Solve for positive integer solutions

In summary, a positive integer is a whole number greater than zero and does not include decimals or fractions. To solve for positive integer solutions, an equation or system of equations using positive integers as variables must be set up and solved using algebraic methods. There can be multiple positive integer solutions for an equation, but there are limitations such as equations with irrational numbers or logarithms. Solving for positive integer solutions can be useful in real life for practical problem-solving and in fields like programming and computer science.
  • #1
anemone
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Find the positive integer numbers $a$ and $b$ such that $65(a^3b^3 + a^2 + b^2) = 81(ab^3 + 1)$.
 
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  • #2
anemone said:
Find the positive integer numbers $a$ and $b$ such that $65(a^3b^3 + a^2 + b^2) = 81(ab^3 + 1)$.

\(\displaystyle 65(a^3b^3+a^2+b^2)=81(ab^3+1)\)

\(\displaystyle 65a^2(ab^3+1)+65b^2=81(ab^3+1)\)

\(\displaystyle (81-65a^2)(ab^3+1)=65b^2\implies a=1\text{ if there are solutions in the positive integers.}\)

\(\displaystyle 16b^3-65b^2+16=0\implies b=4\text{ if }b\text{ is an integer.}\)

\(\displaystyle (a,b)=(1,4)\text{ are the only positive integers that solve the given equation.}\)
 
  • #3
greg1313 said:
\(\displaystyle 65(a^3b^3+a^2+b^2)=81(ab^3+1)\)

\(\displaystyle 65a^2(ab^3+1)+65b^2=81(ab^3+1)\)

\(\displaystyle (81-65a^2)(ab^3+1)=65b^2\implies a=1\text{ if there are solutions in the positive integers.}\)

\(\displaystyle 16b^3-65b^2+16=0\implies b=4\text{ if }b\text{ is an integer.}\)

\(\displaystyle (a,b)=(1,4)\text{ are the only positive integers that solve the given equation.}\)

Very good job, greg1313! :cool:

My solution:

The given equation can be rewritten as $b^3(a)(65a^2-81)+65b^2+(65a^2-81)=0$ (*).

We have two cases to consider here, first is $65a^2-81>0$, which leads to $a≥2$. Replacing these two important information into (*) we see that we have the relation where it says always positive+always positive+always positive=0, which tells us there is no solution for $a≥2$.

That also means we only have to consider for $0≤a≤1$. Now, solving the above equation for $b$ when $a=1$, we find $b=4$ and there is no solution for the case $a=0$ and we are hence done.
 
  • #4
anemone said:
Very good job, greg1313! :cool:

My solution:

Now, solving the above equation for $b$ when $a=1$, we find $b=4$ and there is no solution for the case $a=0$ and we are hence done.
because a is positive we need not consider $a = 0$
 

FAQ: Solve for positive integer solutions

What is the definition of a positive integer?

A positive integer is any whole number greater than zero. It does not include any decimals or fractions.

How do you solve for positive integer solutions?

To solve for positive integer solutions, you need to set up an equation or system of equations using positive integers as variables. Then, you can use algebraic methods such as substitution or elimination to solve for the values of the variables that satisfy the equation(s).

Can there be more than one positive integer solution for an equation?

Yes, there can be multiple positive integer solutions for an equation. For example, the equation 2x + 3 = 7 has the solutions x = 2 and x = 4, both of which are positive integers.

Are there any limitations to solving for positive integer solutions?

There are certain types of equations that do not have positive integer solutions. For example, equations involving irrational numbers or logarithms may not have positive integer solutions. Additionally, some equations may have positive integer solutions, but they are not easy to find using traditional algebraic methods.

How can solving for positive integer solutions be useful in real life?

Solving for positive integer solutions can be useful in a variety of real-life situations, such as determining the number of items that can fit into a container of a certain size or finding the number of people who need to attend an event to make it profitable. It can also be used in programming and computer science to optimize algorithms and solve problems.

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