What is the Value of x+y in These Two Quadratic Equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equations derived from the expressions $\frac{y^{2}-4}{y+3}=\frac{2}{3}$ and $\frac{x^{2}-2x-3}{x+2}=\frac{2}{3}$ to find the value of $x+y$. Participants explore various methods to manipulate and solve these equations, focusing on both algebraic transformations and the relationships between $x$ and $y$.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equations and asks for the value of $x+y$ based on the given ratios.
  • Another participant suggests solving the equations separately and then combining results to compute $x+y$.
  • A third participant proposes an alternative approach by equating the two expressions directly and deriving a relationship between $x$ and $y$.
  • Further, a participant derives a quadratic equation in terms of $x+y$ after manipulating the original equations, indicating a potential path to find $x+y$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple methods and approaches to the problem, indicating that there is no consensus on a single solution or method. Various interpretations and transformations of the equations are discussed without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' methods rely on specific algebraic manipulations that may depend on assumptions about the values of $x$ and $y$. The discussion does not resolve the implications of these assumptions or the validity of each approach.

bkarpuz
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Dear MHB members,

here is my problem.
If $\frac{y^{2}-4}{y+3}=\frac{x^{2}-2x-3}{x+2}=\frac{2}{3}$, then $x+y=?$

Thank you.
bkarpuz
 
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bkarpuz said:
Dear MHB members,

here is my problem.
If $\frac{y^{2}-4}{y+3}=\frac{x^{2}-2x-3}{x+2}=\frac{2}{3}$, then $x+y=?$

Thank you.
bkarpuz

Solve in x and y the two equations...

$\displaystyle \frac{y^{2}-4}{y+3}= \frac{2}{3}$ $\displaystyle \frac{x^{2}-2x-3}{x+2}\ =\frac{2}{3}$

... and then compute x+y...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
You might also write:

$\displaystyle \frac{y^2-4}{y+3}=\frac{x^2-2x-3}{x+2}$

$\displaystyle \frac{(y+2)(y-2)}{y+3}=\frac{(x+1)(x-3)}{x+2}$

$\displaystyle \frac{((y+3)-1)((y+3)-5)}{y+3}=\frac{((x+2)-1)((x+2)-5)}{x+2}$

This implies:

$\displaystyle y+3=x+2\:\therefore\:x-y=1\:\therefore\:x+y=2x-1$

Now solve:

$\displaystyle\frac{x^2-2x-3}{x+2}=\frac{2}{3}$

To find x.
 
Here's another method:

$\displaystyle\frac{x^2-2x-3}{x+2}=\frac{2}{3}$

implies:

(1) $\displaystyle 3x^2-8x-13=0$

$\displaystyle\frac{y^2-4}{y+2}=\frac{2}{3}$

implies:

(2) $\displaystyle 3x^2-2y-18=0$

Adding (1) and (2) we get:

(3) $\displaystyle 3x^2+3y^2-8x-2y-31=0$

If we multiply (1) by 2 we have:

$\displaystyle 6x^2-16x-26=0$

which we may write as:

$\displaystyle -2x-8(x-1)+6x(x-1)-34=0$

Using $\displaystyle y=x-1$ this becomes:

(4) $\displaystyle-2x-8y+6xy-34=0$

Adding (3) and (4) we obtain:

$\displaystyle 3x^2+6xy+3y^2-10x-10y-65=0$

(5) $\displaystyle 3(x+y)^2-10(x+y)-65=0$

Now we have a quadratic in $\displaystyle x+y$.
 

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