Revival Of This Problem. Part 2

Geometry Level 4

{ a 2 + a b + b 2 = 2 b 2 + b c + c 2 = 1 c 2 + c a + a 2 = 3 \begin {cases} a^{2} + ab + b^{2} = 2 \\ b^{2} + bc + c^{2} = 1 \\ c^{2} + ca + a^{2} = 3 \end {cases}

Let a , b , c a,b,c be all positive numbers satisfying the system of equations above. If a b + b c + c a = x y z ab + bc + ca = \cfrac{ x \sqrt{y} } { z} , where x x and z z are positive coprime integers, and y y is a squarefree integers, then find x + y + z x + y + z .


The answer is 11.

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1 solution

Christian Daang
Jan 26, 2017

In triangle PQR as seen in the image, there is a arbitrary point S inside it such that, P S Q = P S R = Q S R = 12 0 \angle PSQ = \angle PSR = \angle QSR = 120^\circ .

Now, applying law of cosines, we have:

a 2 + b 2 2 a b ( cos 12 0 ) = ( P Q ) 2 = ( 2 ) 2 b 2 + c 2 2 b c ( cos 12 0 ) = ( Q R ) 2 = 1 2 c 2 + a 2 2 a c ( cos 12 0 ) = ( P R ) 2 = ( 3 ) 2 a^2 + b^2 - 2ab(\cos 120^\circ) = (\overline{PQ})^2 = (\sqrt{2})^2 \\ b^2 + c^2 - 2bc(\cos 120^\circ) = (\overline{QR})^2 = 1^2 \\ c^2 + a^2 - 2ac(\cos 120^\circ) = (\overline{PR})^2 = (\sqrt{3})^2

Hence, P Q = 2 , Q R = 1 , P R = 3 \overline{PQ} = \sqrt{2}, \ \overline{QR} = 1, \ \overline{PR} = \sqrt{3} and by pythagorean theorem, we can confirm that triangle PQR is a right triangle and hence, Area of Triangle PQR = 2 2 \cfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2} .

Now, applying the area of a triangle using sines,

( 1 2 × a b × ( sin 12 0 ) ) + ( 1 2 × b c × ( sin 12 0 ) ) + ( 1 2 × c a × ( sin 12 0 ) ) = 2 2 a b + b c + c a = 2 3 2 = 2 6 3 = x y z x + y + z = 11. \rightarrow \left( \cfrac{1}{2}\times ab\times (\sin 120^\circ)\right ) + \left( \cfrac{1}{2}\times bc\times (\sin 120^\circ)\right ) + \left( \cfrac{1}{2}\times ca\times (\sin 120^\circ)\right ) = \cfrac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \\ ab + bc + ca = \cfrac{ \sqrt{2} } { \frac{ \sqrt{3}}{2} } = \cfrac{ 2 \sqrt{6} } { 3} = \dfrac{x \sqrt{y}}{z} \\ \implies x + y + z = 11.

Really really brilliant solution! Exactly the same as mine.However,it took me whole night so work it out..

沂泓 纪 - 4 years, 3 months ago

It is definitely level 5 problem.If people use an algebraic method it can be practically unsolvable.

沂泓 纪 - 4 years, 3 months ago

Can we simply ask for (say) a b + b c + c a = x y ab + bc + ca = \frac {\sqrt{x}}{y} with x x square free? You're making people jump through too many hoops.

Calvin Lin Staff - 4 years, 4 months ago

sorry sir @Calvin Lin for my problem making people jump through too many hoops, i just want to you know, make a way to become a b + b c + c a ab + bc + ca an integer. Apologies sir, again.

Christian Daang - 4 years, 4 months ago

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No worries. I've simplified the last step, and updated the answer to 11.

Calvin Lin Staff - 4 years, 4 months ago

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thank you sir. :) But, sorry sir for asking this, I just wonder, why this problem is still level pending?

Christian Daang - 4 years, 4 months ago

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@Christian Daang Because only 5 people have attempted the problem, so we do not have enough information to decide what the level should be.

Calvin Lin Staff - 4 years, 4 months ago

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@Calvin Lin I see i see sir, thanks for responding sir. :)

Christian Daang - 4 years, 4 months ago

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