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jlacosta   0
May 1, 2025
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0 replies
jlacosta
May 1, 2025
0 replies
Sum of Good Indices
raxu   25
N 25 minutes ago by cj13609517288
Source: TSTST 2015 Problem 1
Let $a_1, a_2, \dots, a_n$ be a sequence of real numbers, and let $m$ be a fixed positive integer less than $n$. We say an index $k$ with $1\le k\le n$ is good if there exists some $\ell$ with $1\le \ell \le m$ such that $a_k+a_{k+1}+...+a_{k+\ell-1}\ge0$, where the indices are taken modulo $n$. Let $T$ be the set of all good indices. Prove that $\sum\limits_{k \in T}a_k \ge 0$.

Proposed by Mark Sellke
25 replies
raxu
Jun 26, 2015
cj13609517288
25 minutes ago
f(x^2+y^2+z^2)=f(xy)+f(yz)+f(zx)
dangerousliri   7
N 27 minutes ago by jasperE3
Source: FEOO, Shortlist A4
Find all functions $f:\mathbb{R}^+\rightarrow\mathbb{R}$ such that for any positive real numbers $x, y$ and $z$,
$$f(x^2+y^2+z^2)=f(xy)+f(yz)+f(zx)$$
Proposed by ThE-dArK-lOrD, and Papon Tan Lapate, Thailand
7 replies
dangerousliri
May 31, 2020
jasperE3
27 minutes ago
IMO Genre Predictions
ohiorizzler1434   24
N an hour ago by Miquel-point
Everybody, with IMO upcoming, what are you predictions for the problem genres?


Personally I predict: predict
24 replies
ohiorizzler1434
Yesterday at 6:51 AM
Miquel-point
an hour ago
foldina a rectangle paper 3 times
parmenides51   1
N 2 hours ago by TheBaiano
Source: 2023 May Olympiad L2 p4
Matías has a rectangular sheet of paper $ABCD$, with $AB<AD$.Initially, he folds the sheet along a straight line $AE$, where $E$ is a point on the side $DC$ , so that vertex $D$ is located on side $BC$, as shown in the figure. Then folds the sheet again along a straight line $AF$, where $F$ is a point on side $BC$, so that vertex $B$ lies on the line $AE$; and finally folds the sheet along the line $EF$. Matías observed that the vertices $B$ and $C$ were located on the same point of segment $AE$ after making the folds. Calculate the measure of the angle $\angle DAE$.
IMAGE
1 reply
parmenides51
Mar 24, 2024
TheBaiano
2 hours ago
GCD of consecutive terms
nsato   33
N 2 hours ago by reni_wee
The numbers in the sequence 101, 104, 109, 116, $\dots$ are of the form $a_n = 100 + n^2$, where $n = 1$, 2, 3, $\dots$. For each $n$, let $d_n$ be the greatest common divisor of $a_n$ and $a_{n + 1}$. Find the maximum value of $d_n$ as $n$ ranges through the positive integers.
33 replies
nsato
Mar 14, 2006
reni_wee
2 hours ago
Largest Divisor
4everwise   19
N 3 hours ago by reni_wee
What is that largest positive integer $n$ for which $n^3+100$ is divisible by $n+10$?
19 replies
4everwise
Dec 22, 2005
reni_wee
3 hours ago
Can anyone solve this binomial identity
sasu1ke   0
4 hours ago


\[
\sum_{0 \leq k \leq l} (l - k) \binom{m}{k} \binom{q + k}{n}
= \binom{l + q + 1}{m + n + 1},
\]\[
\text{integers } l, m \geq 0,\quad \text{integers } n \geq q \geq 0.
\]
0 replies
sasu1ke
4 hours ago
0 replies
[ABCD] = n [CDE], areas in trapezoid - IOQM 2020-21 p1
parmenides51   3
N 4 hours ago by iamahana008
Let $ABCD$ be a trapezium in which $AB \parallel CD$ and $AB = 3CD$. Let $E$ be then midpoint of the diagonal $BD$. If $[ABCD] = n \times  [CDE]$, what is the value of $n$?

(Here $[t]$ denotes the area of the geometrical figure$ t$.)
3 replies
parmenides51
Jan 18, 2021
iamahana008
4 hours ago
Looking for users and developers
derekli   5
N Today at 3:59 PM by musicalpenguin
Guys I've been working on a web app that lets you grind high school lvl math. There's AMCs, AIME, BMT, HMMT, SMT etc. Also, it's infinite practice so you can keep grinding without worrying about finding new problems. Please consider helping me out by testing and also consider joining our developer team! :P :blush:

Link: https://stellarlearning.app/competitive
5 replies
derekli
Today at 12:57 AM
musicalpenguin
Today at 3:59 PM
Sequences and GCD problem
BBNoDollar   0
Today at 3:23 PM
Determine the general term of the sequence of non-zero natural numbers (a_n)n≥1, with the property that gcd(a_m, a_n, a_p) = gcd(m^2 ,n^2 ,p^2), for any distinct non-zero natural numbers m, n, p.

