Integer solutions to ax^2 + bx - cy^2 - dy = 0

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding integer solutions to the equation ax^2 + bx - cy^2 - dy = 0, where all variables are non-zero integers. Participants are exploring methods to approach this problem effectively.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze the relationship between the expressions ax^2 + bx and cy^2 + dy, noting a pattern in the differences of values. Some participants suggest rewriting the equation to facilitate analysis, while others consider the implications of modular arithmetic on the variables.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations and methods. Some have offered algebraic manipulations and insights into potential relationships between the variables, but there is no explicit consensus on a definitive approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraint that all variables must be non-zero integers, and there is an acknowledgment of the trivial solution (0, 0) being excluded from consideration.

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Homework Statement


I am a hobbyist looking for solutions to ax^2 + bx - cy^2 - dy = 0 where all variables are integers and are non-zero. Is there a method of doing this effectively?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I can look at the numbers produced by ax^2 + bx vs cy^2 + dy and see that they have a relationship: what I mean is if I manually find a pair of close numbers, difference = d, I find the next set of values is d+2 apart, then d + 4 and so on. So it looks as though there should be a method in algebraic terms for doing this.
 
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Of course, the trivial solution is (0, 0). Otherwise, rewrite the equation as x(ax+b)-y(cy+d)=0.
 
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Sorry I know the variables a, b, c, and d but I don't know x, y. It looks as though I might be able to do something with modular arithmetic given that both x(ax+b) and y(cy+d) now seem to both be integer multiples in other words either x or ax+b must necessarily contain some factors in common with y and cy+d. Is there a good way to find x,y? Thanks!
 
http://www4a.wolframalpha.com/Calculate/MSP/MSP100420ag0a9de184i4e300006aa5e486371cg88e?MSPStoreType=image/gif&s=23&w=258.&h=46.
You can find solutions of y in the same way. Its a bit silly though as it requires you to know all but x. You can see intuitively the set of solutions from the form Svein put it in
x(ax+b)−y(cy+d)=0
Yeah you could do what your saying and then write out the set of solutions
 
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