Math Problem Statement

show that ( x 2 − y z ) 3 + ( y 2 − z x ) 3 + ( z 2 − x y ) 3 − 3 ( x 2 − y z ) ( y 2 − z x ) ( z 2 − x y ) is a perfect square and find the roots

Solution

Let's solve the expression step-by-step.

We are given:

(x2yz)3+(y2zx)3+(z2xy)33(x2yz)(y2zx)(z2xy)\left( x^2 - yz \right)^3 + \left( y^2 - zx \right)^3 + \left( z^2 - xy \right)^3 - 3 \left( x^2 - yz \right) \left( y^2 - zx \right) \left( z^2 - xy \right)

Step 1: Use an identity for cubic expressions

We notice that the given expression resembles a well-known identity for the sum of cubes:

a3+b3+c33abc=(a+b+c)(a2+b2+c2abbcca)a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc = (a + b + c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca)

Let's define:

a=x2yz,b=y2zx,c=z2xya = x^2 - yz, \quad b = y^2 - zx, \quad c = z^2 - xy

Thus, the expression becomes:

a3+b3+c33abc=(a+b+c)(a2+b2+c2abbcca)a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc = (a + b + c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca)

Step 2: Calculate a+b+ca + b + c

Now, compute a+b+ca + b + c:

a+b+c=(x2yz)+(y2zx)+(z2xy)a + b + c = (x^2 - yz) + (y^2 - zx) + (z^2 - xy)

Simplifying:

a+b+c=x2+y2+z2(yz+zx+xy)a + b + c = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 - (yz + zx + xy)

Thus, we have:

a+b+c=x2+y2+z2(xy+yz+zx)a + b + c = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 - (xy + yz + zx)

Step 3: Check if the expression can be a perfect square

The expression involves a factor (a+b+c)(a + b + c), and if a+b+c=0a + b + c = 0, the equation simplifies to:

a3+b3+c33abc=0a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc = 0

In this case, we would be left with a factorization:

(x2yz)+(y2zx)+(z2xy)=0(x^2 - yz) + (y^2 - zx) + (z^2 - xy) = 0

Step 4: Solve the equation for roots

Now, let's solve the equation x2+y2+z2(xy+yz+zx)=0x^2 + y^2 + z^2 - (xy + yz + zx) = 0. This is a symmetric equation in xx, yy, and zz. A well-known solution to this symmetric equation is x=y=zx = y = z.

Step 5: Find the roots

Let x=y=zx = y = z. Substituting this into the expression:

a=b=c=x2x2=0a = b = c = x^2 - x^2 = 0

Thus, the entire expression becomes 00, which is trivially a perfect square.

Conclusion

The expression is indeed a perfect square when x=y=zx = y = z.

Further questions for exploration:

  1. How would you prove that x=y=zx = y = z is the only solution to the equation?
  2. What happens if we assume xyzx \neq y \neq z? How can we analyze the equation?
  3. How does the symmetry of the equation help simplify the analysis?
  4. Can this result be generalized to higher-degree polynomials with symmetric terms?
  5. How can we apply this identity in more complex cubic equations?

Tip:

When dealing with symmetric equations, consider simplifying the problem by assuming equal values for the variables (e.g., x=y=zx = y = z) and check if this leads to a solution.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Cubic Expressions
Symmetric Equations
Factoring

Formulas

a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc = (a + b + c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca)

Theorems

Identity for the Sum of Cubes

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12