Consider the equation $(3x^3 + xy^2)(x^2y + 3y^3) = (x - y)^7$
a. Prove that there are infinitely many pairs$(x,y)$ of positive integers satisfying the equation.
b. Describe all pairs $(x,y)$ of positive integers satisfying the equation.
USA(J)MO 2017 #2
The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence.
- Charles Caleb Colton
- Charles Caleb Colton
- Atonu Roy Chowdhury
- Posts:64
- Joined:Fri Aug 05, 2016 7:57 pm
- Location:Chittagong, Bangladesh
Re: USA(J)MO 2017 #2
Substitute $a=x+y$ and $b=x-y$ and after some simplification, we get
$a^6 = b^6(4b+1)$
So, $4b+1=(2n+1)^6$
Here we'll find a value of $b$ in terms of $n$. Then $a=(2n+1)b$, here we'll input the value of $b$ and get a value of $a$ in terms of $n$. $x=\frac{a+b}{2}$ and $y=\frac{a-b}{2}$ .
$a^6 = b^6(4b+1)$
So, $4b+1=(2n+1)^6$
Here we'll find a value of $b$ in terms of $n$. Then $a=(2n+1)b$, here we'll input the value of $b$ and get a value of $a$ in terms of $n$. $x=\frac{a+b}{2}$ and $y=\frac{a-b}{2}$ .
This was freedom. Losing all hope was freedom.