Solving Complex Algebra Equations with Calculator Tips - Ti-83 Tricks

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a pair of algebraic equations involving two variables, x and y. The equations presented are quadratic in nature and involve terms that are common to both equations, prompting participants to explore algebraic manipulation and potential calculator usage for solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss methods of manipulating the equations, such as subtracting one from the other to simplify the problem. There are mentions of cases where x equals y and x equals negative y, as well as attempts to complete the square.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided algebraic approaches and suggested steps for further exploration. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the problem, and while some guidance has been offered, there is no explicit consensus on a final method or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to explore algebraic solutions rather than relying solely on calculator methods. There is a note about avoiding complete solutions in the discussion, emphasizing the learning process.

dagg3r
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hi this is a hard algebra qestion
i have these 2 formulas

12-x^2 -2xy = 0
12-y^2 - 2xy = 0

for some reason x and y are both 2

how do you get this
i tried and got

y= 6/x -0.5x tried to sub into second one but gets messy any way to do this on a calculator by any chance i have a Ti-83 but i want to know how to do it algebraically

thanks!
 
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[tex]\left\{ \begin{array}{l} -x ^ 2 - 2xy + 12 = 0 \ \ (1) & -y ^ 2 - 2xy + 12 = 0 \ \ (2) \end{array} \right.[/tex]
You should note that there are 12, and -2xy in both (1), and (2), so it's common to subtract both sides of (1) from both sides of (2), or to subtract both sides of (2) from both sides of (1).
So (1) - (2) gives:
y2 - x2 = 0
[tex]\Leftrightarrow \left[ \begin{array}{l} x = y & x = -y \end{array} \right.[/tex]
So you have 2 cases: x = y and x = -y.
Case 1: x = y,
substitute that back to either (1) or (2), to solve for y, then for x (in this case x = y).
Case 2: x = -y,
substitute that back to either (1) or (2), to solve for y, then for x (in this case x = -y).
Can you go from here?
 
Last edited:
benorin said:
12-x^2 -2xy = 0
12-y^2 - 2xy = 0
subtract 2nd Eqn from the 1st to get
-x^2+y^2=0 so x=+/-y,
go back to the 1st eqn & complete the square to get
(x+y)^2 - y^2 = 12
substitute x=+/-y in the above to get
(+/-y+y)^2 - y^2 = 12
simplify
4y^2 - y^2 = 12 or 0 - y^2 = 12
so
y^2 = 4 or (no solution)
hence
y=+/-2 and x=+/-y= so x=y=+/-2 (the solutions are x=y=2 and x=y=-2)
No complete solution, please!
We all know how intelligent you are!
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=28

Read line #9!
 

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