⁡Note that gcd(a,b,c) denotes the greatest common divisor of the natural numbers a,b,c .
0 replies
BBNoDollar
Today at 3:23 PM
0 replies
Sum of digits is 18
Ecrin_eren   13
N Today at 3:20 PM by NamelyOrange
How many 5 digit numbers are there such that sum of its digits is 18
13 replies
Ecrin_eren
Yesterday at 1:10 PM
NamelyOrange
Today at 3:20 PM
Inequalities
sqing   1
N Today at 3:18 PM by DAVROS
Let $ a,b,c>0 $ and $ a+b\leq 16abc. $ Prove that
$$ a+b+kc^3\geq\sqrt[4]{\frac{4k} {27}}$$$$ a+b+kc^4\geq\frac{5} {8}\sqrt[5]{\frac{k} {2}}$$Where $ k>0. $
$$ a+b+3c^3\geq\sqrt{\frac{2} {3}}$$$$ a+b+2c^4\geq \frac{5} {8}$$
1 reply
sqing
Today at 12:46 PM
DAVROS
Today at 3:18 PM
an algebra problem
Asyrafr09   2
N Today at 12:03 PM by pooh123
Determine all real number($x,y,z$) that satisfy
$$x=1+\sqrt{y-z^2}$$$$y=1+\sqrt{z-x^2}$$$$z=1+\sqrt{x-y^2}$$
2 replies
Asyrafr09
Today at 10:05 AM
pooh123
Today at 12:03 PM
Inequalities
sqing   1
N Today at 11:51 AM by sqing
Let $ a,b,c\geq 0 ,   2a +ab + 12a bc \geq 8. $ Prove that
$$  a+  (b+c)(a+1)+\frac{4}{5}  bc \geq 4$$$$  a+  (b+c)(a+0.9996)+ 0.77  bc \geq 4$$
1 reply
sqing
Today at 5:23 AM
sqing
Today at 11:51 AM
Easy Number Theory
math_comb01   37
N Apr 23, 2025 by John_Mgr
Source: INMO 2024/3
Let $p$ be an odd prime and $a,b,c$ be integers so that the integers $$a^{2023}+b^{2023},\quad b^{2024}+c^{2024},\quad a^{2025}+c^{2025}$$are divisible by $p$.
Prove that $p$ divides each of $a,b,c$.
$\quad$
Proposed by Navilarekallu Tejaswi
37 replies
math_comb01
Jan 21, 2024
John_Mgr
Apr 23, 2025
Easy Number Theory
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: INMO 2024/3
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math_comb01
662 posts
#1 • 3 Y
Y by GeoKing, Rounak_iitr, polynomialian
Let $p$ be an odd prime and $a,b,c$ be integers so that the integers $$a^{2023}+b^{2023},\quad b^{2024}+c^{2024},\quad a^{2025}+c^{2025}$$are divisible by $p$.
Prove that $p$ divides each of $a,b,c$.
$\quad$
Proposed by Navilarekallu Tejaswi
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by math_comb01, Jan 22, 2024, 8:22 AM
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mannshah1211
651 posts
#2 • 3 Y
Y by ATGY, GeoKing, megarnie
If $p$ divides one of them, it divides all of them. Assume that it divides none of them. Then, there exists an inverse for all of them in modulo $p$ and then it's some algmanip to get $b \equiv c \pmod{p}$ a contradiction
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ATGY
2502 posts
#3
Y by
mannshah1211 wrote:
If $p$ divides one of them, it divides all of them. Assume that it divides none of them. Then, there exists an inverse for all of them in modulo $p$ and then it's some algmanip to get $b \equiv c \pmod{p}$ a contradiction

Did it the same for the first part but used sum of cubes to arrive at the result (more lengthy)
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LuciferMichelson
18 posts
#4 • 1 Y
Y by Aliosman
isn't that this question toooo easy for INMO p3
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starchan
1607 posts
#5 • 1 Y
Y by kamatadu
LuciferMichelson wrote:
isn't that this question toooo easy for INMO p3

On what sample set are you basing your opinion on difficulty?
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anantmudgal09
1980 posts
#6 • 1 Y
Y by Raj_singh1432
Proposed by Navilarekallu Tejaswi
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lelouchvigeo
181 posts
#7 • 1 Y
Y by S_14159
If $p$ divides one of them, it divides all of them. Assume that it divides none of them. Then just do some things to get $b \equiv c \pmod{p}$.
Which gives a contradiction
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Pluto1708
1107 posts
#8 • 4 Y
Y by ATGY, GeoKing, kamatadu, Rounak_iitr
math_comb01 wrote:
Let $p$ be an odd prime and $a,b,c$ be integers so that the integers $$a^{2023}+b^{2023},\quad b^{2024}+c^{2024},\quad a^{2025}+c^{2025}$$.
Prove that $p$ divides each of $a,b,c$.
Clearly if $p$ divides any of $a,b,c$ we are done, so from now onwards we assume none of them are divisible by $p$.Define $x,y$ such that
$x = \dfrac{a}{b} \mod p \Longleftrightarrow x^{2023}\equiv -1\mod p$ and $y = \dfrac{b}{c}\mod p \Longleftrightarrow y^{2024}\equiv -1\mod p$.Then notice
\[\dfrac{1}{xy} = \dfrac{c}{a}\mod p\Longleftrightarrow (x\cdot y)^{2025}\equiv -1\mod p\]Claim : $y\equiv 1\mod p$ that is $b\equiv c \mod p$
Based on previous equations $$-1 = (x\cdot y)^{2023\cdot 2025} = x^{2023\cdot 2025}\cdot y^{2023\cdot 2025} = -y^{2024^2-1}=-y^{-1}\mod p\Longleftrightarrow y\equiv 1\mod p $$
Now plugging back in the original equation we get $1=y^{2024}=-1\mod p\implies p\mid 2$ a contradiction to the fact that $p$ was an odd-prime.$\blacksquare$
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HoRI_DA_GRe8
597 posts
#9
Y by
Yeah basically belows solution I got.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by HoRI_DA_GRe8, Jan 22, 2024, 1:05 PM
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kamatadu
480 posts
#10 • 4 Y
Y by GeoKing, polynomialian, iamahana008, kkloveMinecraft
Firstly note that if even one of them is divisible by $p$, all of them are. So assume on the contrary that none of them are divisible by $p$. So assume none of them are.

Then we get that,
\begin{align*}
    \left(\dfrac{a}{b}\right)^{2023} &\equiv -1 \pmod{p}\\
    \left(\dfrac{b}{c}\right)^{2024} &\equiv -1 \pmod{p}\\
    \left(\dfrac{c}{a}\right)^{2025} &\equiv -1 \pmod{p}
.\end{align*}
We multiply all three of them to get $a^2 \equiv -bc \pmod{p}$.

