Maximum positive integer that adds up to a perfect square?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the maximum positive integer x such that the expression 4 to the power of 27 plus 4 to the power of 1000 plus 4 to the power of x results in a perfect square.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conditions under which the sum can be a perfect square, with some attempting to factor the expression and others questioning the implications of the oddness of certain components.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Some participants are clarifying the original question and attempting to break down the expression into manageable parts, while others express uncertainty about the arithmetic involved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the arithmetic and assumptions about the values of x, particularly in relation to its comparison with 27.

gundu
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4 to the power of 27 + 4 to the power of 1000 + 4 to the power of x.
x is the maximum positive integer and it adds up to a perfect square?
 
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To clarify your question, you are asking for the largest integer x such that [tex]4^{27}+4^{1000}+4^{x}[/tex] is a perfect square?

What have you tried so far? Can you give any value of x that makes this a perfect square?
 
Assuming that x> 27,
[tex]4^27+ 4^1000+ 4^x= (4^{27})(1+ 4^{983}+ 4^{x- 27})[/tex]

[tex]4^{27}= (4^{26})(2)[/tex]
and
[tex]1+ 4^{983}+ 4^{x- 27}[/tex]
is an odd number. What does that tell you?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think Halls meant [itex]4^{27} = 4^{26} \times 2^2[/itex].
 
Halls also means:

[tex]4^{27}+ 4^{1000}+ 4^x= (4^{27})(1+ 4^{973}+ 4^{x- 27})[/tex]

(1000-27=973)
 
But the problem is to prove nothing is possible after that, hall.
Anyway gundu has to first clear what he has done as shmoesaid.
 
vaishakh said:
But the problem is to prove nothing is possible after that, hall.
Anyway gundu has to first clear what he has done as shmoesaid.
No, the OP said:
gundu said:
4 to the power of 27 + 4 to the power of 1000 + 4 to the power of x.
x is the maximum positive integer and it adds up to a perfect square?
Which I interpret to mean "What is the largest positive integer such that this adds to a perfect square.

Of course, since I clearly can't do basic arithmetic, I can't answer this!
 

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