Prove, that there is no solution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation \( 2^{ 2^n}+1 = m^3 \) and the claim that it has no solutions in natural numbers. Participants explore various approaches and observations related to this equation, including attempts to prove or disprove the claim.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Multiple participants assert the need to prove that \( 2^{ 2^n}+1 = m^3 \) has no solutions in natural numbers.
  • One participant mentions an observation rather than a solution, indicating a different approach to the problem.
  • Another participant proposes an alternative interpretation by taking \( 2^n \) instead of \( 2^{2^n} \), suggesting a different perspective on the equation.
  • A participant reports having tested all possible values for \( n \) and \( m \) without finding any solutions, indicating a lengthy effort in their exploration.
  • There are expressions of gratitude towards others for their contributions and solutions, though the nature of these solutions is not detailed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a shared belief that there are no solutions to the equation in natural numbers, but the discussion includes multiple approaches and interpretations, indicating that no consensus has been reached on a definitive proof or resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific values and approaches without providing detailed mathematical steps or justifications, leaving certain assumptions and dependencies on definitions unresolved.

lfdahl
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Prove, that the equation:

\[ 2^{ 2^n}+1 = m^3\]

has no solution in natural numbers.
 
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lfdahl said:
Prove, that the equation:

\[ 2^{ 2^n}+1 = m^3\]

has no solution in natural numbers.

$$2^{2^n}+1=m^3\Rightarrow2^{2^n}=m^3-1=(m-1)(m^2+m+1)$$

The parity of $m^2+m+1$ is odd, hence no natural $m$ and $n$ satisfy the original equation.
 
Not a solution but observation

weaker condition.

this should hold for $2^n$ and $2^{2^n}$ is not required.
 
greg1313 said:
$$2^{2^n}+1=m^3\Rightarrow2^{2^n}=m^3-1=(m-1)(m^2+m+1)$$

The parity of $m^2+m+1$ is odd, hence no natural $m$ and $n$ satisfy the original equation.

Hi, greg1313
You´re on the right track, but (cf. kaliprasads comment), you need to take a few steps more in order to reach the solution
 
Last edited:
lfdahl said:
Prove, that the equation:

\[ 2^{ 2^n}+1 = m^3\]

has no solution in natural numbers.

my solution: I am taking $2^n$ and not $2^{2^n}$

taking m = p+1
$2^n = m^3-1 = (p+1)^3 -1 = p(p^2+3p+3)$
now $gcd(p, p^2+3p+3) = gcd(p,3) $
so
let us take 2 cases
p is co-prime to 3. then it has got 2 factors that are co-primes so product cannot be a power of 2
p is multiple of 3. then product is multiple of 3 so cannot be power of 2
hence proved
 
Last edited:
kaliprasad said:
my solution: I am taking $2^n$ and not $2^{2^n}$

taking m = p+1
$2^n = m^3-1 = (p+1)^3 -1 = p(p^2+3p+3)$
now $gcd(p, p^2+3p+3) = 3$
so
let us take 2 cases
p is co-prime to 3. then it has got 2 factors that are co-primes so product cannot be a power of 2
p is multiple of 3. then product is multiple of 3 so cannot be power of 2
hence proved
how is $gcd(p,p^2+3p+3)=3\,\, ?$
if $p=2,4--$
 
I tried it out for all possible n and m and found no solutions. ( (Smoking) A long haul...It took me almost two hours to write it out.)

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
I tried it out for all possible n and m and found no solutions. ( (Smoking) A long haul...It took me almost two hours to write it out.)

-Dan
Hi, topsquark!

Thankyou for your effort! I must admit: I am glad indeed, that you did not find any solution with natural numbers ... otherwise the suggested solution would be unreliable.
 
Albert said:
how is $gcd(p,p^2+3p+3)=3\,\, ?$
if $p=2,4--$
thanks Albert

sorry It should be $gcd(p,p^2+3p+3)=gtcd(p,3)$

I have done the needful
 
  • #10
kaliprasad said:
thanks Albert

sorry It should be $gcd(p,p^2+3p+3)=gtcd(p,3)$

I have done the needful
"gtcd"? Grand Traverse Conservation District?

Never heard of this one. Can I have a hint? Or just a typo?

-Dan
 
  • #11
topsquark said:
"gtcd"? Grand Traverse Conservation District?

Never heard of this one. Can I have a hint? Or just a typo?

-Dan

typo
 
  • #12
Suggested solution:
Assume, that $2^{ 2^n}+1 = m^3$. Then $m$ must be an odd number, and:
$2^{ 2^n} = m^3-1= (m-1)(m^2+m+1)$
Hence, $m-1=2^s$ and $m^2+m+1=2^t$ for some positive integers $s$ and $t$.
Now,$2^{2s}= (m-1)^2=m^2-2m+1$ and $2^t-2^{2s}=3m$.

But $2^t-2^{2s}$ is even and $3m$ is odd, a contradiction.
 
  • #13
lfdahl said:
Suggested solution:
Assume, that $2^{ 2^n}+1 = m^3$. Then $m$ must be an odd number, and:
$2^{ 2^n} = m^3-1= (m-1)(m^2+m+1)$
Hence, $m-1=2^s$ and $m^2+m+1=2^t$ for some positive integers $s$ and $t$.
Now,$2^{2s}= (m-1)^2=m^2-2m+1$ and $2^t-2^{2s}=3m$.

But $2^t-2^{2s}$ is even and $3m$ is odd, a contradiction.
my solution:
$2^{2^n}=m^3-1=(m-1)(m^2+m+1)$
let $A=2^{2^n}$
$B=(m-1)(m^2+m+1)$
then $A$ must be a multiple of 4
both $m$ and $(m^2+m+1)$ must be odd,set $m-1=2a$($a\in N$), $a$ even or odd
(this does not matter,in fact a is even)
if$A=B$ then
$2^{2^n}=(2a)(m^2+m+1)$
this is impossible ,since $a\times (m^2+m+1)$ can not be expressed as a power of $2$
and we have the proof
 
Last edited:
  • #14
Thankyou, kaliprasad and Albert, for your nice solutions!(Yes)
 

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