How to Solve This Week's POTW Quadruple Equations?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    2017
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving the Problem of the Week (POTW) involving quadruples of real numbers that satisfy four specific equations. The equations include polynomial forms such as \( ab^2 + cd^2 = -6 \), \( a^2b + c^2d = 0 \), \( a^3 + c^3 = 2 \), and \( b^3 + d^3 = 1 \). The correct solution was provided by user Opalg, demonstrating the application of algebraic manipulation and systematic substitution to derive the values of \( a, b, c, \) and \( d \). The discussion emphasizes the importance of following the guidelines for problem-solving as outlined in the linked resources.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polynomial equations and algebraic manipulation
  • Familiarity with real number properties and solutions
  • Knowledge of systematic substitution techniques in solving equations
  • Ability to interpret and analyze mathematical problem statements
NEXT STEPS
  • Study advanced algebraic techniques for solving polynomial equations
  • Explore methods for solving systems of nonlinear equations
  • Learn about the application of real analysis in solving mathematical problems
  • Review problem-solving strategies in mathematical competitions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students in advanced algebra courses, and anyone interested in solving complex polynomial equations will benefit from this discussion.

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

-----

Find all quadruples $(a,\,b,\,c,\,d)$ of real numbers that simultaneously satisfy the following equations:

$$\begin{array}{rcr}ab^2+cd^2\hspace{-10px} & = & \hspace{-10px}-6 \\ a^2b+c^2d\hspace{-12px} & = & 0 \\ a^3+c^3\hspace{-10px} & = & 2 \\ b^3+d^3\hspace{-10px} & = & 1 \end{array}$$

-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Congratulations to Opalg for his correct solution:), which you can find below:

For any real number $x$, $$\begin{aligned} (ax+b)^3 + (cx+d)^3 &= (a^3 + c^3)x^3 + 3(a^2b + c^2d)x^2 + 3(ab^2 + cd^2)x + (b^2+d^2) \\ &= 2x^3 -18x + 1. \end{aligned}$$ The cubic polynomial $p(x) = 2x^3 - 18x + 1$ has three distinct real roots (close to, but not equal to, $-3$, $0$ and $3$). But if $(ax+b)^3 + (cx+d)^3 = 0$ then $(ax+b)^3 = -(cx+d)^3$. Taking cube roots, $(ax+b) = -(cx+d)$, so that $x(a+c) + (b+d) = 0$. The only way for that linear equation to hold for three distinct values of $x$ is if $a+c=0$. But then $a^3+c^3 = 0$, contradicting one of the original equations.

Conclusion: there are no real solutions $(a,b,c,d)$ to the given equations.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K