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2021 JMPSC Invitationals Problems/Problem 8

Problem

Let $x$ and $y$ be real numbers that satisfy \[(x+y)^2(20x+21y) = 12\] \[(x+y)(20x+21y)^2 = 18.\] Find $21x+20y$.

Solution

We let $a=(x+y)$ and $b=(20x+21y)$ to get the new system of equations \[a^2b=12 \qquad (1)\] \[ab^2=18 \qquad(2).\] Multiplying these two, we have $(ab)^3=12 \cdot 18$ or \[ab=6 \qquad (3).\] We divide $(3)$ by $(1)$ to get $a=2$ and divide $(2)$ by $(1)$ to get $b=3$. Recall that $a=x+y=2$ and $b=20x+21y=3$. Solving the system of equations \[x+y=2\] \[20x+21y=3,\] we get $y=-37$ and $x=39$. This means that \[21x+20y=20x+21y+x-y=3+39-(-37)=\boxed{79}.\] ~samrocksnature


See also

  1. Other 2021 JMPSC Invitationals Problems
  2. 2021 JMPSC Invitationals Answer Key
  3. All JMPSC Problems and Solutions

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