Proving an identity to have solutions over all the integers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that certain linear equations, specifically of the form 3x + 2y = 5, have infinitely many integer solutions. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques related to integer solutions of linear equations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for a procedure to prove that the equation 3x + 2y = 5 has infinitely many integer solutions.
  • Another participant suggests a method involving finding a specific solution and then adjusting it by adding and subtracting integers to maintain the equality.
  • A third participant presents a derived solution and checks the correctness of their approach with another similar equation, 4x + 3y = 10.
  • A later reply confirms the correctness of the presented solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of finding integer solutions, but the discussion does not explore any competing views or unresolved issues.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed exploration into the general case for all linear equations or the assumptions made in deriving the solutions.

jimep
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Hello,

I was looking at some math problems and one kind caught my attention. The idea was to prove that let's say 3x+2y=5 has infinitely many solutions over the integers.

Can someone show me the procedure how a problem like this might be solved?
 
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One solution is x=3, y=-2. Can you find a way to add some number a to 3 and subtract another number b from -2 so that when you plug 3+a and -2-b into the equation the a term and the b term cancel out?
 
Thank you man, I perfectly understood how to solve this.

3x+2y=5 => 3*(2a+1)+2*(1-3a)=5

And then just to practice I solved another one

4x+3y=10 => 4*(3n+1)+3*(2-4n)=10

Are they correct?
 
That looks good
 

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