Now note that we have $a^{2023} \equiv -b^{2023} \pmod{p}$ and $a^{2025} \equiv -c^{2025} \pmod{p}$. Multiplying these, we get,
\[ a^{2023 + 2025} \equiv b^{2023}c^{2025} \implies (a^2)^{2024} \equiv c^2 \cdot (bc)^{2023} \implies bc \cdot (bc)^{2023} \equiv c^2 \cdot (bc)^{2023} \implies b \equiv c \pmod{p}. \]
But then,
\[ p\mid b^{2024} + c^{2024} \equiv 2b^{2024} \implies p \mid 2 \]which is a contradiction and we are done. :yoda:
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by kamatadu, Jan 21, 2024, 2:34 PM
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megarnie
5603 posts
#11 • 2 Y
Y by Anchovy, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Solved with Anchovy.

I assume the problem means that $p$ divides all of $$a^{2023}+b^{2023},\quad b^{2024}+c^{2024},\quad a^{2025}+c^{2025}$$
If $p$ divides one of $a,b,c$, clearly $p$ divides all of $a,b,c$, so assume $p$ divides none of them.

Let $x = \frac ab, y = \frac bc, z = \frac ca$. The condition $x^{2023} \equiv -1\pmod p, y^{2024} \equiv 1\pmod p, z^{2025} \equiv -1\pmod p$ and we also have $xyz = 1$, so multiplying the three equations gives $(xyz)^{2023} \cdot y z^2 \equiv 1\pmod p$, so $yz^2 \equiv 1\pmod p$. This implies that $y\equiv -\frac{1}{z^2}$, so $(-1/z^2)^{2024} \equiv 1$, so $z^{4048} \equiv 1$. But $(z^{2025})^2 = z^{4050}\equiv 1$, so dividing the two gives $z^2 \equiv 1$, so $z\in \{-1,1\}$ mod p. Since $z^{2025} \equiv -1$, we have $z\equiv -1$. But then since $yz^2 \equiv 1$, $y\equiv 1\pmod p$, so $b\equiv c \pmod p$. Now, this means that $2b^{2024}$ is a multiple of $p$, contradiction since $p$ doesn't divide $b$ and $p > 2$.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by megarnie, Jan 21, 2024, 2:42 PM
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SatisfiedMagma
458 posts
#13 • 1 Y
Y by ATGY
Nah bro, I ain't even gonna comment on this one.

Solution: Observe that $p$ divides either of $a,b,c$, then it divides everything and we're done. Henceforth, assume that $p \nmid a,b,c$. We will now work modulo $p$ with special powers of existence of inverses of $a,b,c$.

From $p \mid a^{2023}+b^{2023}$, we get that $b^{2024} \equiv -a^{2023}b \pmod{p}$. Swing this into $p \mid b^{2024}+c^{2024}$ to get $c^{2025} \equiv a^{2023}bc \pmod{p}$. At last, putting this into $p \mid a^{2025} + c^{2025}$, we get
\[a^{2025} + a^{2023}bc \equiv 0 \iff a^2 + bc \equiv 0 \pmod{p}.\]From here, we wish to eliminate $b$ completely modulo $p$. This can be achieved via substituting $b \equiv -a^2/c$. Putting this in $p \mid a^{2023}+b^{2023}$ we get
\[a^{2023} - \frac{a^{4046}}{c^{2023}} \equiv 0 \iff a^{2023} \equiv c^{2023} \pmod{p}.\]This yields
\[a^{2025} \equiv a^2c^{2023} \equiv -c^{2025} \pmod{p} \implies a^2 + c^2 \equiv 0 \pmod{p}.\]Finally, on combining this with $a^2 \equiv -bc$, we get
\[p \mid c(c-b) \iff c \equiv b \pmod{p}\]since $\gcd(c,p) = \gcd(b,p) = 1$. Upon putting $c \equiv b$ in say $p \mid b^{2024}+c^{2024}$, we get immediately get $2b \equiv 0 \pmod{p}$ which is a contradiction since $p$ is odd and we're done. $\blacksquare$
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Samujjal101
2799 posts
#14
Y by
............
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Samujjal101, Jan 21, 2024, 4:53 PM
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Samujjal101
2799 posts
#15
Y by
Samujjal101 wrote:
Just see that if gcd(a,b)=1 then the given conditions are not possible. So, a|b which means b=ak for all integers k. Now p divides (a^2023 + k^2023.a^2023) so p either divides a^2023 or (1+ k^2023) => p divides a^2023 =>p divides a

..............
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Samujjal101, Jan 21, 2024, 4:53 PM
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taptya17
29 posts
#16 • 1 Y
Y by Om245
If $p$ divides any one of them, it divides the other two as well.

Assume for the sake of contradiction that $p$ doesn't divide any of the three. Since $p$ is an odd prime, it has a primitive root, say $g$.
Let $a=g^x,b=g^y,c=g^z$.

Claim. $g^m+g^n=0(p)\implies m-n=k(2k)$ where $p=2k+1$.
Proof. $g^{m-n}=-1(p)\implies m-n=k(2k)\implies m-n=2kq+k=k(2q+1)$.
Using the claim and given information,
$$0=(x-y)+(y-z)+(z-x)=\frac{k(2q_1+1)}{2023}+\frac{k(2q_2+1)}{2024}+\frac{k(2q_3+1)}{2025}$$Cancelling $k$ and the denominator and taking mod 2 leads to a contradiction. Done!
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by taptya17, Jan 21, 2024, 4:01 PM
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djmathman
7938 posts
#17 • 2 Y
Y by starchan, Rounak_iitr
math_comb01 wrote:
Let $p$ be an odd prime and $a,b,c$ be integers so that the integers $$a^{2023}+b^{2023},\quad b^{2024}+c^{2024},\quad a^{2025}+c^{2025}$$.
This sentence seems to be missing something. Are all three integers divisible by $p$?
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mannshah1211
651 posts
#18 • 3 Y
Y by GeoKing, sanyalarnab, Erratum
djmathman wrote:
math_comb01 wrote:
Let $p$ be an odd prime and $a,b,c$ be integers so that the integers $$a^{2023}+b^{2023},\quad b^{2024}+c^{2024},\quad a^{2025}+c^{2025}$$.
This sentence seems to be missing something. Are all three integers divisible by $p$?

