Minimization/Sum of Squares in Real Variables
CAT 2024 Slot 2 · Quantitative Ability · Medium · Algebra
This is a medium Quantitative Ability question from the CAT 2024 Slot 2 paper. It tests Algebra. The full answer key and a step-by-step explanation are below — try it yourself first, then reveal the solution.
If and are real numbers such that , then the value of is
Answer
7
Explanation
Rearranging as a sum of squares:
Since are real numbers, both square terms must independently equal zero:
Thus, .
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