# Is $x = 2$ is the only real solution for $a^x + b^x = c^x$ when $(a,b,c)$ is a pythagorean triplet?

Take any pythagorean triplet $(a,b,c)$, we know, by the definition that: $$a^2 + b^2 = c^2$$

But take $$a^x + b^x = c^x$$

Is $x=2$ the only possible solution $\in \Bbb R$ in this case? How can this be concluded?

I conjecture that $2$ is the only solution but I am not sure how to conclusively state this fact.

• I have a proof but this comment box is too small to contain it. – Suzu Hirose Nov 16 '14 at 11:03

Divide by $c^x$, and get $$\left(\frac{a}{c}\right)^x+\left(\frac{b}{c}\right)^x=1$$ The left-hand side is a decreasing function of $x$. It equals 2 when $x=0$ and approaches 0 for large $x$, so there will be only one solution.
It is greater than $2$ when $x<0$ because $a$ and $b$ are less than $c$.

• You should also specify the case when $x\in\mathbb{R}^-$ or at least write a line about it, though it is easy to prove. Good answer +1 – Swapnil Tripathi Nov 16 '14 at 11:20
• If I have $c^x = a^x + b^x$ and I notice $(a,b,c)$ is a pythagorean triple, can I now with full sureness say that $x$ has to be $2$? Is the reason you have stated sufficient? – Nick Nov 16 '14 at 11:31
• It would bear stating that $(a/c),(b/c)$ are strictly between $0$ and $1$ because $(a,b,c)$ is a pythagorean triple. – hardmath Nov 16 '14 at 11:41
• You're saying that the LHS is strictly monotonically decreasing and hence intersects $y = 1$ at only one value of $x$. Can this be verified solely on the basis of algebra or geometry? – Nick Nov 16 '14 at 23:59
• Yes, I think that is correct. – Empy2 Nov 17 '14 at 2:16

You should read up on Fermat's last theorem. It's not clear whether you want $x$ to be real or integer, but there is a section on exponents other than positive integers.

• This has little to do with FLT if the OP is also asking about real solutions $x$. – user139000 Nov 16 '14 at 11:05
• @SuzuHirose: FTL did cross my mind but I'm a highschooler and that stuff is beyond be. I was expecting some elementary direct way of saying "yeah, x=2" – Nick Nov 16 '14 at 11:13
• @Nick - we deleted a bunch of old comments. I've deleted three from this conversation, and David deleted at least two. – Suzu Hirose Nov 16 '14 at 11:24
• @DavidRicherby: I understand and I have done so too myself :D – Nick Nov 16 '14 at 13:13