### Roots and Coefficients

If xyz = 1 and x+y+z =1/x + 1/y + 1/z show that at least one of these numbers must be 1. Now for the complexity! When are the other numbers real and when are they complex?

### Kissing

Two perpendicular lines are tangential to two identical circles that touch. What is the largest circle that can be placed in between the two lines and the two circles and how would you construct it?

### Good Approximations

Solve quadratic equations and use continued fractions to find rational approximations to irrational numbers.

# Weekly Challenge 2: Quad Solve

##### Stage: 5 Short Challenge Level:

Find all real solutions to this equation:
$$\left(2-x^2\right)^{x^2-3\sqrt{2}x+4} = 1$$

Extension: What if $x$ is permitted to be a complex number?

Did you know ... ?

Quadratic equations and powers are commonly used throughout school and university mathematics and beyond. It is also important to remember that algebraic manipulations might not necessarily find all solutions to a problem; you always need to reason carefully that all possibilities have been considered. Moreover, in complicated situations it is necessary to check that all proposed solutions unearthed by algebra are in fact valid solutions. Powers, roots and quadratics all link together very nicely when complex numbers are considered.