Do you know algebra?

So it seems that there are some math people around. To follow up on //www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/harder-brainteaser-than-the-coin-flip here is another one:

Given:
a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2
a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

Show that:
a+b=c+d

Requires middle school math, but sure can ruin an interview.
As before, SBs for 1st correct answer.

Edit - all numbers are strictly positive. Apologies for confusion, but the problem remains open.

Edit - To provide an update, this has, thus far, been proven in 1 confirmed way by nonTargetChimp 9 (see his text file proof), and also in 1 more way that appears correct by unForseen (or rather by a friend of unForseen that works in HR). Another proof using trigonometry has been proposed and has not been fully evaluated but could be correct, and blastoise tried to prove this using fancy linear algebra but so far that proof does not appear to be correct, since he was able to prove it ignoring the positive constraint, meaning he proved something that is false. The most elegant solution to date, in my opinion, would have to be the HR rep's as presented by unForseen, which is found on page 8.

Background on the problem - came from an 8th grade city level math competition from the late 1960s at a mathematical school in the USSR.

 
sinthushan:
Just divide the 2nd equation by the first it's really simple.

(a^3 + b^3)/(a^2 + b^2) = (c^3 +d^3)/(c^2+b^2) a+b=c+d

Fail.

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 
sinthushan:
Just divide the 2nd equation by the first it's really simple.

(a^3 + b^3)/(a^2 + b^2) = (c^3 +d^3)/(c^2+b^2) a+b=c+d

Your math is retarded. I guess you're ... a banker ?

Nobody wants to work for it anymore. There's no honor in taking the after school job at Mickey D's. Honor's in the dollar, kid.
 
sinthushan:
why can't I just square root the 2nd equation? That's whats throwing me off right now. Are you sure the question doesn't ask you to find what a b c d are?
You can "square root" a perfect square, only. The question is correct as it is.
 

My guess (disclaimer: I am not mathematically inclined):

Since we have a ^2 and a ^3, it gives us enough information to eliminate any uncertainty around whether a, b, c, or d is negative or positive. Plug in positive and negative numbers, and you should be able to tell that as long as it satisfies the two equations above, a+b will always equal to c+d.

We wouldn't be able to make that assumption if we were only given a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2, because that tells us nothing about the +/- sign of each number, and you can't safely say a + b = c + d.

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 
Flake:
My guess (disclaimer: I am not mathematically inclined):

Since we have a ^2 and a ^3, it gives us enough information to eliminate any uncertainty around whether a, b, c, or d is negative or positive. Plug in positive and negative numbers, and you should be able to tell that as long as it satisfies the two equations above, a+b will always equal to c+d.

We wouldn't be able to make that assumption if we were only given a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2, because that tells us nothing about the +/- sign of each number, and you can't safely say a + b = c + d.

Your intuition may be correct but it is certainly not a proof.
 
Dr Joe:
Flake:
My guess (disclaimer: I am not mathematically inclined):

Since we have a ^2 and a ^3, it gives us enough information to eliminate any uncertainty around whether a, b, c, or d is negative or positive. Plug in positive and negative numbers, and you should be able to tell that as long as it satisfies the two equations above, a+b will always equal to c+d.

We wouldn't be able to make that assumption if we were only given a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2, because that tells us nothing about the +/- sign of each number, and you can't safely say a + b = c + d.

Your intuition may be correct but it is certainly not a proof.

I fail as well.

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 

WHOOPS, edited...

a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2

SO

a^2 + b^2 = a^2 + b^2

AND

a^3 + b^3 = a^3 + b^3

THEREFORE

a^x b^x = a^x b^x

SO

a^1 b^1 = a^1 + b^1

AND

a + b = a + b = c + d

a + b = c + d

Or something like that. Apparently, a 5th grader is smarter than me.

Get busy living
 

Given: a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

just guessing:

FIRST EQUATION, REWRITTEN: (a^2+b^2)=(c^2+d^2) SECOND EQUATION, FACTORED OUT: (a+b)(a^2 + b^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2); Distributive Property

substitute right side of first equation into left side of 2nd equation:
(a+b)(c^2 + d^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2) ; Substitution Method

divide both sides by (c^2 + d^2),

and end up with (a+b) = (c+d)

 
lookatmycock:
Given: a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

Is my proof correct?

FIRST EQUATION, REWRITTEN: (a^2+b^2)=(c^2+d^2) SECOND EQUATION, FACTORED OUT: (a+b)(a^2 + b^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2); Distributive Property

substitute right side of first equation into left side of 2nd equation:
(a+b)(c^2 + d^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2) ; Substitution Method

divide both sides by (c^2 + d^2),

and end up with (a+b) = (c+d)

My GMAT level math tells me that's...kind of not right.

(a+b)(a^2 + b^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2) does not equal a^3 + b^3 = c^3 + d^3.

I also don't get UFO's thing and how that proves a + b = c + d.

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 
Flake:
lookatmycock:
Given: a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

Is my proof correct?

FIRST EQUATION, REWRITTEN: (a^2+b^2)=(c^2+d^2) SECOND EQUATION, FACTORED OUT: (a+b)(a^2 + b^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2); Distributive Property

substitute right side of first equation into left side of 2nd equation:
(a+b)(c^2 + d^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2) ; Substitution Method

divide both sides by (c^2 + d^2),

and end up with (a+b) = (c+d)

My GMAT level math tells me that's...kind of not right.

(a+b)(a^2 + b^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2) does not equal a^3 + b^3 = c^3 + d^3.

I also don't get UFO's thing and how that proves a + b = c + d.

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}

init_app() { this.yoFuckThisShit ('WSO', 'monkeyingaround', 'Do You Know Algebra?', 1);

}

 
lookatmycock:
Given: a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

just guessing:

FIRST EQUATION, REWRITTEN: (a^2+b^2)=(c^2+d^2) SECOND EQUATION, FACTORED OUT: (a+b)(a^2 + b^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2); Distributive Property

substitute right side of first equation into left side of 2nd equation:
(a+b)(c^2 + d^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2) ; Substitution Method

divide both sides by (c^2 + d^2),

and end up with (a+b) = (c+d)

a^3 + b^3 does not equal (a+b)(a^2 + b^2) (a+b)(a^2 + b^2) equals a^3 + 2ab^2 + b^3

 
FutureBanker09:
lookatmycock:
Given: a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

just guessing:

FIRST EQUATION, REWRITTEN: (a^2+b^2)=(c^2+d^2) SECOND EQUATION, FACTORED OUT: (a+b)(a^2 + b^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2); Distributive Property

substitute right side of first equation into left side of 2nd equation:
(a+b)(c^2 + d^2) = (c+d)(c^2 + d^2) ; Substitution Method

divide both sides by (c^2 + d^2),

and end up with (a+b) = (c+d)

a^3 + b^3 does not equal (a+b)(a^2 + b^2) (a+b)(a^2 + b^2) equals a^3 + 2ab^2 + b^3

no it doesnt.

a+b(a^2 + b^2) = a^3 + ba^2 + ab^2 + b^ 3

 

The above two corrections are correct (and necessary). Also, all material here is within the scope of the GMAT, so if you prefer, think of it as a data sufficiency question:

Is a+b=c+d? (1) a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 (2) a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

 
Dr Joe:
The above two corrections are correct (and necessary). Also, all material here is within the scope of the GMAT, so if you prefer, think of it as a data sufficiency question:

Is a+b=c+d? (1) a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 (2) a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

yeah my bad. i was thinking about (a+b)^3 lol

 

Should I really embarrass everyone by doing this right now?

I'll tell you what, I solve this and someone gives me back the 1000 I just lost today on First Solar Calls

"Look, you're my best friend, so don't take this the wrong way. In twenty years, if you're still livin' here, comin' over to my house to watch the Patriots games, still workin' construction, I'll fuckin' kill you. That's not a threat, that's a fact.
 
Will Hunting:
Should I really embarrass everyone by doing this right now?

I'll tell you what, I solve this and someone gives me back the 1000 I just lost today on First Solar Calls

Please embarrass everyone by doing this right now.
 
Will Hunting:
Should I really embarrass everyone by doing this right now?

I'll tell you what, I solve this and someone gives me back the 1000 I just lost today on First Solar Calls

haha do it. im curious. i like these math threads. shows how much of an idiot we can all be sometimes :D

 
Will Hunting:
Should I really embarrass everyone by doing this right now?

