Maths Olympiad Prep

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Problem 2212

IMO Shortlist mid-range; USAMO P2/P5
Number theory Difficulty 8.1 Prove it Baltic Way Shortlist · Baltic Way

Find all the triples of non-negative integers (a,b,c)(a, b, c) for which the number
(a+b)4c+(b+c)4a+(c+a)4b \frac{(a+b)^4}{c} + \frac{(b+c)^4}{a} + \frac{(c+a)^4}{b}
is integer and a+b+ca + b + c is prime.

This one wants a proof. Work it on paper, then read the official solution and mark yourself. Be honest about it: the record is only any use to you if it is.

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Official solution

Answer (1,1,1)(1, 1, 1), (1,2,2)(1, 2, 2), (2,3,6)(2, 3, 6).
Let p=a+b+cp = a + b + c, then a+b=pca + b = p - c, b+c=pab + c = p - a, c+a=pbc + a = p - b and
(pc)4c+(pa)4a+(pb)4b \frac{(p-c)^4}{c} + \frac{(p-a)^4}{a} + \frac{(p-b)^4}{b}
is a non-negative integer. By expanding brackets we obtain that the number p4(1a+1b+1c)p^4\left(\frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{b}+\frac{1}{c}\right) is integer, too. But the numbers aa, bb, cc are not divisible by pp, therefore the number 1a+1b+1c\frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{b}+\frac{1}{c} is (non negative) integer. That is possible for the triples (1,1,1)(1, 1, 1), (1,2,2)(1, 2, 2), (2,3,6)(2, 3, 6) only.

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