Solving System of Symmetric Equations

linear algebrasystems of equations

I am to solve the system below.
$$\begin{cases} (x^2+1)(y^2+1)=10 \\ (x+y)(xy-1)=3 \end{cases}$$
I have tried to factor the equations of the system but they do not factor. How can I approach the problem?

Best Answer

Let x+y=u and xy=v

Second equation becomes u(v-1)=3

First equation is ${(xy)}^2+(x+y)^2+1-2xy=10$ which is $v^2+u^2+1-2v=10 \Rightarrow (v-1)^2+u^2=10$

Eliminate v-1 from the two equations to get $\frac{9}{u^2}+u^2=10$

Solve the quadratic to get u=$\pm1$ and $\pm3$ then solve for x and y

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