How to Solve a Cubic System by Eliminating Variables?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a system of cubic equations involving two variables, x and y. The equations presented are x³ + y³ = 1 and x²y + 2xy² + y³ = 2, which participants are exploring through various methods of variable elimination.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest different methods for solving the system, including substituting one variable into the other equation, using the quadratic formula on the second equation, and expanding the cubic expression. There is also a suggestion to manipulate the equations by introducing a new variable r = x/y to simplify the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with multiple approaches being explored. Participants are providing various strategies without reaching a consensus on a single method. Some guidance has been offered regarding substitution and manipulation of the equations.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit understanding that the problem involves cubic equations, and participants are considering the implications of the degree of the terms in their approaches. No specific constraints or rules are mentioned, but the nature of the problem suggests a focus on algebraic manipulation and variable elimination.

Dorotea
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x³+y³=1
x²y+2xy²+y³=2
 
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You could try solving the first equation for y and substituting it int the second...that will give you an equation in terms of x only.
 
Or you could solve for x in the 2nd equation, which is quadratic in x, by using the quadratic formula.
yx^2 + 2y^2 x + y^3 -2 = 0
You will of course get two equations for x.
 
You could expand (x+y)3 and then substitute the values for the two expressions that you have. That would be a lot simpler.
 
Notice that both equations only have terms of degree 3 in both variables. So one thing you could do is let r=x/y, and divide both equations by y^3. Each left-hand side will then depend only on r, and each right-hand side only on y^3. Eliminating y^3 will give you a cubic equation in r. Solve this by guessing a root, or by graphing to get a root. Once you know one root you can reduce it to a quadratic to get the other two.
 

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