Math Is Fun Forum

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

Jai Ganesh

Administrator

Registered: 2005-06-28

Posts: 48,423

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

Put x=7, y=2.

z = 3.

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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.

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?

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

Jai Ganesh

Administrator

Registered: 2005-06-28

Posts: 48,423

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

Trial and success!

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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.

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?

Jai Ganesh

Administrator

Registered: 2005-06-28

Posts: 48,423

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

Thanks for correcting me, Daniel123,
z=3.

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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.