Hope this helps!Solving Simultaneous Equations with Square Roots

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a system of simultaneous equations involving square roots analytically, specifically the equations sqrt(x) + y = 11 and x + sqrt(y) = 7. Participants explore various methods and approaches to find a solution without resorting to solving a fourth-degree polynomial.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests substituting new variables (a = sqrt(x), b = sqrt(y)) to simplify the equations, leading to the equation a + a² + b + b² = 18.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion that the equation can be split into two separate equations for a and b, questioning the validity of that approach.
  • A later reply reiterates the substitution method and provides a guess-and-check approach to find values for a and b, ultimately arriving at a solution of x = 9 and y = 4.
  • Some participants express a desire for more detailed steps in the solution process, indicating a need for clarity in the outlined methods.
  • One participant mentions their age and lack of familiarity with fourth-degree polynomials, indicating a varying level of understanding among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the validity of the proposed methods, as some participants challenge the reasoning behind splitting the equation into separate parts. Multiple approaches are presented, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to solve the equations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the steps involved in the proposed methods, and there are indications of differing levels of mathematical knowledge among contributors. The discussion includes assumptions about the positivity of solutions and the nature of the equations involved.

benf.stokes
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Hi

How do you solve this equations analyticaly without solving a 4th degree polynomial
sqrt(x)+y=11; x+sqrt(y)=7

Thanks
 
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I'll give a general outline on how to solve this:

First of all, use new variables. a = sqrt(x) and b = sqrt(y). That will remove those ugly square roots for now.

Then, add the 2 equations and form a new equation a + a² + b + b² = 18. In this equation, 18 can be split up into 2 unknown values c and d to form 2 quadratic equations. Of these 2 values, you only need to know 1 to calculate the other, that is d = 18 - c. The roots of these 2 quadratic equations can be written in terms of these 2 values. Keeping in mind that the solutions can only be positive, that should lead you to the right answer
 
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I may be misunderstanding but you seem to be saying that if you have [itex]a+ a^2+ b+ b^2= 18= c+ d[/itex] then you must have [itex]a+ a^2= c[/itex] and [itex]b+ b^2= d[/itex]. That is not true.
 
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HallsofIvy said:
I may be misunderstanding but you seem to be saying that is you have [itex]a+ a^2+ b+ b^2= 18= c+ d[/itex] then you must have [itex]a+ a^2= c[/itex] and [itex]b+ b^2= d[/itex]. That is not true.

Do u want to explain why this is not true? If I define c as being a+a², and d as being b+b², then a + a² + b + b² = c + d = 18

Edit: nvm, you probably did misunderstand me^^
 
Kyouran said:
I'll give a general outline on how to solve this:

First of all, use new variables. a = sqrt(x) and b = sqrt(y). That will remove those ugly square roots for now.

Then, add the 2 equations and form a new equation a + a² + b + b² = 18. In this equation, 18 can be split up into 2 unknown values c and d to form 2 quadratic equations. Of these 2 values, you only need to know 1 to calculate the other, that is d = 18 - c. The roots of these 2 quadratic equations can be written in terms of these 2 values. Keeping in mind that the solutions can only be positive, that should lead you to the right answer

can you plees put full steps for this equation plees
 
Hello I'm 14 years old so i don't know what a 4th degree polynomial is... however i agree with the guy named Kyouran. This is how i did it:

sqrt(x) + y = 11 ...(1)
sqrt(y) + x = 7 ...(2)

Let sqrt(x) = a, and sqrt(y) = b.

The eqs will then be:
a + b^2 = 11 ...(3)
b + a^2 = 7 ...(4)

Add them together and you get:

a + a^2 + b + b^2 = 18

The way i solved it is just by doing guess and check. This only takes common sense:

I first tried a = 2 and b = 3 which when substituted into the equation equals 18:

2 + 2^2 + 3 + 3^2 = 18

However when subbing them into eqs 3 and 4, they weren't correct:

So i then switched the values around saying a = 3, and b = 2 which when subbed into eqs 3 and 4 were correct!

And so, as said before...

Since I let sqrt(x) = a, and the sqrt(y) = b:

sqrt (x) = 3
and so therefore x = 9

sqrt (y) = 2
and so therefore y = 4

therefore x = 9, y = 4 ;)

Now you will find, that when subbing these x and y values into your original eqs (1) and (2), they are sure to be correct!
 
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