True and False ll

Algebra Level 2

Let x , y and z x , y \text{ and } z be positive integers such that 1 x 1 y = 1 z \large\frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{y}= \frac{1}{z} .

If h h is the greatest common divisor of x , y and z x, y \text{ and } z , then h x y z and h ( y x ) hxyz \text{ and } h(y-x) are perfect squares.

False True

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1 solution

Aman Thegreat
Oct 14, 2017

Given 1 x \frac{1}{x} - 1 y \frac{1}{y} = = 1 z \frac{1}{z} where x x , y y and z z are postive integers

On simplifying the equation

= = y x x y \frac{y-x}{xy}

Let us assume y x y-x = = 1 k 1k for some positive integer k k

So x y xy = = z k zk

Now according to the question, we have to find whether h x y z hxyz and h ( y x ) h (y-x) are perfect squares

h x y z hxyz = = h z hz × × x y xy

= = h z hz × × z k zk

= = h k hk × × z 2 z^2

Now observe h = k h=k because 1 1 and z z are co-prime integers . Meaning 1 z \frac{1}{z} is its standard form of rational number. If 1 z \frac{1}{z} were not in its standard form then for it be in its standard form, both the numerator ( 1 1 ) and denominator( z z ) have to be both divided by their g.c.d that is k k .

= = h 2 h^2 × × z 2 z^2 = = ( z h ) 2 (zh)^2 So it is a perfect square.

Similarly for other case similar substitution can be done.

Thank you Aman for sharing your solution.

Hana Wehbi - 3 years, 7 months ago

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Ma'am, I've got another way of solving this problem which I feel is better. Shall I post it?

Aman thegreat - 3 years, 7 months ago

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I don't see why not! Everyone is welcome to write a solution.

Hana Wehbi - 3 years, 7 months ago

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