We have your learning goals covered with Spring and Summer courses available. Enroll today!

G
Topic
First Poster
Last Poster
k a March Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
Mar 2, 2025
March is the month for State MATHCOUNTS competitions! Kudos to everyone who participated in their local chapter competitions and best of luck to all going to State! Join us on March 11th for a Math Jam devoted to our favorite Chapter competition problems! Are you interested in training for MATHCOUNTS? Be sure to check out our AMC 8/MATHCOUNTS Basics and Advanced courses.

Are you ready to level up with Olympiad training? Registration is open with early bird pricing available for our WOOT programs: MathWOOT (Levels 1 and 2), CodeWOOT, PhysicsWOOT, and ChemWOOT. What is WOOT? WOOT stands for Worldwide Online Olympiad Training and is a 7-month high school math Olympiad preparation and testing program that brings together many of the best students from around the world to learn Olympiad problem solving skills. Classes begin in September!

Do you have plans this summer? There are so many options to fit your schedule and goals whether attending a summer camp or taking online classes, it can be a great break from the routine of the school year. Check out our summer courses at AoPS Online, or if you want a math or language arts class that doesn’t have homework, but is an enriching summer experience, our AoPS Virtual Campus summer camps may be just the ticket! We are expanding our locations for our AoPS Academies across the country with 15 locations so far and new campuses opening in Saratoga CA, Johns Creek GA, and the Upper West Side NY. Check out this page for summer camp information.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the following events:
[list][*]March 5th (Wednesday), 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, HCSSiM Math Jam 2025. Amber Verser, Assistant Director of the Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics, will host an information session about HCSSiM, a summer program for high school students.
[*]March 6th (Thursday), 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Free Webinar on Math Competitions from elementary through high school. Join us for an enlightening session that demystifies the world of math competitions and helps you make informed decisions about your contest journey.
[*]March 11th (Tuesday), 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, 2025 MATHCOUNTS Chapter Discussion MATH JAM. AoPS instructors will discuss some of their favorite problems from the MATHCOUNTS Chapter Competition. All are welcome!
[*]March 13th (Thursday), 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Free Webinar about Summer Camps at the Virtual Campus. Transform your summer into an unforgettable learning adventure! From elementary through high school, we offer dynamic summer camps featuring topics in mathematics, language arts, and competition preparation - all designed to fit your schedule and ignite your passion for learning.[/list]
Our full course list for upcoming classes is below:
All classes run 7:30pm-8:45pm ET/4:30pm - 5:45pm PT unless otherwise noted.

Introductory: Grades 5-10

Prealgebra 1 Self-Paced

Prealgebra 1
Sunday, Mar 2 - Jun 22
Friday, Mar 28 - Jul 18
Sunday, Apr 13 - Aug 10
Tuesday, May 13 - Aug 26
Thursday, May 29 - Sep 11
Sunday, Jun 15 - Oct 12
Monday, Jun 30 - Oct 20
Wednesday, Jul 16 - Oct 29

Prealgebra 2 Self-Paced

Prealgebra 2
Tuesday, Mar 25 - Jul 8
Sunday, Apr 13 - Aug 10
Wednesday, May 7 - Aug 20
Monday, Jun 2 - Sep 22
Sunday, Jun 29 - Oct 26
Friday, Jul 25 - Nov 21


Introduction to Algebra A Self-Paced

Introduction to Algebra A
Sunday, Mar 23 - Jul 20
Monday, Apr 7 - Jul 28
Sunday, May 11 - Sep 14 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Wednesday, May 14 - Aug 27
Friday, May 30 - Sep 26
Monday, Jun 2 - Sep 22
Sunday, Jun 15 - Oct 12
Thursday, Jun 26 - Oct 9
Tuesday, Jul 15 - Oct 28

Introduction to Counting & Probability Self-Paced

Introduction to Counting & Probability
Sunday, Mar 16 - Jun 8
Wednesday, Apr 16 - Jul 2
Thursday, May 15 - Jul 31
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Wednesday, Jul 9 - Sep 24
Sunday, Jul 27 - Oct 19

Introduction to Number Theory
Monday, Mar 17 - Jun 9
Thursday, Apr 17 - Jul 3
Friday, May 9 - Aug 1
Wednesday, May 21 - Aug 6
Monday, Jun 9 - Aug 25
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14
Tuesday, Jul 15 - Sep 30

Introduction to Algebra B Self-Paced

Introduction to Algebra B
Sunday, Mar 2 - Jun 22
Wednesday, Apr 16 - Jul 30
Tuesday, May 6 - Aug 19
Wednesday, Jun 4 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jun 22 - Oct 19
Friday, Jul 18 - Nov 14

Introduction to Geometry
Tuesday, Mar 4 - Aug 12
Sunday, Mar 23 - Sep 21
Wednesday, Apr 23 - Oct 1
Sunday, May 11 - Nov 9
Tuesday, May 20 - Oct 28
Monday, Jun 16 - Dec 8
Friday, Jun 20 - Jan 9
Sunday, Jun 29 - Jan 11
Monday, Jul 14 - Jan 19

