Prove an equation has no integer solution

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In summary, proving that an equation has no integer solution involves showing that there is no combination of whole numbers that can satisfy the equation. This can be done through various mathematical techniques such as contradiction, direct proof, or proof by induction. Even seemingly simple equations can have no integer solutions, especially those involving irrational numbers or multiple variables. It is important to prove that an equation has no integer solution in order to understand the limitations and properties of the equation and to avoid errors in calculations and problem-solving.
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anemone
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Let $p,\,q,\,r,\,s$ be positive integers such that $p\ge q\ge r \ge s$.

Prove that the equation $x^4-px^3-qx^2-rx-s=0$ has no integer solution.
 
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anemone said:
Let $p,\,q,\,r,\,s$ be positive integers such that $p\ge q\ge r \ge s$

Prove that the equation $x^4-px^3-qx^2-rx-s=0----(1)$ has no integer solution.
by" Rational zero theorem"
if m is the integer solution of (1)
then : s is a multiple of $\mid m\mid $

but :$m^4-pm^3-qm^2-rm-s\neq 0$
for $p\ge q\ge r\ge s \ge\mid m \mid>0$
and $p,q,r,s\in N$
 
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  • #3
Albert said:
by" Rational zero theorem"
if m is the integer solution of (1)
then : s is a multiple of $\mid m\mid $

but :$m^4-pm^3-qm^2-rm-s\neq 0$
for $p\ge q\ge r\ge s \ge\mid m \mid>0$
and $p,q,r,s\in N$

Hi Albert,

Your concept is correct, thanks for participating. :)

Solution of other that based on the same principle:

Suppose that $m$ is an integer root of $x^4-px^3-qx^2-rx-s=0$ . As $s\ne 0$, we have $m\ne 0$. Suppose now that $m>0$, then $m^4-pm^3=qm^2+rm+s>0$ and hence $m>p\ge s$. On the other hand, $s=m(m^3-pm^2-qm-r)$ and hence $m$ divides $s$, a contradiction.

If $m<0$, then writing $n=-m>0$, we have $n^4+pn^3-qn^2+rn-s=n^4+n^2(pn-q)+(rn-s)>0$, a contradiction. This proves that the given polynomial has no integer roots.
 

1. What does it mean to "prove an equation has no integer solution"?

Proving that an equation has no integer solution means showing that there is no combination of whole numbers that can satisfy the equation. In other words, there are no values for the variables that would make the equation true.

2. How do you prove that an equation has no integer solution?

To prove that an equation has no integer solution, you can use a variety of mathematical techniques such as contradiction, direct proof, or proof by induction. These methods involve logically showing that there are no possible integer solutions for the equation.

3. Can an equation have no integer solutions even if it looks simple?

Yes, some equations may seem simple, but they can still have no integer solutions. For example, the equation 2x + 1 = 0 has no integer solutions because there is no integer value for x that would make the equation true.

4. What types of equations often have no integer solutions?

Equations with irrational numbers, such as square roots or pi, often have no integer solutions. Additionally, equations with variables in the exponent or multiple variables can also have no integer solutions.

5. Why is it important to prove that an equation has no integer solution?

Proving that an equation has no integer solution can help in identifying the limitations of the equation and understanding the properties of the numbers involved. It also helps in solving more complex equations and in avoiding errors in calculations and problem-solving.

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