Yes. It's supposed to say that all three are divisible by $p$, but I suppose a lot of us got tunnel vision and didn't see the error because we already saw it in the test lol :rotfl:
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maths_arka
6 posts
#19 • 1 Y
Y by sanyalarnab
First see that if $p|a$ or $p|b$ or $p|c$ then $p$ divides all of them.

Now suppose that $p{\not|}a$ $p{\not|}b$ $p{\not|}c$.
Then the desired contradiction will come from the fact that $p$ is odd prime, i.e we would prove $p=2$.

Since $p{\not|}a$ $p{\not|}b$ $p{\not|}c$ we could take inverses.
Reducing everything $(\textrm{mod}\ p)$ we get
$$(ab^{-1})^{2023}\equiv-1 ({mod}\,p) \cdots(1)$$$$(bc^{-1})^{2024}\equiv-1 ({mod}\,p)\cdots(2) $$$$(ca^{-1})^{2025}\equiv-1 ({mod}\,p)\cdots(3) $$Multiplying equations $1$, $2$ and $3$ we get
$$a^{-2}bc\equiv-1 ({mod}\,p)\cdots(4)$$.
$$\Rightarrow (ab^{-1})^{-1}ca^{-1}\equiv-1 ({mod}\,p) \cdots(5)$$i.e
$$\Rightarrow ca^{-1}\equiv-(ab^{-1}) ({mod}\,p) \cdots(6)$$Now from $3$ we get
$$(ab^{-1})^{2025}\equiv1 ({mod}\,p) \cdots(7)$$and from 1 we get
$$(ab^{-1})^{4046}\equiv1 ({mod}\,p) \cdots(8)$$Let the order of $ab^{-1}$ mod $p$ be k.
Thus $k|gcd(4046,2025)$ i.e $k|1$.
Therefore we have
$$ab^{-1}\equiv1 ({mod}\,p)$$or
$$a\equiv b ({mod}\,p)$$Putting this information in equation $1$ we get
$$1\equiv -1 ({mod}\,p)$$or $p=2$
which is a contradiction.
$\blacksquare$ :-D
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mannshah1211
651 posts
#20
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Well, I'll post my solution just for the sake of it, I guess.

If $p$ divides one of $a, b, c,$ then it divides all of them, so henceforth assume it doesn't divide any of them. Thus, there exists a valid inverse in modulo $p$ for each of $a, b, c.$ Then, we have $\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^{2023} \equiv -1 \pmod{p}, \left(\frac{b}{c}\right)^{2024} \equiv -1\pmod{p}, \left(\frac{c}{a}\right)^{2025}\equiv -1\pmod{p},$ and thus, multiplying all of them together, we have $bc \equiv -a^2 \pmod{p}.$ Thus, $b^{1012}c^{1012} \equiv a^{2024} \pmod{p},$ which gives $ab^{1012}c^{1012} + c^{2025} \equiv 0 \pmod{p} \implies ab^{1012} \equiv -c^{1013} \pmod{p}.$ Thus, $a \equiv \frac{-c^{1013}}{b^{1012}} \pmod{p},$ which by putting in the first equation gives $\frac{b^{1013 \cdot 2023} - c^{1013 \cdot 2023}}{b^{1012 \cdot 2023}} \equiv 0 \pmod{p} \implies b^{1013 \cdot 2023} - c^{1013 \cdot 2023} \equiv 0 \pmod{p}.$ From the second equation, we get $b^{4048} - c^{4048} \equiv 0 \pmod{p},$ so $p \mid b^{\gcd(4048, 1013 \cdot 2023)} - c^{\gcd(4048, 1013 \cdot 2023)} = b - c,$ so $p \mid 2b^{2024},$ a contradiction.
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Safal
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#21
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My attempt,
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This post has been edited 8 times. Last edited by Safal, Jan 23, 2024, 12:46 PM
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lifeismathematics
1188 posts
#22 • 1 Y
Y by Rounak_iitr
we work with $a^{r}+b^{r} \equiv 0 \pmod p , b^{r+1}+c^{r+1} \equiv 0 \pmod p , a^{r+2}+c^{r+2} \equiv 0 \pmod p$ for any $r \in \mathbb{Z}^{+}$ and it follows for $r=2023$.

$\mathsf{Claim 1:-}$ If $p$ divides any one of $a,b,c$ then $p|a,b,c$.

$\mathsf{Proof:-}$ W.L.O.G $p|a \implies p|a^{r}$ , now since $a^{r}+b^{r} \equiv 0 \pmod p \implies p|b^{r} \implies p|b$ and also $b^{r+1}+c^{r+1} \equiv 0 \pmod p \implies p|c^{r+1} \implies p|c$. $\square$

From $\mathsf{Claim 1}$ it suffices to disprove the fact that that $p \nmid a, p \nmid b , p\nmid c$ ,so FTSOC we assume that is the case.

$\mathsf{Claim 2:-}$ $p$ does not divide any of $a-b , b-c,c-a$.

$\mathsf{Proof:-}$ FTSOC $p|a-b$ , then $a \equiv b \pmod p \implies a^{r} \equiv b^{r} \pmod p \implies 2a^{r} \equiv 0 \pmod p$, now since $\gcd(p,2)=\gcd(p,a)=1$ , it gives a contradiction. $\rightarrow \leftarrow$.