I'll tell you what, I solve this and someone gives me back the 1000 I just lost today on First Solar Calls

You have only had 6 pages of examples (right or wrong) to help you. Please bestow your genius upon me.

 
Im not very creative:
Will Hunting:
Should I really embarrass everyone by doing this right now?

I'll tell you what, I solve this and someone gives me back the 1000 I just lost today on First Solar Calls

You have only had 6 pages of examples (right or wrong) to help you. Please bestow your genius upon me.

I'm with Will I'm sure he did it the way I did it. Many people got burned for the sheer fact you need more than just regular algebra to make a simple proof.

 

C,

let a = 1 b = -1 c = 1 d = 1 a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 holds true a+b=c+d is not equal

let a = 1 b = 1 c = 1 d = 1

a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 holds true a+b=c+d is equal

1 is insufficient

same logic applies to 2

Only when combining can you lock down the sign so C

 
FutureBanker09:
C,

let a = 1 b = -1 c = 1 d = 1 a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 holds true a+b=c+d is not equal

let a = 1 b = 1 c = 1 d = 1

a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 holds true a+b=c+d is equal

1 is insufficient

same logic applies to 2

Only when combining can you lock down the sign so C

Well you have proven its not A, B or D but you haven't really proven C.

 
Dr Joe:
FutureBanker09:
C,

let a = 1 b = -1 c = 1 d = 1 a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 holds true a+b=c+d is not equal

let a = 1 b = 1 c = 1 d = 1

a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 holds true a+b=c+d is equal

1 is insufficient

same logic applies to 2

Only when combining can you lock down the sign so C

Well you have proven its not A, B or D but you haven't really proven C.

Lol hoping you overlooked that

 
FutureBanker09:
C,

let a = 1 b = -1 c = 1 d = 1 a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 holds true a+b=c+d is not equal

let a = 1 b = 1 c = 1 d = 1

a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 holds true a+b=c+d is equal

1 is insufficient

same logic applies to 2

Only when combining can you lock down the sign so C

That's what I was trying to say in my post with the whole plugging of the numbers thing and picking positive/negative signs.

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 

somebody go do it the long brute way, if this isn't a data sufficiency question:

first equation becomes (a + b)^2 - 2ab = (c + d)^2 - 2cd then, (a+b)^2 = (c+d)^2 - 2(ab + cd)

and, a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = sqrt((c+d)^2 - 2(ab + cd))

second equation: (a + b) (a^2 - ab + b^2) = (c + d) (c^2 - cd + d^2)

plug all that crap in, solve, then plug in some more and get a+b = c+d but i'm too lazy to do it.

of course there's a shorter way but im an idiot today :D

 
lookatmycock:
somebody go do it the long brute way, if this isn't a data sufficiency question:

first equation becomes (a + b)^2 - 2ab = (c + d)^2 - 2cd then, (a+b)^2 = (c+d)^2 - 2(ab + cd)

and, a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = sqrt((c+d)^2 - 2(ab + cd))

second equation: (a + b) (a^2 - ab + b^2) = (c + d) (c^2 - cd + d^2)

plug all that crap in, solve, then plug in some more and get a+b = c+d but i'm too lazy to do it.

of course there's a shorter way but im an idiot today :D

plug all that crap in, solve, then plug in some more and see what you get
 
Dr Joe:
lookatmycock:
somebody go do it the long brute way, if this isn't a data sufficiency question:

first equation becomes (a + b)^2 - 2ab = (c + d)^2 - 2cd then, (a+b)^2 = (c+d)^2 - 2(ab + cd)

and, a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = sqrt((c+d)^2 - 2(ab + cd))

second equation: (a + b) (a^2 - ab + b^2) = (c + d) (c^2 - cd + d^2)

plug all that crap in, solve, then plug in some more and get a+b = c+d but i'm too lazy to do it.

of course there's a shorter way but im an idiot today :D

plug all that crap in, solve, then plug in some more and see what you get

shhhhh. im trying to make someone go through all that.

 

Let me give it a shot.

First, a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 - ab + b^2) = (a+b)(c^2 - ab + d^2) [since a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2].

Now, we know that a^3 + b^3 = c^3 + d^3, and so

(a+b)(c^2 - ab + d^2) = (c+d)(c^2 - cd + d^2)

For (a+b) = (c+d), we must show that ab = cd (this is a necessary condition).

If a+b = c+d, then

(a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 (c+d)^2 = c^2 + 2cd + d^2

But we already know that a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2, and so 2ab = 2cd. Hence if a+b = c+d (and our conditions hold) then ab = cd.

I don't know about you guys, but I have a life + work to do so if its wrong, so be it.

Just Do It
 
maximumlikelihood:
Let me give it a shot.

First, a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 - ab + b^2) = (a+b)(c^2 - ab + d^2) [since a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2].

Now, we know that a^3 + b^3 = c^3 + d^3, and so

(a+b)(c^2 - ab + d^2) = (c+d)(c^2 - cd + d^2)

For (a+b) = (c+d), we must show that ab = cd (this is a necessary condition).

If a+b = c+d, then

(a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 (c+d)^2 = c^2 + 2cd + d^2

But we already know that a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2, and so 2ab = 2cd. Hence if a+b = c+d (and our conditions hold) then ab = cd.

I don't know about you guys, but I have a life + work to do so if its wrong, so be it.

Well you are the first one on the right track. You have shown that proving a+b=c+d is equivalent to proving ab=cd, which is correct. However, in proving 2ab=2cd, you implicitly assumed a+b=c+d, hence you proved that if a+b=c+d, then a+b=c+d, which is redundant. However, thanks for bringing a hint of actual math to this thread.
 

I'm pretty sure for the next part I have to cross multiply the two equations and show that ab = cd, but man what the hell I don't have time for this shit

Sorry about the redundant proof, I felt bad typing it in

Just Do It
 
maximumlikelihood:
I'm pretty sure for the next part I have to cross multiply the two equations and show that ab = cd, but man what the hell I don't have time for this shit

Sorry about the redundant proof, I felt bad typing it in

The reason I posted this is that the actual proof is quite elegant and non-trivial, and cross-multiplying doesn't come close to cutting it. It's a good problem to solve in boring classes.
 

I asked a math Phd at Stanford to do it (I can do it but wanted to see how easy it would be for him) and he said FUCK THAT IM NOT FACTORING ALL DAY. LOL

"Look, you're my best friend, so don't take this the wrong way. In twenty years, if you're still livin' here, comin' over to my house to watch the Patriots games, still workin' construction, I'll fuckin' kill you. That's not a threat, that's a fact.
 
Will Hunting:
I asked a math Phd at Stanford to do it (I can do it but wanted to see how easy it would be for him) and he said FUCK THAT IM NOT FACTORING ALL DAY. LOL
Factoring will not be sufficient here. You keep saying you can do it - we are all waiting with SBs in hand.
 
Dr Joe:
Will Hunting:
I asked a math Phd at Stanford to do it (I can do it but wanted to see how easy it would be for him) and he said FUCK THAT IM NOT FACTORING ALL DAY. LOL
Factoring will not be sufficient here. You keep saying you can do it - we are all waiting with SBs in hand.

I think he meant factorization. Anyway, I will solve it once I get out of class and have time to type.

"Look, you're my best friend, so don't take this the wrong way. In twenty years, if you're still livin' here, comin' over to my house to watch the Patriots games, still workin' construction, I'll fuckin' kill you. That's not a threat, that's a fact.
 

This is probably stupid, but I go to a nontarget so give me abreak.

take the natural log of everything thus:

2lna + 2lnb = 2lnc + 2lnd

divde by 2

lna + lnb = lnc +lnd

raise e^ln. thus

a + b = c + d

 
pszonkadonk:
This is probably stupid, but I go to a nontarget so give me abreak.

take the natural log of everything thus:

2lna + 2lnb = 2lnc + 2lnd

divde by 2

lna + lnb = lnc +lnd

raise e^ln. thus

a + b = c + d

Look up log of sum formula. Also, you failed to use the cubic equation, hence any result can't be sufficient.
 

a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 +a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 = a^2(1+a)+b^2(1+b)=c^2(1+c)+d^2(1+d)

and then somehow you eliminate a^2, b^2, c^2, d^2 through some bullshit because a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2, leaving (1+a)+(1+b)=(1+c)+(1+d), so a+b=c+d eliminating the ones...

