Difference between revisions of "2020 AMC 12B Problems/Problem 13"

Problem

Which of the following is the value of $\sqrt{\log_2{6}+\log_3{6}}?$

$\textbf{(A) } 1 \qquad\textbf{(B) } \sqrt{\log_5{6}} \qquad\textbf{(C) } 2 \qquad\textbf{(D) } \sqrt{\log_2{3}}+\sqrt{\log_3{2}} \qquad\textbf{(E) } \sqrt{\log_2{6}}+\sqrt{\log_3{6}}$

Solutions

Solution 1 (Logic)

Using the knowledge of the powers of $2$ and $3$, we know that $\log_2{6}$ is greater than $2.5$ and $\log_3{6}$ is greater than $1.5$. So that means $\sqrt{\log_2{6}+\log_3{6}} > 2$. Since $\boxed{\textbf{(D) } \sqrt{\log_2{3}} + \sqrt{\log_3{2}}}$ is the only option greater than $2$, it's the answer. ~Baolan

Answer Choice E is also greater than $2,$ but it’s obvious that it’s too big.

Specifically, verify Choice E is too big by squaring the expression in the question and squaring choice (E) and then comparing.

Actually, this solution is incomplete, as $\sqrt{\log_2{6}} + \sqrt{\log_3{6}}$ is also greater than 2. ~chrisdiamond10

Solution 2

$\sqrt{\log_2{6}+\log_3{6}} = \sqrt{\log_2{2}+\log_2{3}+\log_3{2}+\log_3{3}}=\sqrt{2+\log_2{3}+\log_3{2}}$. If we call $\log_2{3} = x$, then we have

$\sqrt{2+x+\frac{1}{x}}=\sqrt{x}+\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}=\sqrt{\log_2{3}}+\frac{1}{\sqrt{\log_2{3}}}=\sqrt{\log_2{3}}+\sqrt{\log_3{2}}$. So our answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(D)}}$.

~JHawk0224

~IceMatrix