Find $a+b+c$ for Integer $a,b,c$ Given $a+b=2004$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the sum $a+b+c$ for integers $a, b, c$ given the equation $a+b=2004$ and a set of equalities involving these variables. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Participants discuss the equalities $\dfrac{2a-b}{c}=\dfrac{2b+c}{a}=\dfrac{-2a-c}{b}$ as a basis for deriving relationships between $a$, $b$, and $c$.
  • One participant suggests a method involving the manipulation of the equations to express $a$, $b$, and $c$ in terms of a parameter $k$.
  • Another participant acknowledges a "trick" used in the problem-solving approach, indicating a positive reception to the method proposed by another participant.
  • Through algebraic manipulation, one participant concludes that $a=3b$ and subsequently finds $b=501$ leading to $a+b+c=-501$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the final value of $a+b+c$, as participants present different approaches and calculations without resolving the overall problem definitively.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions and manipulations that may depend on the definitions of the variables and the conditions set by the equalities. Some steps in the algebraic reasoning remain unresolved or are contingent on the value of $k$.

anemone
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For the integers $a, b, c$, we have $\dfrac{2a-b}{c}=\dfrac{2b+c}{a}=\dfrac{-2a-c}{b}$.

If $a+b=2004$, find $a+b+c$.
 
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Re: Find a+b+c

anemone said:
For the integers $a, b, c$, we have $\dfrac{2a-b}{c}=\dfrac{2b+c}{a}=\dfrac{-2a-c}{b}$.

If $a+b=2004$, find $a+b+c$.

We have
(2a-b)/c = (-2a-c)/b
As (a/b= c/d = (a+c)/(b+d))
Have both = (2a-b – 2a –c)/(b+c) = -1
Furher from (2b+c)/a = (-2a –c) we get both =2 (b-a)/(b+a) = - 1
So
2(b-a) = - (b+a) = - 2004
Or b – a = - 1002
So a = 1503, b = 501
Now 2b+c = -a or c = - (2b-a) = - 2505
So a + b+c = - 501
(ratio a:b:c = 3:1:-5 and sum = -b)
 
Re: Find a+b+c

Hi kaliprasad, thank for participating and I particularly like the following "trick" that you used in your method to solve the problem!:cool:

If $ad=bc$, then

i$\dfrac{a+c}{b+d}= \dfrac{\frac{bc}{d}+c}{b+d}=\dfrac{\frac{c}{d}(b+d)}{b+d}=\dfrac{c}{d}$

$\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\overset{or}= \dfrac{a+\frac{ad}{b}}{b+d}=\dfrac{\frac{a}{b}(b+d)}{b+d}=\dfrac{a}{b}$.

My solution:
From the given equation $\dfrac{2a-b}{c}=\dfrac{2b+c}{a}=\dfrac{-2a-c}{b}$, we have:

[TABLE="class: grid, width: 500"]
[TR]
[TD]$\dfrac{2a-b}{c}=\dfrac{2b+c}{a}$[/TD]
[TD]$\dfrac{2a-b}{c}=\dfrac{-2a-c}{b}$[/TD]
[TD]$\dfrac{2b+c}{a}=\dfrac{-2a-c}{b}$[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]$2a^2-ab=2bc+c^2$[/TD]
[TD]$(b+c)(2a-b+c)=0$[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]But notice that $b+c\ne 0$ because if $b+c=0$,

$2a^2-ab=2bc+c^2$ becomes

$2a^2-ac=-2c^2+c^2$

$2a^2-ac+c^2=0$

$2a^2-ac+c^2=0$

$2(a-\frac{c}{4})+\frac{7c^2}{8}\ne 0$ for all integers $a, c$.

Hence, $2a-b+c=0$[/TD]
[TD]$\dfrac{2b+c}{a}=\dfrac{-(2a+c)}{b}$

$\dfrac{2b+c}{a}=\dfrac{-b}{b}$

$2b+c=-a$

$a+2b+c=0$[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Now, solve the equations $2a-b+c=0$ and $a+2b+c=0$ by eliminating the variable $c$ for a and b, we get $a=3b$ and from $a+b=2004$, we obtain $a=1503, b=501, c=-2505$ and therefore $a+b+c=-501$.
 
Re: Find a+b+c

anemone said:
For the integers $a, b, c$, we have $\dfrac{2a-b}{c}=\dfrac{2b+c}{a}=\dfrac{-2a-c}{b}$.

If $a+b=2004$, find $a+b+c$.
let :
$\dfrac{2a-b}{c}=\dfrac{2b+c}{a}=\dfrac{-2a-c}{b}=\dfrac {1}{k} , k\neq 0$.
then :
a=(2b+c)k----(1)
b=(-2a-c)k---(2)
c=(2a-b)k----(3)
(2)+(3) :b+c=(-b-c)k , so k=-1
(1)+(2)+(3): a+b+c=bk=-b
(1)+(2) :a+b=2a-2b , so a=3b
freom a+b=4b=2004 , b=501
we get a+b+c=-b=-501
 

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