Now ,
$\bullet a^{r}+b^{r} \equiv 0 \pmod p$

$\bullet b^{r+1}+c^{r+1} \equiv 0 \pmod p$

$\bullet a^{r+2}+c^{r+2} \equiv 0 \pmod p$


so $a^{r} \equiv -b^{r}   \pmod p$ and $a^{r+2} \equiv -c^{r+2} \pmod p \implies a^2c^{r+1} \equiv -bc^{r+2} \pmod p$ and since $\gcd(c,p)=1 \implies a^2 \equiv -bc \pmod p , b^2 \equiv -ca \pmod p , c^2 \equiv -ab \pmod p \qquad (\star)$

now substract the subsequent cogruences to get $a^2-b^2 \equiv c(a-b) \pmod p$ similarly symmetrically other in $b$ and $c$ , but from $\mathsf{Claim 2}$ we have $p \nmid a-b , b-c , c-a$ , which implies $a+b \equiv c \pmod p , b+c \equiv a \pmod p , c+a \equiv b \pmod p \qquad (\dagger)$

Now from $(\star)$ we have $(a+b)^2+(b+c)^2+(c+a)^2 \equiv 0 \pmod p$ and from $(\dagger)$ we get this is equivalent to $a^2+b^2+c^2 \equiv 0 \pmod p \implies ab+bc+ca \equiv 0 \pmod p \implies a+b+c \equiv 0 \pmod p \implies 2a,2b , 2c \equiv 0 \pmod p$ , but this is not possible as $\gcd(2,p)=\gcd(a,p)=\gcd(b,p)=\gcd(c,p)=1$.

Hence we get a contradiction $\rightarrow \leftarrow$.

Hence $p$ must divide $a,b,c$. $\blacksquare$

A cute NT for sure! :blush:
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by lifeismathematics, Jan 23, 2024, 9:15 AM
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Master_of_Aops
71 posts
#24
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Isn’t this a one-liner:
For $a^x \equiv -b^x$, raise both sides to power $yz$ to get terms $a^{xyz}, b^{xyz}, c^{xyz} (mod p)$ and done
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Tintarn
9042 posts
#25
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Master_of_Aops wrote:
... to get terms $a^{xyz}, b^{xyz}, c^{xyz} (mod p)$ and done
How exactly are you done from here?
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Master_of_Aops
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#26
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You get $a^{xyz} \equiv b^{xyz}, b^{xyz} \equiv -c^{xyz},  a^{xyz} \equiv c^{xyz}(mod p)$ so all are divisible by $p$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Master_of_Aops, Feb 1, 2024, 5:49 PM
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idkk
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#27
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if p doesnt divide any of them

$(\frac{a}{b})^{2023} \equiv -1(mod p)$

$(\frac{b}{c})^{2024} \equiv -1(mod p)$

$(\frac{a}{c})^{2025} \equiv -1(mod p)$

$x^{2023} \equiv -1(mod p)$
$y^{2024} \equiv -1(mod p)$
$x^{2025}y^{2025} \equiv -1(mod p)$

so $x^2y \equiv -1(mod p)$

so $y \equiv \frac{-1}{x^2} (mod p)$

so $x^{2025} \equiv 1 (mod p)$

also $x^{2*2023} \equiv 1(mod p)$

let $k$ be the order of $x$ mod p so

$k | gcd(2025,2*2023) \implies k|1$

$x \equiv 1(mod p)$

then $1 \equiv -1(mod p)$

not possible as p is odd.

so p divides one of them then the answer is easy to conclude
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by idkk, Feb 3, 2024, 4:23 AM
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Pyramix
419 posts
#28 • 1 Y
Y by GeoKing
We first prove that if $p$ divides any one of $a,b,c$, then it divides all the three numbers. Suppose $p\mid a$. Then, $p\mid a^{2023}$ but $p\mid a^{2023}+b^{2023}$, which means that $p\mid b^{2023}$, forcing $p\mid b$. Also, $p\mid c^{2025}+a^{2025}$ and $p\mid a^{2025},$ which means $p\mid c^{2025}$, forcing $p\mid c$.

Similarly, if $p\mid b$, then $p\mid b^{2023}$ and $p\mid a^{2023}+b^{2023}$, which means $p\mid a^{2023}$, forcing $p\mid a$. Since $p\mid a$, we also have that $p\mid c$ from the earlier proof.

Finally, if $p\mid c$, then $p\mid c^{2024}$ and $p\mid b^{2024}+c^{2024}$, which means $p\mid b^{2024}$, forcing $p\mid b$, which in turn forces $p\mid c$. So, if $p$ divides any one of $a,b,c$, then it divides all the three numbers.

Assume that $p\nmid a,b,c$. For integer $a$ and prime $p$, we define the order of $a\pmod{p}$ to be the smallest positive integer $k$ such that $a^k\equiv1\pmod{p}$.

We prove a Lemma.

$\textbf{Lemma.}$ If $k$ is order of $a$, $\pmod{p}$ and $a^n\equiv1\pmod{p}$, then $k\mid n$.

$\emph{Proof.}$ Suppose it was possible that $k\nmid n$. Note that if $n<k$, then it will contradict the minimality of $k$. So, $n>k$. Hence, there exists $q>0$ and $0<r<k$ such that $n=kq+r$. Now, $a^{k}\equiv1\pmod{p}$, which means $a^{kq}\equiv1\pmod{p}$, so $a^n\equiv a^{kq+r}\equiv a^r\equiv1\pmod{p}$. But since $0<r<k$ and $a^r\equiv1\pmod{p}$, the minimality of $k$ gives us a contradiction. Hence, $k\nmid n$ is impossible, and $r=0$ is forced. The proof is complete. $\blacksquare$

We have the equations \[\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^{4046}\equiv1\pmod{p} \ \ \ \ (1)\]\[\left(\frac{b}{c}\right)^{4048}\equiv1\pmod{p} \ \ \ \ (2)\]\[\left(\frac{c}{a}\right)^{4050}\equiv1\pmod{p} \ \ \ \ (3)\]Multiplying these equations $(1),(2),(3),$ we obtain $a^4\equiv b^2c^2\pmod{p}$. So, $a^2\equiv\pm bc\pmod{p}$.

