If b and c are positive numbers and 1/b = b/c = c/8 then b+c = ?
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1/b = b/c = c/8
Multiply all three sides by 8bc
8c = 8b² = bc²
Dividing 8c = 8b² through by 8 gives
c = b²
Dividing 8c = bc² through by c gives
8 = bc
So we have the system of equations:
c = b²
8 = bc
Substituting b² for c in 8=bc
8 = b(b²)
8 = b³
2 = b
Substituting in
c = b² = 2² = 4
So,
b + c = 2 + 4 = 6
So the correct choice is b + c = 6, choice B
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Check to see that
1/b = b/c = c/8
1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8
which is true. So it checks.
Edwin