Real Number Problem: Evaluate xyz with Given Equations

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    2015
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SUMMARY

The problem involves evaluating the product \(xyz\) given the equations \(x + 2y + 3z = 6\) and \(x^2 + 4y^2 + 9z^2 = 12\). The solution provided by Opalg demonstrates that the values of \(x\), \(y\), and \(z\) can be derived using substitution and algebraic manipulation. The final evaluated product \(xyz\) is determined to be 1, confirming the correctness of the approach taken.

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If $x,\,y,\,z$ are real numbers such that $x+2y+3z=6$ and $x^2+4y^2+9z^2=12$, evaluate $xyz$.

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Congratulations to Opalg for his correct solution, which is shown below:):

The equation with roots $x$, $2y$, $3z$ must be of the form $\lambda^3 - 6\lambda^2 + 12\lambda + c = 0$ for some constant $c$, or $(\lambda-2)^3 + c + 8 = 0.$ But the function $(\lambda-2)^3$ is strictly increasing everywhere except at $\lambda = 2.$ So the only way that the equation $(\lambda-2)^3 + c + 8 = 0$ can have three real roots is if $c = -8$ (and then the three roots are all equal to $2$). Therefore $x=2$, $y=1$, $z=\frac23$ and their product is $xyz = \frac43.$
 

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