Solve the equation involving binomial theorem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The equation $$(7-6x)^3+(7+6x)^3=1736$$ can be solved using the binomial theorem and the identity for the sum of cubes, $$a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)$$. The solution simplifies to $$x^2=\frac{25}{36}$$, leading to the final results of $$x=±0.8333$$. Two methods of solving the equation were discussed, confirming that both approaches yield equivalent solutions despite differences in complexity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the binomial theorem
  • Familiarity with the sum of cubes formula
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Ability to simplify fractions and square roots
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the binomial theorem in depth
  • Learn more about the properties of cubes and their factorizations
  • Practice solving polynomial equations using different methods
  • Explore advanced algebraic techniques for simplifying complex fractions
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in algebraic problem-solving, particularly those looking to deepen their understanding of the binomial theorem and polynomial equations.

chwala
Gold Member
Messages
2,828
Reaction score
420
Homework Statement
Solve the equation; ##(7-6x)^3+(7+6x)^3=1736##
Relevant Equations
binomial theorem
$$(7-6x)^3+(7+6x)^3=1736$$
$$⇒(7^3(1-\frac {6}{7}x)^3+(7^3(1+\frac {6}{7}x)^3=1736$$
$$343[1-\frac {18}{7}x+\frac {216}{98}x^2-\frac{1296}{2058}x^3]+343[1+\frac {18}{7}x+\frac {216}{98}x^2+\frac{1296}{2058}x^3]=1736$$
$$343[2+\frac {432}{98}x^2]=1736$$
$$686+\frac {148,176}{98}x^2=1736$$
$$\frac {148,176}{98}x^2=1050$$
$$148,176x^2=102,900$$
$$x^2=\frac {102,900}{148,176}$$
$$x^2=0.69444$$
$$x=±0.8333$$
you can imagine the number of times i have gone through this problem, looking for an error in the expansion...only to realize that i had not brought in the factorials...lol :cool:
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Why do not you apply the formula
a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: chwala
anuttarasammyak said:
Why do not you apply the formula
a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)?
I am used to my way of expanding...been using that for years...thanks...
 
In my way I have got another solution of simple fraction. I should appreciate it if you would check your answer.
 
anuttarasammyak said:
In my way I have got another solution than yours. I should appreciate it if you would check your answer.
What solution did you get? if you substitute the solution to its original equation then you would confirm that it satisfies the problem...
 
The equation becomes in my way
\frac{1736}{14}=49+3*36x^2
 
anuttarasammyak said:
The equation becomes in my way
\frac{1736}{14}=49+3*36x^2
Which will in turn give you the same solution as the one I found.
 
Your x^2 is more complex fraction than mine. I hesitate to write it down because of homework policy.
 
I do not seem to understand/ get you, I just checked your working and the two solutions are equivalent.
 
  • #10
you have from your post ##6##,

...$$\frac {75}{108}=x^2$$

$$0.69444=x^2$$ which is the same as what i had found ...now can you take square roots on both sides to find the value of ##x?##
 
  • #11
75/108 is further reducible and I am afraid it does not equal to 102900/148176.
 
  • #12
Interesting, then what is your final solution? I think i will leave it at here...and wait for other members to give their views. Cheers mate.
 
  • #13
I showed the equation in #7 which is solved easily. I cannot show the solution explicitly due to homework policy.
 
  • #14
You mean $$x= \sqrt {\frac {75}{108}}$$
$$x= \sqrt {\frac {25}{36}}= ±\frac {5}{6} =±0.833333$$
 
  • #15
Yes. Does it coincide with your result ?
 
  • #16
anuttarasammyak said:
Yes. Does it coincide with your result ?
Yes, why not? ...From my post ##1##,

$$\frac {102,900}{148,176}≡\frac {25}{36} $$ {divide numerator and denominator by ##4116##}
$$⇒x^2=\frac {102,900}{148,176}$$ or
$$⇒x^2=\frac {25}{36}$$
 
Last edited:
  • #17
My bad in factorization,
102900/148176 =\frac{2*3*5^2*7^3}{2^3*3^3*7^3}=(\frac{5}{6})^2
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: chwala

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K