Problem

Source: IMO Longlist 1967, Mongolia 4

Tags: linear algebra, matrix, algebra, system of equations, arithmetic sequence, IMO Shortlist, IMO Longlist



In what case does the system of equations $\begin{matrix} x + y + mz = a \\ x + my + z = b \\ mx + y + z = c \end{matrix}$ have a solution? Find conditions under which the unique solution of the above system is an arithmetic progression.