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2000 AIME I Problems/Problem 3

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Problem

In the expansion of (ax + b)^{2000}, where a and b are relatively prime positive integers, the coefficients of x^{2} and x^{3} are equal. Find a + b.

Solution

Using the binomial theorem, \binom{2000}{2} b^{1998}a = \binom{2000}{3}b^{1997}a^2 \Longrightarrow b=666a.

Since a and b are positive relatively prime integers, a=1 and b=666, and a+b=\boxed{667}.

See also

2000 AIME I (ProblemsResources)
Preceded by
Problem 2
Followed by
Problem 4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
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