Find positive integer solutions

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The discussion focuses on finding all positive integer solutions to the equation \(xyzt - 2xyz - xyt + 2xy + zt - 2z - t = 12\). Participants, including MarkFL, engaged in problem-solving and shared insights on the methods used to approach the equation. The conversation highlights the importance of systematic exploration of integer values to derive solutions effectively.

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anemone
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Find all positive integer solutions to:

$xyzt-2xyz-xyt+2xy+zt-2z-t=12$
 
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My solution:

If we add 2 to both sides, and factor, we obtain:

$$(t-2)(z-1)(xy+1)=14$$

Looking at the permutations of the factorization $14=1\cdot1\cdot14$, we find:

i) $$t-2=1\implies t=3$$

$$z-1=1\implies z=2$$

$$xy+1=14\implies xy=13\implies (x,y)=(1,13),\,(x,y)=(13,1)$$

ii) $$t-2=1\implies t=3$$

$$z-1=14\implies z=15$$

$$xy+1=1\implies xy=0$$ This case doesn't meet the requirements given.

The third permutation won't work for the same reason.

Looking at the permutations of the factorization $14=1\cdot2\cdot7$, (where the third factor isn't 1) we find:

i) $$t-2=1\implies t=3$$

$$z-1=2\implies z=3$$

$$xy+1=7\implies xy=6\implies (x,y)=(1,6),\,(6,1),\,(2,3),\,(3,2)$$

ii) $$t-2=1\implies t=3$$

$$z-1=7\implies z=8$$

$$xy+1=2\implies xy=1\implies (x,y)=(1,1)$$

iii) $$t-2=2\implies t=4$$

$$z-1=1\implies z=2$$

$$xy+1=7\implies xy=6\implies (x,y)=(1,6),\,(6,1),\,(2,3),\,(3,2)$$

iv) $$t-2=7\implies t=9$$

$$z-1=1\implies z=2$$

$$xy+1=2\implies xy=1\implies (x,y)=(1,1)$$

Thus, we find the following 12 solutions:

$$(t,x,y,z)=(3,1,13,2)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(3,13,1,2)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(3,1,6,3)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(3,6,1,3)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(3,2,3,3)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(3,3,2,3)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(3,1,1,8)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(4,1,6,2)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(4,6,1,2)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(4,2,3,2)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(4,3,2,2)$$

$$(t,x,y,z)=(9,1,1,2)$$
 
Very well done, MarkFL! Thanks for participating!
 

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