Evaluate ab+bc+ca Given Real Numbers

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The problem involves evaluating the expression \( ab + bc + ca \) given the equations \( a^2 + ab + b^2 = 2 \), \( b^2 + bc + c^2 = 3 \), and \( c^2 + ca + a^2 = 5 \). By manipulating these equations, one can derive the value of \( ab + bc + ca \). The solution confirms that the value is \( 1 \), providing a clear resolution to the posed question.

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Given real numbers $a,\,b,\,c$ such that

$a^2+ab+b^2=2$, $b^2+bc+c^2=3$, $c^2+ca+a^2=5$

Evaluate $ab+bc+ca$.
 
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anemone said:
Given real numbers $a,\,b,\,c$ such that

$a^2+ab+b^2=2$, $b^2+bc+c^2=3$, $c^2+ca+a^2=5$

Evaluate $ab+bc+ca$.

Rewrite the given equations as follows:
$$\frac{a^2+b^2-(\sqrt{2})^2}{2ab}=\frac{-1}{2}$$
$$\frac{b^2+c^2-(\sqrt{3})^2}{2bc}=\frac{-1}{2}$$
$$\frac{a^2+c^2-(\sqrt{5})^2}{2ca}=\frac{-1}{2}$$

The above three equations geometrically represent the following triangle:
2i07ldy.png

(As it can be clearly seen, the bigger triangle is a right-angled triangle.)

The areas of three smaller triangles add to give the area of bigger triangle. Hence,
$$\frac{1}{2}ab\sin(120^{\circ})+\frac{1}{2}bc\sin(120^{\circ})+\frac{1}{2}ca\sin(120^{\circ})=\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{2}\sqrt{3}$$
$$\Rightarrow ab+bc+ca=\frac{\sqrt{6}}{\sin(120^{\circ})}=\boxed{2\sqrt{2}}$$
$\blacksquare$
 
Thanks for participating, Pranav! Your answer is correct, well done!:)
 

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