given that a+b=c, a+c=d, and b=c+d where d is a positive integer what is the greatest value of a

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Guest Nov 11, 2017

CPhill · Answer 1 · 2017-11-11T06:24:10

a+b=c, a+c=d, and b=c+d

Rearrange as

c = b - d (1)

c = d - a (2)

c = a + b (3)

Subtract (2) from (1)

0 = (b - d) + (a - d)

d - a = b - d

2d = a + b So, a + b = c ⇒ c = 2d and b = 2d + d ⇒ b = 3d

So

a + 3d = 2d

a = -d

Guest · Answer 2 · 2017-11-11T07:30:47

Thank you for answering this question however I was looking for a numerical value for a.