How Many Integer Solutions Exist for the Equation |x|+|y|+|z|=2010?

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

The equation |x| + |y| + |z| = 2010 has a specific number of ordered integer solutions. The discussion centers around finding all possible ordered triples (x, y, z) that satisfy this equation. The correct solution to the previous week's Problem of the Week (POTW) was provided by user Opalg, demonstrating the collaborative nature of the forum. The director of POTW acknowledges personal challenges but emphasizes the importance of community engagement in problem-solving.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of absolute value functions in mathematics
  • Familiarity with combinatorial counting techniques
  • Basic knowledge of integer solutions in equations
  • Experience with problem-solving in mathematical forums
NEXT STEPS
  • Research combinatorial methods for counting integer solutions to equations
  • Explore the concept of generating functions in combinatorics
  • Learn about the application of symmetry in solving equations with absolute values
  • Investigate previous Problems of the Week for similar mathematical challenges
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, educators, students, and anyone interested in problem-solving within the realm of integer equations and combinatorial mathematics.

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

-----
How many ordered triples of integers $(x,\,y,\,z)$ satisfy the equation $|x|+|y|+|z|=2010$?

-----

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi MHB!

As usual, I will extend the period of solving last week's POTW until next week! I hope members will try to take a stab at the problem again and I am looking forward to receiving members' solution!
 
Hello MHB!

I want to apologize for I am late for a day to perform my duty as a director of Problem of the Week. I was (and still am) swamped with lots of work and how the prolong pandemic affected my mental well-being, and how sleep constantly eludes me and a lot of other personal issues have put me through wringer for the past week or so. Having said all that, it is utterly important at the end of the day we have to believe that we are braver than we believe, stronger than we seem and smarter than we think! (Bigsmile)

Enough is enough for the explanation and now, let me get back to business! I want to thank to Opalg for his correct solution to last two weeks' POTW, which you can find below:
For a positive integer $n$, the surface with equation $|x|+ |y| + |z| = n$ is an octahedron, with 6 vertices, 12 edges and 8 triangular faces. The points on the octahedron with integer coordinates can be counted as follows:

there is one such point at each vertex, giving a total of $6$ points;
there are $n-1$ such points on each edge (not counting the endpoints at the vertices), giving a total of $12(n-1)$ points;
there are $\frac12(n-1)(n-2)$ such points in the interior of each face, giving a total of $4(n-1)(n-2)$ points.

So the total number of points in the lattice is $6 + 12(n-1) + 4(n-1)(n-2) = 4n^2+2$.

When $n = 2010$ that is equal to $4*2010^2 + 2 = 16\,160\,402.$
 

Similar threads

  • · 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
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K