How to find the |S|?

1. Jan 6, 2015

Greychu

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Let S be the sum of all integer values of n such that $$\frac {n^2+12n-43} {n+6}$$ is an integer. What is the value of |S|.

2. Relevant equations
Since it's sum, S = $$\frac {n} {2} \ (2a+(n-1)d)$$ where a is the first term.
The $$\frac {n^2+12n-43} {n+6}$$ = x, where x is an integer

3. The attempt at a solution

$$\frac {n^2+12n-43} {n+6}$$= x
$${n^2+(12-x)n-43-6x}$$ = 0

basically I have no idea "Let S be the sum of all integer values of n" means?
Is it means that S = n or otherwise? Need clarification for this.

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2. Jan 6, 2015

Joffan

You need to find out for what values of $n$ the expression $\frac {n^2+12n-43} {n+6}$ is an integer.

It's not an arithmetic progression.

Try defining $m=n+6$ and then express $n^2+12n-43$ in terms of $m$.

3. Jan 6, 2015

HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
I would complete the square in the numerator. From that it turns out that the fraction is an integer for only a very small number of values of n!​

4. Jan 6, 2015

Greychu

I think I got it by completing the square.
it will becomes $$\frac {(n+6)^2 - 79}{n+6}$$

Since 79 is prime number,
Solving n + 6 = ± 1 and n + 6 = ± 79 will gives rise to 4 integers, which is -5, -7, 73 and -85.
Hence, |S| = |-5-7+73-85| = 24

Thanks for pointing out the completing the square. It helps.