If a,b,c are non – zero real numbers and if the system of equations
(a – 1) x = y + z
(b – 1) y = z + x
(c – 1) z = x + y
Has a non – trivial solution, then prove that ab + bc + ca = abc.
Given Equations:
(a – 1) x = y + z
(b – 1) y = z + x
(c – 1) z = x + y
Rearranging these equations
(a – 1)x – y – z = 0
– x + (b – 1)y – z = 0
– x – y + (c – 1)z = 0
For trivial solution D = 0
= (a – 1)((b – 1)(c – 1) – (– 1)×(– 1)) + 1(– 1(c – 1) – (– 1)×(– 1)) – 1((– 1)×(– 1) + (b – 1))
= (a – 1)(bc –b –c + 1 – 1) + (1 – c – 1) – 1(1 + b – 1))
= (a – 1)(bc –b –c) –c –b
= abc –ab –ac –bc + b + c – b – c
= abc –ab –ac –bc
Now D = 0
⇒ abc – ab – ac – bc = 0
⇒ abc = ab + bc + ac
Hence proved.