Find positive integers for both a and b

In summary, the problem is to find positive integers a and b such that the expression $\left(\sqrt[3]{a}+\sqrt[3]{b}-1 \right)^2$ is equal to $49+20\sqrt[3]{6}$. While attempting to solve this problem, one approach is to express the right hand side in terms of a basis of $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt[3]{6})$ over $\mathbb{Q}$ and then identify the values of a and b. Using this approach, it is possible to find that a=48 and b=288 satisfy the given equation.
  • #1
anemone
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I have a question relating to solving for both a and b in the following question:

Find positive integers a and b such that:

$\displaystyle \left(\sqrt[3]{a}+\sqrt[3]{b}-1 \right)^2=49+20\sqrt[3]{6}$

This one appears to be tough because it doesn't seem right to expand the left hand side and I have tried that but it lead me to nowhere closer to finding both integers values for a and b.

Also, I've tried to work on the right hand side as my effort revolved around rewriting it as the square of sum of two terms but this has not been a fruitful approach as well.

Do you guys have any idea on how I can solve this one, please?

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
  • #3
anemone said:
Find positive integers a and b such that:

$\displaystyle \left(\sqrt[3]{a}+\sqrt[3]{b}-1 \right)^2=49+20\sqrt[3]{6}$

One way: expressing $\sqrt{49+20\sqrt[3]{6}}=\alpha +\beta \sqrt[3]{6}+\gamma \sqrt[3]{36}$ with $\alpha,\beta,\gamma\in\mathbb{Q}$ we get $\alpha=-1,\beta=\gamma=2$. Now, identifyng, we obtain $a=48,b=288$ (0r reciprocally).

P.S. For the first step, we have used that a basis of $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt[3]{6})$ over $\mathbb{Q}$ is $B=\{1,\sqrt[3]{6},\sqrt[3]{36}\}$. I ignore if at Olympiad level the students cover some similar property (of course without using the theory of extension fields).
 

FAQ: Find positive integers for both a and b

What are positive integers?

Positive integers are whole numbers that are greater than 0. They do not contain any decimal or fractional parts. Examples of positive integers are 1, 2, 3, 100, and 1000.

How do I find positive integers for both a and b?

To find positive integers for both a and b, you can use a method called trial and error. Start by choosing a value for one of the variables, and then plug it into the equation. If the resulting equation is true, then you have found one possible solution. If it is not true, try a different value for the variable and continue this process until you find a solution that works for both variables.

Can there be more than one set of positive integers for both a and b?

Yes, there can be multiple sets of positive integers that satisfy an equation. For example, the equation a + b = 10 can be solved with the values a = 1 and b = 9, or a = 2 and b = 8, or a = 3 and b = 7, and so on.

Are there any restrictions on the values of a and b?

No, there are no restrictions on the values of a and b as long as they are positive integers. This means that they can be any natural number greater than 0.

Can negative numbers be used as solutions for a and b?

No, negative numbers cannot be used as solutions for a and b when trying to find positive integers. Negative numbers are not considered positive integers as they have values less than 0.

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