A,b,c satisfying given conditions

  • Thread starter Thread starter utkarshakash
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Conditions
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves distinct real numbers a, b, and c that satisfy the equation a^3 + b^3 + 6abc = 8c^3. Participants explore various conditions under which these numbers may relate to each other, including arithmetic and harmonic progressions, as well as specific algebraic expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants discuss the validity of the first condition regarding arithmetic progression, while others express uncertainty about the remaining conditions. There is an attempt to simplify one of the algebraic expressions by substituting values, leading to questions about the implications of the results. Additionally, there is a reference to inequalities between means, prompting further exploration of the harmonic progression condition.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in various lines of reasoning. Some have provided insights into the arithmetic progression condition, while others are questioning the relevance of checking the harmonic progression condition after the arithmetic progression has been established. There is a recognition of the distinctness of the numbers, which influences the exploration of geometric progression.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem states the numbers must be distinct real numbers, which affects the validity of certain conditions being explored.

utkarshakash
Gold Member
Messages
852
Reaction score
13

Homework Statement


Let a,b,c be distinct real numbers satisfying [itex]a^3+b^3+6abc = 8c^3[/itex] 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).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
utkarshakash said:

Homework Statement


Let a,b,c be distinct real numbers satisfying [itex]a^3+b^3+6abc = 8c^3[/itex] 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. :)
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K