Integer Solutions for $4x^2 + 9 y^2 = 72z^2$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding integer solutions for the equation $4x^2 + 9y^2 = 72z^2$. Participants explore various approaches to derive parametric forms of the solutions and analyze the underlying mathematical structure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest reducing the problem to finding integer solutions of the equation $a^2 + b^2 = 2c^2$, noting that nontrivial solutions exist when $c$ has prime factors of the form $4k+1$.
  • Examples are provided where specific values of $c$ yield integer solutions, such as $c=5$ leading to $7^2 + 1^2 = 2 \cdot 5^2$ and $c=13$ leading to $17^2 + 7^2 = 2 \cdot 13^2$.
  • Another participant proposes a transformation where $x=3a$ and $y=2b$, simplifying the original equation to $a^2 + b^2 = 2z^2$, indicating that any integer solutions $(a,b,z)$ can be used to derive solutions for $(x,y,z)$.
  • One participant concludes that the solution can be expressed as $x=\pm3t$, $y=\pm2t$, $z=\pm t$, where $t$ is an integer.
  • There are indications that the methods of reduction and parametrization may differ among participants, leading to varying interpretations of the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing methods for approaching the problem, and while some solutions are proposed, there is no consensus on a single parametrization or method that is universally accepted.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that certain assumptions about the multiples of $x$ and $y$ are necessary for the transformations they propose, and the discussion reflects a variety of approaches without resolving the overall complexity of the problem.

kaliprasad
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solve in integers x, y, z(parametric form)

$4x^2 + 9 y^2 = 72z^2$
 
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Re: integer solutions

kaliprasad said:
solve in integers x, y, z(parametric form)
$4x^2 + 9 y^2 = 72z^2$
let $2x=a,3y=b,6z=c$
we get :$a^2+b^2=2c^2$
the only possible sotions will be:$a=b=c$
$\therefore 2x=3y=6z=t$
or $x=\dfrac{t}{2},y=\dfrac{t}{3},z=\dfrac{t}{6}$
where $t\in Z$
 
Re: integer solutions

Albert said:
let $2x=a,3y=b,6z=c$
we get :$a^2+b^2=2c^2$
the only possible sotions will be:$a=b=c$
$\therefore 2x=3y=6z=t$
or $x=\dfrac{t}{2},y=\dfrac{t}{3},z=\dfrac{t}{6}$
where $t\in Z$

the only possible sotions will be:$a=b=c$

is

wrong
 
Re: integer solutions

Albert said:
let $2x=a,3y=b,6z=c$
we get :$a^2+b^2=2c^2$
the only possible sotions will be:$a=b=c$
$\therefore 2x=3y=6z=t$
or $x=\dfrac{t}{2},y=\dfrac{t}{3},z=\dfrac{t}{6}$
where $t\in Z$
EDIT:
sorry in a haste, I made a mistake
2x=a,3y=b,6z=c
for $a,b,c,x,y,z \in Z$
$a^2+b^2=2c^2$
we have :$\pm2x=\pm3y=\pm6z=6t(for \,\,a^2=b^2=c^2)$
$x=\pm 3t,y=\pm 2t,z=\pm t$
where $t\in Z$
 
Last edited:
Re: integer solutions

[sp]As Albert points out, the problem reduces to finding integer solutions of the equation $a^2+b^2 = 2c^2$. Apart from the trivial solutions with $a=b=c$, there will be nontrivial solutions whenever $c$ has any prime factors of the form $4k+1.$ For example, if $c=5$ then $7^2+1^1 = 2*5^2 = 50.$ When $c = 13$ we have $17^2+7^2 = 2*13^2 = 338$. With so many solutions, I am not sure that there will be a manageable parametrisation for them.[/sp]
 
