Does the Equation \( y^2 = x^3 - x + 5 \) Have Integer Solutions?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Poirot1
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The equation \( y^2 = x^3 - x + 5 \) has no integer solutions. By analyzing the equation modulo 3, it is established that \( y^2 \equiv 2 \pmod{3} \). Since 2 is a quadratic non-residue modulo 3, there are no integer values for \( y \) that satisfy the equation. This conclusion is supported by Fermat's Little Theorem, which confirms that \( x^3 \equiv x \pmod{3} \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quadratic residues and non-residues
  • Fermat's Little Theorem (FLT)
  • Modular arithmetic concepts
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study quadratic residues and non-residues in number theory
  • Explore Fermat's Little Theorem and its applications
  • Learn about modular arithmetic and its significance in solving equations
  • Investigate other methods for proving the non-existence of integer solutions in Diophantine equations
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, number theorists, and students studying algebraic equations and modular arithmetic.

Poirot1
Messages
243
Reaction score
0
Us the fact that 2 is not a quadratic residue of 3 to show that there are no integer solutions to $y^2=x^3-x+5$.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Re: show equation has no solution

Take the equation modulo $3$, and you get:
$$y^2 \equiv x^3 - x + 5 \equiv x^3 - x + 2 \pmod{3}$$
Now FLT tells us that $x^3 \equiv x \pmod{3}$, so we get:
$$y^2 \equiv x - x + 2 \equiv 2 \pmod{3}$$
Can you finish?
 
Re: show equation has no solution

no such y exist because 2 is a quadractic non-residue mod 3.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K