2010 AIME I Problems/Problem 3

Problem

Suppose that $y = \frac34x$ and $x^y = y^x$. The quantity $x + y$ can be expressed as a rational number $\frac {r}{s}$, where $r$ and $s$ are relatively prime positive integers. Find $r + s$.

Solution

We solve in general using $c$ instead of $3/4$. Substituting $y = cx$, we have:

\[x^{cx} = (cx)^x \Longrightarrow (x^x)^c = c^x\cdot x^x\]

Dividing by $x^x$, we get $(x^x)^{c - 1} = c^x$.

Taking the $x$th root, $x^{c - 1} = c$, or $x = c^{1/(c - 1)}$.

In the case $c = \frac34$, $x = \Bigg(\frac34\Bigg)^{ - 4} = \Bigg(\frac43\Bigg)^4 = \frac {256}{81}$, $y = \frac {64}{27}$, $x + y = \frac {256 + 192}{81} = \frac {448}{81}$, yielding an answer of $448 + 81 = \boxed{529}$.

See Also

2010 AIME I (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 2
Followed by
Problem 4
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All AIME Problems and Solutions

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