step is to notice that the 4 on the right hand side can simplify the terms on the left hand side. If we distribute 1 to $3/x-3$, then the fraction becomes of the form $(x/x - 3)$. A similar cancellation happens with the other four terms.


The se

See also

2014 AIME I (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 13
Followed by
Problem 15
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All AIME Problems and Solutions

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