MHB Solve Quadratic Equation Without Computer

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The discussion focuses on solving the quadratic equation represented by the fraction $\dfrac{1234567891011121314151617}{7161514131211101987654321}$ without using a computer. Participants approximate the fraction to find its decimal representation, concluding that the first three digits after the decimal are 1, 7, and 2. They calculate the sum of the squares of these digits, resulting in $a^2 + b^2 + c^2 = 54$. The method involves ensuring both the numerator and denominator have the same number of digits and using basic arithmetic to derive the values. The final answer is confirmed as 54.
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$\dfrac {1234567891011121314151617}
{7161514131211101987654321}=0.abc----$

please find :$a^2+b^2+c^2=? $

(use of computer is not allowed!)
 
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Re: find :a^2+b^2+c^2=?

Albert said:
$\dfrac {1234567891011121314151617}
{7161514131211101987654321}=0.abc----$

please find :$a^2+b^2+c^2=? $

(use of computer is not allowed!)
[sp]Reminds me of http://mathhelpboards.com/pre-algebra-algebra-2/when-0-123-495051-0-515049-321-a-6136.html. First step is to check that numerator and denominator have the same number of digits (25). Then my little pocket calculator (assuming that I'm allowed to use it) gives the approximations as $$\frac{1234}{7161}\approx 0.1723,$$ $$\frac{12345678}{71615141} \approx 0.17238.$$ It looks as though the first three digits are $1,\ 7,\ 2$, with $1^2+7^2+2^2 = 54.$ I have not tried to prove this carefully as in that previous thread.[/sp]
 
Re: find :a^2+b^2+c^2=?

Albert said:
$\dfrac {1234567891011121314151617}
{7161514131211101987654321}=0.abc----$

please find :$a^2+b^2+c^2=? $

(use of computer is not allowed!)
Let: $\dfrac{1234}{7162}<A=\dfrac {1234567891011121314151617}
{7161514131211101987654321}=0.abc----<\dfrac{1235}{7160}$

$0.1722<A<0.1725$

$\therefore a=1,b=7,c=2$

and $ a^2+b^2+c^2=54$
 
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