Prime Numbers in the Diophantine equation q=(n^2+1)/p and p is Prime

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Diophantine equation q = (n^2 + 1) / p, where p is a prime number and n, q are integers. Participants explore the classification of prime numbers into two groups based on their solutions to this equation, examining properties and potential patterns related to these groups.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that prime numbers can be divided into two groups: Group 1, which has no solutions, and Group 2, which has solutions of the form n = {a × p - b, a × p + b} for all a ≥ 0.
  • Another participant suggests examining the results modulo various numbers (e.g., mod 2, mod 3, mod 4, mod 8) to gain insights into the integer equations involving squares.
  • A participant notes that all Group 2 primes have a remainder of 1 when divided by 4, except for the prime number 2.
  • It is proposed that every prime congruent to 1 mod 4 belongs to Group 2, relating this to the solvability of the equation n^2 ≡ -1 mod p and the concept of quadratic residues.
  • A unique identification method for Group 2 primes is introduced, involving the function a(n) = n^2 + 1 and exploring conditions under which a(P) ≡ 0 mod p.
  • Another participant expresses agreement with the previous points, indicating that the discussion is advancing their understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints regarding the classification of primes and the properties of Group 1 and Group 2. There is no consensus on the implications of these classifications or the existence of additional properties.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the properties of primes and the implications of modular arithmetic remain unresolved. The discussion includes various mathematical conjectures and conditions that have not been fully explored or validated.

AntonVrba
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Investigating the Diophantine equation [tex]q = \frac{n^2+1}{p}}[/tex] where [tex]{p}[/tex] is a prime number, [tex]n,q[/tex] are integers per definition

The prime numbers can be sorted into two groups

Group 1 has no solution and

Group 2 has the solution [tex]n = \{ a\times p - b{ \ },{ \ } a\times p + b \} {\ \ \ }\forall { \ \ }a>=0[/tex]

The table below list results for the first view primes, there is no particular pattern which divides the primes into either group 1 or 2 nor a pattern for the value [tex]b[/tex] and there seem to be an equal number group1 and group2 primes.
[tex]\begin{array}{cc,c,c}<br /> {No.&Group\ 1&Group\ 2&b\\<br /> 1&{}&2&1\\<br /> 2&3&{}&{}\\<br /> 3&{}&5&2\\<br /> 4&7&{}&{}\\<br /> 5&11&{}&{}\\<br /> 6&{}&13&5\\<br /> 7&{}&17&4\\<br /> 8&19&{}&{}\\<br /> 9&23&{}&{}\\<br /> 10&{}&29&12\\<br /> 11&31&{}&{}\\<br /> 12&{}&37&6\\<br /> 13&{}&41&9\\<br /> 14&43&{}&{}\\<br /> 15&47&{}&{}\\<br /> 16&{}&53&23<br /> \end{array}[/tex]


example the for the 10th prime =29 [tex]q= (12^2+1)/29 = 5[/tex]
and 29-12 = 17 [tex]q =(17^2+1)/29 =10[/tex]
and 29+12 = 41 [tex]q =(41^2+1)/29 =58[/tex]
and 2x29-12=46 [tex]q =(46^2+1)/29 =73[/tex]
and 2x29+12=46 [tex]q =(70^2+1)/29 =169[/tex] which is a perfect square.
etc

A further interesting property is that for many (if not all)[tex]p_2[/tex] a prime in Group 2 a infinite number of [tex]a[/tex] exists, such that [tex]\frac{(a\times p_2 \pm b)^2+1}{p_2}}[/tex] is a perfect square. (read [tex]\pm[/tex] as plus or minus b)
47318x29-12=1372210 [tex]q =(1372210^2+1)/29 =64929664969 = 254813^2[/tex]

My question is - are there other properties that can be attributed to the Group1 or Group2 primes?
 
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Have you tried looking at your answers modulo some number? mod 2, mod 3, mod 4, or mod 8 often tell you something interesting about integer equations involving squares.
 
Hurkyl said:
Have you tried looking at your answers modulo some number? mod 2, mod 3, mod 4, or mod 8 often tell you something interesting about integer equations involving squares.
Interesting - all Group2 primes have remainder 1 when divided by 4
 
AntonVrba said:
Interesting - all Group2 primes have remainder 1 when divided by 4

Except 2.

You can say more and assert that every prime congruent to 1 mod 4 is in your group 2. You're just asking for what primes p does the equation [tex]n^2\equiv -1\ \mod\ p[/tex] have a solution n, or when is -1 a square mod p. Look up the Legendre symbol, quadratic residues,Euler's criteria etc.
 
unique identifiers for Group 2 primes

Let a(n) = n^2 +1. Let p, q be primes from group 2 and P, Q be the unique numbers less than p/2 or q/2, respectively, such that a(P) equals 0 mod p and a(Q) equals 0 mod q.
A. If a(n) equals 0 mod p then n equals either +/- P mod p.
B. If a(P) is composite, i.e. = p*d*q (q is prime, d >/= 1) then all other prime factors of a(P) correspond to still smaller numbers Q such that a(Q) equals 0 mod q. An example is a(12) equals 0 mod 29. Since 12 < 29/2, then 12 is the lowest positive number n such that a(n) = 0 mod 29. The other prime factor of a(12) is 5 which corresponds to q = 5 where Q=2 and 12= 2 mod 5.
C. The P, Q numbers etc and the corrresponding primes (->1 means that all prime factors were previously listed) for n < 16 are
1->2
2->5
3->1
4->17
5->13
6->37
7->1
8->1
9->41
10->101
11->61
12->29
13->1
14->197
15->113
 
Last edited:
Ramsey - 100% correct - this helps me further
 

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