Intermediate: Grades 8-12

Intermediate Algebra
Sunday, Mar 16 - Sep 14
Tuesday, Mar 25 - Sep 2
Monday, Apr 21 - Oct 13
Sunday, Jun 1 - Nov 23
Tuesday, Jun 10 - Nov 18
Wednesday, Jun 25 - Dec 10
Sunday, Jul 13 - Jan 18
Thursday, Jul 24 - Jan 22

Intermediate Counting & Probability
Sunday, Mar 23 - Aug 3
Wednesday, May 21 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jun 22 - Nov 2

Intermediate Number Theory
Friday, Apr 11 - Jun 27
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Wednesday, Jun 18 - Sep 3

Precalculus
Sunday, Mar 16 - Aug 24
Wednesday, Apr 9 - Sep 3
Friday, May 16 - Oct 24
Sunday, Jun 1 - Nov 9
Monday, Jun 30 - Dec 8

Advanced: Grades 9-12

Olympiad Geometry
Wednesday, Mar 5 - May 21
Tuesday, Jun 10 - Aug 26

Calculus
Sunday, Mar 30 - Oct 5
Tuesday, May 27 - Nov 11
Wednesday, Jun 25 - Dec 17

Group Theory
Thursday, Jun 12 - Sep 11

Contest Preparation: Grades 6-12

MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Basics
Sunday, Mar 23 - Jun 15
Wednesday, Apr 16 - Jul 2
Friday, May 23 - Aug 15
Monday, Jun 2 - Aug 18
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)

MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Advanced
Friday, Apr 11 - Jun 27
Sunday, May 11 - Aug 10
Tuesday, May 27 - Aug 12
Wednesday, Jun 11 - Aug 27
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)

AMC 10 Problem Series
Tuesday, Mar 4 - May 20
Monday, Mar 31 - Jun 23
Friday, May 9 - Aug 1
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Tuesday, Jun 17 - Sep 2
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Monday, Jun 23 - Sep 15
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)

AMC 10 Final Fives
Sunday, May 11 - Jun 8
Tuesday, May 27 - Jun 17
Monday, Jun 30 - Jul 21

AMC 12 Problem Series
Tuesday, May 27 - Aug 12
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Wednesday, Aug 6 - Oct 22

AMC 12 Final Fives
Sunday, May 18 - Jun 15

F=ma Problem Series
Wednesday, Jun 11 - Aug 27

WOOT Programs
Visit the pages linked for full schedule details for each of these programs!


MathWOOT Level 1
MathWOOT Level 2
ChemWOOT
CodeWOOT
PhysicsWOOT

Programming

Introduction to Programming with Python
Monday, Mar 24 - Jun 16
Thursday, May 22 - Aug 7
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Tuesday, Jun 17 - Sep 2
Monday, Jun 30 - Sep 22

Intermediate Programming with Python
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Monday, Jun 30 - Sep 22

USACO Bronze Problem Series
Tuesday, May 13 - Jul 29
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 1

Physics

Introduction to Physics
Sunday, Mar 30 - Jun 22
Wednesday, May 21 - Aug 6
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14
Monday, Jun 23 - Sep 15

Physics 1: Mechanics
Tuesday, Mar 25 - Sep 2
Thursday, May 22 - Oct 30
Monday, Jun 23 - Dec 15

Relativity
Sat & Sun, Apr 26 - Apr 27 (4:00 - 7:00 pm ET/1:00 - 4:00pm PT)
Mon, Tue, Wed & Thurs, Jun 23 - Jun 26 (meets every day of the week!)
0 replies
jlacosta
Mar 2, 2025
0 replies
k i Adding contests to the Contest Collections
dcouchman   1
N Apr 5, 2023 by v_Enhance
Want to help AoPS remain a valuable Olympiad resource? Help us add contests to AoPS's Contest Collections.

Find instructions and a list of contests to add here: https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c40244h1064480_contests_to_add
1 reply
dcouchman
Sep 9, 2019
v_Enhance
Apr 5, 2023
k i Zero tolerance
ZetaX   49
N May 4, 2019 by NoDealsHere
Source: Use your common sense! (enough is enough)
Some users don't want to learn, some other simply ignore advises.
But please follow the following guideline:


To make it short: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!
If you don't have common sense, don't post.


More specifically:

For new threads:


a) Good, meaningful title:
The title has to say what the problem is about in best way possible.
If that title occured already, it's definitely bad. And contest names aren't good either.
That's in fact a requirement for being able to search old problems.

Examples:
Bad titles:
- "Hard"/"Medium"/"Easy" (if you find it so cool how hard/easy it is, tell it in the post and use a title that tells us the problem)
- "Number Theory" (hey guy, guess why this forum's named that way¿ and is it the only such problem on earth¿)
- "Fibonacci" (there are millions of Fibonacci problems out there, all posted and named the same...)
- "Chinese TST 2003" (does this say anything about the problem¿)
Good titles:
- "On divisors of a³+2b³+4c³-6abc"
- "Number of solutions to x²+y²=6z²"
- "Fibonacci numbers are never squares"


b) Use search function:
Before posting a "new" problem spend at least two, better five, minutes to look if this problem was posted before. If it was, don't repost it. If you have anything important to say on topic, post it in one of the older threads.
If the thread is locked cause of this, use search function.

