Is there also an other way to solve the equation?

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In summary, we discussed solving the equation $x^3+4x+8=0 \pmod{15}$ and noticed that there are no solutions when checking all numbers from the set $\{0,1,2,\dots,14\}$. We also considered using a theorem to solve the equation and talked about the optimization of checking for solutions in $\mathbb{Z}_m$ and $\mathbb{Z}_n$ when looking for solutions in $\mathbb{Z}_{m\cdot n}$, which is known as the Chinese Remainder Theorem.
  • #1
evinda
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Hey! :cool:

I am looking at the exercise: Solve $x^3+4x+8=0 \pmod {15}$.

I checked all the numbers from the set $\{ 0,1,2 \dots, 14 \}$ and noticed that there are no solutions.
But could I also solve the equation,with an other way,maybe using a theorem? (Thinking)
 
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  • #2
evinda said:
Hey! :cool:

I am looking at the exercise: Solve $x^3+4x+8=0 \pmod {15}$.

I checked all the numbers from the set $\{ 0,1,2 \dots, 14 \}$ and noticed that there are no solutions.
But could I also solve the equation,with an other way,maybe using a theorem? (Thinking)

Hi! ;)

Small optimization.

If there is a root $a$, it must be possible to factorize into $(x-a)(x^2+bx+c)$.
The last term is $-ac$ and it must be equivalent to $8 \pmod{15}$.
Since $(8,15)=1$, this is only possible if $(a,15)=1$, so you can skip $0,3,5,6,9,10,12 \pmod{15}$.
 
  • #3
as 15 = 3 * 5 we can check for modulo 3 and modulo 5

for checking for modulo 3 we have
$x^3 + x + 2 = 0$
x = 0 and 1 does not satisfy but x = 2 does satisfy

for checking for mod 5
$x^3- x + 3= 0$
or x(x+1)(x-1) = 3

x = 0 or 1 or 4 give 1st term zero so we need to check for 2 and 3 and do not get a solution
 
  • #4
I like Serena said:
Hi! ;)

Small optimization.

If there is a root $a$, it must be possible to factorize into $(x-a)(x^2+bx+c)$.
The last term is $-ac$ and it must be equivalent to $8 \pmod{15}$.
Since $(8,15)=1$, this is only possible if $(a,15)=1$, so you can skip $0,3,5,6,9,10,12 \pmod{15}$.

So,if we have for example $a \equiv b \pmod m$ and $m \nmid b$ then do we know that $m \nmid a $ ? (Thinking)

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kaliprasad said:
as 15 = 3 * 5 we can check for modulo 3 and modulo 5

for checking for modulo 3 we have
$x^3 + x + 2 = 0$
x = 0 and 1 does not satisfy but x = 2 does satisfy

for checking for mod 5
$x^3- x + 3= 0$
or x(x+1)(x-1) = 3

x = 0 or 1 or 4 give 1st term zero so we need to check for 2 and 3 and do not get a solution

Is there a theorem that says that if we are looking for solutions of an equation in $\mathbb{Z}_{m \cdot n}$ and $(m,n)=1$,then we can check for the solutions in $\mathbb{Z}_m$ and $\mathbb{Z}_n$ and the common solutions of $\mathbb{Z}_m$ and $\mathbb{Z}_n$ are the solutions of the equation in $\mathbb{Z}_{m \cdot n}$ ? :confused:
 
  • #5
evinda said:
So,if we have for example $a \equiv b \pmod m$ and $m \nmid b$ then do we know that $m \nmid a $ ? (Thinking)

Erm... yes, that is correct. (Wondering)

Remember that $a \equiv b \pmod m$ means that $a=b+mk$.

So suppose $a$ is not divisible by $m$.
Since $mk$ is divisible by $m$ that implies that $b$ is indeed not divisible by $m$.
 
  • #6
evinda said:
Is there a theorem that says that if we are looking for solutions of an equation in $\mathbb{Z}_{m \cdot n}$ and $(m,n)=1$,then we can check for the solutions in $\mathbb{Z}_m$ and $\mathbb{Z}_n$ and the common solutions of $\mathbb{Z}_m$ and $\mathbb{Z}_n$ are the solutions of the equation in $\mathbb{Z}_{m \cdot n}$ ? :confused:

this is known as per Chinese remainder theorem
 
  • #7
I like Serena said:
Erm... yes, that is correct. (Wondering)

Remember that $a \equiv b \pmod m$ means that $a=b+mk$.

So suppose $a$ is not divisible by $m$.
Since $mk$ is divisible by $m$ that implies that $b$ is indeed not divisible by $m$.

I understand..thank you very much! (Cool)

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kaliprasad said:
this is known as per Chinese remainder theorem

A ok..thank you! :)
 
  • #8
evinda said:
A ok..thank you! :)

You actually stated the Chinese Remainder Theorem quite nicely! (Angel)
 
  • #9
I like Serena said:
You actually stated the Chinese Remainder Theorem quite nicely! (Angel)

(Blush) (Clapping) (Mmm)
 

FAQ: Is there also an other way to solve the equation?

What is the traditional way to solve an equation?

The traditional way to solve an equation is by using algebraic methods such as combining like terms, isolating the variable, and applying inverse operations.

Can equations be solved using other methods besides algebra?

Yes, equations can also be solved using other methods such as graphing, substitution, and elimination.

How do you know which method to use to solve an equation?

The method used to solve an equation depends on the form of the equation and the given information. It is important to choose a method that will help you isolate the variable and find a solution.

Are there any shortcuts or tricks to solving equations?

Yes, there are some shortcuts and tricks that can be used to solve certain types of equations. For example, the quadratic formula can be used to solve quadratic equations.

Is there a more efficient way to solve equations?

Efficiency in solving equations depends on the individual and their understanding of different methods. Some may find one method more efficient than others, while some may prefer a different approach. It is important to practice and find the method that works best for you.

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