Am I on the right track?

 
total:
a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 +a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 = a^2(1+a)+b^2(1+b)=c^2(1+c)+d^2(1+d)

and then somehow you eliminate a^2, b^2, c^2, d^2 through some bullshit because a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2, leaving (1+a)+(1+b)=(1+c)+(1+d), so a+b=c+d eliminating the ones...

Am I on the right track?

Not at all. Sorry.

 

I got this on a math test once in high school. Me being the smart ass that I am wrote this.

Since we have 4 undefined variables I can assign any numeric value that I want to each of the variables. Therefore a,b,c,d = 1. Having set the numeric value of the variables. a+b=c+d. I acutally got full credit on that problem because the teacher had not designated that a,b,c,d are not all equal to one another.

Follow the shit your fellow monkeys say @shitWSOsays Life is hard, it's even harder when you're stupid - John Wayne
 

I haven't solved the problem (it doesn't look that easy to me), but if this indeed is similar to most complex GMAT problems, you likely need to manipulate one of the formulas (likely the 2nd) in a way that allows you to use the first formula. For example, if you reduced a^3 + b^3 in a way that isolated (a^2+b^2), you could then replace a^2+b^2 with c^2+d^2 and work the formula from there. If that doesn't work, perhaps manipulate BOTH formulas...

I could be wrong, but some food for thought for those that are tackling this.

CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 

I've gone through this a few times now and each time I end up proving myself wrong.

Can we set a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 = 1 and a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3 = 1

such that ac + bd = 0?

IFF this is true we need:

bc-ad = ?

So multiply (by c^2 + d^2) on both sides:

(a^2 + b^2)*(c^2 + d^2) = c^2 + d^2

(ac)^2 + (ad)^2 + (bc)^2 + (bd)^2 = 1

(ac + bd)^2 - 2acbd + (bc-ad)^2 +2abcd = 1

We know that ac + bd= 0

→ 0 -2abcd + (bc-ad)^2 + 2abcd= 1

Now reduce similar terms:

→ (bc-ad)^2 = 1

→ bc - ad = 1

or:

→ bc - ad = -1

accept this approach ignores the second equation.

(I love this stuff even when Im wrong)

Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art - Andy Warhol
 
dwight schrute:
I've gone through this a few times now and each time I end up proving myself wrong.

Can we set a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 = 1 and a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3 = 1

such that ac + bd = 0?

IFF this is true we need:

bc-ad = ?

So multiply (by c^2 + d^2) on both sides:

(a^2 + b^2)*(c^2 + d^2) = c^2 + d^2

(ac)^2 + (ad)^2 + (bc)^2 + (bd)^2 = 1

(ac + bd)^2 - 2acbd + (bc-ad)^2 +2abcd = 1

We know that ac + bd= 0

→ 0 -2abcd + (bc-ad)^2 + 2abcd= 1

Now reduce similar terms:

→ (bc-ad)^2 = 1

→ bc - ad = 1

or:

→ bc - ad = -1

accept this approach ignores the second equation.

(I love this stuff even when Im wrong)

I am not sure I follow what you are doing above - and as you admit, without using the 2nd equation, a solution is not possible. Your 1st assumption that everything is equal to 1 is also overly constricting. .

 

a²+b²=c²+d² a²-c² = d²-b² (a+c)(a-c) = (d+b)(d-b)

Do the same with a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

then you get

a+c = d+b and a² + ac + c² = d² + bd + b²

Sqaure both sides of a+c = d+b you get ac = bd

substract a² + ac + c² = d² + bd + b² times 3 you get
a - c = d -b

a + b = c + d

(my math -> english is pretty horrible)

 
President:
a²+b²=c²+d² a²-c² = d²-b² (a+c)(a-c) = (d+b)(d-b)

Do the same with a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

then you get

a+c = d+b and a² + ac + c² = d² + bd + b²

Sqaure both sides of a+c = d+b you get ac = bd

substract a² + ac + c² = d² + bd + b² times 3 you get
a - c = d -b

a + b = c + d

(my math -> english is pretty horrible)

I don't follow what you did with the cubes to get a+c=d+b
 

Say, in what domain are we solving this? I'll assume the reals, then the assumptions do not hold. Take the way less general a=1, b=1.

c^2+d^2=2 c^3+d^3=2

So your assumption would imply that c+d=2, but one can find other c and d that solve the above system. Let u=c+d, so from the second:

(c+d)(c^2+d^2-cd)=2 u(2-cd)=2 cd=2-(2/u)

then adding twice to the first equation

c^2+2cd+d^2=2+4-(4/u) u^2=6-(4/u) u^3-6u+4=0

As expected, one solution is u=c+d=1+1=2. But the other roots

u(u-2)(u+2)-2u+4=0 (u-2)(u^2+2u-2)=0 are the roots of the quadratic: u^2+2u-2=0

and those are -1+or-sqrt(3)

So, c+d can be equal to those numbers, and not just to 2=1+1=a+b. For example: c=(a+sqrt(a^2+4a))/2 d=(a+sqrt(a^2+4a))/2

where a=-1+sqrt(3)

one of the roots of the quad.

 
wadtk:
Say, in what domain are we solving this? I'll assume the reals, then the assumptions do not hold. Take the way less general a=1, b=1.

c^2+d^2=2 c^3+d^3=2

So your assumption would imply that c+d=2, but one can find other c and d that solve the above system. Let u=c+d, so from the second:

(c+d)(c^2+d^2-cd)=2 u(2-cd)=2 cd=2-(2/u)

then adding twice to the first equation

c^2+2cd+d^2=2+4-(4/u) u^2=6-(4/u) u^3-6u+4=0

As expected, one solution is u=c+d=1+1=2. But the other roots

u(u-2)(u+2)-2u+4=0 (u-2)(u^2+2u-2)=0 are the roots of the quadratic: u^2+2u-2=0

and those are -1+or-sqrt(3)

So, c+d can be equal to those numbers, and not just to 2=1+1=a+b. For example: c=(a+sqrt(a^2+4a))/2 d=(a+sqrt(a^2+4a))/2

where a=-1+sqrt(3)

one of the roots of the quad.

Sorry, don't have time right now to analyze line-by-line but the real domain is a fine assumption. But the last lines there suggest that c=d=/=1. However, I think its silly to argue that if c=d and a=b then the proposition doesn't hold -> you would have to imply that if 2a^2=2b^2 and 2a^3=2b^3 then a doesn't have to equal b, which is clearly absurd. I think you made a sign error somewhere, which, when resolved, will eliminate the contradiction, and the possibility of alternate solutions.
 
wadtk:
I (master of fin mathematics), and a team member (PhD. in Mathematics) stand by the above analysis. We want to be proved wrong, however....
Was I correct in inferring that c=d in your example? if so, how do you disprove my argument above for the absurdity of the results?
 
Dr Joe:
wadtk:
I (master of fin mathematics), and a team member (PhD. in Mathematics) stand by the above analysis. We want to be proved wrong, however....
Was I correct in inferring that c=d in your example? if so, how do you disprove my argument above for the absurdity of the results?

what wadtk has shown is that if a=b=1 and assuming c^2+d^2=2 and c^3 +d^3 = 2

then c+d = 2, 1+sqrt(3), 1-sqrt(3)

this proves than c+d is not necessarily equal to a+b and therefore proves that a+b = c+d is not always true even if c^2 + d^2 = a^2 + b^2 and c^3+d^3 = a^3 +b^3 are true

So the problem is not provable as it is not true!

 

U can proof it by simple induction, assuming positive integers. Look at your solutions of the 1st and 2nd equation. Reformulate them for i and i+1. Get rid of the i-th roots by taking all of it to the power of i. Then set a^i+b^i=c^i+d^i, plug in your solutions and u'll end up with 3a^i+3b^i=3c^i+3d^i and you're done. Also works for i+1...i+n. Should work at first sight, but no clue how to do it GMAT style ;)

 
shiggy:
a^2+b^2 = (a+b)^2 c^2+d^2= (c+d)^2 sqrt(a+b)^2= sqrt(c+d)^2 a+b=c+d

Another high-school flunk out. Next..

Nobody wants to work for it anymore. There's no honor in taking the after school job at Mickey D's. Honor's in the dollar, kid.
 
bears1208:
Too bad Will Hunting hasn't proved his self proclaimed math superiority.

