Finding values a, b, c, d, e, f

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding values for variables a, b, c, d, e, and f in a series of equations. By using Newton's identities and the concept of elementary symmetric polynomials, the values are determined to be 1, 1, -1, -1, 13, and -19. The conversation ends with a friendly acknowledgement of correctness.
  • #1
mente oscura
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Hello.

Finding values: a, b, c, d, e, f; for:[tex]a+b+c+d+e+f=-6[/tex]

[tex]a^2+b^2+c^2+d^2+e^2+f^2=534[/tex]

[tex]a^3+b^3+c^3+d^3+e^3+f^3=-4662[/tex]

[tex]a^4+b^4+c^4+d^4+e^4+f^4=158886[/tex]

[tex]a^5+b^5+c^5+d^5+e^5+f^5=-2104806[/tex]

[tex]a^6+b^6+c^6+d^6+e^6+f^6=51872694[/tex]Regards.
 
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  • #2
[sp]For $n=1,2,3,4,5,6$, write $P_n = a^n+b^n+c^n+d^n+e^n+f^n$. Also, let $E_n$ be the $n$th elementary symmetric polynomial in $a,b,c,d,e,f.$ We are told that $$P_1 = -6,\quad P_2 = 534,\quad P_3 = -4662,\quad P_4 = 158886,\quad P_5 = -2104806,\quad P_6 = 51872694.$$ It follows from Newton's identities that $$\begin{aligned}\phantom{1}E_1 &= P_1 = -6, \\ 2E_2 &= E_1P_1 - P_2 \\ &= 36 - 534 = -498, \text{ so }E_2 = -249, \\ 3E_3 &= E_2P_1 - E_1P_2 + P_3 \\ &= 1494 + 3204 - 4662 = 36, \text{ so }E_3 = 12, \\ 4E_4 &= E_3P_1 - E_2P_2 + E_1P_3 - P_4 \\ &= -72 + 132966 + 27972 - 158886 = 1980, \text{ so }E_4 = 495, \\ 5E_5 &= E_4P_1 - E_3P_2 + E_2P_3 - E_1P_4 + P_5 \\ &= -2970 - 6408 + 1160838 + 953886 - 2104806 = 30, \text{ so }E_5 = -6, \\ 6E_6 &= E_5P_1 - E_4P_2 + E_3P_3 - E_2P_4 + E_1P_5 - P_6 \\ &= 36 - 264330 - 55944 + 39562614 + 12628836 - 51872694 = -1482, \text{ so }E_6 = -247. \end{aligned}$$ Then the equation with roots $a,b,c,d,e,f$ is $x^6 - E_1x^5 + E_2x^4 - E_3x^3 + E_4x^2 - E_5x + E_6 = 0,$ or $x^6 + 6x^5 - 249x^4 - 12x^3 + 495x^2 + 6x - 247 = 0.$ Since $247 = 13\times 19,$ it is not hard to factorise that as $(x^2-1)^2(x-13)(x+19) = 0.$ Thus the numbers $a,b,c,d,e,f$ are (in some order) $1,1,-1,-1,13,-19.$[/sp]
 
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  • #3
Opalg said:
[sp]For $n=1,2,3,4,5,6$, write $P_n = a^n+b^n+c^n+d^n+e^n+f^n$. Also, let $E_n$ be the $n$th elementary symmetric polynomial in $a,b,c,d,e,f.$ We are told that $$P_1 = -6,\quad P_2 = 534,\quad P_3 = -4662,\quad P_4 = 158886,\quad P_5 = -2104806,\quad P_6 = 51872694.$$ It follows from Newton's identities that $$\begin{aligned}\phantom{1}E_1 &= P_1 = -6, \\ 2E_2 &= E_1P_1 - P_2 \\ &= 36 - 534 = -498, \text{ so }E_2 = -249, \\ 3E_3 &= E_2P_1 - E_1P_2 + P_3 \\ &= 1494 + 3204 - 4662 = 36, \text{ so }E_3 = 12, \\ 4E_4 &= E_3P_1 - E_2P_2 + E_1P_3 - P_4 \\ &= -72 + 132966 + 27972 - 158886 = 1980, \text{ so }E_4 = 495, \\ 5E_5 &= E_4P_1 - E_3P_2 + E_2P_3 - E_1P_4 + P_5 \\ &= -2970 - 6408 + 1160838 + 953886 - 2104806 = 30, \text{ so }E_5 = -6, \\ 6E_6 &= E_5P_1 - E_4P_2 + E_3P_3 - E_2P_4 + E_1P_5 - P_6 \\ &= 36 - 264330 - 55944 + 39562614 + 12628836 - 51872694 = -1482, \text{ so }E_6 = -247. \end{aligned}$$ Then the equation with roots $a,b,c,d,e,f$ is $x^6 - E_1x^5 + E_2x^4 - E_3x^3 + E_4x^2 - E_5x + E_6 = 0,$ or $x^6 + 6x^5 - 249x^4 - 12x^3 + 495x^2 + 6x - 247 = 0.$ Since $247 = 13\times 19,$ it is not hard to factorise that as $(x^2-1)^2(x-13)(x+19) = 0.$ Thus the numbers $a,b,c,d,e,f$ are (in some order) $1,1,-1,-1,13,-19.$[/sp]

Hello.

Very well, Opalg, is correct.:)

Regards.
 

FAQ: Finding values a, b, c, d, e, f

1. What is the purpose of finding values for a, b, c, d, e, f?

The purpose of finding values for a, b, c, d, e, f is to solve a mathematical equation or problem. These values represent unknown variables and once found, can help to determine the solution to the problem.

2. How do you find the values for a, b, c, d, e, f?

The method for finding values for a, b, c, d, e, f depends on the specific problem or equation. Generally, you can use algebraic techniques such as substitution, elimination, or graphing to determine the values. It is also possible to use numerical methods, such as trial and error, to approximate the values.

3. What are some common applications of finding values for a, b, c, d, e, f?

Finding values for a, b, c, d, e, f is commonly used in various fields of science, engineering, and mathematics. This includes solving equations in physics, calculating coordinates in geometry, and determining coefficients in statistical analysis. It is also useful in everyday situations, such as calculating expenses or determining the best deal when shopping.

4. Can values for a, b, c, d, e, f be negative or complex numbers?

Yes, values for a, b, c, d, e, f can be negative or complex numbers. This depends on the context of the problem and the operations being performed. In some cases, negative or complex numbers may not have a real-world meaning, but they can still be used in mathematical equations to find a solution.

5. Is there a specific order or method for solving for a, b, c, d, e, f?

There is no specific order or method for solving for a, b, c, d, e, f. However, it is important to follow the rules of algebra and perform the same operations on both sides of the equation to maintain equality. It is also helpful to start with simpler expressions and work towards more complex ones, and to check your work by substituting the values back into the original equation.

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