Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 1
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This expression is a classic application of the identity (a^3 + b^3 + c^3 − 3abc) = (a + b + c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 − ab − bc − ca). Recognizing this structure turns a messy-looking fraction into a simple sum a + b + c.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Use the identity directly. Provided a + b + c ≠ 0, the ratio simplifies exactly to a + b + c. Compute that sum with the given decimal values.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Plugging numbers explicitly gives the same result; however, the identity provides a faster and exact path with less arithmetic risk.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
0.6, 0.4, 0.03, and 0.5 are arbitrary decimals not equal to a + b + c for the given values.
Common Pitfalls:
Failing to spot the identity leads to tedious computations and rounding errors. Another frequent error is misplacing minus signs in the denominator terms −ab − bc − ca.
Final Answer:
1
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