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MathNet 2020 — Math Olympiad Vault — Part 05 Question 59

Math Olympiad Vault · MathNet 2020 — Math Olympiad Vault — Part 05

Question 59

The calculator $MK$-2020 can perform the following three operations on numbers in its memory:
1) Determine whether two chosen numbers are equal.
2) Add two chosen numbers.
3) For chosen numbers $a$ and $b$, determine the real roots of the equation $x^{2} + a x + b = 0$ or announce that the equation has no real roots.
The results of each operation are stored in its memory. Initially, the memory contains only the number $z$, which is unknown to its users.

a) Using these operations, determine how to find out whether $z$ is nonzero.

b) Find the roots of the quadratic equation in $x$:
$$
x^{2} + 2z x + z = 0
$$

c) How can we use the $MK$-2020 calculator to determine whether $z$ equals $1$?