What values of a satisfy the cubic equation $a^3+23$ being a multiple of 24?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the values of \( a \) that satisfy the cubic equation \( a^3 + 23 \) being a multiple of 24. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and modular arithmetic, with constraints on \( a \) being a natural number less than 100.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that since 24 is even and 23 is odd, \( a \) must be odd, leading to the conclusion that \( a < 5 \).
  • One participant questions the reasoning behind the constraint \( a < 5 \), noting that \( a < 100 \) is given.
  • Another participant proposes solving the cubic equation \( a^3 - 1 \equiv 0 \mod 24 \) and identifies \( a \equiv 1 \mod 24 \) as a solution, yielding potential values of \( a = 1, 25, 49, 73, 97 \).
  • It is noted that the expression \( a^2 + a + 1 \equiv 0 \mod 24 \) has no solutions, as it results in an odd number, while 24 is even.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the constraint \( a < 5 \), with some agreeing on the values derived from the modular arithmetic while others question the initial assumptions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of the \( a < 5 \) condition.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes limitations related to the assumptions made about the parity of \( a \) and the implications of modular arithmetic on the solutions. The reasoning behind the constraints and the validity of the derived solutions are not fully settled.

Albert1
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$a>0,\,\, a\in N,\,\, and \,\, a<100$

if $a^3+23 $ is a multiple of 24

$find \,\, a$
 
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Albert said:
$a>0,\,\, a\in N,\,\, and \,\, a<100$

if $a^3+23 $ is a multiple of 24

$find \,\, a$

[sp]Because 24 is even and 23 is odd, a must be odd and is a<5... then 1 is solution and 3 isn't solution...[/sp]

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
[sp]Because 24 is even and 23 is odd, a must be odd and is a<5... then 1 is solution and 3 isn't solution...[/sp]

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
why a<5 ? (a<100 is given)
 
Albert said:
why a<5 ? (a<100 is given)

All right!...

[sp]You can find a solving the cubic equation...

$\displaystyle a^{3} - 1 = (a - 1)\ (a^{2} + a + 1) \equiv 0\ \text{mod}\ 24\ (1)$

Now $\displaystyle a - 1 \equiv 0\ \text{mod}\ 24$ has the only solution $\displaystyle a\ \equiv 1\ \text{mod}\ 24$ and that means a=1, 25, 49, 73, 97...

Otherwise $\displaystyle a^{2} + a + 1 \equiv 0\ \text{mod}\ 24$ has no solutions because in both cases 'a even' and 'a odd' the expression $\displaystyle a^{2} + a + 1$ gives an odd number and 24 in even, so that the solution found in the previous step are the only solutions...[/sp]

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
All right!...

[sp]You can find a solving the cubic equation...

$\displaystyle a^{3} - 1 = (a - 1)\ (a^{2} + a + 1) \equiv 0\ \text{mod}\ 24\ (1)$

Now $\displaystyle a - 1 \equiv 0\ \text{mod}\ 24$ has the only solution $\displaystyle a\ \equiv 1\ \text{mod}\ 24$ and that means a=1, 25, 49, 73, 97...

Otherwise $\displaystyle a^{2} + a + 1 \equiv 0\ \text{mod}\ 24$ has no solutions because in both cases 'a even' and 'a odd' the expression $\displaystyle a^{2} + a + 1$ gives an odd number and 24 in even, so that the solution found in the previous step are the only solutions...[/sp]

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
yes ,you got it !
for $a\in N , 0<a<100$
and $\displaystyle a\ \equiv 1\ \text{mod}\ 24$
so $,min(a)=1,max(a)=97$
$a=1,25,49,73,97$
 

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