A,b,c satisfying given conditions

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The discussion centers on the conditions for distinct real numbers a, b, and c satisfying the equation a^3 + b^3 + 6abc = 8c^3. It is established that a, c, and b can be in Arithmetic Progression (AP), leading to the conclusion that 2c = a + b. However, the participants express uncertainty about the other options, particularly regarding Harmonic Progression (HP) and the conditions involving complex numbers (ω). Despite proving the AP condition, the relevance of the other cases is debated, with a consensus that distinctness complicates the possibility of GP. The conversation highlights the focus on verifying the implications of the established AP condition rather than exploring further possibilities.
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Homework Statement


Let a,b,c be distinct real numbers satisfying a^3+b^3+6abc = 8c^3 then which of the following may be correct?

A) a,c,b are in Arithmetic Progression
B) a,c,b are in Harmonic Progression
C) a+bω-2cω^2 =0
D) a+bω^2-2cω=0


The Attempt at a Solution



I could prove the first statement but I really can't figure out how to deal with the other options. Since the first statement is correct all I know is that 2c=a+b. Suppose I replace a with 2c-b in the third statement and simplify it, I get 4c-b+ω(2c+b) = 0. But I guess LHS can't be zero(I'm not sure about this).
 
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utkarshakash said:

Homework Statement


Let a,b,c be distinct real numbers satisfying a^3+b^3+6abc = 8c^3 then which of the following may be correct?

A) a,c,b are in Arithmetic Progression
B) a,c,b are in Harmonic Progression
C) a+bω-2cω^2 =0
D) a+bω^2-2cω=0

The Attempt at a Solution



I could prove the first statement but I really can't figure out how to deal with the other options. Since the first statement is correct all I know is that 2c=a+b. Suppose I replace a with 2c-b in the third statement and simplify it, I get 4c-b+ω(2c+b) = 0. But I guess LHS can't be zero(I'm not sure about this).

The following should help:
$$x^3+y^3+z^3-3xyz=(x+y+z)(x+\omega y+\omega^2 z)(x+\omega^2 y+\omega z)$$
Can you figure out what ##x,y,z## are for the given problem? :)
 
For B), do you remember an inequality between the arithmetic and geometric means of a set of numbers?
 
AlephZero said:
For B), do you remember an inequality between the arithmetic and geometric means of a set of numbers?

I am not sure but OP already proved that a,b,c are in AP. Why check the B case now? :/
 
Pranav-Arora said:
I am not sure but OP already proved that a,b,c are in AP. Why check the B case now? :/

The question asks if a b and c may be in AP, GP, etc.

The OP proved they may be in AP. There could be other values that are in GP.

In fact they could be in a GP, except that the question says they are distinct real numbers.

NOTE: I'm can't remember what I was thinking about when I posted #3 - ignore it!

You can check for a GP by substituting ##b = ka##, and ##c = k^2a##.
 
AlephZero said:
but the question did not say they are distinct real numbers.

It does state that they are distinct. :)
 
You replied to my post #5 before I had finished editing the typos :smile:
 
AlephZero said:
You replied to my post #5 before I had finished editing the typos :smile:

:biggrin:

So no need to check the other cases now. :)
 
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