Is there also an other way to solve the equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation $x^3+4x+8=0 \pmod {15}$. Participants explore various methods and theorems related to modular arithmetic, including checking for solutions through direct substitution and the application of the Chinese Remainder Theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants checked all numbers from the set $\{ 0,1,2 \dots, 14 \}$ and found no solutions to the equation.
  • One participant suggested that if a root $a$ exists, it can be factored into $(x-a)(x^2+bx+c)$, leading to conditions on $a$ based on the equivalence of terms modulo 15.
  • Another participant proposed checking the equation modulo 3 and modulo 5, finding a solution for modulo 3 but not for modulo 5.
  • There was a discussion about whether a theorem exists that allows checking for solutions in $\mathbb{Z}_{m \cdot n}$ by examining $\mathbb{Z}_m$ and $\mathbb{Z}_n$, which was identified as the Chinese Remainder Theorem.
  • Clarifications were made regarding the implications of congruences and divisibility in modular arithmetic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the application of the Chinese Remainder Theorem and the methods for checking solutions modulo 3 and 5. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the existence of solutions to the original equation, as some participants found no solutions while others explored different approaches.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the properties of modular arithmetic and the implications of theorems, which may not be universally accepted or fully resolved within the thread.

evinda
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Hey! :cool:

I am looking at the exercise: Solve $x^3+4x+8=0 \pmod {15}$.

I checked all the numbers from the set $\{ 0,1,2 \dots, 14 \}$ and noticed that there are no solutions.
But could I also solve the equation,with an other way,maybe using a theorem? (Thinking)
 
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evinda said:
Hey! :cool:

I am looking at the exercise: Solve $x^3+4x+8=0 \pmod {15}$.

I checked all the numbers from the set $\{ 0,1,2 \dots, 14 \}$ and noticed that there are no solutions.
But could I also solve the equation,with an other way,maybe using a theorem? (Thinking)

Hi! ;)

Small optimization.

If there is a root $a$, it must be possible to factorize into $(x-a)(x^2+bx+c)$.
The last term is $-ac$ and it must be equivalent to $8 \pmod{15}$.
Since $(8,15)=1$, this is only possible if $(a,15)=1$, so you can skip $0,3,5,6,9,10,12 \pmod{15}$.
 
as 15 = 3 * 5 we can check for modulo 3 and modulo 5

for checking for modulo 3 we have
$x^3 + x + 2 = 0$
x = 0 and 1 does not satisfy but x = 2 does satisfy

for checking for mod 5
$x^3- x + 3= 0$
or x(x+1)(x-1) = 3

x = 0 or 1 or 4 give 1st term zero so we need to check for 2 and 3 and do not get a solution
 
I like Serena said:
Hi! ;)

Small optimization.

If there is a root $a$, it must be possible to factorize into $(x-a)(x^2+bx+c)$.
The last term is $-ac$ and it must be equivalent to $8 \pmod{15}$.
Since $(8,15)=1$, this is only possible if $(a,15)=1$, so you can skip $0,3,5,6,9,10,12 \pmod{15}$.

So,if we have for example $a \equiv b \pmod m$ and $m \nmid b$ then do we know that $m \nmid a $ ? (Thinking)

- - - Updated - - -

kaliprasad said:
as 15 = 3 * 5 we can check for modulo 3 and modulo 5

for checking for modulo 3 we have
$x^3 + x + 2 = 0$
x = 0 and 1 does not satisfy but x = 2 does satisfy

for checking for mod 5
$x^3- x + 3= 0$
or x(x+1)(x-1) = 3

x = 0 or 1 or 4 give 1st term zero so we need to check for 2 and 3 and do not get a solution

Is there a theorem that says that if we are looking for solutions of an equation in $\mathbb{Z}_{m \cdot n}$ and $(m,n)=1$,then we can check for the solutions in $\mathbb{Z}_m$ and $\mathbb{Z}_n$ and the common solutions of $\mathbb{Z}_m$ and $\mathbb{Z}_n$ are the solutions of the equation in $\mathbb{Z}_{m \cdot n}$ ? :confused:
 
evinda said:
So,if we have for example $a \equiv b \pmod m$ and $m \nmid b$ then do we know that $m \nmid a $ ? (Thinking)

Erm... yes, that is correct. (Wondering)

Remember that $a \equiv b \pmod m$ means that $a=b+mk$.

So suppose $a$ is not divisible by $m$.
Since $mk$ is divisible by $m$ that implies that $b$ is indeed not divisible by $m$.
 
evinda said:
Is there a theorem that says that if we are looking for solutions of an equation in $\mathbb{Z}_{m \cdot n}$ and $(m,n)=1$,then we can check for the solutions in $\mathbb{Z}_m$ and $\mathbb{Z}_n$ and the common solutions of $\mathbb{Z}_m$ and $\mathbb{Z}_n$ are the solutions of the equation in $\mathbb{Z}_{m \cdot n}$ ? :confused:

this is known as per Chinese remainder theorem
 
I like Serena said:
Erm... yes, that is correct. (Wondering)

Remember that $a \equiv b \pmod m$ means that $a=b+mk$.

So suppose $a$ is not divisible by $m$.
Since $mk$ is divisible by $m$ that implies that $b$ is indeed not divisible by $m$.

I understand..thank you very much! (Cool)

- - - Updated - - -

kaliprasad said:
this is known as per Chinese remainder theorem

A ok..thank you! :)
 
evinda said:
A ok..thank you! :)

You actually stated the Chinese Remainder Theorem quite nicely! (Angel)
 
I like Serena said:
You actually stated the Chinese Remainder Theorem quite nicely! (Angel)

(Blush) (Clapping) (Mmm)
 

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