Math Problem Statement

if a+b+c=11, and (1/[a+b])+(1/[b+c])+(1/[a+c])=(13/17), what is (a/[b+c])+(b/[a+c])+(c/[a+b]) equal to?

Solution

Given the equations: a+b+c=11a + b + c = 11 1a+b+1b+c+1a+c=1317\frac{1}{a+b} + \frac{1}{b+c} + \frac{1}{a+c} = \frac{13}{17}

We need to find: ab+c+ba+c+ca+b\frac{a}{b+c} + \frac{b}{a+c} + \frac{c}{a+b}

Let us use the substitution a=x,b=y,c=za = x, b = y, c = z for simplicity. Thus, we have: x+y+z=11x + y + z = 11 1x+y+1y+z+1z+x=1317\frac{1}{x+y} + \frac{1}{y+z} + \frac{1}{z+x} = \frac{13}{17}

Next, consider the identity: xy+z+yz+x+zx+y\frac{x}{y+z} + \frac{y}{z+x} + \frac{z}{x+y}

First, note that: xy+z=x11x\frac{x}{y+z} = \frac{x}{11-x} yz+x=y11y\frac{y}{z+x} = \frac{y}{11-y} zx+y=z11z\frac{z}{x+y} = \frac{z}{11-z}

Thus, we need to evaluate: x11x+y11y+z11z\frac{x}{11-x} + \frac{y}{11-y} + \frac{z}{11-z}

To find this sum, we use a known result in algebra that for three variables x,y,zx, y, z such that x+y+z=kx + y + z = k and 1x+y+1y+z+1z+x=m\frac{1}{x+y} + \frac{1}{y+z} + \frac{1}{z+x} = m, the value of xy+z+yz+x+zx+y\frac{x}{y+z} + \frac{y}{z+x} + \frac{z}{x+y} can be found using:

xy+z+yz+x+zx+y=32(1+mk)\frac{x}{y+z} + \frac{y}{z+x} + \frac{z}{x+y} = \frac{3}{2} \left( 1 + \frac{m}{k} \right)

Substituting the given values k=11k = 11 and m=1317m = \frac{13}{17}: xy+z+yz+x+zx+y=32(1+131711)\frac{x}{y+z} + \frac{y}{z+x} + \frac{z}{x+y} = \frac{3}{2} \left( 1 + \frac{\frac{13}{17}}{11} \right) =32(1+13187)= \frac{3}{2} \left( 1 + \frac{13}{187} \right) =32(1+13187)= \frac{3}{2} \left( 1 + \frac{13}{187} \right) =32(187+13187)= \frac{3}{2} \left( \frac{187 + 13}{187} \right) =32(200187)= \frac{3}{2} \left( \frac{200}{187} \right) =32200187= \frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{200}{187} =600374= \frac{600}{374} =300187= \frac{300}{187}

So, the value is: 300187\boxed{\frac{300}{187}}

Would you like any details or have any questions?

Here are 5 questions you might be interested in:

  1. How can I solve systems of equations involving three variables?
  2. What are some common algebraic identities useful in problem-solving?
  3. How do I approach solving complex fractions in equations?
  4. Can you explain more about the identity used in this problem?
  5. What techniques can help simplify algebraic expressions?

Tip: When working with systems of equations, always check for symmetry or known algebraic identities that might simplify the problem.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Equations
Fractions

Formulas

Sum of reciprocals
Algebraic identities

Theorems

Identity for sum of fractions

Suitable Grade Level

High School