Can You Evaluate abc in This System of Cubic Equations?

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In summary, to solve a system of equations with distinct real numbers, you must identify the variables and coefficients, and use substitution or elimination to solve for the variables. The purpose of solving a system of equations is to find values that satisfy all the equations. There can be more than one solution, known as an infinite solution. Two methods for solving are substitution and elimination. A system of equations can also have no solution, known as an inconsistent system.
  • #1
anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $a,\,b$ and $c$ be distinct real numbers such that

$a^3=3(b^2+c^2)-25\\b^3=3(c^2+a^2)-25\\c^3=3(a^2+b^2)-25$

Evaluate $abc$.-----

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  • #2
Congratulations to Opalg for his correct solution(Cool), which you can find below:

$$(1)\qquad a^3 = 3(b^2+c^2) - 25$$
$$(2)\qquad b^3 = 3(c^2+a^2) - 25$$
$$(3)\qquad c^3 = 3(a^2+b^2) - 25$$
Subtract (2) from (1): $a^3 - b^3 = 3(b^2 - a^2)$. Since $a$, $b$, $c$ are distinct, we can divide that by $a-b$ to get $$(4)\qquad a^2 + ab + b^2 = -3(a+b).$$ From the cyclic symmetry of equations (1)-(3), it will follow in the same way that $$(5)\qquad b^2 + bc + c^2 = -3(b+c),$$ $$(6)\qquad c^2 + ca + a^2 = -3(c+a).$$ Subtract (5) from (4) to get $a^2 - c^2 + b(a-c) = -3(a-c).$ This time, $a-c$ is a factor, and since it is not zero we can divide by it, getting $a+b+c = -3.$

Using the notation of Newton's identities, let $p_n = a^n+b^n+c^n$ ($n=1,2,3$), $e_1 = p_1 = a+b+c = -3$, $e_2 = bc+ca+ab$ and $e_3 = abc$. Newton's identities state that $$(7)\qquad p_2 = e_1p_1 - 2e_2 = 9 - 2e_2,$$ $$(8)\qquad p_3 = e_1p_2 - e_2p_1 + 3e_3.$$ Also, adding equations (1), (2), (3) gives $$(9)\qquad p_3 = 6p_2 - 75,$$ and adding (4), (5), (6) gives $$(10)\qquad 2p_2+e_2 = -6p_1 = 18.$$ Now compare (7) with (10) to see that $p_2 = 9$ and $e_2 = 0.$ (9) then becomes $p_3 = -21$. Substituting that into (8) then gives $-21 = -27 + 3e_3$. Therefore $\boxed{abc = e_3 = 2}.$

The equation with roots $a,b,c$ is $x^3 - e_1x^2 + e_2x - e_3 = 0$, or $x^3 + 3x^2 - 2 = 0$. That factorises as $(x+1)(x^2 + 2x - 2) = 0$, with roots $-1$, $-1 \pm\sqrt3$. Those are therefore the values of $a,b,c$ (in some order).
 

Related to Can You Evaluate abc in This System of Cubic Equations?

1. What is a system of equations?

A system of equations is a set of two or more equations that contain multiple variables and must be solved simultaneously. The solutions to the equations are the values that make all equations in the system true.

2. What are distinct real numbers?

Distinct real numbers are numbers that are different from each other and are part of the set of real numbers. Real numbers include all rational and irrational numbers, such as whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and square roots.

3. How do you solve a system of equations with distinct real numbers?

To solve a system of equations with distinct real numbers, you can use substitution or elimination methods. Substitution involves solving one equation for one variable and substituting that value into the other equation. Elimination involves manipulating the equations to eliminate one variable and then solving for the remaining variable.

4. What is the importance of solving for abc in a system of equations with distinct real numbers?

Solving for abc in a system of equations with distinct real numbers allows you to find the unique values for each variable in the system. This can be useful in many real-world applications, such as calculating the dimensions of a shape or finding the intersection point of two lines.

5. Are there any shortcuts or tricks for solving these types of equations?

While there are no specific shortcuts for solving systems of equations with distinct real numbers, it is important to understand the properties of equations and how they can be manipulated to make solving easier. It is also helpful to practice and familiarize yourself with different methods for solving systems of equations, as some may be more efficient for certain types of problems.

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