MHB Solving Continued Proportion Problem with Componendo Dividendo

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The discussion revolves around proving the equation (a+b+c)²/(a²+b²+c²) = (a+b+c)/(a-b+c) under the condition that a, b, and c are in continued proportion. The initial approach involves expanding (a+b+c)² and applying the componendo dividendo method, but the user encounters difficulties in reaching a solution. A response suggests using the relationship between a, b, and c, specifically that ac = b², to simplify the proof. The conversation emphasizes the importance of manipulating the expressions correctly to achieve the desired result. Continued guidance is encouraged to resolve the problem effectively.
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Re: mean proportion problem

if a,b,c are in continued proportion

prove that
(a+b+c)^2/(a^2 +b^2 + c^2)=(a+b+c)/(a-b+c) i break the part -> (a+b+c)^2 into (a^2 +b^2+c^2+2ab+2bc+2ac) and then use componendo dividendo to the numerator and denominator to the problem,,, but its still not working out .wondering how to solve it . please help ! :confused:
 
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Re: mean proportion problem

kuheli said:
if a,b,c are in continued proportion

prove that
(a+b+c)^2/(a^2 +b^2 + c^2)=(a+b+c)/(a-b+c) i break the part -> (a+b+c)^2 into (a^2 +b^2+c^2+2ab+2bc+2ac) and then use componendo dividendo to the numerator and denominator to the problem,,, but its still not working out .wondering how to solve it . please help ! :confused:

Hi kuheli, :)

Note that,

\[(a-b+c)(a+b+c)=a^2-b^2+c^2+2ac\]

Since \(\frac{a}{b}=\frac{b}{c}\Rightarrow ac=b^2\) we have,

\[(a-b+c)(a+b+c)=a^2+b^2+c^2\]

Hope you can continue. :)
 
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