Math contest division question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a math contest problem involving division, specifically focusing on the relationships between two variables, x and y, given certain conditions about their quotients and remainders. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem and derives two equations based on the division conditions.
  • Another participant suggests multiplying the equations to eliminate fractions and substituting to find possible values for y.
  • Some participants point out that there are three variables (x, y, and Q) but only two equations, questioning whether the value of Q is provided.
  • There is a mention of an assumption that x, y, and Q are natural numbers, which may limit the problem to a single solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for additional information regarding the variable Q, as there are more variables than equations. However, there is no consensus on how to proceed without this information.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the number of equations versus variables and the assumptions about the nature of the variables involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for math contests, educators looking for problem-solving strategies, and individuals interested in mathematical reasoning involving division and remainders.

timelesstrix0
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The question is : If x > 0 and I divide x by y, the quotient is 3 and remainder is 7. If I divide y by x the remainder is 12. what is the value of x?

So far I used long division quotient form to make 2 equations...

1. x/y = 3 + 7/y
2. y/x = Q(quotient) + 12/x

so 1st equation i solve for y and get y = x/3 - 7/3
2nd equation i solve for y and get y = Q(x) + 12the final answers that the teacher told me were that x = 43 and y = 12
can anyone explain how i can solve this please?
 
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I would multiply the first equation by y and the second equation by x to get rid of fractions. Afterwards you can plug the expression for x from the first equation into the second equation and look for possible values of y (in both equations).
 
If you have three variables then you should also have three equations.
Here, you have three variables(x, y, and Q) but two equations. Plz make sure the value of Q is given or not.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Deepak suwalka said:
If you have tree variables then you should also have three equations.
Here, you have three variables(x, y, and Q) but two equations. Plz make sure the value of Q is given or not.
There are only two equations, but there is an assumption that x,y,Q ∈ ℕ, which limits the problem to a single solution.
 

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