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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding integer solutions for a cubic equation involving two variables, specifically the equation x³ - 727x = y³ - 727y. Participants are exploring the implications of factoring and the conditions under which solutions may exist.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to factor the equation and expresses concern about losing solutions by dividing by (x-y). They question whether x-y=0 leads to infinite solutions and seek clarification on further steps.
  • Some participants suggest that if x equals y, it results in a straight line of solutions, while if x does not equal y, the solutions form an ellipse defined by the equation x² + xy + y² = 727.
  • Further discussion includes the potential for finding integer solutions by examining the quadratic nature of the derived equation and the constraints on x.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the solutions and the conditions required for integer values, but there is no explicit consensus on the complete set of solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the problem, including the implications of integer solutions and the constraints imposed by the original equation. The original poster's uncertainty about the validity of certain steps and assumptions is evident.

Ceva
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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 .
 
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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
[tex]x_{\min} = -\frac{2}{3}\sqrt{2181} \doteq -31.1342 \\<br /> x_{\max} = \frac{2}{3}\sqrt{2181} \doteq 31.1342 ,[/tex]
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!
 

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