Can This Mathematical Equation Be Solved for All Prime Numbers?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter mathador
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical equation k(m²-n²)=2(m³+n³-lm) and its applicability to all prime numbers n. Participants provide specific examples of positive integer solutions (k, l, m) for various primes, including (2, 14, 8, 2) and (3, 59, 264, 1). The conversation emphasizes the potential for proving the equation's validity for composite numbers if it holds for primes. A linear approach to solving for k and l, given a prime n, is suggested as a method to find suitable values for m.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of prime numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with algebraic equations and linear problem-solving
  • Knowledge of integer solutions in mathematical contexts
  • Basic concepts of mathematical proofs and conjectures
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for proving mathematical conjectures related to prime numbers
  • Explore linear algebra techniques for solving equations with multiple variables
  • Study integer programming and its applications in finding positive integer solutions
  • Investigate the implications of the equation for composite numbers if proven for primes
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying number theory, and researchers interested in prime number properties and algebraic equations.

mathador
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Any pointers and/or help with proving the following would be appreciated

For every prime number n, there exist positive integers (k,l,m) such that

k(m2-n2)=2(m3+n3-lm)

some examples (there could be several/many solutions for a given n)

{n,k,l,m}
{2, 14, 8, 2}
{3, 59, 264, 1}
{5, 53, 192, 3}
{7, 71, 264, 5},{7, 239, 6080, 1}
{11, 163, 1856, 5}

If the statement is true for prime n's, it can be shown to hold for composite n's as well.

Thanks, Mathador
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Perhaps you can think of it as a linear problem in k and l. Given prime n see whether a specific m can be found such that a solution to the linear problem is positive.

As you may be aware, a trivial solution is (n,k, 2n2, n) k=1,2,3,...
 


gcsetma said:
Perhaps you can think of it as a linear problem in k and l. Given prime n see whether a specific m can be found such that a solution to the linear problem is positive.

As you may be aware, a trivial solution is (n,k, 2n2, n) k=1,2,3,...
Also trival are solutions where m = 1
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K