Let $m$ be a positive integer and $p$ be a prime, such that $m^2 - 2$ is divisible by $p$. Suppose that there exists positive integer $a$ such that $a^2+m-2$ is divisible by $p$. Prove that there exists positive integer $b$ such that $b^2- m -2$ is divisible by $p$.
Problem
Source: Latvian TST for Baltic Way 2019 Problem 14
Tags: number theory unsolved, number theory
29.05.2020 22:09
I use quadratic rules. Given the conditions : $(\dfrac{2}{p})=1$, $(\dfrac{2-m}{p})=1$. It is $(\dfrac{2-m}{p})(\dfrac{m+2}{p})=(\dfrac{m+2}{p})$ $\Leftrightarrow$ $(\dfrac{4-m^2}{p})=(\dfrac{m+2}{p})$ $\Rightarrow$ ($p \div m^2-2$) $(\dfrac{2}{p})=(\dfrac{m+2}{p})$ $\Rightarrow$ $1=(\dfrac{m+2}{p})$. Thats enough.
30.05.2020 13:35
30.05.2020 20:45
26.08.2024 01:25
We use properties of the Legendre symbol $(a/p)$. Notice that \[\left(\frac{2 - m}{p}\right) \left(\frac{2 + m}{p}\right) = \left(\frac{4 - m^2}{p}\right) = \left(\frac2p\right) = 1,\]since we're given $m^2 \equiv 2 \pmod p$. But $a^2 \equiv 2 - m \pmod p$ implies that $a$ is a quadratic residue mod $p$, so it follows that $2 + m$ is as well. This is equivalent to the problem statement. $\square$