Find the Minimum Non-Zero Value of A^2+B^2+C^2 with Integer Constraints

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SUMMARY

The problem involves finding the minimum non-zero value of the expression \(A^2 + B^2 + C^2\) under the constraint \(A\log 16 + B\log 18 + C\log 24 = 0\), where \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\) are integers. The correct solution was provided by members Ackbach, kaliprasad, Olinguito, and lfdahl. The discussion emphasizes the importance of integer constraints in optimizing the expression while satisfying the logarithmic equation.

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Here is this week's POTW:

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Compute the least possible non-zero value of $A^2+B^2+C^2$ such that $A,\,B$, and $C$ are integers satisfying $A\log 16 +B\log 18 +C\log 24 = 0$.

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Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution!(Cool)

1. Ackbach
2. kaliprasad
3. Olinguito
4. lfdahl

Solution from Ackbach:
We minimize $A^2+B^2+C^2$ subject to $A,B,C\in\mathbb{Z}$ and $A\log(16)+B\log(18)+C\log(24)=0.$ We examine the logarithm relation and reduce it as follows:
\begin{align*}
\log\left(16^A\right)+\log\left(18^B\right)+\log\left(24^C\right)&=0\\
\log\left(16^A18^B24^C\right)&=0\\
16^A18^B24^C&=1\\
\left(2^4\right)^{\!A}\left(2\cdot 3^2\right)^{\!B}\left(2^3\cdot 3\right)^{\!C}&=1\\
2^{4A+B+3C}\cdot 3^{2B+C}&=1\\
4A+B+3C&=0\\
2B+C&=0\\
C&=-2B\\
4A-5B&=0.
\end{align*}
Now we must minimize $A^2+B^2+4B^2=A^2+5B^2$ subject to $4A=5B$. We can plug this into the minimization expression to find that we must minimize
$$\left(\frac54 B\right)^{\!2}+5B^2=\frac{105B^2}{16}.$$
We can't let $B=0,$ or everything is zero, contrary to the problem statement. We need $A,B,C\in\mathbb{Z},$ so $B=1$ doesn't work. The smallest $B$ that allows $A$ and $C$ to be integers is $B=4,$ which forces $A=5,$ and $C=-8$. The smallest value of $A^2+B^2+C^2$ is therefore $16+25+64=105.$ An equivalent solution is $B=-4, A=-5, C=8,$ producing the same minimum.
 

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