Can You Find the Relationship Between a and b in This Algebra Problem?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Algebra Challenge
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the algebraic relationship between natural numbers \(a\) and \(b\) defined by the expression \(\sqrt{a^2+2b+1}+\sqrt[3]{b^3+3a^2+3a+1}\) being a rational number. It is established that when \(a = b\), both radicals simplify to \(a + 1\), confirming the rationality of the expression. The proof of this relationship requires further exploration of the underlying algebraic properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of algebraic expressions and radicals
  • Familiarity with properties of rational numbers
  • Basic knowledge of natural numbers and their operations
  • Experience with mathematical proofs and reasoning
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore proof techniques in algebra, focusing on radical expressions
  • Investigate the properties of rational numbers in algebraic contexts
  • Study the implications of setting variables equal in algebraic equations
  • Learn about the behavior of cubic roots in mathematical expressions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying algebra, and anyone interested in exploring relationships between variables in mathematical expressions.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Given that $$a,\,b\in\Bbb{N}$$ such that $$\sqrt{a^2+2b+1}+\sqrt[3]{b^3+3a^2+3a+1}$$ is a rational number.

Find the relationship between $a$ and $b$.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
anemone said:
given that [math]a,\,b\in N[/math] such that [math]\sqrt{a^2+2b+1}+\sqrt[3]{b^3+3a^2+3a+1}[/math] is a rational number.

Find the relationship between $a$ and $b$.
[sp]
By inspection, we see that, if a=b, the two radicals are equal to a+1.

[/sp]

 
soroban said:
[sp]
By inspection, we see that, if a=b, the two radicals are equal to a+1.

[/sp]

That's correct, soroban!(Cool)

All that's left now is its proof which can be done by applying some thought on the
square numbers and inequalities...
 

Similar threads

Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K