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I need to prove that $x^2=3y+2$ cannot have integer positive solutions?I tried some numbers, could not find solution. But do not know how to prove.

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2 Answers 2

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The equation simplifies to $y = \frac{x^2-2}{3}$. Notice that for any integer $x$, $x^2 \equiv 0 \pmod 3$ or $x^2 \equiv 1 \pmod 3$. You can prove this yourself. Thus the numerator is never a multiple of $3$, thus $y$ is never an integer

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we have $$3y+2\equiv 2 \mod 3$$ but for $$x \in \mathbb{Z}$$ we get $$0,1,2 \mod 3$$ but we have $$x^2\equiv 0,1 \mod 3$$ contradiction

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  • $\begingroup$ Can you please explain a line "0,1,2 mod 3". Thanks! $\endgroup$
    – asyrov
    Oct 6, 2016 at 14:41

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