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Mathematics

Three rational numbers x, y, z satisfy x + y + z = 0 and xy + yz + zx = 0. Show that all the rational numbers x, y, z must be simultaneously zero.

Whole Numbers

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Answer

Given,

⇒ x + y + z = 0 …(i)

⇒ xy + yz + zx = 0 …(ii)

We use the algebraic identity :

⇒ (x + y + z)2 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2(xy + yz + zx)

Substituting the value of (i) and (ii) in above equation:

⇒ 02 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2(0)

⇒ 0 = x2 + y2 + z2

⇒ x2 + y2 + z2 = 0.

Since the square of any rational number is non-negative (i.e., x2 ≥ 0, y2 ≥ 0, z2 ≥ 0), the only way their sum can be zero is when each square is zero.

⇒ x2 = 0, y2 = 0, z2 = 0.

⇒ x = 0, y = 0, z = 0.

Hence, all the rational numbers x, y, z must be simultaneously zero.

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