What is the sum of all possible values of a and b between 0 and 100?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical problem of finding the sum of all possible values of the positive integers a and b between 0 and 100, given the equation a^(-2) + b^(-2) = c^(-2). The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of integer solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the equation a^(-2) + b^(-2) = c^(-2) and seeks to find the sum of all possible values of a and b.
  • Another participant proposes that c can be expressed as c = (\sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b})^2 and calculates the sum of values for a and b based on this expression.
  • A third participant questions the interpretation of a^(-2) and clarifies that it represents 1/a^2, not √a.
  • A later reply presents a derived formula for c and explores integer solutions, listing specific pairs of (a, b) that satisfy the equation.
  • Further calculations are provided, including the identification of multiples of certain integers and their contributions to the total sum, leading to a proposed final answer of 680.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the original equation and its implications. There is no consensus on the correct approach or final answer, as various methods and calculations are presented without agreement on their validity.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on specific assumptions about integer values and their relationships, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and varying interpretations of the equation.

Werg22
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This question goes:

a, b and c are positive integrers.

What is the sum of all possible values of a and b between 0 and 100 if

a^(-2) + b^(-2)=c^(-2)
 
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[tex]c = (\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b})^2[/tex]

[tex]a \in [0, 100] \rightarrow \sqrt{a} \in [0, 10][/tex]

so the sum of all values of a is:

[tex]\sum_{x=1}^{10}{x^2}[/tex]

the same for b.
 
gerben said:
[tex]c = (\sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b})^2[/tex]
I don't understand...
[tex]a ^ {-2} = \frac{1}{a ^ 2}[/tex], and that's not [tex]a ^ {-2} = \sqrt{a}[/tex]
Viet Dao,
 
Last edited:
I've solved it...

1/c^2=1/b^2 + 1/a^2
=(a^2+ b^2)/(ab)^2
c^2=ab^2/(a^2+ b^2)
c=ab/(a^2+ b^2)^1/2

Since a^2+ b^2 is an integrer, it's root is either another integrer or irrational. Thus in order for c to be an integrer, (a^2+ b^2)^1/2 must be an integrer.
Listing possible result;

3^2 + 4^2 = 5^2
5^2 + 12^2 = 13^2
20^2 + 21^2 = 29^2
...

Then considering the first possibility, a=4x and b=3x

c=12x^2/5x
=12x/5

We conclude that x must be a factor of 5. Since a=4x, a is multiple of 20. Adding up all multiples of 20 between 0 and 100

20 + 40 + 60 + 80 + 100=300

Now for b, b=3x

15 + 30 + 45 + 60 + 75 + 90=315

Now the second possibility,

c=60x/13

a=5x, b=12x

x must be a multiple of 13

5(13)=65, and 12(13)>100.

The next possibility, we knoe that a=20x and b=21x, and x has to be a factor of 29. Since 21(29)>20(29)>100, then there is no further solution.

300 + 315 + 65=680.

So the awnser is 680.
 

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