Math Is Fun Forum

  Discussion about math, puzzles, games and fun.   Useful symbols: ÷ × ½ √ ∞ ≠ ≤ ≥ ≈ ⇒ ± ∈ Δ θ ∴ ∑ ∫ • π ƒ -¹ ² ³ °

You are not logged in.

#1 2008-01-07 07:44:29

jd
Member
Registered: 2005-10-02
Posts: 37

three unknowns x y z how do I solve to make z closest to zero

I've got items to deliver and need to figure how to use the least number of stamps.

eg 34x +24y + z = 289

all of the unknowns have to integers.

also if anyone could write this mathematically correct I'd like to learn more about this topic.

thanks for any help smile

Offline

#2 2008-01-07 18:37:40

Jai Ganesh
Administrator
Registered: 2005-06-28
Posts: 45,843

Re: three unknowns x y z how do I solve to make z closest to zero

Put x=7, y=2.

z = 3.


It appears to me that if one wants to make progress in mathematics, one should study the masters and not the pupils. - Niels Henrik Abel.

Nothing is better than reading and gaining more and more knowledge - Stephen William Hawking.

Online

#3 2008-01-08 01:47:17

mathsyperson
Moderator
Registered: 2005-06-22
Posts: 4,900

Re: three unknowns x y z how do I solve to make z closest to zero

What method did you use to get that, ganesh?


Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

Offline

#4 2008-01-08 01:49:18

Jai Ganesh
Administrator
Registered: 2005-06-28
Posts: 45,843

Re: three unknowns x y z how do I solve to make z closest to zero

Trial and success!


It appears to me that if one wants to make progress in mathematics, one should study the masters and not the pupils. - Niels Henrik Abel.

Nothing is better than reading and gaining more and more knowledge - Stephen William Hawking.

Online

#5 2008-01-08 02:21:03

Daniel123
Member
Registered: 2007-05-23
Posts: 663

Re: three unknowns x y z how do I solve to make z closest to zero

Doesn't z = 3?

Offline

#6 2008-01-09 01:44:47

Jai Ganesh
Administrator
Registered: 2005-06-28
Posts: 45,843

Re: three unknowns x y z how do I solve to make z closest to zero

Thanks for correcting me, Daniel123,
z=3.


It appears to me that if one wants to make progress in mathematics, one should study the masters and not the pupils. - Niels Henrik Abel.

Nothing is better than reading and gaining more and more knowledge - Stephen William Hawking.

Online

Board footer

Powered by FluxBB