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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

A lattice point in the -plane is a point both of whose coordinates are integers (not necessarily positive). How many lattice points lie on the hyperbola ?
Solution
Applying the difference of squares factorization, we see that any such point satisfies . Both factors are integers. The only pairs of factors of are and . Thus we have that the coordinates satisfy one of the following four systems: (i) , ; (ii) , ; (iii) , ; (iv) , . Solving each of these systems individually gives exactly one solution in each integers for each system. Thus there are lattice points on the hyperbola.
Final answer
4