One 3rd degree equation with two variables. Can it be a solution?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ceva
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Degree Variables
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding integer solutions for the equation x^3 - 727x = y^3 - 727y. The user initially expresses uncertainty about dividing by (x-y) due to potential loss of solutions, noting that if x equals y, there are infinitely many solutions. After further analysis, it is clarified that for x not equal to y, dividing the equation leads to x^2 + xy + y^2 = 727, allowing for the exploration of integer values within a specific range. The user ultimately discovers that by ensuring the expression under the square root is a perfect square, they can identify valid integer solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of careful manipulation in algebraic equations to uncover solutions.
Ceva
Messages
12
Reaction score
1
Hello this is my first post here. I found a problem in algebra which i cannot solve and don't even know if there are solutions as asked.
It is that one:

Homework Statement


Find all the integer solutions (x,y) that satisfy the equation:

Homework Equations


×3-727× = y3 - 727y

The Attempt at a Solution


x3 - y3 = 727x - 727y
(x-y)(x2+xy+y2)=727(x-y)

I didn't divided by (x-y) because i think i'll lose solutions. Also, x-y can be zero (i think).

So i finally have: (x-y)(x2+xy+y2-727)=0

How can i continue? Can i factorize more the second bracket? Or i can solve it graphically?

Also, x-y=0 doesn't mean that i have infinite solutions? If i set myself x and y Ε Z .
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If x = y, then (x-y) = 0 and you have a set of solutions (a straight line).
If x <> y, then your other solutions satisfy x^2 + xy + y^2 = 727 (an ellipse).
 
Ceva said:
Hello this is my first post here. I found a problem in algebra which i cannot solve and don't even know if there are solutions as asked.
It is that one:

Homework Statement


Find all the integer solutions (x,y) that satisfy the equation:


Homework Equations


×3-727× = y3 - 727y


The Attempt at a Solution


x3 - y3 = 727x - 727y
(x-y)(x2+xy+y2)=727(x-y)

I didn't divided by (x-y) because i think i'll lose solutions. Also, x-y can be zero (i think).

So i finally have: (x-y)(x2+xy+y2-727)=0

How can i continue? Can i factorize more the second bracket? Or i can solve it graphically?

Also, x-y=0 doesn't mean that i have infinite solutions? If i set myself x and y Ε Z .

You can have x = y = any integer, so already there are infinitely many solutions. To look for solutions with x ≠ y, divide out your above expression by (x-y)---which IS allowed when x ≠ y-- to get x^2 + x*y + y^2 = 727. Using various methods you can find the maximum and minimum possible values of x, which are
x_{\min} = -\frac{2}{3}\sqrt{2181} \doteq -31.1342 \\<br /> x_{\max} = \frac{2}{3}\sqrt{2181} \doteq 31.1342 ,
so the only integer values of x you need to look at are those from x = -31 to +31. For each x you can solve the quadratic equation to find the two values of y. You can just use a loop over x from -31 to + 31 and look at all the y-values to see if any of them come out as integers.
 
Okay, i found the solution. I solved with respect to y and what was over the root must be a square number in order to be an integer. From there it wasn't difficult to find the solutions. Thanks for your help!
 
Back
Top