Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: (x^3 + y^3 + z^3 - 3xyz) / ((x - y)^2 + (y - z)^2 + (z - x)^2)

Solution

The given expression is:

x3+y3+z33xyz(xy)2+(yz)2+(zx)2\frac{x^3 + y^3 + z^3 - 3xyz}{(x - y)^2 + (y - z)^2 + (z - x)^2}

Step-by-Step Simplification:

  1. Numerator Simplification: The numerator x3+y3+z33xyzx^3 + y^3 + z^3 - 3xyz resembles the identity for the factorization of the sum of cubes:

    x3+y3+z33xyz=(x+y+z)((xy)2+(yz)2+(zx)2)x^3 + y^3 + z^3 - 3xyz = (x + y + z) \left( (x - y)^2 + (y - z)^2 + (z - x)^2 \right)

  2. Denominator Simplification: The denominator is given as (xy)2+(yz)2+(zx)2(x - y)^2 + (y - z)^2 + (z - x)^2. Notice that this expression appears directly in the factorization of the numerator.

  3. Final Simplification: Since the term (xy)2+(yz)2+(zx)2(x - y)^2 + (y - z)^2 + (z - x)^2 is common in both the numerator and the denominator, they cancel out, and we are left with:

    (x+y+z)((xy)2+(yz)2+(zx)2)(xy)2+(yz)2+(zx)2=x+y+z\frac{(x + y + z) \left( (x - y)^2 + (y - z)^2 + (z - x)^2 \right)}{(x - y)^2 + (y - z)^2 + (z - x)^2} = x + y + z

Simplified Result:

The simplified expression is:

x+y+zx + y + z


Would you like further details on any steps or have additional questions? Here are five related questions for further exploration:

  1. What is the geometric interpretation of this algebraic identity?
  2. How can we apply the identity x3+y3+z33xyzx^3 + y^3 + z^3 - 3xyz in real-world problems?
  3. What would happen if the values of xx, yy, and zz were complex numbers?
  4. How does this factorization relate to symmetric polynomials?
  5. What are some other common algebraic identities involving cubes?

Tip: When simplifying algebraic expressions, look for common factorization identities, especially in terms that seem familiar like sums of cubes or squares.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Factorization
Cubic Expressions

Formulas

x^3 + y^3 + z^3 - 3xyz = (x + y + z)((x - y)^2 + (y - z)^2 + (z - x)^2)

Theorems

Factorization of sum of cubes

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12