Prove the given equation has no solution

  • MHB
  • Thread starter Albert1
  • Start date
In summary, one way to prove that an equation has no solution is by using the principle of contradiction. Proving that an equation has no solution is important in determining consistency and can prevent errors in problem-solving. Additionally, an equation cannot have multiple solutions and still be considered to have no solution. Graphs can also help determine if an equation has no solution by showing that it does not intersect with the x-axis. Lastly, equations with no variables or conflicting statements are guaranteed to have no solution.
  • #1
Albert1
1,221
0
$x,y\in N$
prove the equation :$\dfrac{1}{x^2}+\dfrac{1}{xy}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}=1$
has no solution
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hello, Albert!

$x,y\in N$
Prove the equation: $\,\dfrac{1}{x^2}+\dfrac{1}{xy}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}=1\,$ has no solution.
Multiply by $x^2y^2\!:\;y^2 +xy + x^2 \:=\:x^2y^2$

Add $xy$ to both sides: $\:x^2 + 2xy + y^2 \:=\:x^2y^2+xy$

Factor: $\: (x+y)^2 \;=\;xy(xy+1)$

The left side is a square of an integer.
The right side is the product of two consecutive integers.

This is clearly impossible.
 
  • #3
soroban said:
Hello, Albert!
Multiply by $x^2y^2\!:\;y^2 +xy + x^2 \:=\:x^2y^2$

Add $xy$ to both sides: $\:x^2 + 2xy + y^2 \:=\:x^2y^2+xy$

Factor: $\: (x+y)^2 \;=\;xy(xy+1)$

The left side is a square of an integer.
The right side is the product of two consecutive integers.

This is clearly impossible.
nice proof !
 
  • #4
Albert said:
$x,y\in N$
prove the equation :$\dfrac{1}{x^2}+\dfrac{1}{xy}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}=1---(1)$
has no solution
let $x>y>0$ then
$1=\dfrac{1}{x^2}+\dfrac{1}{xy}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}<\dfrac{1}{y^2}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}=\dfrac {3}{y^2}$
$\therefore y^2<3 , or \,\, y=1$, put y=1 to (1)
we get :
$0=\dfrac {1}{x^2}+\dfrac {1}{x}$ it is impossible (since $x,y\in N$)
if $y>x>0$, the proof is the same
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Albert said:
let $x>y>0$ then
$1=\dfrac{1}{x^2}+\dfrac{1}{xy}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}<\dfrac{1}{y^2}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}+\dfrac{1}{y^2}=\dfrac {3}{y^2}$
$\therefore y^2<3 , or \,\, y=1$, put y=1 to (1)
we get :
$0=\dfrac {1}{x^2}+\dfrac {1}{x}$ it is impossible (since $x,y\in N$)
if $y>x>0$, the proof is the same

the part that was missed was

$x= y$
which gives
$1= \frac{1}{x^2} +\frac{1}{xy} + \frac{1}{y^2}= \frac{3}{x^2} $

or
$x^2 = 3$
which is impossible as it gives irrational x
so x = y is not possible
 

FAQ: Prove the given equation has no solution

How do you prove that an equation has no solution?

One way to prove that an equation has no solution is by using the principle of contradiction. This means assuming that the equation has a solution and then using logical steps to arrive at a contradiction, thereby proving that the initial assumption was false.

What is the importance of proving that an equation has no solution?

Proving that an equation has no solution is important because it helps us determine whether a given set of equations is consistent or inconsistent. Inconsistent equations can lead to incorrect conclusions and can also indicate an error in the problem or the solution method.

Can an equation have multiple solutions and still be considered to have no solution?

No, an equation can only be considered to have no solution if there is no value that can satisfy the equation. If an equation has multiple solutions, it means that there are multiple values that can satisfy the equation, and it cannot be considered to have no solution.

Can a graph of an equation help determine if it has no solution?

Yes, a graph of an equation can give a visual representation of the equation and help determine if it has no solution. If the graph does not intersect with the x-axis, it means there is no value of x that can satisfy the equation, and thus, it has no solution.

Are there any specific types of equations that are guaranteed to have no solution?

Yes, there are certain types of equations that are guaranteed to have no solution, such as equations with no variables or equations with conflicting statements, such as 1=2. These types of equations are always inconsistent and therefore have no solution.

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
976
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
935
Replies
1
Views
871
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top