(a) Let $ n$ be a positive integer. Prove that there exist distinct positive integers $ x, y, z$ such that \[ x^{n-1} + y^n = z^{n+1}.\] (b) Let $ a, b, c$ be positive integers such that $ a$ and $ b$ are relatively prime and $ c$ is relatively prime either to $ a$ or to $ b.$ Prove that there exist infinitely many triples $ (x, y, z)$ of distinct positive integers $ x, y, z$ such that \[ x^a + y^b = z^c.\]
Problem
Source: IMO Shortlist 1997, Q6
Tags: number theory, relatively prime, Diophantine equation, IMO Shortlist