1986 AIME Problems/Problem 1

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Problem

What is the sum of the solutions to the equation $\displaystyle \sqrt[4]{x} = \frac{12}{7 - \sqrt[4]{x}}$?

Solution

Let $y = \sqrt[4]{x}$. Then we have $\displaystyle y(7 - y) = 12$, or, by simplifying, $\displaystyle y^2 - 7y + 12 = (y - 3)(y - 4) = 0$. This means that $\sqrt[4]{x} = y = 3$ or $\displaystyle 4$. Thus the sum of the possible solutions for $\displaystyle x$ is $\displaystyle 4^4 + 3^4 = 337$, the answer.

See also

1986 AIME (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
First Question
Followed by
Problem 2
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