Simultaneous Equations Challenge

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a system of simultaneous equations involving variables \(a\) and \(b\). The equations include a product of expressions involving square roots and a linear equation with a fraction. The focus appears to be on finding solutions and exploring different methods of solving the equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Participants present a system of equations to be solved, specifically \( (a+\sqrt{a^2+1})(b+\sqrt{b^2+1})=1 \) and \( b+\dfrac{b}{\sqrt{a^2-1}}+\dfrac{35}{12}=0 \).
  • One participant suggests that recognizing the relationship \( a=-b \) is key to solving the problem.
  • Another participant mentions the use of trigonometric substitution as a method to solve for the remaining variables.
  • There is an expression of appreciation for the solutions provided, indicating a collaborative atmosphere.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a general agreement on the approach to solving the equations, particularly regarding the relationship \( a=-b \). However, there is no consensus on the specific methods or solutions, as participants mention different approaches without resolving which is preferable.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the variables and the applicability of certain mathematical techniques, such as trigonometric substitution, are present but not fully explored or justified within the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in solving simultaneous equations, particularly in the context of mathematical challenges or homework, may find this discussion beneficial.

anemone
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Solve the system of equations below:

$(a+\sqrt{a^2+1})(b+\sqrt{b^2+1})=1$

$b+\dfrac{b}{\sqrt{a^2-1}}+\dfrac{35}{12}=0$
 
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anemone said:
Solve the system of equations below:

$(a+\sqrt{a^2+1})(b+\sqrt{b^2+1})=1$

$b+\dfrac{b}{\sqrt{a^2-1}}+\dfrac{35}{12}=0$
From the 2nd equation we have b < 0 say - c

So from 1 we get $(\sqrt{a^2+1}+a)(\sqrt{c^2+1}-c) = 1$
as we have $(\sqrt{a^2+1}+a)(\sqrt{a^2+1}-a) = 1$
so we get $\sqrt{a^2+1}-a= \sqrt{c^2+1}-c$
as $\sqrt{a^2+1}-a$ is monotonically decreasing we get $a =c$
hence $b = - a$
now from second putting $a=\sec\,t$

$\sec\,t + \sec\,t \,\cot\,t = \dfrac{35}{12}$

or $\dfrac{\sin\,t + \cos\,t}{\sin\,t\cos\,t}= \dfrac{35}{12}$
square both sides and put $\sin\,t\cos\,t= y$

to get $\dfrac{1+2y}{y^2} = \dfrac{1225}{144}$
add 1 on both sides to get
$\dfrac{1+2y+y^2}{y^2} = \dfrac{1369}{144}$
take square root of both sides knowing that y is positive

$\dfrac{1+y}{y} = \dfrac{37}{12}$
or $y = \dfrac{12}{25}$

$\sin\,t \cos\,t = \dfrac{12}{25}$

as $(\dfrac{3}{5})^2 + (\dfrac{4}{5})^2 = 1 $

and product is $\dfrac{12}{25}$

$\sin\,t = \dfrac{3}{5} \, \cos\,t =\dfrac{4}{5}$

or

$\cos \,t = \dfrac{3}{5} \, \sin\,t =\dfrac{4}{5}$hence
$a = \dfrac{5}{4}, b = - \dfrac{5}{4}$

or
$a = \dfrac{5}{3}, b = - \dfrac{5}{3}$
 
kaliprasad said:
From the 2nd equation we have b < 0 say - c

So from 1 we get $(\sqrt{a^2+1}+a)(\sqrt{c^2+1}-c) = 1$
as we have $(\sqrt{a^2+1}+a)(\sqrt{a^2+1}-a) = 1$
so we get $\sqrt{a^2+1}-a= \sqrt{c^2+1}-c$
as $\sqrt{a^2+1}-a$ is monotonically decreasing we get $a =c$
hence $b = - a$
now from second putting $a=\sec\,t$

$\sec\,t + \sec\,t \,\cot\,t = \dfrac{35}{12}$

or $\dfrac{\sin\,t + \cos\,t}{\sin\,t\cos\,t}= \dfrac{35}{12}$
square both sides and put $\sin\,t\cos\,t= y$

to get $\dfrac{1+2y}{y^2} = \dfrac{1225}{144}$
add 1 on both sides to get
$\dfrac{1+2y+y^2}{y^2} = \dfrac{1369}{144}$
take square root of both sides knowing that y is positive

$\dfrac{1+y}{y} = \dfrac{37}{12}$
or $y = \dfrac{12}{25}$

$\sin\,t \cos\,t = \dfrac{12}{25}$

as $(\dfrac{3}{5})^2 + (\dfrac{4}{5})^2 = 1 $

and product is $\dfrac{12}{25}$

$\sin\,t = \dfrac{3}{5} \, \cos\,t =\dfrac{4}{5}$

or

$\cos \,t = \dfrac{3}{5} \, \sin\,t =\dfrac{4}{5}$hence
$a = \dfrac{5}{4}, b = - \dfrac{5}{4}$

or
$a = \dfrac{5}{3}, b = - \dfrac{5}{3}$

Very nicely done, kaliprasad!:cool:
 
anemone said:
Very nicely done, kaliprasad!:cool:

Thanks, I would like to have a look at another different solution in case you have any
 
kaliprasad said:
Thanks, I would like to have a look at another different solution in case you have any

Nope, my solution is more or less the same as yours, because the trick to solve this problem is to recognize that $a=-b$ and then we have to opt for the trigonometric substitution skill to solve for the rest.

Again, thanks so much for participating in my recent challenges at MHB, kali!
 

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