Math Problem Statement

three unequal positive rational numbers a+b+c=1/(a+b+c)

Solution

We are given the equation involving three unequal positive rational numbers:

a+b+c=1a+b+ca + b + c = \frac{1}{a + b + c}

Step 1: Let’s simplify the equation.

Let S=a+b+cS = a + b + c, then the equation becomes:

S=1SS = \frac{1}{S}

Step 2: Solve for SS.

Multiply both sides by SS to eliminate the fraction:

S2=1S^2 = 1

Taking the square root of both sides:

S = 1 \quad \text{(since a + b + c must be positive)}

Step 3: Interpretation

Thus, we have a+b+c=1a + b + c = 1. However, this equation does not provide specific values for aa, bb, and cc, except that their sum equals 1. Since aa, bb, and cc must be unequal positive rational numbers, any unequal values that satisfy a+b+c=1a + b + c = 1 will work.

Example solution:

Let’s choose some unequal rational numbers that sum to 1. For instance:

  • a=14a = \frac{1}{4}
  • b=13b = \frac{1}{3}
  • c=512c = \frac{5}{12}

Check the sum:

a+b+c=14+13+512=312+412+512=1212=1a + b + c = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{3} + \frac{5}{12} = \frac{3}{12} + \frac{4}{12} + \frac{5}{12} = \frac{12}{12} = 1

Thus, a=14a = \frac{1}{4}, b=13b = \frac{1}{3}, and c=512c = \frac{5}{12} are valid unequal rational numbers that satisfy the equation a+b+c=1a + b + c = 1.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. What are other sets of unequal rational numbers that satisfy a+b+c=1a + b + c = 1?
  2. How would the equation change if we used different types of numbers (irrational, integers, etc.)?
  3. Can there be a geometric interpretation of this equation?
  4. What happens if we modify the equation to a+b+c=2a+b+ca + b + c = \frac{2}{a + b + c}?
  5. How would you solve for aa, bb, and cc if additional constraints were given?

Tip: When solving for multiple variables, always simplify the equation first before plugging in possible values.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Equations
Rational Numbers

Formulas

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

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11