SSC CPO 2019 PYQ — Question 109

SSC CPO Tier I - 13th December 2019 - Shift 2 • Quantitative Aptitude • Q109

If a + b + c = 19, ab + bc + ca = 120, then what is the value of a3 +b3 +c3 - 3abc?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. 19

Understanding Application
Tricks

We know

a3 +b3 +c3 - 3abc? = (a + b + c)(a2 + b2 + c2 - ab - bc - ca)

Here

a + b + c = 19

squaring both sides

⇒ (a + b + c)2 = 192

⇒ a2 + b2 + c2 + 2(ab + bc + ca) = 361

⇒ a2 + b2 + c2 + 2(120) = 361

⇒ a2 + b2 + c2  = 361 - 240

⇒ a2 + b2 + c2  = 121

Now

⇒ a3 +b3 +c3 - 3abc? = (a + b + c)(a2 + b2 + c2 - ab - bc - ca)

⇒ a3 +b3 +c3 - 3abc? = (19)(121 - 120)

⇒ a3 +b3 +c3 - 3abc? = (19)(1)

Hence ⇒ a3 +b3 +c3 - 3abc? = 19