Note, the equation $(1)$ is $\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^{4046}\equiv1\pmod{p}$. So, \[\left(\frac{\left(bc\right)^{2023}}{b^{4046}}\right)\equiv\pm1\pmod{p},\]which gives \[\left(\frac{b}{c}\right)^{4046}\equiv1\pmod{p} \ \ \ \ (4)\]It follows that if $k$ is the order of $\left(\frac{b}{c}\right)$, $\pmod{p}$, then from equation $(1)$, we get $k\mid4048$, and from equation $(4)$, we get $k\mid4046$, using the $\textbf{Lemma}$ in each case.

This forces $k\mid2$, so $k=1,2$. Hence, we have that $\left(\frac{b}{c}\right)^{2}\equiv1\pmod{p}$. So, $b^2\equiv c^2\pmod{p}$.

Taking to the power $1012$, we get $b^{2024}\equiv c^{2024}\pmod{p}$, and since $p\mid b^{2024}+c^{2024}$, we have $p\mid2b^{2024}$, which forces $p\mid b$, as $p$ is an odd prime. However, if $p\mid b$ then $p\mid a$, and $p\mid c$ are forced by our initial arguments.

The proof is complete. $\blacksquare$
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AshAuktober
1003 posts
#29
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In contest solution:

Observe that if $p$ divides any one of $a, b, c$, then it divides all of them. Assume this to not be the case. Then we get the system of congruences $$a^{2023} \equiv -b^{2023} \pmod{p} \cdots(A)$$$$b^{2024} \equiv -c^{2024}  \pmod{p} \cdots(B)$$$$c^{2025} \equiv -a^{2025}  \pmod{p} \cdots(C)$$Multiplying $(A)$ and $(B)$, $$b \equiv c\left(\frac{c}{a}\right)^{2023}  \pmod{p}$$$$\implies b^{2025} \equiv c^{2025}\left(\frac{c}{a}\right)^{2023 \cdot 2025} \pmod{p}$$but from $(C)$, $$\left(\frac{c}{a}\right)^{2025} \equiv -1 \pmod{p}$$Substituting in, $$b^{2025} \equiv c^{2025}(-1)^{2023} \equiv -c^{2025} \pmod{p}$$Dividing $(B)$ from this new equation, $$b \equiv c \pmod{p}$$Therefore $$b^{2024} \equiv -b^{2024} \pmod{p}$$$$\implies 2b^{2024} \equiv 0 \pmod{p}$$$$\implies b^{2024} \equiv 0 \pmod{p}$$$$\implies p \mid b, $$a contradiction. $\square$
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Shreyasharma
682 posts
#30
Y by
We are given,
\begin{align*}
a^{2023} + b^{2023} \equiv b^{2024} + c^{2024} \equiv c^{2025} + a^{2025} \equiv 0 \pmod{p}
\end{align*}Now assume that $a, b, c \not\equiv 0 \pmod{p}$ as if one of the three is $0$ modulo $p$, all of them must be. Then we find that,
\begin{align*}
a^{2023}b \equiv c^{2024} \pmod{p}
\end{align*}However then from this we may conclude that,
\begin{align*}
a^{2023}bc \equiv -a^{2025} \pmod{p}
\end{align*}Dividing as $a \not\equiv 0$ modulo $p$, we find that,
\begin{align*}
-bc \equiv a^2 \pmod{p}
\end{align*}Now rewriting our conditions we have,
\begin{align*}
b^{1012} &\equiv c^{1011}a \pmod{p}\\
b^{2024} &\equiv -c^{2024} \pmod{p}\\
c^{1013} &\equiv -b^{1012}a \pmod{p}
\end{align*}Squaring the first equation we have,
\begin{align*}
b^{2024} &\equiv c^{2022}a^2 \pmod{p}\\
-c^{2024} &\equiv c^{2022}a^2 \pmod{p}\\
-c^2 &\equiv a^2 \pmod{p}\\
-c^2 &\equiv -bc \pmod{p}\\
b &\equiv c \pmod{p}
\end{align*}From the first equation we then find $a \equiv b \bmod p$. Thus we have,
\begin{align*}
a \equiv b \equiv c \pmod{p}
\end{align*}Thus we have from the original equations,
\begin{align*}
2a^{2023} \equiv 2a^{2024} \equiv 2a^{2025} \equiv 0 \pmod{p}
\end{align*}from which we easily see $a \equiv 0 \bmod{p}$ and hence are done.
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SilverBlaze_SY
66 posts
#31
Y by
The solution I originally did in the contest:
First, FTSOC, we assume that $p \nmid a$, $p \nmid b$, $p \nmid c$.
$$p \mid a^{2023}+b^{2023}...(i)$$$$p \mid b^{2024}+c^{2024}...(ii)$$$$p \mid a^{2025}+c^{2025}...(iii)$$From $(i)$, we get that: $p \mid a^{2025}+a^2b^{2023}$
Combining this with $(iii)$, $p \mid a^2b^{2023}-c^{2025}$

As $c^{2024} \equiv -b^{2024}$, $p \mid a^2b^{2023}+b^{2024}c \implies p \mid b^{2023}(a^2+bc)$
$\implies \boxed{p \mid a^2+bc}...(A)$
$\implies a^2 \equiv -bc \pmod{p}$

From $(iii)$, we have: $p \mid a^{2025}+c^{2025} \implies p \mid a.(bc)^{1012}+c^{2025}$
$\implies p \mid c^{1012}(ab^{1012}+c^{1013})$
$\implies p \mid a^2b^{2024}-c^{2026}$
Combining with $(ii)$, we get: $p \mid a^2b^{2024}+b^{2024}c^2 \implies p \mid b^{2024}(a^2+c^2)$
$\implies \boxed{p \mid a^2+c^2}...(B)$

Therefore, from $(A)$ and $(B)$, we have: $p \mid c(b-c) \implies b \equiv c \pmod{p}$
But then, in $(ii)$, $p\mid 2b^{2024} \implies p \mid 2$, which is a contradiction!

