Is the equation 4x^(2) + 5y^(2) = 2 solvable with rational roots?

  • Thread starter saadsarfraz
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In summary, the equation 4x^(2) + 5y^(2) = 2 has no rational solutions. This can be shown by assuming the equation has rational roots and then using a graphical method to prove that it cannot have any solutions. Further analysis shows that the equation reduces to 4a+5b=2c, where a,b,c are natural numbers. By examining this equation, it is clear that there are no possible solutions for a, b, and c that would result in rational roots. Therefore, the original equation has no rational solutions.
  • #1
saadsarfraz
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Show that the equation 4x^(2) + 5y^(2) = 2 has no rational solutions.

Can this be done graphically?
 
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  • #2
If you have a rigorous graphical method, then of course. Though, I'm hard pressed to think of any that would be applicable...
 
  • #3
Suppose the equation has rational roots:
4x^(2) + 5y^(2) = 2
x=p1/q1
y=p2/q2
gcd(p1,q1)=gcd(p2,q2)=1
4(p1^2/q1^2)+5(p2/q2)^2=2
[4(p1q2)^2+5(p2q1)^2]/(q2q1)^2=2
4(p1q2)^2+5(p2q1)^2=2(q2q1)^2
then the question becomes does the equation:
4a+5b=2c
where a,b,c are natural numbers has solution.
4(a+b)+b=2c
because 2c is even b must be even also, but then b=(4a-2c)/5 then 4a-2c is divisble by 5, i.e 4a-2c=0 or a and c are multiples of 5.
if b=0 then c=2a i.e (q2q1)^2=2(p1q2)^2 but this isn't possible cause sqrt(2) is irrational.
Now you need to check the option of multiples of 5 and get a contradiction, perhaps someone else with more intel in number theory will chip in with this question.
 

1. What is an irrational equation?

An irrational equation is an algebraic equation where one or more of the terms or coefficients are irrational numbers, meaning numbers that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. These equations often involve roots, logarithms, or trigonometric functions.

2. How do you solve an irrational equation?

The process for solving irrational equations is similar to solving any other algebraic equation. The first step is to isolate the term with the irrational number on one side of the equation. Then, you can use algebraic properties and rules to manipulate the equation until you can solve for the variable. In some cases, you may need to use approximations or numerical methods to find an approximate solution.

3. Are there any special rules for working with irrational equations?

Yes, there are a few rules to keep in mind when working with irrational equations. For example, when taking the square root of both sides of an equation, you must include both the positive and negative square root as solutions. Additionally, when multiplying or dividing by an irrational number, you must be careful to keep track of any extraneous solutions that may arise.

4. Can irrational equations have more than one solution?

Yes, irrational equations can have multiple solutions. In fact, some equations may have an infinite number of solutions. This is because irrational numbers can have an infinite number of decimal places, so there may be an infinite number of values that satisfy the equation.

5. What are some real-life applications of irrational equations?

Irrational equations are used in many fields of science and engineering, including physics, chemistry, and economics. For example, the equation for calculating the period of a pendulum involves irrational numbers, as does the equation for calculating the half-life of a radioactive substance. In economics, irrational equations are used to model supply and demand curves in market analysis.

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