Update (by Amir Hossein). The best way to search for two keywords in AoPS is to input
[code]+"first keyword" +"second keyword"[/code]
so that any post containing both strings "first word" and "second form".


c) Good problem statement:
Some recent really bad post was:
[quote]$lim_{n\to 1}^{+\infty}\frac{1}{n}-lnn$[/quote]
It contains no question and no answer.
If you do this, too, you are on the best way to get your thread deleted. Write everything clearly, define where your variables come from (and define the "natural" numbers if used). Additionally read your post at least twice before submitting. After you sent it, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.


For answers to already existing threads:


d) Of any interest and with content:
Don't post things that are more trivial than completely obvious. For example, if the question is to solve $x^{3}+y^{3}=z^{3}$, do not answer with "$x=y=z=0$ is a solution" only. Either you post any kind of proof or at least something unexpected (like "$x=1337, y=481, z=42$ is the smallest solution). Someone that does not see that $x=y=z=0$ is a solution of the above without your post is completely wrong here, this is an IMO-level forum.
Similar, posting "I have solved this problem" but not posting anything else is not welcome; it even looks that you just want to show off what a genius you are.

e) Well written and checked answers:
Like c) for new threads, check your solutions at least twice for mistakes. And after sending, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.



To repeat it: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!


Everything definitely out of range of common sense will be locked or deleted (exept for new users having less than about 42 posts, they are newbies and need/get some time to learn).

The above rules will be applied from next monday (5. march of 2007).
Feel free to discuss on this here.
49 replies
ZetaX
Feb 27, 2007
NoDealsHere
May 4, 2019
n! divides product of (2^n-2^k) for k=0,..,n-1
efoski1687   11
N 5 minutes ago by Assassino9931
Source: Turkish NMO 1996, 5. Problem
Prove that $\prod\limits_{k=0}^{n-1}{({{2}^{n}}-{{2}^{k}})}$ is divisible by $n!$ for all positive integers $n$.
11 replies
efoski1687
Jul 31, 2011
Assassino9931
5 minutes ago
2^n+n=m!
crazyfehmy   12
N 19 minutes ago by Assassino9931
Source: Turkey National Olympiad Second Round 2013 P4
Find all positive integers $m$ and $n$ satisfying $2^n+n=m!$.
12 replies
crazyfehmy
Nov 28, 2013
Assassino9931
19 minutes ago
Problem 6 of Fourth round
GeorgeRP   3
N 20 minutes ago by Assassino9931
Source: XIII International Festival of Young Mathematicians Sozopol 2024, Theme for 10-12 grade
Let $P(x)$ be a polynomial in one variable with integer coefficients. Prove that the number of pairs $(m,n)$ of positive integers such that $2^n + P(n) = m!$, is finite.
3 replies
GeorgeRP
Sep 10, 2024
Assassino9931
20 minutes ago
Symmetric Tangents Concur on CD
ike.chen   43
N 31 minutes ago by Frd_19_Hsnzde
Source: ISL 2022/G3
Let $ABCD$ be a cyclic quadrilateral. Assume that the points $Q, A, B, P$ are collinear in this order, in such a way that the line $AC$ is tangent to the circle $ADQ$, and the line $BD$ is tangent to the circle $BCP$. Let $M$ and $N$ be the midpoints of segments $BC$ and $AD$, respectively. Prove that the following three lines are concurrent: line $CD$, the tangent of circle $ANQ$ at point $A$, and the tangent to circle $BMP$ at point $B$.
43 replies
+1 w
ike.chen
Jul 9, 2023
Frd_19_Hsnzde
31 minutes ago
Find maximum number of pairs whose product is at least 1
Photaesthesia   15
N an hour ago by Bluesoul
Source: 2024 China MO, Day 2, Problem 4
Let $a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_{2023}$ be nonnegative real numbers such that $a_1 + a_2 + \ldots + a_{2023} = 100$. Let $A = \left \{ (i,j) \mid 1 \leqslant i \leqslant j \leqslant 2023, \, a_ia_j \geqslant 1 \right\}$. Prove that $|A| \leqslant 5050$ and determine when the equality holds.

Proposed by Yunhao Fu
15 replies
Photaesthesia
Nov 29, 2023
Bluesoul
an hour ago
f(2) = 7, find all integer functions [Taiwan 2014 Quizzes]
v_Enhance   55
N an hour ago by Burmf
Find all increasing functions $f$ from the nonnegative integers to the integers satisfying $f(2)=7$ and \[ f(mn) = f(m) + f(n) + f(m)f(n) \] for all nonnegative integers $m$ and $n$.
55 replies
v_Enhance
Jul 18, 2014
Burmf
an hour ago
This problem has unintended solution, found by almost all who solved it :(
mshtand1   4
N an hour ago by Ilikeminecraft
Source: Ukrainian Mathematical Olympiad 2025. Day 2, Problem 11.7
Given a triangle \(ABC\), an arbitrary point \(D\) is chosen on the side \(AC\). In triangles \(ABD\) and \(CBD\), the angle bisectors \(BK\) and \(BL\) are drawn, respectively. The point \(O\) is the circumcenter of \(\triangle KBL\). Prove that the second intersection point of the circumcircles of triangles \(ABL\) and \(CBK\) lies on the line \(OD\).