I actually lol at this and everyone was looking at me "wtf"?

@ Dr. Joe - is this some form of a diophantine equation? Maybe a hint is in order as apparently we are all too retarded to find a proof.

Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art - Andy Warhol
 
JSC trainee:
I believe wadtk has shown it to be unprovable, can anyone find a flaw in his/her reasoning?

I didn't do the excercise on paper. Just did some thinking about it, and if u look at my reasoning of above: if you follow it by induction, it should hold true for positive numbers. Looking at the generalized solutions of Eq. (1) or Eq. (2) you will get the roots with a negative sign, where wadtk is definitly right. Prooving it true for negative numbers shouldn't be possible.

 

My bad folks - all numbers are positive. For what it's worth, the example above was correct in that a possibility is A=1 B=1 C= -0.564579 D=1.296630. But all numbers are strictly positive.

 

a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2

think of c^2+d^2 as u

then a^2+b^2=u

then a, b, and radical u form a right triangle.

so use a triple like 3,4,5

a=3 b=4 and radical u=5

well if a=3 then a^2=9 and if b=4 then b^2=16 and radical u^2=25

radical u^2 is also equal to just "u" which is equal to c^2+d^2

so c^2+d^2=25

which makes sense because 9+16 = 25

no repeat the process with c,d, and 5 as a triangle.

you get c=3 and d=4

hence a+b=c+d

If I disagree with you, it's because you're wrong.
 
cold pizza 2:
a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2

think of c^2+d^2 as u

then a^2+b^2=u

then a, b, and radical u form a right triangle.

so use a triple like 3,4,5

a=3 b=4 and radical u=5

well if a=3 then a^2=9 and if b=4 then b^2=16 and radical u^2=25

radical u^2 is also equal to just "u" which is equal to c^2+d^2

so c^2+d^2=25

which makes sense because 9+16 = 25

no repeat the process with c,d, and 5 as a triangle.

you get c=3 and d=4

hence a+b=c+d

Wtf is this shit, don't make any sense at all. Go back to high school pizza boy.

Nobody wants to work for it anymore. There's no honor in taking the after school job at Mickey D's. Honor's in the dollar, kid.
 

how about this:

a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2

say c^2+d^2 = z^2

so a^2+b^2 = z^2

then a, b, and z form a triangle where z is the hypotenuse

and c, d, and z form the same triangle. because if z=z and it is a right triangle according to pythagorean theorem, then the other sides are the same as well

still no good?

If I disagree with you, it's because you're wrong.
 
cold pizza 2:
how about this:

a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2

say c^2+d^2 = z^2

so a^2+b^2 = z^2

then a, b, and z form a triangle where z is the hypotenuse

and c, d, and z form the same triangle. because if z=z and it is a right triangle according to pythagorean theorem, then the other sides are the same as well

still no good?

Hey buddy how about you try using the second output a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3 Nevermind it won't make any difference..

Troll ?

Nobody wants to work for it anymore. There's no honor in taking the after school job at Mickey D's. Honor's in the dollar, kid.
 

We know that: a^3+b^3 = c^3+d^3

Rewrite the equation so that it takes the form: (a+b)(a^2+b^2-ab) = (c+d)(c^2+d^2-cd) ---> call this equation 1

Now, if we can show that (a^2+b^2-ab)=(c^2+d^2-cd) then we will be able to divide them out of the equation, leaving us with our desired result, (a+b)=(c+d). So

Prove: (a^2+b^2-ab) = (c^2+d^2-cd) ----> call this equation 2

We know a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2, from the problem statement. We could subtract this value from both sides to show -ab = -cd and thus (a^2+b^2-ab)=(c^2+d^2-cd), but to show the step more clearly, let us say that:

k = (a^2+b^2) = (c^2+d^2)

plugging k into equation 2 yields: k-ab = k-cd

subtract k from both sides: -ab = -cd

Therefore, since (a^2+b^2) = (c^2+d^2) and -ab = -cd, we have proven that

(a^2+b^2-ab) = (c^2+d^2-cd). We could stop here, but to explicate it further, let j = (a^2+b^2-ab) = (c^2+d^2-cd).

Plug j into equation 1:

(a+b)(a^2+b^2-ab) = (c+d)(c^2+d^2-cd) becomes (a+b)(j) = (c+d)(j).

Divide by j.

(a+b) = (c+d).

QED, that's our proof.

I'll be here all week, feel free to leave tips or better yet, job offers.

 
Kolya:
We know that: a^3+b^3 = c^3+d^3

Rewrite the equation so that it takes the form: (a+b)(a^2+b^2-ab) = (c+d)(c^2+d^2-cd) ---> call this equation 1

Now, if we can show that (a^2+b^2-ab)=(c^2+d^2-cd) then we will be able to divide them out of the equation, leaving us with our desired result, (a+b)=(c+d). So

Prove: (a^2+b^2-ab) = (c^2+d^2-cd) ----> call this equation 2

We know a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2, from the problem statement. We could subtract this value from both sides to show -ab = -cd and thus (a^2+b^2-ab)=(c^2+d^2-cd), but to show the step more clearly, let us say that:

k = (a^2+b^2) = (c^2+d^2)

plugging k into equation 2 yields: k-ab = k-cd

subtract k from both sides: -ab = -cd

Therefore, since (a^2+b^2) = (c^2+d^2) and -ab = -cd, we have proven that

(a^2+b^2-ab) = (c^2+d^2-cd). We could stop here, but to explicate it further, let j = (a^2+b^2-ab) = (c^2+d^2-cd).

Plug j into equation 1:

(a+b)(a^2+b^2-ab) = (c+d)(c^2+d^2-cd) becomes (a+b)(j) = (c+d)(j).

Divide by j.

(a+b) = (c+d).

QED, that's our proof.

I'll be here all week, feel free to leave tips or better yet, job offers.

I had the same thought process, but I haven't figured out how to prove ab=cd which is the core of this proof. You should check that part of your answer because it looks like an obvious circular argument to me.

 
jec:
Kolya:
We know that: a^3+b^3 = c^3+d^3

Rewrite the equation so that it takes the form: (a+b)(a^2+b^2-ab) = (c+d)(c^2+d^2-cd) ---> call this equation 1

Now, if we can show that (a^2+b^2-ab)=(c^2+d^2-cd) then we will be able to divide them out of the equation, leaving us with our desired result, (a+b)=(c+d). So

Prove: (a^2+b^2-ab) = (c^2+d^2-cd) ----> call this equation 2

We know a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2, from the problem statement. We could subtract this value from both sides to show -ab = -cd and thus (a^2+b^2-ab)=(c^2+d^2-cd), but to show the step more clearly, let us say that:

k = (a^2+b^2) = (c^2+d^2)

plugging k into equation 2 yields: k-ab = k-cd

subtract k from both sides: -ab = -cd

Therefore, since (a^2+b^2) = (c^2+d^2) and -ab = -cd, we have proven that

(a^2+b^2-ab) = (c^2+d^2-cd). We could stop here, but to explicate it further, let j = (a^2+b^2-ab) = (c^2+d^2-cd).

Plug j into equation 1:

(a+b)(a^2+b^2-ab) = (c+d)(c^2+d^2-cd) becomes (a+b)(j) = (c+d)(j).

Divide by j.

(a+b) = (c+d).

QED, that's our proof.

I'll be here all week, feel free to leave tips or better yet, job offers.

I had the same thought process, but I haven't figured out how to prove ab=cd which is the core of this proof. You should check that part of your answer because it looks like an obvious circular argument to me.

yup this just needs a proof that ab=cd and it would work.

Money Never Sleeps? More like Money Never SUCKS amirite?!?!?!?
 

a^3+b^3 = c^3+d^3

a^3+b^3 = ab ((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a)

c^3+d^3 = cd ((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c)

ab ((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a) = cd ((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c)


a^2+b^2 = c^2+d^2

a^2+b^2 = ab (a/b +b/a)

c^2+d^2 = cd (c/d +d/c)

ab (a/b +b/a) = cd (c/d +d/c)


so, we got:

ab (a/b +b/a) = cd (c/d +d/c)

and

ab ((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a) = cd ((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c)

then

[ab (a/b +b/a) ] / (c/d +d/c) = cd

and

[ab ((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a] / ((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c) = cd

so

[ab (a/b +b/a) ] / (c/d +d/c) = [ab ((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a] / ((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c)

ab cancels out

(a/b +b/a) / (c/d +d/c) = [((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a] / ((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c)

let's say this entire thing = Z

so going back...

