Mock AIME 2 2006-2007 Problems/Problem 11: Difference between revisions

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Problem

Find the sum of the squares of the roots, real or complex, of the system of simultaneous equations

$x+y+z=3,~x^2+y^2+z^2=3,~x^3+y^3+z^3 =3.$

Solution

We take note of the obvious solution: (1,1,1). Now we manipulate the equations a bit:

$(x+y+z)^2-(x^2+y^2+z^2)=2xy+2xz+2yz=6$

$(x+y+z)(x^2+y^2+z^2)=x^3+y^3+z^3+x^2(y+z)+y^2(x+z)+z^2(y+x)=9=3+x^2(y+z)+y^2(x+z)+z^2(y+x)$

$(x+y+z)^3=x^3+y^3+z^3+3(x^2(y+z)+y^2(x+z)+z^2(y+x))+6xyz=3+18+6xyz=27$

$x+y+z=3$

$xy+xz+zy=3$

$xyz=1$

Therefore, x, y, and z are the roots of

$a^3-3a^2+3a-1=(a-1)^3$

Therefore, the only solution to those three equations is (1,1,1). The sum of the squares of the roots is $1^2+1^2+1^2=3$

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Mock AIME 2 2006-2007

Problem Source

This problem was given to 4everwise by a friend, Henry Tung. Upper classmen bullying freshmen. (Just kidding; it's a nice problem. ) This problem is also incredibly similar to 1973 USAMO problem 4.

Revision as of 09:22, 8 October 2007 view source 1=2 (talk \| contribs) 4,129 edits No edit summary ← Older edit		Revision as of 09:23, 8 October 2007 view source 1=2 (talk \| contribs) 4,129 edits →Problem Source Newer edit →
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	== Problem Source==		== Problem Source==
	This problem was given to 4everwise by a friend, Henry Tung. Upper classmen bullying freshmen. (Just kidding; it's a nice problem. [[Image:Razz.gif]])		This problem was given to 4everwise by a friend, Henry Tung. Upper classmen bullying freshmen. (Just kidding; it's a nice problem. [[Image:Razz.gif]]) This problem is also incredibly similar to 1973 USAMO problem 4.

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Mock AIME 2 2006-2007 Problems/Problem 11: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 09:23, 8 October 2007

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Problem Source