Proposed by Anton Trygub
4 replies
mshtand1
Today at 1:00 AM
Ilikeminecraft
an hour ago
USAMO 2001 Problem 4
MithsApprentice   32
N 2 hours ago by HamstPan38825
Let $P$ be a point in the plane of triangle $ABC$ such that the segments $PA$, $PB$, and $PC$ are the sides of an obtuse triangle. Assume that in this triangle the obtuse angle opposes the side congruent to $PA$. Prove that $\angle BAC$ is acute.
32 replies
MithsApprentice
Sep 30, 2005
HamstPan38825
2 hours ago
APMO 2016: Line is tangent to circle
shinichiman   41
N 2 hours ago by Ilikeminecraft
Source: APMO 2016, problem 3
Let $AB$ and $AC$ be two distinct rays not lying on the same line, and let $\omega$ be a circle with center $O$ that is tangent to ray $AC$ at $E$ and ray $AB$ at $F$. Let $R$ be a point on segment $EF$. The line through $O$ parallel to $EF$ intersects line $AB$ at $P$. Let $N$ be the intersection of lines $PR$ and $AC$, and let $M$ be the intersection of line $AB$ and the line through $R$ parallel to $AC$. Prove that line $MN$ is tangent to $\omega$.

Warut Suksompong, Thailand
41 replies
shinichiman
May 16, 2016
Ilikeminecraft
2 hours ago
Parallelogram and a simple cyclic quadrilateral
Noob_at_math_69_level   5
N 2 hours ago by awesomeming327.
Source: DGO 2023 Individual P1
Let $ABC$ be an acute triangle with point $D$ lie on the plane such that $ABDC$ is a parallelogram. $H$ is the orthocenter of $\triangle{ABC}.$ $BH$ intersects $CD$ at $Y$ and $CH$ intersects $BD$ at $X.$ The circle with diameter $AH$ intersects the circumcircle of $\triangle{ABC}$ again at $Q.$ Prove that: The circumcircle of $\triangle{XQY}$ passes through the reflection point of $D$ over $BC.$

Proposed by MathLuis
5 replies
Noob_at_math_69_level
Dec 18, 2023
awesomeming327.
2 hours ago
Line through incenter tangent to a circle
Kayak   31
N 2 hours ago by ihategeo_1969
Source: Indian TST D1 P1
In an acute angled triangle $ABC$ with $AB < AC$, let $I$ denote the incenter and $M$ the midpoint of side $BC$. The line through $A$ perpendicular to $AI$ intersects the tangent from $M$ to the incircle (different from line $BC$) at a point $P$> Show that $AI$ is tangent to the circumcircle of triangle $MIP$.

Proposed by Tejaswi Navilarekallu
31 replies
Kayak
Jul 17, 2019
ihategeo_1969
2 hours ago
Changeable polynomials, can they ever become equal?
mshtand1   3
N 3 hours ago by CHESSR1DER
Source: Ukrainian Mathematical Olympiad 2025. Day 2, Problem 11.5
Initially, two constant polynomials are written on the board: \(0\) and \(1\). At each step, it is allowed to add \(1\) to one of the polynomials and to multiply another one by the polynomial \(45x + 2025\). Can the polynomials become equal at some point?

Proposed by Oleksii Masalitin
3 replies
mshtand1
Today at 12:47 AM
CHESSR1DER
3 hours ago
Finally my algebra that I am proud of
mshtand1   1
N 3 hours ago by RagvaloD
Source: Ukrainian Mathematical Olympiad 2025. Day 2, Problem 8.7
Find the smallest real number \(a\) such that for any positive integer number \(n > 2\) and any arrangement of the numbers from 1 to \(n\) on a circle, there exists a pair of adjacent numbers whose ratio (when dividing the larger number by the smaller one) is less than \(a\).