[ab ((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a] / ((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c) = cd = abZ

Do the same thing with:

ab (a/b +b/a) = cd (c/d +d/c)

and

ab ((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a) = cd ((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c)

to solve for ab

SO:

ab = [cd (c/d +d/c)] / (a/b +b/a)

ab = [cd ((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c)] / [((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a)]

cd (c/d +d/c)] / (a/b +b/a) = [cd ((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c)] / [((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a)]

cd cancels out

(c/d +d/c)] / (a/b +b/a) = [((c^2)/d +(d^2)/c)] / [((a^2)/b +(b^2)/a)]

let's say this entire thing equals Y

so going back...

ab = cdY


now we have

ab=cdY and abZ=cd

cdY = cd/Z

cdYZ = cd

YZ=1

multiply both equations

ab * cd = cdY * abZ

SO ****************ab = cd ************

that shit is long though lol

If I disagree with you, it's because you're wrong.
 

ab = cd

going back to:

ab (a/b +b/a) = cd (c/d +d/c) - which came from the first equation

ab and cd cancel out

(a/b +b/a) =(c/d +d/c)

let's take out b and d

so b (a + 1/a) = d (c +1/c)

b (1) = d (1)

b = d

by that logic

a = c

so a+b = c+d

no?

If I disagree with you, it's because you're wrong.
 
Dr Joe:
cold pizza 2:
^ wow that was retarded sorry forget that
Do you mean forget both of your above posts, or do you still claim the really long one to work?

i still claim the really long one (ab=cd)

just don't know how to use that to prove a+b=c+d

although i can prove a^4+b^4=c^4+d^4

so i'm retarded

but I also stand by the triangle proof. if this was a data sufficiency problem, you only need the first equation.

If I disagree with you, it's because you're wrong.
 
maximumlikelihood:
Wow still not solved? I'll really give it ago in a bit. I'm starting to lose my respect for WSO after some of the brainteaser answers I've seen...

Like that guy who didn't know the sum of 1 to 100...

Not knowing how to add 1 to 100, is inexcusable unless you were dropped on your head as a kid. However this problem is legitimately tough, I got a 50 on the Math on the GMAT, but have no clue how to solve this.

 
FutureBanker09:
maximumlikelihood:
Wow still not solved? I'll really give it ago in a bit. I'm starting to lose my respect for WSO after some of the brainteaser answers I've seen...

Like that guy who didn't know the sum of 1 to 100...

Not knowing how to add 1 to 100, is inexcusable unless you were dropped on your head as a kid. However this problem is legitimately tough, I got a 50 on the Math on the GMAT, but have no clue how to solve this.

^^^

MAXIMUM...how about YOU solve this???

Get busy living
 
Flake:
I got something short and elegant for you.

No homo..

Okay I throw in the towel. A dude with a Math Fin degree and his bud who got a PhD Math came here before so who am I to speak here, just a random non-target chimp..

Nobody wants to work for it anymore. There's no honor in taking the after school job at Mickey D's. Honor's in the dollar, kid.
 

B = A, C = A, D=A+B-C A=1 B=1 C=1 D=1+1-1=1

D^2 = A^2 + B^2 - C^2 =1^2 + 1^2 - 1^2

D^3 = A^3 + B^3-C^3 = 1^3 = 1^3+1^3-1^3=1^3

B= -A + C +D = 1= -1+1+1

A^2+B^2=C^2+D^2 = (A+B)(A^2-AB+B^2)=(C+D)(C^2-DC+D^2)= 1^2+1^2=1^2+1^2= (1+1)(1^2-1+1^2)=(1+1)(1^2-1+1^2)=2=2

That actually was a lot easier than I originally thought.

 
Im not very creative:
B = A, C = A, D=A+B-C A=1 B=1 C=1 D=1+1-1=1

D^2 = A^2 + B^2 - C^2 =1^2 + 1^2 - 1^2

D^3 = A^3 + B^3-C^3 = 1^3 = 1^3+1^3-1^3=1^3

B= -A + C +D = 1= -1+1+1

A^2+B^2=C^2+D^2 = (A+B)(A^2-AB+B^2)=(C+D)(C^2-DC+D^2)= 1^2+1^2=1^2+1^2= (1+1)(1^2-1+1^2)=(1+1)(1^2-1+1^2)=2=2

That actually was a lot easier than I originally thought.

We have a winner, folks. Congrats, very elegant!
 
Dr Joe:
Im not very creative:
.....
We have a winner, folks. Congrats, very elegant!

That was actually kinda the direction I showed you one page before. It's pretty straight-forward if you do it in a generalized way. This case is i =1 (like Im not very creative showed). If you replace the 1's with i and you can show it another time for i+1 (what you can do) you have a mathematically nice and sound proof (of course not GMAT plug-in style). The trick is really just to calculate the positive solution for D, C, B, and A and then move forward (actually with i, i+1 it's the same and also pretty easy). Dunno, we had to do these induction proofs all the time during high school. I guess there's more exciting stuff at this age.

 
Dr Joe:
Im not very creative:
B = A, C = A, D=A+B-C A=1 B=1 C=1 D=1+1-1=1

D^2 = A^2 + B^2 - C^2 =1^2 + 1^2 - 1^2

D^3 = A^3 + B^3-C^3 = 1^3 = 1^3+1^3-1^3=1^3

B= -A + C +D = 1= -1+1+1

A^2+B^2=C^2+D^2 = (A+B)(A^2-AB+B^2)=(C+D)(C^2-DC+D^2)= 1^2+1^2=1^2+1^2= (1+1)(1^2-1+1^2)=(1+1)(1^2-1+1^2)=2=2

That actually was a lot easier than I originally thought.

We have a winner, folks. Congrats, very elegant!
I don't follow how this is proof. All it shows is that it works for a=b=c?
 
Dr Joe:
Im not very creative:
B = A, C = A, D=A+B-C A=1 B=1 C=1 D=1+1-1=1

D^2 = A^2 + B^2 - C^2 =1^2 + 1^2 - 1^2

D^3 = A^3 + B^3-C^3 = 1^3 = 1^3+1^3-1^3=1^3

B= -A + C +D = 1= -1+1+1

A^2+B^2=C^2+D^2 = (A+B)(A^2-AB+B^2)=(C+D)(C^2-DC+D^2)= 1^2+1^2=1^2+1^2= (1+1)(1^2-1+1^2)=(1+1)(1^2-1+1^2)=2=2

That actually was a lot easier than I originally thought.

We have a winner, folks. Congrats, very elegant!

You're fucking with us right Dr. Joe?

Just Do It
 

Someone else proved ab=cd so I'll start there. Could be wrong as I haven't taken a math class in almost a decade.

(1) Given: ab = cd So a = cd/b and c = ab/d

(2) a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2 Sub in for a and c from (1) (c^2 * d^2)/b^2 + b^2 = (a^2 * b^2)/d^2 + d^2

(3) multiply each side b^2 * d^2 then rearrange and factor (c^2 * d^4) + (b^4 * d^2) = (a^2 * b^4) + (b^2 * d^4) (c^2 * d^4) - (b^2 * d^4) = (a^2 * b^4) - (b^4 * d^2) d^4 * (c^2 – b^2) = b^4 * (a^2 – d^2)

(4) Rearrange a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2 So c^2 – b^2 = a^2 – d^2 = X

(5) Sub in X in equation (3) d^4 * X = b^4 *X b^4 = d^4 so b=d for all positive numbers

(6) ab=cd and b=d, then a =c so a+b=c+d

That killed some time at work, almost time to start drinking.

 
occupy this:
Someone else proved ab=cd so I'll start there. Could be wrong as I haven't taken a math class in almost a decade.

