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Difference between revisions of "2016 AMC 8 Problems/Problem 15"

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==Solution==
 
==Solution==
  
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First, we use difference of squares on <math>13^4 - 11^4 = (13^2)^2 - (11^2)^2</math> to get <math>13^4 - 11^4 = (13^2 + 11^2)(13^2 - 11^2)</math>. Using difference of squares again and simplifying, we get <math>(169 + 121)(13+11)(13-11) = 290 \cdot 24 \cdot 2 = (2\cdot 8 \cdot 2) \cdot (3 \cdot 145)</math>. Realizing that we don't need the right-hand side, we see that he greatest power of <math>2</math> that is a divisor <math>13^4 - 11^4</math> is <math>\textbf{(C)}32</math>.
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First, we use difference of squares on <math>13^4 - 11^4 = (13^2)^2 - (11^2)^2</math> to get <math>13^4 - 11^4 = (13^2 + 11^2)(13^2 - 11^2)</math>. Using difference of squares again and simplifying, we get <math>(169 + 121)(13+11)(13-11) = 290 \cdot 24 \cdot 2 = (2\cdot 8 \cdot 2) \cdot (3 \cdot 145)</math>. Realizing that we don't need the right-hand side, we see that the greatest power of <math>2</math> that is a divisor <math>13^4 - 11^4</math> is <math>\textbf{(C)}32</math>.

Revision as of 12:01, 23 November 2016

What is the largest power of $2$ that is a divisor of $13^4 - 11^4$?

$\textbf{(A)}\mbox{ }8\qquad \textbf{(B)}\mbox{ }16\qquad \textbf{(C)}\mbox{ }32\qquad \textbf{(D)}\mbox{ }64\qquad \textbf{(E)}\mbox{ }128$

Solution

First, we use difference of squares on $13^4 - 11^4 = (13^2)^2 - (11^2)^2$ to get $13^4 - 11^4 = (13^2 + 11^2)(13^2 - 11^2)$. Using difference of squares again and simplifying, we get $(169 + 121)(13+11)(13-11) = 290 \cdot 24 \cdot 2 = (2\cdot 8 \cdot 2) \cdot (3 \cdot 145)$. Realizing that we don't need the right-hand side, we see that the greatest power of $2$ that is a divisor $13^4 - 11^4$ is $\textbf{(C)}32$.

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