Then, $p$ must divide one of $a,b,c$. If $p$ divides any one of the numbers, $p$ must divide all the numbers individually, and we're done! :wow:
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by SilverBlaze_SY, Apr 27, 2024, 7:17 AM
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shafikbara48593762
17 posts
#32 • 3 Y
Y by E.Sultan, allaith.sh, BR1F1SZ
$$a^{2023} \equiv -b^{2023} \pmod{p} $$$$b^{2024} \equiv -c^{2024} \pmod{p} $$$$c^{2025} \equiv -a^{2025} \pmod{p} $$
Let $n$=2023×2024×2025
$$\implies a^{n} \equiv b^{n} \pmod{p} $$$$\implies b^{n} \equiv -c^{n} \pmod{p} $$$$\implies a^{n} \equiv c^{n} \pmod{p} $$And from this we get
$$c^{n} \equiv -c^{n} \pmod{p} $$and we are done
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by shafikbara48593762, May 9, 2024, 2:20 PM
Reason: Nicer
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E.Sultan
7 posts
#33
Y by
shafikbara48593762 wrote:
$$a^{2023} \equiv -b^{2023} \pmod{p} $$$$b^{2024} \equiv -c^{2024} \pmod{p} $$$$c^{2025} \equiv -a^{2025} \pmod{p} $$
Let $n$=2023×2024×2025
$$\implies a^{n} \equiv b^{n} \pmod{p} $$$$\implies b^{n} \equiv -c^{n} \pmod{p} $$$$\implies a^{n} \equiv c^{n} \pmod{p} $$And from this we get
$$c^{n} \equiv -c^{n} \pmod{p} $$and we are done

what a solution!!!
I was surprised by how organized and simple this solution was, it is a MASTERPIECE!
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shafikbara48593762
17 posts
#34
Y by
E.Sultan wrote:
shafikbara48593762 wrote:
$$a^{2023} \equiv -b^{2023} \pmod{p} $$$$b^{2024} \equiv -c^{2024} \pmod{p} $$$$c^{2025} \equiv -a^{2025} \pmod{p} $$
Let $n$=2023×2024×2025
$$\implies a^{n} \equiv b^{n} \pmod{p} $$$$\implies b^{n} \equiv -c^{n} \pmod{p} $$$$\implies a^{n} \equiv c^{n} \pmod{p} $$And from this we get
$$c^{n} \equiv -c^{n} \pmod{p} $$and we are done

what a solution!!!
I was surprised by how organized and simple this solution was, it is a MASTERPIECE!

Thx bro
Such an easy problem for INMO P3
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peppapig_
281 posts
#35
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Note that if $p\mid a$, then
\[a^{2023}+b^{2023}\equiv 0 \mod p,\]\[\iff b^{2023} \equiv 0 \mod p,\]\[\iff p\mid b,\]and similarly we can find that $p\mid c$. In general, using a similar proof, it can be shown that if $p\mid abc$, then $p$ divides each of $a$, $b$, and $c$. FTSOC, assume that $p$ divides none of $a$, $b$, or $c$.

Now, notice that
\[a^{2023}+b^{2023}\equiv 0 \mod p,\]\[\iff a^{2023}\equiv -b^{2023} \mod p,\]\[\iff \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^{2023}\equiv -1 \mod p,\]\[\iff ord_p\left(\frac{a}{b}\right) \mid 4046 \text{ and } 2\mid ord_p\left(\frac{a}{b}\right),\]since we had that $\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^{2023}\equiv -1 \mod p$. Similarly, from the second equation, we get that
\[ord_p\left(\frac{b}{c}\right) \mid 4048 \text{ and } 16\mid ord_p\left(\frac{b}{c}\right).\]
Now, since $p$ is prime, it is well-known that it must have a primitive root. Let said primitive root be $g$ and define $m$ and $n$ to be the unique integers such that $\frac{a}{b}\equiv g^m\mod p$ and $\frac{b}{c}\equiv g^n\mod p$, where $1\leq m,n\leq p-1$. Now, notice that if
\[2\mid ord_p\left(\frac{a}{b}\right) \text{ and } ord_p\left(\frac{a}{b}\right) \mid 4046,\]we get that
\[\nu_2\left(ord_p\left(\frac{a}{b}\right)\right)=1,\]which in turn gives that
\[\nu_2(m)=\nu_2(p-1)-1,\]since the order of $g$ mod $p$ is $p-1$. Similarly, if
\[16\mid ord_p\left(\frac{b}{c}\right) \text{ and } ord_p\left(\frac{b}{c}\right) \mid 4048,\]then we have that
\[\nu_2(n)=\nu_2(p-1)-4.\]
Now, notice that
\[\frac{a}{c}\equiv \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)\left(\frac{b}{c}\right)\equiv g^{m+n} \mod p,\]which means that
\[\nu_2\left(ord_p\left(\frac{a}{c}\right)\right)=\nu_2(p-1)-\nu_2(m+n).\]However, since
\[\nu_2(p-1)-1=\nu_2(m)>\nu_2(n)=\nu_2(p-1)-4,\]we get that
\[\nu_2(m+n)=\nu_2(p-1)-4,\]which gives that
\[\nu_2\left(ord_p\left(\frac{a}{c}\right)\right)=\nu_2(p-1)-(\nu_2(p-1)-4)=4.\]
However, we had that
\[c^{2025}+a^{2025}\equiv 0 \mod p,\]\[\iff a^{2025}\equiv -c^{2025} \mod p,\]\[\iff \left(\frac{a}{c}\right)^{2025}\equiv -1 \mod p,\]\[\iff ord_p\left(\frac{a}{c}\right) \mid 4050,\]a contradiction, since $16$ does not divide $4050$. Therefore $p$ must divide each of $a$, $b$, and $c$, as desired, finishing the problem.
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by peppapig_, Jun 7, 2024, 8:18 PM
Reason: Typo corrections
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alexanderhamilton124
391 posts
#36
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If \( p \) divides one of \( a, b, c \), WLOG \( a \), we have \( p \mid b^{2023} \implies p \mid b \), \( p \mid c^{2025} \implies p \mid c \), so then \( p \) divides all of them.

