Answer :

To find the value of [tex]\( a^2 + b^2 + c^2 \)[/tex] given the equations [tex]\( a + b + c = 15 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( ab + bc + ca = 75 \)[/tex], we can utilize an important algebraic identity.

The identity we will use is:

[tex]\[ (a + b + c)^2 = a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 2(ab + bc + ca) \][/tex]

Let's break it down step-by-step:

1. Start with the given equations:
[tex]\[ a + b + c = 15 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ ab + bc + ca = 75 \][/tex]

2. Substitute the known values into the identity:

[tex]\[ (a + b + c)^2 = a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 2(ab + bc + ca) \][/tex]

3. Plug in [tex]\( a + b + c = 15 \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[ 15^2 = a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 2 \cdot 75 \][/tex]

4. Calculate [tex]\( 15^2 \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[ 225 = a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 150 \][/tex]

5. Now, solve for [tex]\( a^2 + b^2 + c^2 \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[ 225 = a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + 150 \][/tex]

6. Subtract 150 from both sides to isolate [tex]\( a^2 + b^2 + c^2 \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[ 225 - 150 = a^2 + b^2 + c^2 \][/tex]

7. Simplify the result:

[tex]\[ 75 = a^2 + b^2 + c^2 \][/tex]

Therefore, the value of [tex]\( a^2 + b^2 + c^2 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( \boxed{75} \)[/tex].