(1) Given: ab = cd So a = cd/b and c = ab/d

(2) a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2 Sub in for a and c from (1) (c^2 * d^2)/b^2 + b^2 = (a^2 * b^2)/d^2 + d^2

(3) multiply each side b^2 * d^2 then rearrange and factor (c^2 * d^4) + (b^4 * d^2) = (a^2 * b^4) + (b^2 * d^4) (c^2 * d^4) - (b^2 * d^4) = (a^2 * b^4) - (b^4 * d^2) d^4 * (c^2 – b^2) = b^4 * (a^2 – d^2)

(4) Rearrange a^2 + b^2 = c^2 + d^2 So c^2 – b^2 = a^2 – d^2 = X

(5) Sub in X in equation (3) d^4 * X = b^4 *X b^4 = d^4 so b=d for all positive numbers

(6) ab=cd and b=d, then a =c so a+b=c+d

That killed some time at work, almost time to start drinking.

You have it backwards - it has been repeatedly proven that if ab=cd then we are all set. The unsolved part is proving ab=cd.

Side note - looks like I got someone to join WSO just to solve math problems.

 

Lol sarcasm doesn't seem to come across very well online. I just picked the most nonsensical thing posted thus far and declared it true.

Edit - I can't believe I just had to clarify that

 
Dr Joe:
Lol sarcasm doesn't seem to come across very well online. I just picked the most nonsensical thing posted thus far and declared it true.

Edit - I can't believe I just had to clarify that

LOL

You definitely had me until this post. I was like, wtf!?!?!?

If I disagree with you, it's because you're wrong.
 
Im not very creative:
Dr Joe:
Lol sarcasm doesn't seem to come across very well online. I just picked the most nonsensical thing posted thus far and declared it true.

Edit - I can't believe I just had to clarify that

Wtf, Okay....

Don't take it personally - I simply could not understand what you were proving.

But do you understand why your proof was insufficient?

 

B=A C=A D=A+B-C A=5 B=5 C=5 D=5+5-5=5

D^2 = A^2 +B^2 - C^2 = 25=25+25-25

D^3 = A^3 +B^3 -C^3 = 125=125+125-125

B= -A + C + D = -5+5+5=5

A^2+B^2=C^2+D^2 = (A+B)(A^2-AB+B^2)=(C+D)(C^2-DC+D^2)= = (5+5)(5^2-25+5^2)=250=(5+5)(5^2-25+5^2)=250 Which means that 5^3+5^3=5^3+5^3 or 125+125=125+125

For n =/=1

 
Im not very creative:
B=A C=A D=A+B-C A=5 B=5 C=5 D=5+5-5=5

D^2 = A^2 +B^2 - C^2 = 25=25+25-25

D^3 = A^3 +B^3 -C^3 = 125=125+125-125

B= -A + C + D = -5+5+5=5

A^2+B^2=C^2+D^2 = (A+B)(A^2-AB+B^2)=(C+D)(C^2-DC+D^2)= = (5+5)(5^2-25+5^2)=250=(5+5)(5^2-25+5^2)=250 Which means that 5^3+5^3=5^3+5^3 or 125+125=125+125

For n =/=1

I am sorry but I really don't know what you are trying to say here. Let's start at the very beginning: why is C=A? What are you trying to prove?
 
Dr Joe:
Im not very creative:
B=A C=A D=A+B-C A=5 B=5 C=5 D=5+5-5=5

D^2 = A^2 +B^2 - C^2 = 25=25+25-25

D^3 = A^3 +B^3 -C^3 = 125=125+125-125

B= -A + C + D = -5+5+5=5

A^2+B^2=C^2+D^2 = (A+B)(A^2-AB+B^2)=(C+D)(C^2-DC+D^2)= = (5+5)(5^2-25+5^2)=250=(5+5)(5^2-25+5^2)=250 Which means that 5^3+5^3=5^3+5^3 or 125+125=125+125

For n =/=1

I am sorry but I really don't know what you are trying to say here. Let's start at the very beginning: why is C=A? What are you trying to prove?

C does not always have to equal A...but it will be equal to either A or B...

 

Ok Dr. Joe,

I'm going to publicly ask for a hint. Lets be honest, getting to ab=cd is piss easy, its the next part that needs some direction.

I just don't want to spend hours on it on a Friday then find out some smartass has posted the proof. i.e. I'm getting paranoid and continuously refreshing this page.

Edit: Can you PM me the hint? Since now everyone knows. I'll obviously mention it in my proof if I get there.

Just Do It
 
magnum:
I'm surprised nobody posted it on a math forum and got it solved in a matter of minutes...
I was actually thinking the same thing. Though I am not sure it would be solved in a matter of minutes. I think we've had some fairly mathematically inclined individuals here as well.
 

Let a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 = k

a + b = u, c + d = v

a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

(a + b)(a^2+b^2 - ab) = (c + d)(c^2+d^2 - cd) (1)

Notice ab = [(a+b)^2 - a^2 - b^2]/2 = (u^2 - k)/2 Same with cd = (v^2 - k)/2

(1) u(k - (u^2 - k)/2) = v(k - (v^2 - k)/2)

Multiply both sides by 2 u.(2k - u^2 + k) = v(2k - v^2 + k) u.(3k - u^2) = v.(3k - v^2) 3k(u-v) - (u^3 - v^3) = 0

Case 1: u = v. Done

Case 2: 3k = u^2 + v^2 - uv or 3(a^2+b^2) = (a + b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - (a+b)(c+d)

a^2 + b^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2ab - 2cd = 0 (2)

If a + b > c + d (2) => (a - b)^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2cd = 0

a + b > c + d (a+b)(c+d) > (c + d)^2

=> Left side > (a - b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - 2cd = (a - b)^2 + c^2+d^2 > 0

If a + b (c - d)^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2ab = 0

c + d > a + b (a+b)(c+d) > (a + b)^2

=> Left side > (c - d)^2 + (a + b)^2 - 2ab = (c - d)^2 + a^2+b^2 > 0

=> Case 2 is impossible

Nobody wants to work for it anymore. There's no honor in taking the after school job at Mickey D's. Honor's in the dollar, kid.
 
nonTargetChimp:
Let a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 = k

a + b = u, c + d = v

a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

(a + b)(a^2+b^2 - ab) = (c + d)(c^2+d^2 - cd) (1)

Notice ab = [(a+b)^2 - a^2 - b^2]/2 = (u^2 - k)/2 Same with cd = (v^2 - k)/2

(1) u(k - (u^2 - k)/2) = v(k - (v^2 - k)/2)

Multiply both sides by 2 u.(2k - u^2 + k) = v(2k - v^2 + k) u.(3k - u^2) = v.(3k - v^2) 3k(u-v) - (u^3 - v^3) = 0

Case 1: u = v. Done

Case 2: 3k = u^2 + v^2 - uv or 3(a^2+b^2) = (a + b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - (a+b)(c+d)

a^2 + b^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2ab - 2cd = 0 (2)

If a + b > c + d (2) => (a - b)^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2cd = 0

a + b > c + d (a+b)(c+d) > (c + d)^2

=> Left side > (a - b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - 2cd = (a - b)^2 + c^2+d^2 > 0

If a + b (c - d)^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2ab = 0

c + d > a + b (a+b)(c+d) > (a + b)^2

=> Left side > (c - d)^2 + (a + b)^2 - 2ab = (c - d)^2 + a^2+b^2 > 0

=> Case 2 is impossible

edit:delete (my post)

 
nonTargetChimp:
Let a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 = k

a + b = u, c + d = v

a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

(a + b)(a^2+b^2 - ab) = (c + d)(c^2+d^2 - cd) (1)

Notice ab = [(a+b)^2 - a^2 - b^2]/2 = (u^2 - k)/2 Same with cd = (v^2 - k)/2

(1) u(k - (u^2 - k)/2) = v(k - (v^2 - k)/2)

Multiply both sides by 2 u.(2k - u^2 + k) = v(2k - v^2 + k) u.(3k - u^2) = v.(3k - v^2) 3k(u-v) - (u^3 - v^3) = 0

Case 1: u = v. Done

Case 2: 3k = u^2 + v^2 - uv or 3(a^2+b^2) = (a + b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - (a+b)(c+d)

a^2 + b^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2ab - 2cd = 0 (2)

If a + b > c + d (2) => (a - b)^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2cd = 0

a + b > c + d (a+b)(c+d) > (c + d)^2

=> Left side > (a - b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - 2cd = (a - b)^2 + c^2+d^2 > 0

If a + b (c - d)^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2ab = 0

c + d > a + b (a+b)(c+d) > (a + b)^2

=> Left side > (c - d)^2 + (a + b)^2 - 2ab = (c - d)^2 + a^2+b^2 > 0

=> Case 2 is impossible

Equation 2 seems wrong
Case 2: 3k = u^2 + v^2 - uv or 3(a^2+b^2) = (a + b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - (a+b)(c+d)

a^2 + b^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2ab - 2cd = 0 (2)

Where did the 3 go? Coefficient of the squares should be 2, no?
 
