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Hussain15
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m06#34 13 Jul 2010, 09:47
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If \(a\) , \(b\) , and \(c\) are positive and \(a^2 + c^2 = 202\) , what is the value of b\(-a-c\) ?

1. \(b^2+c^2=225\)
2. \(a^2+b^2=265\)

OA:C
OE: Stmt 1 & 2 are insufficient.
Both together are sufficient.
Subtract S1 from \(a^2 + c^2 = 202\) to get \(a^2-b^2= -23\) Now add this equation to Stmt 2. It wil give \(a^2=121\) & thus \(a=11\) , with the help of a, b & c can also be found.

How can \(a=11\), as its not given that \(a\) is an integer. a can be \(\sqrt{121}\)

Please help.

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m06#34 13 Jul 2010, 17:15
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sorry - i am not sure why its not clear.....

as you stated - 2a^2 = 242 => a^2 = 121
so a can be +11 or -11

since they mention positive integers, we take a=11 and hence get answer....
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m06#34 13 Jul 2010, 21:35
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pranrasvij
sorry - i am not sure why its not clear.....

as you stated - 2a^2 = 242 => a^2 = 121
so a can be +11 or -11

since they mention positive integers, we take a=11 and hence get answer....
Show more

Highlighted part is not mentioned in the question. Its not mentioned that \(a\) is an integer. So \(a\) can be \(\sqrt{121},\)& this will give \(a^2=121\)
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m06#34 14 Jul 2010, 22:21
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can any one answer my query?? I am waiting.
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m06#34 18 Jul 2010, 15:45
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Hussain15
If \(a\) , \(b\) , and \(c\) are positive and \(a^2 + c^2 = 202\) , what is the value of b\(-a-c\) ?

1. \(b^2+c^2=225\)
2. \(a^2+b^2=265\)

OA:C
OE: Stmt 1 & 2 are insufficient.
Both together are sufficient.
Subtract S1 from \(a^2 + c^2 = 202\) to get \(a^2-b^2= -23\) Now add this equation to Stmt 2. It wil give \(a^2=121\) & thus \(a=11\) , with the help of a, b & c can also be found.

How can \(a=11\), as its not given that \(a\) is an integer. a can be \(\sqrt{121}\)

Please help.
Show more

You are thinking too much about this problem as there is no reason for confusion: \(\sqrt{121}=11\) as \(11^2=121\) (the same way as \(\sqrt{4}=2\)).

Given: \(a>0\) and \(a^2=121\) --> so either \(a=-\sqrt{121}=-11\), but this solution is out as \(a>0\) OR \(a=\sqrt{121}=11\). So \(a=11\).

Hope it's clear.
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m06#34 11 Sep 2012, 19:18
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Isn't it possible to: (-A^2 - B^2 = -202) + (B^2 + C^2 = 225) = B^2 - A^2 = 23 which gives us (B - A)*(B+ A)=23 which implies A=11 B=12 no? So wouldn't 1 be enough to solve? Please explain, thank you.




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Hussain15
If \(a\) , \(b\) , and \(c\) are positive and \(a^2 + c^2 = 202\) , what is the value of b\(-a-c\) ?

1. \(b^2+c^2=225\)
2. \(a^2+b^2=265\)

OA:C
OE: Stmt 1 & 2 are insufficient.
Both together are sufficient.
Subtract S1 from \(a^2 + c^2 = 202\) to get \(a^2-b^2= -23\) Now add this equation to Stmt 2. It wil give \(a^2=121\) & thus \(a=11\) , with the help of a, b & c can also be found.

How can \(a=11\), as its not given that \(a\) is an integer. a can be \(\sqrt{121}\)

Please help.

You are thinking too much about this problem as there is no reason for confusion: \(\sqrt{121}=11\) as \(11^2=121\) (the same way as \(\sqrt{4}=2\)).

Given: \(a>0\) and \(a^2=121\) --> so either \(a=-\sqrt{121}=-11\), but this solution is out as \(a>0\) OR \(a=\sqrt{121}=11\). So \(a=11\).

Hope it's clear.
Show more
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m06#34 12 Sep 2012, 02:00
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ctiger100
Isn't it possible to: (-A^2 - B^2 = -202) + (B^2 + C^2 = 225) = B^2 - A^2 = 23 which gives us (B - A)*(B+ A)=23 which implies A=11 B=12 no? So wouldn't 1 be enough to solve? Please explain, thank you.




Bunuel
Hussain15
If \(a\) , \(b\) , and \(c\) are positive and \(a^2 + c^2 = 202\) , what is the value of b\(-a-c\) ?

1. \(b^2+c^2=225\)
2. \(a^2+b^2=265\)

OA:C
OE: Stmt 1 & 2 are insufficient.
Both together are sufficient.
Subtract S1 from \(a^2 + c^2 = 202\) to get \(a^2-b^2= -23\) Now add this equation to Stmt 2. It wil give \(a^2=121\) & thus \(a=11\) , with the help of a, b & c can also be found.

How can \(a=11\), as its not given that \(a\) is an integer. a can be \(\sqrt{121}\)

Please help.

You are thinking too much about this problem as there is no reason for confusion: \(\sqrt{121}=11\) as \(11^2=121\) (the same way as \(\sqrt{4}=2\)).

Given: \(a>0\) and \(a^2=121\) --> so either \(a=-\sqrt{121}=-11\), but this solution is out as \(a>0\) OR \(a=\sqrt{121}=11\). So \(a=11\).

Hope it's clear.
Show more

Notice that we are not told that A and B are positive integers, so from B^2-A^2=23 it's possible for instance that A=1 and \(B=\sqrt{24}\).

Hope it's clear.
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m06#34 12 Sep 2012, 11:55
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a^2+ c^2 =202 -->1
b^2 + c^2 =225 -->2

2-1

b^2 - a^2 = 23
(b+a)(b-a)=23

since 23 is prime and all are positive

b+a =23
and b-a =1

solving b=12 a=11

substituing in 1 we will get c= 9


for second statement following the same approach there will be multiple possible values..

so the answer is A

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Hi there,
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