Let x,y, and N be real numbers, with y nonzero, such that the sets {(x+y)2,(x−y)2,xy,x/y} and {4,12.8,28.8,N} are equal. Compute the sum of the possible values of N.
A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.
Solution
First, suppose that x and y were of different signs. Then xy<0 and x/y<0, but the set has at most one negative value, a contradiction. Hence, x and y have the same sign; without loss of generality, we say x and y are both positive. Let (s,d):=(x+y,x−y). Then the set given is equal to {s2,d2,41(s2−d2),s−ds+d}. We split into two cases: - Case 1: s−ds+d=N. This forces s2=28.8 and d2=12.8, since 41(28.8−12.8)=4. Then s=120.2 and d=±80.2, so N is either 12−812+8=5 or 12+812−8=0.2. - Case 2: s−ds+d=N. Suppose s−ds+d=k, so (s,d)=((k+1)t,(k−1)t) for some t. Then s2:d2 : 41(s2−d2)=(k+1)2:(k−1)2:k. Trying k=4,12.8,28.8 reveals that only k=4 is possible, since 28.8:12.8=(4−1)2:4. This forces N=s2=452⋅12.8=80. Hence, our final total is 5+0.2+80=85.2
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