Proposed by Mykhailo Shtandenko
1 reply
mshtand1
Yesterday at 11:59 PM
RagvaloD
3 hours ago
Floor double summation
CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid   50
N 4 hours ago by Ilikeminecraft
Source: ISL 2021 A2
Which positive integers $n$ make the equation \[\sum_{i=1}^n \sum_{j=1}^n \left\lfloor \frac{ij}{n+1} \right\rfloor=\frac{n^2(n-1)}{4}\]true?
50 replies
CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid
Jul 12, 2022
Ilikeminecraft
4 hours ago
Nice NT here
GorgonMathDota   37
N Sep 13, 2024 by Mathandski
Source: IMO SL N5
Four positive integers $x,y,z$ and $t$ satisfy the relations
\[ xy - zt = x + y = z + t. \]Is it possible that both $xy$ and $zt$ are perfect squares?
37 replies
GorgonMathDota
Jul 17, 2019
Mathandski
Sep 13, 2024
Nice NT here
G H J
Source: IMO SL N5
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
GorgonMathDota
1063 posts
#1 • 7 Y
Y by pavel kozlov, deplasmanyollari, lazizbek42, NO_SQUARES, Adventure10, Mango247, Tastymooncake2
Four positive integers $x,y,z$ and $t$ satisfy the relations
\[ xy - zt = x + y = z + t. \]Is it possible that both $xy$ and $zt$ are perfect squares?
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by djmathman, May 8, 2020, 11:22 PM
Reason: added period
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
RaduAndreiLecoiu
59 posts
#3 • 14 Y
Y by uvuvwevwevwe, parola, rashah76, Mathasocean, Joshsssss, enzoP14, Rustem-E303, biaa, ehz2701, chystudent1-_-, Adventure10, Spiritpalm, bhan2025, Tastymooncake2
Assume that $xy=a^2$ and $zt=b^2$ and that $z = max\{x,y,z,t\}$
Then $$xy-zt=(a-b)(a+b)=x+y=xy-z(x+y-z)=(z-y)(z-x)$$so $(a-b)(a+b)=(z-x)(z-y)$
From 4 numbers lemma we get $m,n,p,q \in \mathbb{N^\ast}$ such that $a-b = mn , a+b = pq , z-x = mp , z-y = nq$
Then $x+y= mnpq , 4a^2=4xy=(mn+pq)^2 $ and $y-x=mp-nq$
Since $4xy = (x+y)^2-(x-y)^2$ then $$(mn+pq)^2 = (mnpq)^2-(mp-nq)^2 \iff (mnpq)^2 = (m^2+q^2)(n^2+p^2)$$Claim
$(m-1)(q-1) = 0$ and $(p-1)(n-1) = 0$

Proof
If $m,n,p,q > 1 $ then $m^2+q^2<m^2q^2$ and $p^2q^2<p^2+q^2$ which is a contradiction.
Then one of them is $1$ . Assume that $(p-1)(n-1) \neq 0 $ or $(m-1)(q-1) \neq 0$. WLOG $m = 1$ , $n>1 , p>1$
Then $(n^2-2)(p^2-2) \ge 4  \iff n^2p^2 \ge 2(n^2+p^2) \Rightarrow q^2+1 \ge 2q^2$ so we must have $q=1$
So $n^2p^2 = 2(n^2+p^2) \iff (n^2-2)(p^2-2) = 4 \Rightarrow p=q=2$ .
Then $x+y = mnpq = 4$ and $xy = a^2 = 4$ so $zt = xy -x-y=4-4=0$ which is false. Hence our claim is proved.

WLOG $m=1$ and $n=1$
Then $(pq)^2 = (p^2+1)(q^2+1) = p^2q^2 + p^2 + q^2 +1$ which can not hold.

So $xy$ and $zt$ can not be both perfect squares.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by RaduAndreiLecoiu, Nov 27, 2019, 7:14 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
MarkBcc168
1593 posts
#4 • 6 Y
Y by Nathanisme, ehz2701, Adventure10, Mango247, Tastymooncake2, IMUKAT
Here is a number-theoretic solution

The answer is no.

Take $k_1=\gcd(x,y)$. Thus $x=k_1a^2$ and $y=k_1b^2$ for some $a,b$. Similarly, take $l_1=\gcd(z,t)$, $z=l_1c^2$ and $t=l_1d^2$. Let $g=\gcd(k_1,l_1)$, $k_1=gk$ and $l_1=gl$. The equation is transformed to
$$(kab)^2-(lcd)^2\mid k(a^2+b^2) = l(c^2+d^2)$$where $\gcd(a,b)=\gcd(c,d)=\gcd(k,l)=1$. First, note that $k\mid l(c^2+d^2)$ thus $k\mid c^2+d^2$. Similarly $l\mid a^2+b^2$. As $\gcd(a,b)=\gcd(c,d)=1$, we conclude that each prime divisor of $k,l$ is either $2$ or $\equiv 1\pmod 4$.

Now we do some parity check. By $\pmod 4$, $\nu_2(a^2+b^2) \leqslant 1$ and $\nu_2(c^2+d^2)\leqslant 1$. Thus by $\gcd(k,l)=1$, we also get $\nu_2(k)\leqslant 1$ and $\nu_2(l)\leqslant 1$. As $2$ cannot divide both $k,l$, we get $\nu_2(k(a^2+b^2))\leqslant 1$.

Now, observe that as $(kab)^2-(lcd)^2$ must divide $k(a^2+b^2)$ and cannot be congruent to $2\pmod 4$, this number must be odd. This means all prime factor of $(kab)^2-(lcd)^2$ must be $\equiv 1\pmod 4$. Thus
$$\begin{cases}
kab+lcd &\equiv 1\pmod 4 \\
kab-lcd &\equiv 1\pmod 4 \\
\end{cases}\implies 2kab\equiv 2\pmod 4\implies k,a,b\text{ are odd.}$$Now we will further factorize $(kab)^2-(lcd)^2$. Before that, note that $\gcd(k,l)=1$ imply $k(a^2+b^2)=l(c^2+d^2)=T$ where $T=\mathrm{lcm}(a^2+b^2,c^2+d^2)$. Thus
\begin{align*}
    \underbrace{\frac{T}{(kab)^2-(lcd)^2}}_{\in\mathbb{Z}}
    &= \frac{T}{T^2\left(\frac{ab}{a^2+b^2}+\frac{cd}{c^2+d^2}\right) \left(\frac{ab}{a^2+b^2}-\frac{cd}{c^2+d^2}\right)} \\
    &= \frac{(a^2+b^2)^2(c^2+d^2)^2}{T(ac+bd)(ac-bd)(ad+bc)(ad-bc)}
\end{align*}By permuting $a,b$ if necessary, WLOG $ac-bd>0$. Thus each prime factor of $ac+bd$, $ac-bd$, $ad+bc$, $ad-bc$ is $2$ or $\equiv 1\pmod 4$.