Dr Joe:
or 3(a^2+b^2) = (a + b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - (a+b)(c+d)

a^2 + b^2 + (a+b)(c+d) - 2ab - 2cd = 0 (2)

No I'm not wrong let me clarify further 3(a^2+b^2) = (a + b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - (a+b)(c+d)

3(a^2+b^2) = 2(a^2+b^2) + (c^2 + d^2)

(a + b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - (a+b)(c+d) = a^2+b^2 + 2ab + c^2 + d^2 + 2cd - (a+b)(c+d)

Therefore you can cross a^2+b^2 + c^2 + d^2 from both sides. Please double check it for yourself

Nobody wants to work for it anymore. There's no honor in taking the after school job at Mickey D's. Honor's in the dollar, kid.
 
nonTargetChimp:

Multiply both sides by 2 u.(2k - u^2 + k) = v(2k - v^2 + k) u.(3k - u^2) = v.(3k - v^2) 3k(u-v) - (u^3 - v^3) = 0

Case 1: u = v. Done

Case 2: 3k = u^2 + v^2 - uv or 3(a^2+b^2) = (a + b)^2 + (c + d)^2 - (a+b)(c+d)

u^3 - v^3 = (u-v)(u^2 + v^2 + uv), not (u-v)(u^2 + v^2 - uv),

 
is-t:

u^3 - v^3 = (u-v)(u^2 + v^2 + uv), not (u-v)(u^2 + v^2 - uv),

Oh yeah you're right

Goddamn it. No way I'm spending anymore of my Friday night time to do this.. Good luck fellow primates.

P/S: Why can't I edit my previous post anymore ????

Nobody wants to work for it anymore. There's no honor in taking the after school job at Mickey D's. Honor's in the dollar, kid.
 

i didn't come from a private school or anything, so maybe that's why, but...

none of this shit seems to me like middle school or even high school level math.

what is this "i = 1 and 4" stuff, and from left, and from right?

Can you guys point me in the right direction, so I can try to learn it? what is the name of the topic?

If I disagree with you, it's because you're wrong.
 
cold pizza 2:
i didn't come from a private school or anything, so maybe that's why, but...

none of this shit seems to me like middle school or even high school level math.

what is this "i = 1 and 4" stuff, and from left, and from right?

Can you guys point me in the right direction, so I can try to learn it? what is the name of the topic?

The short answer: slope/intersect form. It appears that non-target is trying to solve it as a linear programming model (although is isnt in y=mx+b form yet), but I do not think this problem requires that degree of complication.

 
Im not very creative:
cold pizza 2:
i didn't come from a private school or anything, so maybe that's why, but...

none of this shit seems to me like middle school or even high school level math.

what is this "i = 1 and 4" stuff, and from left, and from right?

Can you guys point me in the right direction, so I can try to learn it? what is the name of the topic?

The short answer: slope/intersect form. It appears that non-target is trying to solve it as a linear programming model (although is isnt in y=mx+b form yet), but I do not think this problem requires that degree of complication.

As I mentioned, the solution requires nothing more than algebra. Of course, algebra can mean anything from middle school to PhD level stuff, but a typical Algebra 2 course is sufficient here.

For what its worth, this problem came from ________________

Edit - will cite source after it is solved

 

pre-calc

though to be completely honest, to understand/complete the proof (and be able to show that it is true on a deep level), a mathematical proofs course would help

anyways i'll be in the chat room for a bit if anyone wants to discuss this problem

 

Given: a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2 a^3+b^3=c^3+d^3

Show that: a+b=c+d

a,b,c,d >0 Pf: Assume a+b=c+d

(a+b)^2=(c+d)^2 a^2+2ab+b^2=c^2+2cd+d^2 a^2+b^2-c^2-d^2=2cd-2ab 0=2cd-2ab 0=cd-ab ab=cd

(a+b)^3=(c+d)^3 a^3+3a^2b+3ab^2+b^3=c^3+3c^2d+3cd^2+d^3 a^3+b^3-c^3-d^3=3c^2d+3cd^2-3a^2b-3ab^2 0=3cd(c+d)-3ab(a+b) 3ab(a+b)=3cd(c+d) ab(a+b)=cd(c+d) Using shit above, ab=cd --> (a+b)=(c+d)

Closer?

 

Here is an idea.... (someone can do the algebra grunt work and get the credit)

Lets get rid of one variable first

rewriting first equation

a = (c^2 + d^2 - b^2) ^ (1/2)

rewriting second equation

a = (c^3 + d^3 - b^3) ^ (1/3)

now we can get rid of "a"

(c^2 + d^2 - b^2) ^ (1/2) = (c^3 + d^3 - b^3) ^ (1/3)

******NOW THIS IS WHERE IT GETS COMPLICATED **********

we can rewrite the equation above isolating "b" so it is in terms of "c" and "d"

i don't know how to factor that shit, but in theory we would have an equation like

b = ( nasty ass equation with "c" and "d" )

we could do the same steps up to this point, but instead of getting rid of "a" we get rid of "b"

b = (c^2 + d^2 - a^2) ^ (1/2) b = (c^3 + d^3 - a^3) ^ (1/3)

then

(c^2 + d^2 - a^2) ^ (1/2) = (c^3 + d^3 - a^3) ^ (1/3)

again we isolate "a"

a = (nasty ass equation with "c" and "d")

******** now this is where everything should tie ************

this two equations should be exactly the same

b = ( nasty ass equation with "c" and "d" ) a = (nasty ass equation with "c" and "d")

therefore

a = b

then

c = d (by doing the dame process for "c" and "d" )

by substitution in first equation:

a^2+ a^2 = c^2 + c^2

2 a^2 = 2 c^2

simplified

a = c

and is done.

if we know that a = b , c = d , a = c

then

a + b = c + d

 
arellalu:
Here is an idea.... (someone can do the algebra grunt work and get the credit)

Lets get rid of one variable first

rewriting first equation

a = (c^2 + d^2 - b^2) ^ (1/2)

rewriting second equation

a = (c^3 + d^3 - b^3) ^ (1/3)

now we can get rid of "a"

(c^2 + d^2 - b^2) ^ (1/2) = (c^3 + d^3 - b^3) ^ (1/3)

******NOW THIS IS WHERE IT GETS COMPLICATED **********

we can rewrite the equation above isolating "b" so it is in terms of "c" and "d"

i don't know how to factor that shit, but in theory we would have an equation like

b = ( nasty ass equation with "c" and "d" )

we could do the same steps up to this point, but instead of getting rid of "a" we get rid of "b"

b = (c^2 + d^2 - a^2) ^ (1/2) b = (c^3 + d^3 - a^3) ^ (1/3)

then

(c^2 + d^2 - a^2) ^ (1/2) = (c^3 + d^3 - a^3) ^ (1/3)

again we isolate "a"

a = (nasty ass equation with "c" and "d")

******** now this is where everything should tie ************

this two equations should be exactly the same

b = ( nasty ass equation with "c" and "d" ) a = (nasty ass equation with "c" and "d")

therefore

a = b

then

c = d (by doing the dame process for "c" and "d" )

by substitution in first equation:

a^2+ a^2 = c^2 + c^2

2 a^2 = 2 c^2

simplified

a = c

and is done.

if we know that a = b , c = d , a = c

then

a + b = c + d

Anyone find anything wrong with this?

