Standard Fractions!

1 A + A B + 1 A B = 1 \large{\dfrac{1}{A}+ \dfrac{A}{B} + \dfrac{1}{AB}=1}

How many ordered pairs of positive integers ( A , B ) (A,B) exists satisfying the above equation?

1 2 0 3 5 7 6 4

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3 solutions

Abhishek Sinha
Nov 4, 2015

Simplifying the expression, we have B = A 2 + 1 A 1 = ( ( A 1 ) + 1 ) 2 + 1 A 1 = ( A 1 ) + 2 + 2 A 1 B=\frac{A^2+1}{A-1}=\frac{\big((A-1)+1\big)^2+1}{A-1}=(A-1)+2+\frac{2}{A-1} Since B B is an integer, A 1 A-1 must divide 2 2 . Also, since A A is a positive integer, there are only two possibilities A 1 = 1 A-1=1 or A 1 = 2 A-1=2 , i.e., A = 2 A=2 or A = 3 A=3 . Both cases yields B = 5 B=5 . Hence only two ordered pairs of positive solutions are possible.

Perfect ! I too did the same way

Shubhendra Singh - 5 years, 7 months ago
Otto Bretscher
Sep 28, 2015

We can write the given equation as A 2 B A + B + 1 = 0 A^2-BA+B+1=0 , and we can solve for A A to find A = B ± ( B 2 ) 2 8 2 A=\frac{B\pm{\sqrt{(B-2)^2-8}}}{2} . The only way that ( B 2 ) 2 8 (B-2)^2-8 can be a perfect square is ( B 2 ) 2 = 9 (B-2)^2=9 and B = 5 B=5 . Then A = 5 ± 1 2 A=\frac{5\pm{1}}{2} , giving us 2 \boxed{2} solutions.

Moderator note:

For completeness, can you elaboration on why "the only way that ( B 2 ) 2 8 (B-2)^2 - 8 can be a perfect square is ..."?

Even a hint like "Using the typical factorization trick of 8 = N 2 ( B 2 ) 2 = ( N + B 2 ) ( N B + 2 ) 8 = N^2 - (B-2)^2 = ( N + B-2) ( N - B + 2 ) makes it easier for others to follow.

@Satyajit Mohanty Given that the equation is not symmetric in A and B, I do not think that it makes sense to talk about un-ordered pairs.

Calvin Lin Staff - 5 years, 8 months ago

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I agree. I just have a bad habit of adding the term "un-ordered" pairs while designing/modifying a problem! I've changed it. Thanks for informing me.

Satyajit Mohanty - 5 years, 8 months ago
Krutarth Patel
Nov 14, 2015

1 A + A B + 1 A B = 1 B + A 2 + 1 A B = 1 B + A 2 + 1 A B = 0 ( B A B ) + ( A 2 1 ) + 2 = 0 ( A B + 1 ) ( A 1 ) = 2 \begin{aligned} \frac{1}{A} + \frac{A}{B} + \frac{1}{AB} & = 1 \\ \Rightarrow \frac{B + A^{2} + 1}{AB} & = 1 \\ \Rightarrow B + A^{2} + 1 - AB & = 0 \\ \Rightarrow (B - AB) + (A^{2} - 1) + 2 & = 0 \\ \Rightarrow (A - B + 1)(A - 1) = -2 \end{aligned} Now, if x , y Z x, y \in \mathbb{Z} , x y = 2 xy = -2 , then ( x , y ) = ( ± 1 , ± 2 ) . (x, y) = (\pm{1}, \pm{2}). \begin{equation*}A - B + 1 = 1, A - 1 = -2 \Rightarrow (A, B) = (-1, -1) \\ A - B + 1 = -2, A - 1 = 1 \Rightarrow (A, B) = (2, 5) \\ A - B + 1 = -1, A - 1 = 2 \Rightarrow (A, B) = (3, 5) \\ A - B + 1 = 2, A - 1 = -1 \Rightarrow (A, B) = (0, -1) \end{equation*} Only ( 2 , 5 ) (2, 5) and ( 3 , 5 ) (3, 5) are positive integers. Hence, 2 \boxed{2} is the answer.

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