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2014 AMC 12A Problem 25

Problem 25 of 25HarderGeometryNumber Theory

The parabola PP has focus (0,0)(0,0) and goes through the points (4,3)(4,3) and (−4,−3).(-4,-3). For how many points (x,y)∈P(x,y)\in P with integer coordinates is it true that ∣4x+3y∣≤1000?|4x+3y|\le1000?

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Solution

Since (0,0)(0,0) is the midpoint of A=(4,3)A=(4,3) and B=(−4,−3),B=(-4,-3), the segment ABAB is the latus rectum, so the directrix is parallel to ABAB at distance 55 on the far side, namely 4y−3x+25=0.4y-3x+25=0. Equating distances to focus and directrix gives (4x+3y)2(4x+3y)^2 =25(25+2(4y−3x)).=25\big(25+2(4y-3x)\big). Writing 4x+3y=5s4x+3y=5s forces ss to be a multiple of 5,5, and s=5ts=5t forces tt odd; with t=2u+1t=2u+1 the integer points are x=−6u2+2u+4,y=8u2+14u+3. \begin{aligned} x&=-6u^2+2u+4,\\ y&=8u^2+14u+3. \end{aligned} Then ∣4x+3y∣=∣50u+25∣≤1000|4x+3y|=|50u+25|\le1000 iff ∣2u+1∣≤39,|2u+1|\le39, i.e. −20≤u≤19.-20\le u\le19. That gives 4040 lattice points. Thus, the correct answer is B.
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Tagged: parabola · lattice point · Diophantine Equation

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