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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

Let How many solutions does the equation have?
Solution
To solve the equation we first find the values such that

Either (for ) or (for ). If then Note that this value satisfies If then Note that this value satisfies Therefore, the solutions to are and

Next, we solve for the values such that If then This value does not satisfy If then This value satisfies

Finally, we solve for the values such that If then This value satisfies If then This value satisfies

Therefore, the equation has the solutions and for a total of solutions.
Final answer
3