Number theoryDifficulty 3.7AMC 10/12Prove itNorth Macedonia
Solve the equation x14+x24+⋯+x144=20163−1. in the set of integers.
Solution
For x=2k, x4=16k4≡0(mod16). For x=2k+1, x4−1=8k(k+1)(2k2+2k+1)≡0(mod16), i.e. x4≡1(mod16). Since 20163−1≡15(mod16), and the sum of the numbers on the left-hand side never gives a remainder 15 when divided by 16, it follows that the given equation has no solution in the integers.
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