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The real numbers $a$ and $b$ satisfy $a - b = 1$ and $a^3 - b^3 = 1.$
(a) Find all possible values of $ab.$
(b) Find all possible values of $a + b.$
(c) Find all possible values of $a$ and $b.$

 Feb 18, 2024
 #1
avatar+410 
+1

A)

(ab)3=a33a2b+3ab2b3=1

13a2b+3ab2=1

3ab(ba)=0

3ab=0

ab=0

 Feb 18, 2024
 #2
avatar+410 
+1

B)

(a+b)2=(ab)2+4ab

From previously, ab=0

(a+b)2=12

a+b=±1.

 Feb 18, 2024
 #3
avatar+410 
+1

C)

We know a-b = 1, and a+b = 1 or a+b = -1.

Consider two cases:

Case 1:

{ab=1a+b=1

2a=2,a=1

{a=1b=0

Case 2:

{ab=1a+b=1

2a=0,a=0

{a=0b=1

Our two solutions are a,b=(1,0) and a,b=(0,1).

 Feb 18, 2024

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