Re: integer solutions

Albert said:
EDIT:
sorry in a haste, I made a mitake
for $a,b,c\in Z$
$a^2+b^2=2c^2$
we have :$2x=\pm3y=\pm6z=6t(for \,\,a^2=b^2=c^2)$
$x=\pm 2t,y=\pm 3t,z=\pm t$
where $t\in Z$

a = b =c is wrong conclusion as a = 1 , b = 5, c = 7 satisfies
 
Re: integer solutions

Opalg said:
[sp]As Albert points out, the problem reduces to finding integer solutions of the equation $a^2+b^2 = 2c^2$. Apart from the trivial solutions with $a=b=c$, there will be nontrivial solutions whenever $c$ has any prime factors of the form $4k+1.$ For example, if $c=5$ then $7^2+1^1 = 2*5^2 = 50.$ When $c = 13$ we have $17^2+7^2 = 2*13^2 = 338$. With so many solutions, I am not sure that there will be a manageable parametrisation for them.[/sp]
$2x=a,3y=b,6c=z$
note:$x,y,z,a,b,c \,\, all \in Z$

see post #4
 
Re: integer solutions

Opalg said:
[sp]As Albert points out, the problem reduces to finding integer solutions of the equation $a^2+b^2 = 2c^2$. Apart from the trivial solutions with $a=b=c$, there will be nontrivial solutions whenever $c$ has any prime factors of the form $4k+1.$ For example, if $c=5$ then $7^2+1^1 = 2*5^2 = 50.$ When $c = 13$ we have $17^2+7^2 = 2*13^2 = 338$. With so many solutions, I am not sure that there will be a manageable parametrisation for them.[/sp]

it is manageable and I feel that you can do it.
 
Re: integer solutions

Albert said:
$2x=a,3y=b,6c=z$
note:$x,y,z,a,b,c \,\, all \in Z$

see post #4
[sp]I see now that the way I reduced the problem to $a^2 + b^2 =2 c^2$ is different from that. Starting from the original equation $4x^2 + 9y^2 = 72z^2$, you can see that $x$ must be a multiple of $3$ (because $9$ and $72$ are both multiples of $9$, hence so is $4x^2$). In the same way, $y$ must be a multiple of $2$. If we put $x=3a$ and $y = 2b$, then the equation becomes $36a^2 + 36b^2 = 72z^2$, or $a^2 + b^2 = 2z^2$. Any set of integers $(a,b,z)$ satisfying that equation will give a solution $(x,y,z) = (3a,2b,z)$ of the original equation.[/sp]
 
  • #10
Re: integer solutions

the solution will be:
$x=\pm3t,y=\pm2t, z=\pm t$
where $t\in Z$
 
  • #11
Re: integer solutions

Opalg said:
[sp]I see now that the way I reduced the problem to $a^2 + b^2 =2 c^2$ is different from that. Starting from the original equation $4x^2 + 9y^2 = 72z^2$, you can see that $x$ must be a multiple of $3$ (because $9$ and $72$ are both multiples of $9$, hence so is $4x^2$). In the same way, $y$ must be a multiple of $2$. If we put $x=3a$ and $y = 2b$, then the equation becomes $36a^2 + 36b^2 = 72z^2$, or $a^2 + b^2 = 2z^2$. Any set of integers $(a,b,z)$ satisfying that equation will give a solution $(x,y,z) = (3a,2b,z)$ of the original equation.[/sp]

as mentioned above by Opalg

$(x,y,z) = (3a, 2b , z)$ is a solution when

$a^2 + b^2 = 2z^2$

solution of $a^2 + b^2 = 2z^2$

is given by

$ (a,b,z) = (\pm(m^2-n^2-2mn),\,\pm(m^2-n^2+2mn) \,\pm(m^2+n^2))$

as per http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/3-consecutive-terms-ap-perfect-square-8701.htmlso one set of solution
$(x,y,z) = (3a, 2b , z) = (\pm3(m^2-n^2-2mn),\,\pm2 (m^2-n^2+2mn), \,\pm(m^2+n^2)))$

2nd set is
$(x,y,z) = (3b, 2a , z) = (\pm3(m^2-n^2+2mn),\,\pm2 (m^2-n^2-2mn), \,\pm(m^2+n^2)))$

as a and b are interchangeable

edit: one can see that interchanging m and n both the 1st and second sets are same.

so solution is
$(x,y,z) = (3a, 2b , z) = (\pm3(m^2-n^2-2mn),\,\pm2 (m^2-n^2+2mn), \,\pm(m^2+n^2)))$
 
Last edited:

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