SUMMARY
The equation $4x^2 + 9y^2 = 72z^2$ can be solved in integers by transforming it into the form $a^2 + b^2 = 2c^2$. This transformation reveals that nontrivial integer solutions exist when the parameter $c$ has prime factors of the form $4k+1$. For instance, with $c=5$, the solution $(7, 1, 5)$ satisfies the equation, and for $c=13$, the solution $(17, 7, 13)$ holds. The general solution can be expressed as $x = \pm 3t$, $y = \pm 2t$, and $z = \pm t$, where $t$ is an integer.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of integer equations and their solutions
- Familiarity with parametric equations
- Knowledge of prime factorization, specifically forms like $4k+1$
- Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
- Study the properties of integer solutions for quadratic forms
- Learn about the implications of prime factorization in number theory
- Explore parametric representations of integer solutions in algebra
- Investigate related equations of the form $a^2 + b^2 = kc^2$ for various values of $k$
USEFUL FOR
Mathematicians, number theorists, and students interested in solving integer equations and exploring the relationships between algebraic forms and number theory.