 
Warhead:
arellalu:
Here is an idea.... (someone can do the algebra grunt work and get the credit)

Lets get rid of one variable first

rewriting first equation

a = (c^2 + d^2 - b^2) ^ (1/2)

rewriting second equation

a = (c^3 + d^3 - b^3) ^ (1/3)

now we can get rid of "a"

(c^2 + d^2 - b^2) ^ (1/2) = (c^3 + d^3 - b^3) ^ (1/3)

******NOW THIS IS WHERE IT GETS COMPLICATED **********

we can rewrite the equation above isolating "b" so it is in terms of "c" and "d"

i don't know how to factor that shit, but in theory we would have an equation like

b = ( nasty ass equation with "c" and "d" )

we could do the same steps up to this point, but instead of getting rid of "a" we get rid of "b"

b = (c^2 + d^2 - a^2) ^ (1/2) b = (c^3 + d^3 - a^3) ^ (1/3)

then

(c^2 + d^2 - a^2) ^ (1/2) = (c^3 + d^3 - a^3) ^ (1/3)

again we isolate "a"

a = (nasty ass equation with "c" and "d")

******** now this is where everything should tie ************

this two equations should be exactly the same

b = ( nasty ass equation with "c" and "d" ) a = (nasty ass equation with "c" and "d")

therefore

a = b

then

c = d (by doing the dame process for "c" and "d" )

by substitution in first equation:

a^2+ a^2 = c^2 + c^2

2 a^2 = 2 c^2

simplified

a = c

and is done.

if we know that a = b , c = d , a = c

then

a + b = c + d

Anyone find anything wrong with this?

How is this a proof? Are you out of your fucking mind? What the hell is a "nasty ass equation"? An equation with gonorrhea? I don't think its possible to get to a=c from the information we have. a+b = c+d is as much as we can infer.

Just Do It
 
Warhead:
arellalu:
Here is an idea.... (someone can do the algebra grunt work and get the credit)

Lets get rid of one variable first

rewriting first equation

a = (c^2 + d^2 - b^2) ^ (1/2)

rewriting second equation

a = (c^3 + d^3 - b^3) ^ (1/3)

now we can get rid of "a"

(c^2 + d^2 - b^2) ^ (1/2) = (c^3 + d^3 - b^3) ^ (1/3)

******NOW THIS IS WHERE IT GETS COMPLICATED **********

we can rewrite the equation above isolating "b" so it is in terms of "c" and "d"

i don't know how to factor that shit, but in theory we would have an equation like

b = ( nasty ass equation with "c" and "d" )

we could do the same steps up to this point, but instead of getting rid of "a" we get rid of "b"

b = (c^2 + d^2 - a^2) ^ (1/2) b = (c^3 + d^3 - a^3) ^ (1/3)

then

(c^2 + d^2 - a^2) ^ (1/2) = (c^3 + d^3 - a^3) ^ (1/3)

again we isolate "a"

a = (nasty ass equation with "c" and "d")

******** now this is where everything should tie ************

this two equations should be exactly the same

b = ( nasty ass equation with "c" and "d" ) a = (nasty ass equation with "c" and "d")

therefore

a = b

then

c = d (by doing the dame process for "c" and "d" )

by substitution in first equation:

a^2+ a^2 = c^2 + c^2

2 a^2 = 2 c^2

simplified

a = c

and is done.

if we know that a = b , c = d , a = c

then

a + b = c + d

Anyone find anything wrong with this?

i'm pretty sure a=b and c=d don't have to be true for the equations to work so....

 
Best Response

Here is a list of 42 methods of mathematical proofs.......might actually help

  1. Proof by Obviousness: "The proof is so clear that it need not be mentioned."
  2. Proof by General Agreement: "All in Favor?..."

  3. Proof by Imagination: "Well, we'll pretend its true."

  4. Proof by Convenience: "It would be very nice if it were true, so ..."

  5. Proof by Necessity: "It had better be true or the whole structure of mathematics would crumble to the ground."

  6. Proof by Plausibility: "It sounds good so it must be true."

  7. Proof by Intimidation: "Don't be stupid, of course it's true."

  8. Proof by Lack of Sufficient Time: "Because of the time constraint, I'll leave the proof to you."

  9. Proof by Postponement: "The proof for this is so long and arduous, so it is given in the appendix."

    1. Proof by Accident: "Hey, what have we here?"

    2. Proof by Insignificance: "Who really cares anyway?"

    3. Proof by Mumbo-Jumbo: " For any epsilon> 0 there exists a corresponding delta > 0 s.t. f(x)-L delta"

    4. Proof by Profanity: (example omitted)

    5. Proof by Definition: "We'll define it to be true."

    6. Proof by Tautology: "It's true because it's true."

    7. Proof by Plagiarism: "As we see on page 238 ..."

    8. Proof by Lost Reference: "I know I saw this somewhere ..."

    9. Proof by Calculus: "This proof requires calculus, so we'll skip it."

    10. Proof by Terror: When intimidation fails ...

    11. Proof by Lack of Interest: "Does anyone really want to see this?"

    12. Proof by Illegibility: " ¥ ª Ð Þ þæ"

    13. Proof by Logic: "If it is on the problem sheet, then it must be true."

    14. Proof by Majority Rule: Only to be used if General Agreement is impossible.

    15. Proof by Clever Variable Choice: "Let A be the number such that this proof works."

    16. Proof by Tessellation: "This proof is just the same as the last."

    17. Proof by Divine Word: "And the Lord said, 'Let it be true,' and it came to pass."

    18. Proof by Stubbornness: "I don't care what you say! It is true!"

    19. Proof by Simplification: "This proof reduces to the statement, 1 + 1 = 2."

    20. Proof by Hasty Generalization: "Well, it works for 17, so it works for all reals."

    21. Proof by Deception: "Now everyone turn their backs ..."

    22. Proof by Supplication: "Oh please, let it be true."

    23. Proof by Poor Analogy: "Well, it's just like ..."

    24. Proof by Avoidance: Limit of Proof by Postponement as t approaches infinity.

    25. Proof by Design: "If it's not true in today's math, invent a new system in which it is."

    26. Proof by Intuition: "I just have this gut feeling ..."

    27. Proof by Authority: "Well, Bill Gates says it's true, so it must be."

    28. Proof by Vigorous Assertion: "And I REALLY MEAN THAT!"

    29. Proof by A.F.K.T. Theorem: "Any Fool Knows That!"

    30. Proof by vigorous handwaving: Works well in a classroom.

    31. Proof by seduction: "Convince yourself that this is true!"

    32. Proof by accumulated evidence: "Long and diligent search has not revealed a counterexample."

    33. Proof by Divine Intervention: "Then a miracle occurs ..."
 

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Just Do It
 

Est sed rem fuga quia doloribus. Ullam quam dolore dolorum laboriosam voluptate maiores nesciunt. Qui aspernatur asperiores est qui fugit ratione.

Odit animi qui dolore id recusandae. Et facere voluptatem molestiae dignissimos. Repellendus quia sapiente non aliquam qui minima doloremque.

Rerum omnis cupiditate aperiam officia earum quos et. Quis voluptates voluptates quia aut enim enim et. Nulla cumque veniam ut. Ut dolore praesentium velit fuga quasi impedit. Voluptatibus non facere qui ipsam dolore atque. Laudantium blanditiis qui tempore exercitationem.

Laudantium itaque voluptatem minus repellendus aut. Nihil quo aliquam repellendus doloribus tenetur. Magni suscipit quasi eveniet illum corporis. Ipsum odio non id et vitae quasi at.

 

Beatae doloremque quis tempore vitae. Fugit et expedita autem explicabo. Inventore eaque et ut in id dolores. Quo quia molestiae aut. Delectus qui harum ut. Ut dolore molestias in non quo.

Consequatur et assumenda minima facere qui molestiae optio similique. Ut nihil dolor id quaerat. Dolores iusto et animi et. Recusandae ab necessitatibus rerum voluptatum. Cumque quis provident ipsam voluptas itaque assumenda. Fugit voluptatem voluptate ipsa voluptate quo est.

Just Do It
 

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Aliquid dolor iusto neque iure. Impedit quasi blanditiis accusamus amet. Quia inventore cumque sapiente dolores beatae. Laborum omnis voluptatum doloremque quae magnam. Cum minus occaecati eius ipsam. Sed repudiandae minus tenetur recusandae rerum quas qui dignissimos. Perspiciatis temporibus aut atque.

Just Do It
 

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Facere perspiciatis quaerat sed aspernatur labore deleniti voluptas. Corrupti ut ex voluptatem quia voluptatem perspiciatis. Impedit est sit quis inventore. Labore explicabo aperiam quam possimus quia velit. Laudantium aut et eos distinctio fugiat itaque aut. Error esse a harum quia.

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Minus fugiat non aut. Voluptatem libero omnis sed nemo qui beatae. Ducimus voluptate consequatur impedit magnam ab.

Just Do It
 

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  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (145) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

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From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

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