Find a solution for a Pell's equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding integer solutions for the equation 6n^2 - 18n + 16 = m^2, with a focus on utilizing Pell's equation. Participants explore various forms of the equation and share methods for identifying solutions, including computational approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks integer solutions for the equation and suggests using Pell's equation.
  • Another participant recommends rewriting the equation to resemble a standard Pell equation.
  • A participant proposes a specific form of the equation: 3/2 (2n-3)^2 - m^2 = -5/2.
  • Another form is presented: m^2 - 3/2 (2n-3)^2 = 5/2.
  • A further transformation leads to the equation: 2/5 m^2 - 3/5 (2n-3)^2 = 1.
  • Some participants share specific integer solutions for (n, m), including both positive and negative values.
  • A participant describes using a computer program to find solutions by checking for perfect squares within a specified range.
  • Another participant mentions using a website to solve the equation, highlighting options for quick solutions or step-by-step guidance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various methods and forms of the equation, but there is no consensus on a single approach or solution method. Multiple competing views and techniques remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some methods rely on specific transformations of the original equation, while others depend on computational tools. The discussion does not resolve the effectiveness or completeness of these approaches.

76Ahmad
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Hi all,

I'm trying to find the integer solutions for

6n^2 -18n +16 = m^2

using pell equation, any idea


please help
thanks
 
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Try to write 6n^2-18n in a different way to make the equation look like a standard pell equation.
 
I tryed and found this form:

3/2 (2n-3)^2 -m^2 = -5/2
 
OR

m^2 - 3/2 (2n-3)^2 = 5/2
 
and by multiply the second form with 2/5 I get

2/5 m^2 - 3/5 (2n-3)^2 = 1
 
Just a few solutions (n, m): (0, 4), (1, 2), (2, 2), (3, 4), (8,16), (17,38), (66,158), (155, 376), (640, 1564), ...
 
Some solutions with negative n: (-5,16), (-14, 38), (-63,158), (-152,376), (-637,1564)
 
thanks, great help

but how I know all the +solutions as large as I can.
what steps you follow so you found these solutions?
(no negativs solutions)
 
  • #10
I got the solutions with the help of a small computer program:
It goes like this:

For n = 0 to 999 do
[itex]\space\space\space[/itex]w= 6*n[itex]^{2}[/itex]-18*n+16
[itex]\space\space\space[/itex]If w is a perfect square i.e. w=m[itex]^{2}[/itex]
[itex]\space\space\space\space[/itex] then Return (n,m)
[itex]\space\space\space[/itex]end_If
end_For

...sort of experimental math !
 
  • #11
76Ahmad said:
thanks, great help

but how I know all the +solutions as large as I can.
what steps you follow so you found these solutions?
(no negativs solutions)



You go on Alperton's site ( which I provided above in my first post ) and you enter your parameter to that your equation becomes:
6 x2 - y2 - 18 x + 16 = 0

and you click on solve it and it does it for you. Now under Modes ( below the solve it button ), you have two choices:
1- just solution ( for when you are in a hurry )
2- step by step ( for when you want to in fact learn something )

if you choose step by step, you will be taught how to solve this kind of equation. But if you do not take the time to check every single post ( like mine above ), then you may miss some important stuff.
 

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