Determine positive integer solutions

In summary, a positive integer solution is a set of values for variables in an equation that, when substituted, results in a positive integer value. To determine these solutions, various methods such as algebraic manipulation, graphing, or trial and error can be used. However, not all equations have positive integer solutions, as some may have no solutions or only negative/fractional solutions. It is possible for an equation to have more than one positive integer solution, making it important to check all possible values. Determining positive integer solutions can be useful in practical applications and in solving mathematical problems and theorems.
  • #1
anemone
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Determine all triples of positive integers $x,\,y,\,z$ such that $z\ge y\ge x$ and $x+y+z+xy+yz+xz=xyz+1$.
 
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  • #2
anemone said:
Determine all triples of positive integers $x,\,y,\,z$ such that $z\ge y\ge x$ and $x+y+z+xy+yz+xz=xyz+1$.

add $1 + xyz$ on both sides to get $(1+x)(1+y)(1+z) = 2(1+xyz)$

for upper bound on x letting $x =y = z$ we get $(1+x)^3 =2(1+x^3)=> x <4$

so we need to check for 3 cases $x = 1, 2 , 3$

$x=1 => 2(1+y)(1+z) = 2(1+yz) => 1+y+z + yz = 1 + yz=> y+ z = 0$ or no solution$x=2=> 3(1+y)(1+z) = 2(1+2yz)$
or $3 + 3y + 3z+ 3yz = 2 + 4yz$
or $ yz-3y-3z =1$
or $(y-3)(z-3) = 10$
giving one solution $z-3=10,y-3=1=> z = 13,y=4$
or another solution $z-3 = 5,y-3 =2 => z= 8,y = 5$

$x=3=> 4(1+y)(1+z) = 2(1+3yz)$
or $4 + 4y + 4z + 4yz = 2 + 6yz$
or $ yz - 2y - 2z = 1$
or $(y-2)(z-2) = 5$ giving $z-2=5, y-2 = 1$ or $z = 7, y = 3$

so 3 sets of solution $(x,y,z) = (2,5,8),(2,4,13),(3,3,7)$
 
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  • #3
Well done kaliprasad! :cool:
 

Related to Determine positive integer solutions

1. What is a positive integer solution?

A positive integer solution is a set of values for variables in an equation that, when substituted, results in a positive integer value for the equation. In other words, it is a solution that satisfies the equation and has only positive whole numbers as its values.

2. How do you determine positive integer solutions?

To determine positive integer solutions, you can use a variety of methods such as algebraic manipulation, graphing, or trial and error. It is important to carefully analyze the given equation and use mathematical principles to solve for values that result in a positive integer solution.

3. Are there always positive integer solutions for an equation?

No, there may not always be positive integer solutions for an equation. Some equations may have no solutions or only negative or fractional solutions. It depends on the specific equation and the values of its variables.

4. Can an equation have more than one positive integer solution?

Yes, an equation can have multiple positive integer solutions. For example, the equation x + 3 = 7 has two positive integer solutions, x = 4 and x = 5. It is important to check all possible values to ensure all solutions are found.

5. How can determining positive integer solutions be useful?

Determining positive integer solutions can be useful in real-world situations where only whole numbers are applicable, such as in counting, measurements, or budgeting. It can also help in solving mathematical problems and proving mathematical theorems.

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