What is the Sum of x, y, and z in a Non-Negative Real Number System?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the sum of non-negative real numbers \(x\), \(y\), and \(z\) that satisfy a specific system of equations. The focus is on finding \(x+y+z\) based on the given mathematical relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equations \(x^2+y^2+xy=3\), \(y^2+z^2+yz=4\), and \(z^2+x^2+xz=1\) and asks for the evaluation of \(x+y+z\).
  • Another participant suggests that the answer is \(3 \cdot \left(\frac{8}{9}\right)^{3/4}\).
  • A third participant requests clarification or a solution from another user.
  • A later reply asserts that the correct answer is \(\sqrt{7}\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the value of \(x+y+z\), with one participant proposing \(3 \cdot \left(\frac{8}{9}\right)^{3/4}\) and another asserting it is \(\sqrt{7}\).

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the derivation of the proposed answers, and the assumptions behind the calculations are not fully explored.

anemone
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$x,\,y$ and $z$ are non-negative real numbers that satisfy the following system:

$x^2+y^2+xy=3\\y^2+z^2+yz=4\\z^2+x^2+xz=1$

Evaluate $x+y+z$.
 
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Is answer 3* ${8 \over 9}^{3/4}$ That 8/9 whole power is 3/4
 
@anemone Can you please tell me the answer or solution?
 
DaalChawal said:
Is answer 3* ${8 \over 9}^{3/4}$ That 8/9 whole power is 3/4
Nope, the correct answer is $\sqrt{7}$.
 
$(1)\qquad x^2+y^2+xy=3,\\ (2)\qquad y^2+z^2+yz=4,\\ (3)\qquad z^2+x^2+xz=1.$
Subtract (1) from (2): $z^2 - x^2 + y(z-x) = 1$,
$(z-x)(z+x + y) = 1$,
$s(z-x) = 1$, where $s = x+y+z$. Therefore
$(4)\qquad z = x + \dfrac1s$.
In the same way, subtract (3) from (2): $y^2 - x^2 + z(y-x) = 3$ to get $s(y-x) = 3$ and therefore
$(5)\qquad y = x + \dfrac3s$.
From (4) and (5), $s = x+y+z = 3x + \dfrac4s$ and therefore
$(6)\qquad x = \dfrac13\left(s - \dfrac4s\right)$. Then from (6) and (4),
$(7)\qquad z = \dfrac13\left(s - \dfrac1s\right)$.
Now substitute (6) and (7) into (3): $\dfrac19\left(s - \dfrac4s\right)^2 + \dfrac19\left(s - \dfrac1s\right)^2 + \dfrac19\left(s - \dfrac4s\right)\left(s - \dfrac1s\right) = 1$,
$3s^2 - 15 + \dfrac{21}{s^2} = 9$,
$s^4 - 8s^2 + 7 = 0$,
$\bigl( s^2 - 1\bigr)\bigl( s^2 - 7\bigr) = 0$.
If $s = \pm1$ or $s = -\sqrt7$ then (from (6)) $x$ would be negative. So the only solution for which $x$, $y$ and $z$ are all positive is $s = \sqrt7$.
 

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