If a + b + c = 0, then show that

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The discussion revolves around proving the equation 6(a^5 + b^5 + c^5) = 5(a^3 + b^3 + c^3)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2) under the condition that a + b + c = 0. Participants initially express confusion over the validity of the equation by testing specific values, which do not satisfy it. The key insight is to substitute c with -a-b and expand both sides of the equation. After performing the expansion, both sides simplify to the same expression, confirming their equality. The proof concludes successfully, demonstrating that the equation holds true when a + b + c = 0.
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Homework Statement



If a + b + c = 0, then show that
6(a^5 + b^5 + c^5) = 5(a^3 + b^3 + c^3)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2)

Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution


Since a+b+c=0 then a^3 + b^3 + c^3=3abc .
But then what? I've no idea , Please help.
 
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Im sorry to say, but none of these equations work, they are not equal so they have no solutions.

I did a quick test by putting numbers in for a b and c. Being 2,3,4 the first part 6(a^5+b^5+c^5) = 5(a^3+b^3+c^3)(a^2+b^2+c^2) using the numbers i offered earlier. It comes to 7794=14355.

The second equation comes to 99=72
 
Vacrin said:
Im sorry to say, but none of these equations work, they are not equal so they have no solutions.

I did a quick test by putting numbers in for a b and c. Being 2,3,4 the first part 6(a^5+b^5+c^5) = 5(a^3+b^3+c^3)(a^2+b^2+c^2) using the numbers i offered earlier. It comes to 7794=14355.

The second equation comes to 99=72
Please read the question carefully. It says that the above holds only if a+b+c=0 and that is what I want to prove.
 
Well, that equation has quite a few solutions, wouldn't you need to solve for them all? Or does mater in the equations given below?
 
Vacrin said:
Well, that equation has quite a few solutions, wouldn't you need to solve for them all? Or does mater in the equations given below?
I do not want to solve for solutions . ( By the way the solutions are all a , b and c that sum to 0) . But I want to prove that equation when a+b+c=0.
 
I haven't tried this but the obvious thing would be to expand both sides and simplify by using the condition a + b + c = 0.
 
agoogler said:
I do not want to solve for solutions . ( By the way the solutions are all a , b and c that sum to 0) . But I want to prove that equation when a+b+c=0.

No no, i mean, solve the other given equations using things like a+b=-c
 
agoogler said:
Please read the question carefully. It says that the above holds only if a+b+c=0 and that is what I want to prove.

Put c = -a-b on both sides and expand both sides.
 
Ray Vickson said:
Put c = -a-b on both sides and expand both sides.
Thanks a lot !
After expanding I get LHS = -30 a^4 b-60 a^3 b^2-60 a^2 b^3-30 a b^4
RHS= -30 a^4 b-60 a^3 b^2-60 a^2 b^3-30 a b^4
LHS=RHS
Q.E.D.
 
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