2007 iTest Problems/Problem 39
Problem
Let a and b be relatively prime positive integers such that a/b is the sum of the real solutions to the equation . Find .
Solution
Let and With these substitutions, we know that We can factor the equation with the cubics and do some substitution. Bringing all the terms into one side results in By the Zero Product Property, either or
If then Cubing both sides yields so
If then Dividing both sides by three and cubing both sides yields Multiplying the binomials results in and rearranging and factoring leads to . That means
Since both values of satisfy the original equation, so
See Also
2007 iTest (Problems, Answer Key) | ||
Preceded by: Problem 38 |
Followed by: Problem 40 | |
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