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2024 AMC 12A Problem 13

Problem 13 of 25IntermediateAlgebraProblem-Solving Techniques

The graph of y=ex+1+e−x−2y=e^{x+1}+e^{-x}-2 has an axis of symmetry. What is the reflection of the point (−1,12)\left(-1,\tfrac12\right) over this axis?

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Solution

The curve y=ex+1+e−x−2y=e^{x+1}+e^{-x}-2 is symmetric about the vertical line through its minimum. Setting the derivative ex+1−e−x=0e^{x+1}-e^{-x}=0 gives x+1=−x,x+1=-x, so x=−12.x=-\tfrac12. Reflecting (−1,12)\left(-1,\tfrac12\right) across x=−12x=-\tfrac12 keeps the yy-coordinate and sends x=−1x=-1 to x=0.x=0. The image is (0,12).\left(0,\tfrac12\right). Thus, the correct answer is D.
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