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Harmonic Sum Of Squares (Posted on 2006-01-31) Difficulty: 4 of 5
A harmonic sequence is defined as a sequence whose reciprocals form an arithmetic sequence. For example: ({10, 12, 15, 20} is harmonic since {1/10, 1/12, 1/15, 1/20} is arithmetic. (Reference:http://perplexus.info/show.php?pid=1557)

Determine three positive integers X,Y and Z satisfying X < Y < Z which belong to a Harmonic sequence with each of X, Y and Z being expressible as the sum of squares of two distinct positive integers such that X + Y = Z + 1 , with Z being less than 2006.

  Submitted by K Sengupta    
Rating: 2.7500 (4 votes)
Solution: (Hide)
At the outset, I would wish to acknowledge the accurate methodology employed by goFish culminating in an accurate solution to the problem under reference.

SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM:

X = 493; Y = 697 and Z = 1189 constitute the only solution to the problem under reference.

EXPLANATION:

Since X,Y and Z are in H.P. with X < Y < Z , we must have Y = 2*X*Z/(X+Z). Accordingly, X + Y = Z + 1 gives

2XZ/(X+Z) = Z - X + 1
or, p^2-(2*Z)^2=P, where P = X+Z
or, (2P-1)^2 = 2*(2Z)^2 + 1 ........(#)

In terms of Pell's Equation, we observe that 2*(2Z)^2 + 1 is a perfect square for Z < 2006 whenever Z = 1,6,35,204 and 1189.

Now, only Z=1189 is expessible as the sum of two distinct squares since 1189 = 10^2 + 33^2.
None of the four other values of Z are expressible as sum of squares of two distinct positive integers.

Consequently, Z=1189, giving (2P-1) = 3363
or, P = 1682, so that X = 1682 - 1189 = 493

Hence, Y = 2*493*1189/(493 + 1189) = 697.

Now, 493 = 22^2 + 3^2 and
697 = 24^2 + 11^2 , which is in conformity with provisions of the problem.

Consequently, X= 493, Y= 697 and Z = 1189 constitutes the only solution to the problem under reference.

Comments: ( You must be logged in to post comments.)
  Subject Author Date
SolutionSolution - one waygoFish2006-01-31 17:15:12
re: ConsecutiveGamer2006-01-31 17:11:35
QuestionConsecutiveowl2006-01-31 16:37:11
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