How to Solve This Week's POTW Quadruple Equations?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
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    2017
In summary, quadruple equations are mathematical equations with four unknown variables that can be solved using algebraic methods. The POTW is a weekly math or science challenge that tests problem-solving skills. To solve quadruple equations, one can use techniques such as substitution, elimination, or graphing, following the order of operations and simplifying the equation. There can be multiple solutions to quadruple equations, meaning there can be more than one set of values for the unknown variables that satisfy the equation. An example of a quadruple equation is 2x + 3y + 4z + 5w = 20, where x, y, z, and w are the unknown variables.
  • #1
anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Find all quadruples $(a,\,b,\,c,\,d)$ of real numbers that simultaneously satisfy the following equations:

\(\displaystyle \begin{array}{rcr}ab^2+cd^2\hspace{-10px} & = & \hspace{-10px}-6 \\ a^2b+c^2d\hspace{-12px} & = & 0 \\ a^3+c^3\hspace{-10px} & = & 2 \\ b^3+d^3\hspace{-10px} & = & 1 \end{array}\)

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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  • #2
Congratulations to Opalg for his correct solution:), which you can find below:

For any real number $x$, $$\begin{aligned} (ax+b)^3 + (cx+d)^3 &= (a^3 + c^3)x^3 + 3(a^2b + c^2d)x^2 + 3(ab^2 + cd^2)x + (b^2+d^2) \\ &= 2x^3 -18x + 1. \end{aligned}$$ The cubic polynomial $p(x) = 2x^3 - 18x + 1$ has three distinct real roots (close to, but not equal to, $-3$, $0$ and $3$). But if $(ax+b)^3 + (cx+d)^3 = 0$ then $(ax+b)^3 = -(cx+d)^3$. Taking cube roots, $(ax+b) = -(cx+d)$, so that $x(a+c) + (b+d) = 0$. The only way for that linear equation to hold for three distinct values of $x$ is if $a+c=0$. But then $a^3+c^3 = 0$, contradicting one of the original equations.

Conclusion: there are no real solutions $(a,b,c,d)$ to the given equations.
 

Related to How to Solve This Week's POTW Quadruple Equations?

1. What are quadruple equations?

Quadruple equations are mathematical equations that contain four unknown variables or quantities. They can be solved using various algebraic methods.

2. What is the POTW?

POTW stands for "Problem of the Week," which is a weekly challenge or puzzle given to students or individuals interested in math or science. It is designed to test problem-solving skills and critical thinking.

3. How do I solve quadruple equations?

Quadruple equations can be solved using various techniques such as substitution, elimination, or graphing. It is important to follow the order of operations and simplify the equation before solving for the unknown variables.

4. Are there multiple solutions to quadruple equations?

Yes, there can be multiple solutions to quadruple equations. This means that there can be more than one set of values for the unknown variables that satisfy the equation.

5. Can you provide an example of a quadruple equation?

One example of a quadruple equation is: 2x + 3y + 4z + 5w = 20. In this equation, there are four unknown variables (x, y, z, and w) that can be solved for to make the equation true.

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