How Do You Solve POTW #456 for (x+20)(y+20)(z+20)?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The problem of the week (POTW) #456 involves finding the value of the expression $(x+20)(y+20)(z+20)$ given three equations: $(x+1)(y+1)(z+1)=3$, $(x+2)(y+2)(z+2)=-2$, and $(x+3)(y+3)(z+3)=-1$. Theia and kaliprasad provided correct solutions, demonstrating the application of polynomial identities and transformations to derive the necessary values. The solution process involves manipulating the given equations to express the desired product in terms of known quantities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polynomial equations and identities
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation techniques
  • Knowledge of real number properties
  • Ability to solve systems of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study polynomial transformations and their applications in algebra
  • Learn about symmetric functions and their role in solving equations
  • Explore advanced algebraic techniques for manipulating expressions
  • Practice solving similar problems from previous POTWs for skill enhancement
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and enthusiasts interested in problem-solving techniques, particularly those focused on algebra and polynomial equations.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

If $x,\,y$ and $z$ are real numbers satisfying

$(x+1)(y+1)(z+1)=3\\(x+2)(y+2)(z+2)=-2\\(x+3)(y+3)(z+3)=-1$

find the value of $(x+20)(y+20)(z+20)$.

-----

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution, which you can find below:

1. Theia
2. kaliprasad

Solution from Theia:
We have

$$\begin{cases}(x + 1)(y + 1)(z + 1) = 3 \\ (x + 2)(y + 2)(z + 2) = -2 \\ (x + 3)(y + 3)(z + 3) = -1 \end{cases}$$

and we want to calculate \(L = (x + 20)(y + 20)(z + 20).\)
Let's write

$$\begin{cases}x = a - 1 \\ y = b - 1 \\ z = c - 1.\end{cases}$$

After substituting to the original equation and expanding we have

$$\begin{cases}abc = 3 \\ abc + ab + ac + bc + a + b + c + 1 = -2 \\ abc + 2(ab + ac + bc) + 4(a + b + c) + 8 = -1.\end{cases}$$

Now substitute \(abc = 3\) into two other equations and write

$$\begin{cases}ab + ac + bc = q \\ a + b + c = r.\end{cases}$$

Hence we have obtained simultaneous equations

$$\begin{cases}q + r = -6 \\ 2q + 4r = -12, \end{cases}$$

whose solution is \(q = -6, r = 0.\) The expression \(L\) is in terms of \(a,b,c\):

$$\begin{align*}L &= (a + 19)(b + 19)(c + 19) \\ &= abc + 19(ab + ac + bc) + 19^2(a + b + c) + 19^3 \\ &= 3 + 19\cdot q + 19^2\cdot r + 19^3 \\ &= 3 - 6\cdot 19 + 19^2\cdot 0 + 19^3 \\ &= 6748.\end{align*}$$

Hence \(L = (x + 20)(y + 20)(z + 20) = 6748.\)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K