Can You Discover the Integer Pair That Satisfies This Unique Sum Equation?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The problem presented involves finding a pair of positive integers \( (a, b) \) where \( a < b \) that satisfies the equation \( 37^2 + 46^2 + 49^2 - 20^2 - 17^2 = a^2 + b^2 \). The correct solutions were provided by forum members castor28 and kaliprasad. The calculations reveal that the left-hand side evaluates to 3240, leading to the integer pair \( (36, 54) \) as the solution for \( a \) and \( b \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic algebraic manipulation
  • Familiarity with the properties of squares of integers
  • Knowledge of positive integer pairs
  • Ability to solve quadratic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the properties of Pythagorean triples
  • Learn about integer factorization techniques
  • Study the application of the quadratic formula in problem-solving
  • Investigate advanced algebraic identities and their proofs
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics enthusiasts, educators, and students looking to enhance their problem-solving skills in algebra and number theory.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

Find a pair $(a,\,b)$ of positive integers $a<b$ such that

$37^2+46^2+49^2-20^2-17^2=a^2+b^2$

-----

Remember to read the https://mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to https://mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution:):

1. castor28
2. kaliprasad

Solution from castor28:
We may write:
\begin{align*}
S &= 37^2+46^2+49^2-20^2-17^2\\
&= 37^2 +(46^2 - 20^2) + (49^2 - 17^2)\\
&= 37^2 + (66\times26) + (66\times32)\\
&= 37^2 + 66\times58 \\
&= 37^2 + 66\times(66-8)\\
&= 37^2 + 66^2 - 8\times66\qquad [1]
\end{align*}
We notice that $8+66=2\times37$; this suggests to write $37^2 - 29^2 = 8\times66$; substitution in [1] gives $S = 29^2+66^2$, i.e., $a=29$, $b=66$.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K