$ x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 1993$ then prove $ x + y + z$ can't be a perfect square:
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Tags: number theory unsolved, number theory
29.04.2008 18:30
Problem from Romania TST 1993
18.06.2008 00:28
We will take congruences mod 5. Since a square is = 0,1,4 (mod5) and 1993=3 (mod 5) we have that if x^2+y^2+z^2=3(mod 5) we easily conclude that x,y,z are equal to 1 mod 5 or two of them are 4 and the other 0 mod 5. So we have that x+y+z=3 mod 5 but if it were a perfect square it wolud be 0,1 or 4. Hope it is correct , if you don't understand just ask Daniel
18.06.2008 00:42
lambruscokid wrote: if x^2+y^2+z^2=3(mod 5) we easily conclude that x,y,z are equal to 1 mod 5 or two of them are 4 and the other 0 mod 5 I think we conclude that $ x^2,y^2,z^2$ are equal to 1 mod 5 or two of them are 4 and the other 0 mod 5...
18.06.2008 00:51
oh you are right, I'll keep thinking the problem Thank you!