Is there a general equation for finding pth powers when p is greater than 2?

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The discussion revolves around the equation X^p + p*M + [Y-X] = Y^p, which is presented with various examples demonstrating its validity for different values of X, Y, and p. Participants explore the implications of this equation, noting that it holds true for various powers, including p = 2, 3, 5, and 7. There is a debate about the necessity of proving the equation's validity beyond examples, with references to Fermat's Little Theorem suggesting that it may always be true. However, skepticism arises regarding whether the equation can be generalized for p > 2, as it may not represent a "p-th" power under those conditions. The discussion highlights the complexities of the equation and the need for further clarification and proof.
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A general equation for Y > X :

X^p + p*M + [Y-X] = Y^p

3^3 + 3*12 + 1 = 4^3


3^3 + 3*32 + 2 = 5^3


3^3 + 3*62 + 3 = 6^3


3^3 + 3*104 + 4 = 7^3


3^3 + 3*160 + 5 = 8^3


3^3 + 3*232 + 6 = 9^3



[...]
4^3 + 3*20 + 1 = 5^3


4^3 + 3*50 + 2 = 6^3


4^3 + 3*92 + 3 = 7^3


4^3 + 3*148 + 4 = 8^3


4^3 + 3*220 + 5 = 9^3



[...]

X^p + p*M + N = Y^p


It also works for p = 2,5,7, etc...?


3^2 + 2*3 + 1 = 4^2


3^2 + 2*7 + 2 = 5^2


3^2 + 2*12 + 3 = 6^2


3^2 + 2*18 + 4 = 7^2


[...]


4^5 + 5*420 + 1 = 5^5

4^5 + 5*1350 + 2 = 6^5

4^5 + 5*3156 + 3 = 7^5

[...]


X^p + p*M + [Y - X] = Y^p
 
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Correct me if I am wrong, but to prove that you need to show that for y > x that p is a factor of y^p - y - x^p + x. I don't know how to do that, but perhaps you do.
 
Don't you? You just pick examples where it's true and don't bother about the obvious fact it's false.
 
matt grime said:
Don't you? You just pick examples where it's true and don't bother about the obvious fact it's false.
Really? I've not got something on me where I can easily write a program to find a counter example but running a few million values through Excel I can't find one.
 
actually, I'm doing a slight disservice there, since fermat's little theorem gives you that it is always true. i got carried away with the fact it was something russell wrote and was probably either trivial or false. had i looked more closely i'd have realized it was the first of those. if he ever actually explained using words what he meant he might be clearer
 
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matt grime said:
actually, I'm doing a slight disservice there, since fermat's little theorem gives you that it is always true. i got carried away with the fact it was something russell wrote and was probably either trivial or false. had i looked more closely i'd have realized it was the first of those. if he ever actually explained using words what he meant he might be clearer


X^p + p*M + [Y-X] = Y^p

Y^p - X^p = p*M + [Y-X]

p*M + [Y-X]

is not a "pth" power for p > 2
 
Russell E. Rierson said:
X^p + p*M + [Y-X] = Y^p

Y^p - X^p = p*M + [Y-X]

p*M + [Y-X]

is not a "pth" power for p > 2
Eh? Matt said Fermat's little theorem not Fermat's last theorem.
 
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