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Math Challenge II-B Chapter 2 Problem 2.29

 
 
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Math Challenge II-B Chapter 2 Problem 2.29
by James Shi - Sunday, 14 June 2020, 1:32 PM
 

I am trying to solve problem 2.29, but I do not know how to approach this problem since there are two variables. Does anyone have a clue for this problem?

 
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Re: Math Challenge II-B Chapter 2 Problem 2.29
by Areteem Professor - Tuesday, 16 June 2020, 11:21 PM
 

You are interested in the pairs that yield two positive integer roots. Assume the roots are $x_1$ and $x_2$. Then use Vieta's formulas to find an expression of $a^2 + b^2$ in terms of $x_1$ and $x_2$.