Case 1: $c$ is odd, $d$ is even.

This means each of $ac+bd$, $ac-bd$, $ad+bc$, $ad-bc$ are odd. Thus they are all $\equiv 1\pmod 4$. Hence $2ad\equiv 2\pmod 4$, contradiction as $d$ is even.

Case 2: $c$ and $d$ are odd.

This means $2$ divides each of $T$, $ac+bd$, $ac-bd$, $ad+bc$ and $ad-bc$. Hence the denominator is divisible by $2^5$. But the exponent of $2$ in the numerator is $4$, contradiction.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
sansae
117 posts
#5 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
+) South Korean TST #5
solved by only using some division and comparison, but much messier than #3 post
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
math90
1472 posts
#6 • 10 Y
Y by test20, Pal702004, Acrylic3491, mijail, ehuseyinyigit, Adventure10, Mango247, Tastymooncake2, centslordm, sttsmet
The answer is no. We'll prove a stronger claim, that $xyzt$ cannot be a perfect square.

Let $s=x+y=z+t=xy-zt$. WLOG $x\leq y$ and $z\leq t$. Then
$$s=x(s-x)-z(s-z)=(x-z)(s-x-z)$$Since $(x-z)+(s-x-z)\equiv s\pmod 2$, it follows that $x-z,s-x-z$ are both even. Since $x+z\leq s$, it follows that $x-z=2a$ and $s-x-z=2b$ for some positive integers $a,b$. Thus $s=4ab$. We set a system of equations
$$\begin{cases}x-z=2a \\x+z=4ab-2b\end{cases}$$so
$$(x,y,z,t)=(2ab+a-b,2ab-a+b,2ab-a-b,2ab+a+b)$$Then
$xyzt=\left[4a^2b^2-(a-b)^2\right]\left[4a^2b^2-(a+b)^2\right]=(4a^2b^2-a^2-b^2)^2-(2ab)^2$
Since $xyzt$ is a perfect square, it follows that
$$(4a^2b^2-a^2-b^2)^2-(2ab)^2\leq (4a^2b^2-a^2-b^2-1)^2$$$$\iff 4a^2b^2-2a^2-2b^2-1\leq 0$$$$\iff (2a^2-1)(2b^2-1)\leq 2$$Thus $a=b=1$. But then $z=0$, contradiction.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
sbealing
307 posts
#7 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Assume such $x,y,z,t$ exist then set $m^2=xy$ and $n^2=zt$. Solving the equations we get:
$$m^2-n^2=x+\frac{m^2}{x} \Rightarrow x^2-(m^2-n^2)x+m^2=0$$
We know the discriminant of this quadratic must be a perfect square. Doing a similar thing for $z$ we get:
$$(m^2-n^2)^2-4m^2 \quad \text{and} \quad (m^2-n^2)^2-4n^2 \quad \text{are perfect squares}$$This means they're product is a perfect square so:
$$(m^2-n^2)^4-4(m^2+n^2)(m^2-n^2)^2+16m^2n^2=\left( (m^2-n^2)^2-2(m^2+n^2+1) \right)^2+4(1+2m^2+2n^2)$$By considering the minimum distance between adjacent squares this gives:
$$4(1+2m^2+2n^2) \geq 2\left | (m^2-n^2)^2-2(m^2+n^2+1) \right |+1$$If $m=n+1$ we have:
$$(2m-1)^2-4m^2=1-4m$$is a perfect square which is a contradiction as $m \geq 1$. Therefore as $m>n$ (as $x,y$ positive) $m \geq n+2$ so we have:
$$ (m^2-n^2)^2-2(m^2+n^2+1) \geq (4m-4)^2-4m^2-2 \geq 12m^2-32m+14$$Also:
$$LHS \leq 8m^2+4$$Combining these results:
$$8m^2+4 \geq 24m^2-64m+29 \Rightarrow 0 \geq 16m^2-64m+25=(4m-8)^2-39 $$Hence $m \leq 2$ or $4m-8 \leq 6 \Rightarrow m \leq 3$. As we've already shown $m \geq n+2 \geq 3$ (as $n$ positive) the only case left to consider if $m=3,n=1$ but:
$$n=1 \Rightarrow z=t=1 \Rightarrow z+t=2 \neq m^2-n^2=8$$giving a contradiction.

So it is impossible for $xy$ and $zt$ to both be perfect squares.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
yayups
1614 posts
#8 • 3 Y
Y by Nathanisme, Adventure10, Mango247
Claim: All the solutions to $xy-zt=x+y=z+t$ are of the form
\[\{\{x,y\},\{z,t\}\}=\{\{2cd-d+c,2cd-c+d\},\{2cd-c-d,2cd+c+d\}\}\]where $c,d$ are positive integers.


