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I need to solve the following

solve $7 x^3 + 2 = y^3$ over integers. How can I do that?

mathlove
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Hamid
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1 Answers1

14

To solve this kind of equations, we have several 'tools' such as

using mod, using inequalities, using factorization...

In your question, using mod will help you.

Since we have $$y^3-2=7x^3,$$ the following has to be satisfied : $$y^3\equiv 2\ \ \ (\text{mod $7$}).$$

However, in mod $7$, $$0^3\equiv 0,$$ $$1^3\equiv 1,$$ $$2^3\equiv 1,$$ $$3^3\equiv 6,$$ $$4^3\equiv 1,$$ $$5^3\equiv 6,$$ $$6^3\equiv 6.$$

So, there is no integer $y$ such that $y^3\equiv 2\ \ \ (\text{mod $7$}).$

Hence, we know that there is no solution.

mathlove
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