MHB Prove $x=-y$: A Math Challenge

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on proving that if \( (\sqrt{y^{2} - x} - x)(\sqrt{x^{2} + y} - y) = y \), then \( x = -y \). Participants suggest substituting \( -y \) for \( x \) in the equation to simplify and verify the equality. The identity \( (a+b)(a-b) = a^2 - b^2 \) is highlighted as a useful tool for the proof. Some participants clarify that demonstrating \( x = -y \) is not the same as proving the original statement. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful interpretation of the mathematical challenge.
ipaper
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Let $x, y$ be real numbers such that
$$(\sqrt{y^{2} - x\,\,}\, - x)(\sqrt{x^{2} + y\,\,}\, - y)=y.$$
Prove $x=-y$.

Any suggestion would be appreciated.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Another way of stating the question is:

Show that x=-y is a solution to:

\left[\sqrt{y^2-x}-x \right]\left[\sqrt{x^2+y}-y\right]=y

Writing it is this way it is more obvious that all you have to do is substitute (-y) for each of the x's in the left hand side and then simplify to show that the left hand side is equal to y.

To do this it will be helpful to remember the identity:
(a+b)(a-b)=(a^2-b^2)
 
Kiwi said:
Another way of stating the question is:

Show that x=-y is a solution to:

\left[\sqrt{y^2-x}-x \right]\left[\sqrt{x^2+y}-y\right]=y
No, this is the converse of what the original question is asking.
 
I have been insisting to my statistics students that for probabilities, the rule is the number of significant figures is the number of digits past the leading zeros or leading nines. For example to give 4 significant figures for a probability: 0.000001234 and 0.99999991234 are the correct number of decimal places. That way the complementary probability can also be given to the same significant figures ( 0.999998766 and 0.00000008766 respectively). More generally if you have a value that...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K