Proof: Let $k=xy-zt=x+y=z+t$. Then, we have
\[x(k-x)-t(k-t)=k,\]or
\[(x-t)(k-x-t)=k.\]Without loss of generality, suppose $x>t$ (if $x=t$, then $xy=zt$ so $k=0$, which isn't possible). Let $a=x-t$ be a positive integer. We must now have that
\[x+t=k-k/a,\]so $a\mid k$, so let $k=ab$, where $b$ is a positive integer. Thus,
\begin{align*}
x-t &= a \\
x+t &= ab-b,
\end{align*}so
\begin{align*}
x &= \frac{ab+a-b}{2} \\
t &= \frac{ab-a-b}{2}.
\end{align*}This implies that $ab\equiv a+b\pmod{2}$, or that $(a-1)(b-1)\equiv 1\pmod{2}$, so both $a$ and $b$ are even. Let $a=2c$ and $b=2d$ where $c$ and $d$ are positive integers. We have that
\[x=2cd+c-d,\,\,\, t=2cd-c-d,\,\,\, k=4cd,\]so the solutions are of the desired form. $\blacksquare$

Suppose that $xy$ and $zt$ were squares, and WLOG take $c>d$. We see then that there exist positive integers $a$ and $b$ such that
\begin{align*}
a^2 &= (2cd+(c-d))(2cd-(c-d)) \\
b^2 &= (2cd+(c+d))(2cd-(c+d)),
\end{align*}or
\begin{align*}
a^2+(c-d)^2 &= (2cd)^2 \\
b^2+(c+d)^2 &= (2cd)^2.
\end{align*}Subtracting the equations gives
\[(a-b)(a+b)=4cd.\]This implies that $a-b>0$, and also that $a-b$ is even. If we had $a-b\ge 4$, then $a+b\le cd$, so $a\le cd$. Thus,
\[(2cd)^2-(c-d)^2\le(cd)^2,\]or $|c-d|\ge\sqrt{3}|cd|$. This is clearly impossible as $|c-d|=c-d\le c$ and $\sqrt{3}|cd|=\sqrt{3}cd>c$, so we must have $a-b=2$.

Thus, $a+b=2cd$, so $a=cd+1$ and $b=cd-1$. Plugging this back in, we get that
\[c^2+d^2+1=3c^2d^2,\]or
\[(3c^2-1)(3d^2-1)=10.\]It is easy to check that this has no solutions, so there are $\boxed{\mathrm{no}}$ solutions.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
yolocc
3 posts
#9 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
RaduAndreiLecoiu wrote:
Wlog $x\ge y$ and $z\ge t$

Since the numbers are positive $xy > zt$ and
$t = x+y-z$. Then $$xy-zt = xy - z(x+y-z) = (z-x)(z-y) > 0$$If $xy = a^2$ and $zt=b^2$ , $a \neq b$ we get that
$$(a-b)(a+b) = (z-x)(z-y) = x+y $$Now apply the four number theorem.
Then $$a-b = mn , a+b = pq , z-x = mp , z-y = nq $$$m,n,p,q > 0 $

So $a=xy=\frac{mn+pq}{2}$ and $x+y = mnpq$
But $$2mnpq \ge mn+pq \iff (mn-1)(pq-1) + mnpq \ge 1$$which is true since $mn \ge 1$ and $pq \ge 1$

So $ x+y \ge xy \iff (x-1)(y-1) \le 1$,
so one of them is 1 , but $x\ge y \Rightarrow y=1$
Since $x = \frac{mn+pq}{2} = mnpq - 1 = a^2 $ then
$$mn+pq = 2mnpq - 2 \iff mnpq + (mn-1)(pq-1) = 3 $$and $mnpq = a^2 +1$

Since $a \neq 0$ and $ a \ge 2 \iff mnpq \ge 5$ we must have $mnpq = 2$

Then $(mn-1)(pq-1) = 1$ , so $mn\neq 1$ and $pq\neq 1$ $\Rightarrow mnpq \ge 4$ , impossible.
So $xy$ and $zt$ can't be both perfect squares .

maybe a little mistakes here?
$a=xy=\frac{mn+pq}{2}$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
william122
1576 posts
#10 • 3 Y
Y by Nathanisme, sabkx, Adventure10
Claim: There exist $a,b$ such that $$(z,x,y,t)=\left(\frac{ab-(a+b)}{2},\frac{ab-(a-b)}{2},\frac{ab+(a-b)}{2},\frac{ab+(a+b)}{2}\right)$$
Proof: WLOG $x\le y\le z\le t$, and define $y-x=a,z-y=b,t-x=a+b$. Then, note that for any quadruple $(n,n+a,n+b,n+a+b)$, we have $(n+a)(n+b)-n(n+a+b)=ab$, which is constant. Therefore, if we want the equality relation in the problem, we must have $2n+a+b=ab\implies n=\frac{ab-a-b}{2}$. As $n$ is unique, this means that for a pair of differences $(a,b)$ such that $2|a,b$, there exists exactly one tuple $(z,x,y,t)$ which satisfies the problem assertion. Namely, $(z,x,y,t)=\left(\frac{ab-(a+b)}{2},\frac{ab-(a-b)}{2},\frac{ab+(a-b)}{2},\frac{ab+(a+b)}{2}\right)$

