If x and y are positive real numbers with x+y1=x1−y1, what is the value of (yx+xy)2?
A number or a short expression. Fractions can be typed as 3/2, and spacing doesn't matter.
Solution
Starting with the given relationship between x and y and manipulating algebraically, we obtain successively x+y1=x1−y1xy=(x+y)y−(x+y)xxy=xy+y2−x2−xyx2+xy−y2=0y2x2+yx−1=0 where t=yx. Since x>0 and y>0, then t>0. Using the quadratic formula t=2−1±12−4(1)(−1)=2−1±5. Since t>0, then yx=t=25−1. Therefore, $(yx+xy)2=(25−1+5−12)2=(25−1+(5−1)(5+1)2(5+1))2=(25−1+25+1)2=(5)2=5
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