How Do You Solve Linear Diophantine Equations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving Linear Diophantine Equations, specifically the equations 45x + 63y = 99 and 45s + 65t = 80. Participants express uncertainty about the methods to approach these problems and seek guidance on how to find integer solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks direction on how to start solving the equations. Some participants mention trying random values for x and y, while others suggest looking into the Euclidean algorithm and factoring common terms. There is also a discussion about the graphical interpretation of the equations as lines and their intersections.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various approaches being explored. Some participants have offered suggestions for methods, while others are still questioning the foundational concepts and seeking clarity on the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the greatest common divisor (gcd) in determining the existence of solutions, indicating that if the constant term is not divisible by the gcd of the coefficients, a solution cannot exist.

Mattofix
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Homework Statement



I don't know where to start on this question - could someone please point me in the right direction so i can look up the method.

Q: Find integers x, y such that 45x + 63y = 99. Can we find integers s, t such that 45s +65t = 80? Either find them or prove they cannot exist.
 
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What have you tried?
 
when x = 5 and y = -2 , but that was just randomly trying things. is there any method or rule to this?
 
Look up the Euclidean algorithm. Also, if there are common factors in all the terms, it might be in your best interest to factor them out.
 
these equations are just a equation of a linear line! both of them; so you can just plot the line and say you will have infinity answers for x and y which have to be on the line. considering both lines: of course these can encounter with each other and as they are not parallel their is exactly one point that is in their intercept (if you deal with x, y).
 
Mattofix said:

Homework Statement



I don't know where to start on this question - could someone please point me in the right direction so i can look up the method.

Q: Find integers x, y such that 45x + 63y = 99. Can we find integers s, t such that 45s +65t = 80? Either find them or prove they cannot exist.

The equations a\,x+b\,y=c are called Linear Diophantine Equations. If you acn find a particular solution (x,y)=(x_o,y_o) then you can find the general solution by writting x=x_o+\lambda\,t,\,y=y_o+\mu\,t. Plugging these to the original equation you determinate the values of \lambda,\,\mu.

You can easily proof that if c is not divisible by gcd(a,b) then there is no solution.
 

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