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Math Challenge II-B Chapter 2 Problem 2.29

 
 
ShiJames的头像
Math Challenge II-B Chapter 2 Problem 2.29
ShiJames - 2020年06月14日 Sunday 13:32
 

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?

 
ProfessorAreteem的头像
Re: Math Challenge II-B Chapter 2 Problem 2.29
ProfessorAreteem - 2020年06月16日 Tuesday 23:21
 

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 $x_2$.