Real Numbers and Equality: Can x+y=4 Be Proven from x2-4x=y2-4y?

crakajackxx

Homework Statement



x and y are real numbers. prove that if x2-4x=y2-4y and x not equal to y, then x+y=4.

Homework Equations



n/a

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using cases and making x and y positive and negative or even and odd, and that didnt work. then i tried completing the square on both sides and I got x=y.
please help~
 
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Move all the terms to one side. x^2-y^2=(x+y)(x-y). Factor out an (x-y).
 
Dick said:
Move all the terms to one side. x^2-y^2=(x+y)(x-y). Factor out an (x-y).
Dick, I think you mean "move all the squared terms to one side."
 
Mark44 said:
Dick, I think you mean "move all the squared terms to one side."

I meant what I said. I was counting on the OP finish it from there.
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
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