# Thread: Math puzzle: (X.6)(y.4) = 288, X^2-y^2 = -5, X.7-3.x = 19, (Y-x)/(x-y)= -1

1. ## Math puzzle: (X.6)(y.4) = 288, X^2-y^2 = -5, X.7-3.x = 19, (Y-x)/(x-y)= -1

Hi
I am trying to solve the following puzzle.
I am struggling with this puzzle along with my kid, who's in algebra class. The conditions are:
1. (X.6)(y.4) = 288
2. X^2-y^2 = -5
3. X.7-3.x = 19
4. (Y-x)/(x-y)= -1
​​​​​​​x and y has to be the same numbers throughout the 4 given conditions.

Thank you

2. You'll have to explain what "x.6" means. Is it an exponent? x^6 or $x^{6}$?

3. Originally Posted by Ramyana
Hi
I am trying to solve the following puzzle.
I am struggling with this puzzle along with my kid, who's in algebra class. The conditions are:
1. (X.6)(y.4) = 288
2. X^2-y^2 = -5
3. X.7-3.x = 19
4. (Y-x)/(x-y)= -1
​​​​​​​x and y has to be the same numbers throughout the 4 given conditions.

Thank you
Are x & X referring to the same number?

Are y & Y referring to the same number?

4. Originally Posted by tkhunny
You'll have to explain what "x.6" means. Is it an exponent? x^6 or $x^{6}$?
X multiplied with 6.

5. Originally Posted by Subhotosh Khan
Are x & X referring to the same number?

Are y & Y referring to the same number?
Yes, X and x refers to the same number. Sorry I forgot to uncapitalize it, it was getting late in the night.

6. Thank you for clarifying, but your next step is to show us your work.

7. Originally Posted by tkhunny
Thank you for clarifying, but your next step is to show us your work.
I got 19/4 for x and 21/4 for y, using the second and third equation which works perfectly well for all the equations except for equation #1. If I solve for y using equation #1, then it doesn't fit the second equation.

8. IMG_1207.JPG

This is is the actual problem

9. Originally Posted by Ramyana
IMG_1207.JPG

This is is the actual problem
These equations are inconsistent - there is no solution to those in the domain of numbers.

10. That's what I thought too. But the teacher insists that there is a solution.

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