2012 AIME I Problems/Problem 9

Problem 9

Let $x,$ $y,$ and $z$ be positive real numbers that satisfy $2\log_{x}(2y) = 2\log_{2x}(4z) = \log_{2x^4}(8yz) \ne 0.$ The value of $xy^5z$ can be expressed in the form $\frac{1}{2^{p/q}},$ where $p$ and $q$ are relatively prime positive integers. Find $p+q.$

Solution

Since there are only two dependent equations given and three unknowns, the three expressions given can equate to any common value, so to simplify the problem let us assume without loss of generality that $2\log_{x}(2y) = 2\log_{2x}(4z) = \log_{2x^4}(8yz) = 2.$ Then $\begin{align*} 2\log_{x}(2y) = 2 &\implies x=2y\\ 2\log_{2x}(4z) = 2 &\implies 2x=4z\\ \log_{2x^4}(8yz) = 2 &\implies 4x^8 = 8yz \end{align*}$ Solving these equations, we quickly see that $4x^8 = (2y)(4z) = x(2x) \rightarrow x=2^{-1/6}$ and then $y=z=2^{-1/6 - 1} = 2^{-7/6}.$ Finally, our desired value is $2^{-1/6} \cdot (2^{-7/6})^5 \cdot 2^{-7/6} = 2^{-43/6}$ and thus $p+q = 43 + 6 = \boxed{049.}$

2012 AIME I (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by Problem 8	Followed by Problem 10
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2012 AIME I Problems/Problem 9

Problem 9

Solution

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