2013 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 14

Problem

Define $a\clubsuit b=a^2b-ab^2$. Which of the following describes the set of points $(x, y)$ for which $x\clubsuit y=y\clubsuit x$?

$\textbf{(A)}\ \text{a finite set of points}\\ \qquad\textbf{(B)}\ \text{one line}\\ \qquad\textbf{(C)}\ \text{two parallel lines}\\ \qquad\textbf{(D)}\ \text{two intersecting lines}\\ \qquad\textbf{(E)}\ \text{three lines}$

Solution 1

$x\clubsuit y = x^2y-xy^2$ and $y\clubsuit x = y^2x-yx^2$. Therefore, we have the equation $x^2y-xy^2 = y^2x-yx^2$ Factoring out a $-1$ gives $x^2y-xy^2 = -(x^2y-xy^2)$ Factoring both sides further, $xy(x-y) = -xy(x-y)$. It follows that if $x=0$, $y=0$, or $(x-y)=0$, both sides of the equation equal 0. By this, there are 3 lines ($x=0$, $y=0$, or $x=y$) so the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(E)}\text{ three lines}}$.

Solution 2

Following from the previous solution, $x^2y-xy^2 = y^2x-yx^2$. Then, $2x^2y-2xy^2=0$. Factoring, $2xy(x-y)=0$. Now, the solutions are obviously $x=0$, $y=0$, or $x=y$, which each correspond to a line. Thus, the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(E)}\text{ three lines}}$.

See also

2013 AMC 10B (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 13
Followed by
Problem 15
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