Question 927383:  (a) If 3(a^2 + b^2 + c^2) = (a+b+c)^2, then the relation between a,b,c is ?
 
(b) If P/a + q/b + r/c =1 and a/p + b/q +c/r =0, where p,q,r and a,b,c are non-zero, then the value of p^2 / a^2 + q^2 / b^2 + r^2/c^2 is 
 Found 2 solutions by  JBnovelwriter, ikleyn: Answer by JBnovelwriter(34)      (Show Source):  Answer by ikleyn(52903)      (Show Source): 
You can  put this solution on YOUR website! .
 
 
 
                I will solve part  (a)  of this problem.
 
 
 
If   3(a^2 + b^2 + c^2) = (a+b+c)^2,   then the relation between  a,  b,  c  is ? 
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            It is nice  Math problem on equalities and inequalities,  pretty educative.
 
            Good for a  Math circle at a local high school.
 
            See the solution below.
 
 
 
From  3(a^2+b^2+c^2) = (a+b+c)^2,  you can easily deduce, making FOIL, that
    a^2 + b^2 + c^2 = ab + ac + bc.     (1)
Next, take into account these well known remarkable inequalities
   ab <=  ,  ac <=  ,  bc <=  .
Each of these inequalities becomes EQUALITY if and only if the participating quantities are equal:
   a = b;  a = c;  b = c.
THEREFORE, (1) implies that  a = b = c.
It is the seeking relation between  "a", "b" and "c".
ANSWER.  The given equality  3(a^2 + b^2 + c^2) = (a+b+c)^2   is possible if and only if   a = b = c.
 
 
Solved and explained.
 
 
 
 
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