Maths Olympiad Prep

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Problem 848

AMC 12 late, AIME early
Number theory Difficulty 4.6 Prove it Saudi Arabian Mathematical Competitions · Saudi Arabia

Let xx, yy be distinct positive integers. Prove that the number
(x+y)2x3+xy2x2yy3 \frac{(x+y)^2}{x^3 + x y^2 - x^2 y - y^3}
is not an integer.

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

Denote by E(x,y)E(x, y) the expression in the problem. We have
E(x,y)=(x+y)2x(x2+y2)y(x2+y2)=(x+y)2(xy)(x2+y2)(1) E(x, y) = \frac{(x+y)^2}{x(x^2 + y^2) - y(x^2 + y^2)} = \frac{(x+y)^2}{(x-y)(x^2 + y^2)} \tag{1}
and we can assume that x>yx > y.

If xy=1x-y = 1, then E(x,y)ZE(x, y) \in \mathbb{Z} if and only if x2+y22xyx^2 + y^2 \mid 2 x y. This is not possible because x2+y2>2xyx^2 + y^2 > 2 x y.

If xy>1x-y > 1, then xy2x-y \geq 2. We have
0<E(x,y)(x+y)22(x2+y2)<1 0 < E(x, y) \leq \frac{(x+y)^2}{2(x^2 + y^2)} < 1
hence E(x,y)ZE(x, y) \notin \mathbb{Z}.

Source: MathNet, licensed CC-BY-4.0. Statement reproduced verbatim; metadata (topic, difficulty, ordering) added by this project.