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  • Feb 18, 2009, 05:56 AM
    aloeverahe
    Mathematics - Algebraic
    :confused:I am having trouble with an algebraic problem which I have tried doing for a long time, now it is very close to the due date and I still don't have the answer... :(
    The question is:
    If x^2 + y^2 + z^2 + 10x + 20y - 30z + 350 = 0, find the value of (x-y-z)^5
    If anyone is smart enough to do it, I will thank you a lot.
    Very desperate.
    Thank you
  • Feb 18, 2009, 06:04 AM
    galactus
    Complete the square.



    Factor:



    Now, the values of x,y,z are right in front of you. Find those, then plug them into

    and you're done.
  • Feb 18, 2009, 07:10 AM
    aloeverahe
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by galactus View Post
    Complete the square.

    Factor:



    Now, the values of x,y,z are right in front of you. Find those, then plug them into

    and you're done.

    What i don't get is how can change to .
    I've done the first few steps and i get how you get to the factor but I'm a little confused about how the equations with can turn into .
    Thanks for you help, I have appreciated it a lot :) :p
  • Feb 18, 2009, 07:16 AM
    galactus
    It does not change to .

    Simply find the values in the equation I showed after completing the square and factoring, then plug them into that.

    What makes ?

    What makes ?

    What makes ?

    Easy enough. Find those and plug them in.

    I think you're just making this a little harder than need be. See what I mean now?
  • Feb 18, 2009, 10:47 AM
    rwinterton

    Any number squared will be greater than zero (unless you are including complex numbers).

    So, if (X+5)^2 + (Y+10)^2 + (Z-15)^2 = 0

    then

    each of the terms must also equal zero (X+5)^2 = 0. There is no other way to add three non-negative numbers and come up with zero.

    Solve those three equations for X, Y, and Z and you'll have your answer.

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