Problem:
For real numbers a and b, define a⋄b=a2+b2. What is the value of
(5⋄12)⋄((−12)⋄(−5))?
Answer Choices:
A. 0
B. 217
C. 13
D. 132
E. 26
Solution:
It follows from the definition that
(5⋄12)⋄((−12)⋄(−5))=52+122⋄(−12)2+(−5)2=13⋄13=132+132=132
Answer: D.
The problems on this page are the property of the MAA's American Mathematics Competitions