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3x – 2y – z = 32 + z means 3x – 2y – 2z = 32
Or 3x – (2y +2z) = 32

This is of the form \(a^2 - b^2 = 32\), i.e., (a+b)*(a-b) = 32

The second equation is of the form \(a - b = 4\). This means \(a + b = 32/4 = 8\)

Now a+b = 8, a-b=4. So 2a = 12, or a=6. (a is \sqrt{(3x)}). So x is 12.

Now, \sqrt{(3x)} - \sqrt{(2y + 2z)} = 4, or 6-\sqrt{(2y + 2z)} = 4
\sqrt{(2y + 2z)} = 2, or: (2y + 2z) = 4
(2y + 2z) + 2x = 4 + 2*12 = 28, or x+y+z = 14.
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\(\sqrt{3x} - \sqrt{2y + 2z} = 4\)

Say \(\sqrt{2y + 2z} = 2\)

then y = 1, z = 1

Say \(\sqrt{3x} = 6\)

then x = 12

These values also satisfy equation 3x – 2y – z = 32 + z

x+y+z = 12+1+1 = 14

Answer = E


The values 1,1 would not always work ..
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Hey! Great solutions. I got this after 2 tries. Anyone know a shortcut to this sum?
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From the 2nd equation, it is clear that 'x' should be even.

Further, 3x should be perfect square & √(y+z) should give √2 form when reduced.

The Lowest values that satisfy these are , x=12, y=1, z=1.

I don't think one needs to look at any other option beyond E once x=12 is deduced as a possibility.

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Asked: If 3x – 2y – z = 32 + z and \(\sqrt{3x} - \sqrt{2y + 2z} = 4\), what is the value of x + y + z?

3x - 2y - 2z = 32
\(\sqrt{3x} - 4 = \sqrt{2y + 2z}\)
Squaring...
\(3x + 16 - 8\sqrt{3x} = 2y + 2z\)
\(3x - 2y - 2z = 8\sqrt{3x} - 16 = 32\)
\(\sqrt{3x} = 6\)
3x = 36
x = 12

36 - 2y - 2z = 32
y + z = 2

x + y + z = 12 + 2 = 14

IMO E
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Here is a mathematical solution :
given 3x - 2y -z = 32 + z and √(3x) - √(2y+2z) = 4 ........ (1)

3x - 2y -z = 32 + z
3x - (2y - 2z ) = 32
√(3x)^2 - √(2y+2z)^2 = 32 -> m^2 - n^2 = (m-n )*(m+n)

(√(3x) - √(2y+2z)) * (√(3x) + √(2y+2z)) = 32
4 * (√(3x) + √(2y+2z)) = 32

(√(3x) + √(2y+2z)) = 8 .............(2)

now adding and subtracting eqn 1 and eqn 2
we get x = 12 and y+z = 2

Answer = 14 (E)
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3x - 2y -z = 32

/3x - /2y+2z = 4..........i

(/3x- /2y+2z)(/3x + /2y + 2z) = 32

4(/3x + /2y + 2z) = 32

/3x + /2y + 2z = 8............ii

Add equation i and ii to eliminate / 2y + 2z


2/3x = 12

/3x = 6

Square both sides

3x = 36

x = 12


Substitute for x = 12 in equation i

6 - /2y + 2z = 4

- /2y + 2z = -2

/2y + 2z = 2

Square both sides

2y + 2z = 4

y + z = 2

Therefore x + y + z
12 + 2 = 14 option E
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Here's a simpler approach:

\(­3x = 32 + 2z + 2y\) (given) -- (1)
\(\sqrt{3x}-\sqrt{2z+2y}=4\) (given) -- (2)

Substitute value of 3x
\(\sqrt{32+2z+2y}-\sqrt{2z+2y}=4\)

Let 2z + 2y = a
\(\sqrt{32+a}-\sqrt{a}=4\)

Bring sqrt(a) to RHS and square both sides to remove square root:
\((\sqrt{32+a})^2=(4+\sqrt{a})^2\)
\(32+a=16+a+8\sqrt{a}\)
\(2 = \sqrt{a}\)
\(4 = a\)

OR
\(4 = 2z + 2y\) -- (3)
\(2 = z + y\)

Substitute (3) in equation (1) and solve:
\(3x = 32 + 4\)
\(x = 12\)

Therefore, \(x+y+z = 12 + 2 = 14\)
 ­
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mau5

Bunuel

Tough and Tricky questions: Algebra.



If 3x – 2y – z = 32 + z and \(\sqrt{3x} - \sqrt{2y + 2z} = 4\), what is the value of x + y + z?

(A) 3
(B) 9
(C) 10
(D) 12
(E) 14

Kudos for a correct solution.
From equation 1, we know that 3x-32 = 2y+2z.

Now, we also know that \(\sqrt{3x} - \sqrt{2y + 2z} = 4\)
or
\(\sqrt{3x} - 4 = \sqrt{2y + 2z}\) -->\(\sqrt{3x} - 4 = \sqrt{3x-32}\)

Square on both sides, to get \(3x+16 -8\sqrt{3x} = 3x-32\), cancel 3x on both sides, and we get

\(8\sqrt{3x} = 48 --> x = 12\)

Thus, 3x-32 = 2y+2z, hence, y+z = 2 and x+y+z = 14.

E.
­Hi, I could see that you did (a+b)^2 for the left hand side where you had Under root 3x - 4 but did you not do the same for underroot 3x-32 on the right hand side? or you did? I am very confused so if you could explain what was the thought process behind it, I would be grateful.
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mau5

Bunuel

Tough and Tricky questions: Algebra.



If 3x – 2y – z = 32 + z and \(\sqrt{3x} - \sqrt{2y + 2z} = 4\), what is the value of x + y + z?

(A) 3
(B) 9
(C) 10
(D) 12
(E) 14

Kudos for a correct solution.
From equation 1, we know that 3x-32 = 2y+2z.

Now, we also know that \(\sqrt{3x} - \sqrt{2y + 2z} = 4\)
or
\(\sqrt{3x} - 4 = \sqrt{2y + 2z}\) -->\(\sqrt{3x} - 4 = \sqrt{3x-32}\)

Square on both sides, to get \(3x+16 -8\sqrt{3x} = 3x-32\), cancel 3x on both sides, and we get

\(8\sqrt{3x} = 48 --> x = 12\)

Thus, 3x-32 = 2y+2z, hence, y+z = 2 and x+y+z = 14.

E.
­Hi, I could see that you did (a+b)^2 for the left hand side where you had Under root 3x - 4 but did you not do the same for underroot 3x-32 on the right hand side? or you did? I am very confused so if you could explain what was the thought process behind it, I would be grateful.
­
Squaring \(\sqrt{3x} - 4 = \sqrt{3x-32}\) yields:

\((\sqrt{3x} - 4)^2 = (\sqrt{3x-32})^2\)

\((\sqrt{3x})^2 -2*\sqrt{3x}*4 + 4^2 = 3x-32\)

\(3x -8\sqrt{3x} +16 = 3x-32\)­

\(8\sqrt{3x} = 48\)­

\(\sqrt{3x} = 6\)­

\(3x = 36\)­

\(x = 12\)­
­
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I understand the solution but I'm not sure that I'd be able to come up this within the time allotted for it, during the exam. Is there anyway to create a system that ensures I get more of these right?

Any help would be appreciated.
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