Is 27x^6+27x^3y^3+8y^6 Composite for Positive Integers x and y?

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The expression \(27x^6 + 27x^3y^3 + 8y^6\) is proven to be composite for all positive integers \(x\) and \(y\). The discussion highlights the successful approach taken by participants to demonstrate this property, emphasizing the importance of algebraic manipulation and factorization techniques. The collaborative effort in the forum showcases effective problem-solving strategies in number theory.

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Prove that the number $27x^6+27x^3y^3+8y^6$ is composite for any positive integers $x$ and $y$.
 
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Good question

We see that
$27x^6 + 27x^3 y^3 + 8y^ 6$
= $27x^6 - 27 x^3 y^3 + 8y^ 6 + 54 x^3y^3$
= $(3x^2)^3 + (-3xy)^3 + (2y^2)^3 – 3(3x^2)(-3xy)(2y^2)$
Above is
$a^3+ b^3 + c^3 – 3abc = (a + b + c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - ac - cb)$ where $a = 3x^2, b = - 3xy, c = 2y^2$

We are not finished yet. Because one term is –ve we need to show that neither a+b+c is 1 nor other term is 1

a+b+ c = 3x(x-y) + 2y^2 >= 2

$a^2 + b^2 + c^2 – ab –bc – ca \ge ½(a-b)^2$

or $\ge 1/2(3x^2+ 3xy)^2$ so > 2

as both factors are > 1 so this is composite

edited above to correct some typo error ( metioned by anemone in PM)
thanks anemone
 
Last edited:
Well done, kali! You always show us the very insightful way to tackle just about any problem, and again, thanks for participating in my challenge thread.(Sun)
 

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