Integer Pairs Satisfying x + y = xy

CAT 2004 Slot 1 · Quantitative Ability · Easy · Number System

The total number of integer pairs (x,y)(x, y) satisfying the equation x+y=xyx + y = xy is:

  1. A.

    00

  2. B.

    11

  3. C.

    22

  4. D.

    None of the above

Answer

C

Explanation

Rearranging the equation: xy−x−y=0  ⟹  xy−x−y+1=1  ⟹  (x−1)(y−1)=1xy - x - y = 0 \implies xy - x - y + 1 = 1 \implies (x - 1)(y - 1) = 1 Since x,yx, y are integers, (x−1)(x - 1) and (y−1)(y - 1) must be factors of 11. Case 1: x−1=1,y−1=1  ⟹  x=2,y=2x - 1 = 1, y - 1 = 1 \implies x = 2, y = 2. Case 2: x−1=−1,y−1=−1  ⟹  x=0,y=0x - 1 = -1, y - 1 = -1 \implies x = 0, y = 0. So there are exactly 22 integer pairs: (0,0)(0,0) and (2,2)(2,2).

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