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PrintChina Western Mathematical Olympiad
China number theory
Problem
Determine, with proof, whether there is any odd integer and distinct prime numbers such that all (, and ) are perfect squares? (posed by Tao Pingsheng)
Solution
The answer is negative. Suppose that there exist odd integer and distinct prime numbers satisfying the given condition.
If all are odd, then it follows from the given condition that all the sums are multiples of , so the prime numbers modulo appear to be and alternatively, and it contradicts the fact that is odd.
If one of is , then without loss of generality, we may assume that . As both and are perfect squares and both are odd, it follows that and are congruent to modulo . Similar to the discussion in the first case, we know that the primes modulo appear to be and alternatively, so is odd, which is a contradiction.
Hence, there are no odd integer and primes satisfying the given conditions.
If all are odd, then it follows from the given condition that all the sums are multiples of , so the prime numbers modulo appear to be and alternatively, and it contradicts the fact that is odd.
If one of is , then without loss of generality, we may assume that . As both and are perfect squares and both are odd, it follows that and are congruent to modulo . Similar to the discussion in the first case, we know that the primes modulo appear to be and alternatively, so is odd, which is a contradiction.
Hence, there are no odd integer and primes satisfying the given conditions.
Final answer
No, such primes do not exist for any odd length.
Techniques
Prime numbersQuadratic residues