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Suppose that \(x_1+y_1\sqrt{d}\) gives a solution to Pell’s equation \(x^2-dy^2=1\). Define a sequence \(x_n+y_n\sqrt{d} = (x_1+y_1\sqrt{d})^n\). Show that we have the recurrence relations \(x_{n+2} = 2x_1x_{n+1}-x_n\) and \(y_{n+2} = 2x_1y_{n+1}-y_n\).

Prove that the only solution to \(5^a-3^b=2\) with \(a,b\) being positive integers is \(a=b=1\).

Show that Pell’s equation \(x^2-dy^2=1\) has a nontrivial solution.

For the following equations, find the integer solution \((x,y)\) with the smallest possible absolute value of \(y\).

  • \(x^2 - 7y^2 = 1\);

  • \(x^2 - 7y^2 = 29\).

Find the integer solution \((x,y)\) with the smallest possible absolute value of \(y\). \(x^2 - 2y^2 = 1\);

This equation helps to find all the square-triangular numbers, namely all the numbers that are perfect squares and can be represented as the sum \(1+2+3+...m\) for some \(m\). Finding such a number is equivalent to finding a solution to the equation: \(2n^2 = m(m+1)\). Or finding a solution to the Pell’s equation \(x^2-2y^2 = 1\) for \(x=2m+1\), \(y=2n\).

A rectangle has a perimeter of \(1\). Is it possible that its area is larger than \(1000\)?

Zahra has a \(3\times 3\) grid of little squares. Can she write the numbers \(2,4,6,7,8,10,12,14,16\) inside the little square - using each number exactly once - so that the sum of the three numbers in every row is the same?