Assume, for the sake of contradiction, \( p \nmid a, b, c \). We have the following modular congruences:
\[ \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^{4046} \equiv 1 \pmod{p} \]\[ \left(\frac{b}{c}\right)^{4048} \equiv 1 \pmod{p} \]\[ \left(\frac{c}{a}\right)^{4050} \equiv 1 \pmod{p} \]Firstly, observe that \( p \mid a^{2023} + b^{2023} \implies p \mid a^{2025} + a^2b^{2023} \). Since \( p \mid a^{2025} + c^{2025} \), we have \( p \mid c^{2025} - a^2b^{2023} \). Further, \( p \mid b^{2024} + c^{2024} \implies p \mid c^{2025} + b^{2024}c \). From this, we conclude that:
\[ p \mid b^{2024}c + a^2b^{2023} = b^{2023}(bc + a^2) \implies a^2 \equiv -bc \pmod{p} \]since \( p \nmid b^{2023} \).

We have \( a^{4046} \equiv -(bc)^{2023} \), which, replacing in our first congruence, gives \( c^{2023} \equiv -b^{2023} \pmod{p} \implies c^{4046} \equiv b^{4046} \pmod{p} \). Replacing this in our second congruence, we have
\[ \frac{b^{4046}}{c^{4046}} \cdot \frac{b^2}{c^2} \equiv 1 \pmod{p} \implies b^2 \equiv c^2 \pmod{p} \implies b^{2024} \equiv c^{2024} \pmod{p} \]Therefore, \( b^{2024} + c^{2024} \equiv 2b^{2024} \equiv 0 \pmod{p} \). Since \( p \) is odd, we have \( p \mid b^{2024} \implies p \mid b \), which gives \( p \mid a, c \) as well, so we are done.

Edit: I would like to see a solution that doesn't use the even parity of 2024.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by alexanderhamilton124, Aug 4, 2024, 5:18 PM
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Siddharthmaybe
106 posts
#39
Y by
Raise everything to the power of 2023x2024x2025 mod p, then p divides a^2023x2024x2025 + or - c^2023x2024x2025 which gives p | a and the rest follows
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little-fermat
147 posts
#40
Y by
I have discussed this question in my INMO 2024 video on my channel "little fermat". Here is the Video
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anudeep
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#41
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Showing that any one of $a,b,c$ is divisible by $p$ would suffice. Assume all of them are invertible on $\mathbb{Z}_p$. As $b^{2024}\equiv -ba^{2023}$ we may say,
$$c^{2024}+b^{2024}\equiv c^{2024}-ba^{2023}\quad\text{and}\quad c^{2025}\equiv cba^{2023}.$$We then have $bca^{2023}+a^{2025}\equiv 0$. Since $a$ is invertible we are left with the key result,
$$a^2\equiv -bc.$$Using the above fact, $a(-bc)^{1012}\equiv-c^{2025}$ which deduces to $ab^{1012}\equiv -c^{1013}$ and as $a^{2025}\equiv cb^{2024}$ we can easily show that $b^{1012}\equiv ac^{1011}$. Now we are left with,
$$ab^{1012}\equiv a^2c^{1011}\equiv -c^{1013}\quad\implies\quad a^2\equiv -c^2.$$But we had already seen $a^2\equiv -bc$ and is absurd, contradicting our assumption, hence none of them are invertible as desired.$\square$
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John_Mgr
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#42
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If any of the $a,b,c$ is divisible by $p$, them all of them are .
FOTSOC, assume that $p\nmid a, b, c$.
$a^{2023}\equiv -b^{2023}\pmod{p} $, $c^{2024}\equiv -b^{2024} \pmod{p} $ and $c^{2025}\equiv -a^{2025}\pmod{p} $
then, $c^{2025}\equiv c\cdot -b^{2024}\equiv -a^{2025}\equiv a^2\cdot b^{2023} \implies b^{2023}(c+ab)\equiv 0\pmod{p} $
$p\nmid b$. so $ab+c \equiv 0\pmod{p} $, $ab\equiv -c\pmod{p}  \rightarrow a^{2023}\cdot b^{2023}\equiv-c^{2023}\pmod{p} \implies (b^2)^{2023}\equiv c^{2023}\pmod{p} \implies b^2 \equiv c\pmod{p} $. Also $ab+c \equiv 0(modp)\implies ab+b^2 \equiv 0\pmod{p} \equiv b(a+b) (modp) $. so, $a\equiv -b\pmod{p} $
$a^{2025}+c^{2025} \equiv -b^{2025}+(b^2)^{2025}\equiv b^{2025}(-1+b^{2025})\equiv 0(modp) \implies b\equiv 1\pmod{p} $
then $b^{2024}+c^{2024}\equiv 0\pmod{p}  \implies b^{2024}+(b^2)^{2024}\equiv 2\equiv 0\pmod{p} $, Contradiction!!
So, $p$ divides and one of them which leads to $p$ divides of them i.e $p\mid a,b,c$.
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