Turing crazy hard math problem

[punjabiace]

so basically i have to solve the problem
ax+by=c where a,b, and c are given and i have to find out x and y
any ideas or help are appreciateedd!!!!!!

[[Gandalf]]

ax+by=c is the equation of a line, right? So chances are, you're going to be finding multiple (x, y) pairs that satisfy the equation. Have you thought about how you would do this (without using Turing or a calculator) on paper?

[Insectoid]

I would go about this by writing a program to isolate X or Y, then substitute the other half of the equation into the original.

ex. X = ??????
A(????)+by=c

Then isolate the remaining unknown and solve!

[Tony]

I'm with Gandalf on this one -- it's a Math problem, not Turing.

Figure it out on paper.

[Insectoid]

It would be fun to write a program that re-arranges equations for you.

[SNIPERDUDE]

Chances are if it is posted here and flexible enough to cover a variety of equations it would be abused. I've thought of making one of those (just for myself) to cover advanced functions and financial mathematics. Didn't end up doing it.

[Brightguy]

For real numbers it is simple to write x as a function of y. For integers, this is a classic problem which would be covered in an elementary number theory class. See "Extended Euclidean algorithm".

insectoid: Isolating and substituting into the same equation won't help.

[Insectoid]

Well, It would mean the only remaining unknown is Y, which can be re-arranged so that y is isolated. I think...Maybe this requires 2 equations.

[Brightguy]

insectoid @ Thu Oct 09, 2008 11:28 am wrote:

Well, It would mean the only remaining unknown is Y, which can be re-arranged so that y is isolated. I think...Maybe this requires 2 equations.

Try it.

[S_Grimm]

there is no "right" answer for this question. x,y COULD be anything. the points are on a line, so there would be an unlimited amount of answers, one for each point on this line. (ie) say x = 1, then solve. say x = 2 then solve. say x = 3 then solve. etc....etc....)

[Clayton]

0 = 0



Seeing as there doesn't appear to be any restrictions, just isolate y, then give x any value, compute y, and output one of the possible ordered pairs that satisfies the relation.

[S_Grimm]

your fast. nice response