Suppose that we can have $xy,zt$ both be squares. Then, we need pair $(a,b)$ such that $(ab)^2-(a+b)^2$, $(ab)^2-(a-b)^2$ are both perfect squares. Letting $k=\gcd(a,b)$, $a=Ak, b=Bk$, we need $$k^2(AB)^2-(A+B)^2, k^2(AB)^2-(A-B)^2$$to both be squares. First, note that if $2|AB$, then both of these numbers will be $-1\pmod 4$, so neither can be square. So, $A,B\equiv 1\pmod 2$. Now, considering odd $p$, where $p|A,p\not | B$, we have that $-(A+B)^2$ is a quadratic residue mod $p$. As $A+B\neq 0\pmod p$, we must have $-1$ is a quadratic residue. Hence, $p\equiv 1\pmod 4$. This argument can be repeated for all prime factors of $A,B$, so $A\equiv B\equiv 1\pmod 4$. Now, $v_2(A+B)=1$, $v_2(A-B)\ge 2$. So, the only way such that $k^2(AB)^2-(A+B)^2$ and $k^2(AB)^2-(A-B)^2$ can have the same $v_2$ is if $k$ is odd. To finish, note that $k^2(AB)^2-(A+B)^2\equiv 1-4\equiv 5\pmod 8$, which is a contradiction.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by william122, Sep 19, 2019, 2:33 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Mathotsav
1508 posts
#11 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
So, we have $xy-zt=x+y=z+t$.
Case $1$: $x+y$ is even, $x+y=2a$ for some integer $a$.
Let $x=a-b, y=a+b, z=a-c, t=a+c$, WLOG assume $b,c$ non-negative integers(that is $y>x, t>z$). Then, $a=\frac{c^2-b^2}{2}$ from the condition.
Let $c=b+k$. So $a=(bk+\frac{k^2}{2})$.
We have, if both $xy,zt$ are perfect squares, then $a^2-b^2$ and $a^2-(b+k)^2$ are squares.
Thus, $(2bk+k^2)^2-(2b)^2$ is a perfect square, and $(2bk+k^2)^2-(2b+2k)^2$ is a perfect square.
Let $(2bk+k^2)=p$.
Also let $(2bk+k^2)-(2b)^2=(p-e)^2, (2bk+k^2)-(2b+2k)^2=(p-e-f)^2$. Obviously $f$ is even. Since $x,y,z,t$ are positive integers, so are $k,c,p,e,f$($b$ might be $0$ though). Note that $(p-e)^2-(p-e-f)^2=4p$.
Hence if $2(p-e)-4>p$ then $f \geq 4$ will be a contradiction as difference of the squares is too large so in this case $f=2$.
So we have $2(p-e)+2=2p$ or $e=1$. So we have $p^2-4b^2=(p-1)^2$ contradiction.
So, now assume $f \geq 4$ as $f$ is even. Thus $2(p-e)-4 \leq p$.
So, $e\geq \frac{p-4}{2}$ thus $4(2b)^2>3(2bk)^2$.
This means that since $k$ is a positive integer, $k<2$ and so $k=1$.
So, $p=2b+1, c=b+1$.
Thus $p^2-(2b)^2=4b+1, p^2-(2c)^2=(2b+1)^2-(2b+2)^2=-3-4b$. The latter term is negative since $b$ is positive integer so it cannot be a square. But this contradicts both the facts that $zt$ is positive and that squares are positive numbers. So, both cannot be simultaneously squares in this case.
Case $2$: $x+y$ is odd, $x+y=2a+1=f$.
Consider $2x=f+b, 2y=f-b, 2z=f+c, 2t=f-c$ assuming WLOG that $b,c$ are positive($x>y,z>t$ that is). Thus $c^2-b^2=4f$.
Let $b+2m=c$. Obviously $m$ is positive integer and $f=bm+m^2$.
Now we have that if $xy, zt$ are squares then $(bm+m^2)-b^2=(f-r)^2$ and $(bm+m^2)-(b+2m)^2=(f-r-s)^2$ for some integers $r,s$.
Note that $(f-r)^2-(f-r-s)^2=4f$ which is analogous to the equation we got earlier. Use the exact same logic as earlier to show that no solutions exist here too. Proved
This post has been edited 8 times. Last edited by Mathotsav, Nov 26, 2019, 9:19 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
uvuvwevwevwe
12 posts
#12 • 2 Y
Y by pavel kozlov, Adventure10
If $2 \nmid x+y$, then $2 \mid xy$ and similarly, $2 \mid zt$ so $2 \mid xy-zt$, which is impossible since $xy-zt=x+y$. So $x+y$ is even.

Let the naturals $a,b,c,d,u$ be such that $$ x+y=2u, xy=u^2-a^2=b^2, zt=u^2-c^2=d^2, |a^2-c^2|=2u$$We wish to show that they do not exist.

Claim: $a \neq d$. Suppose otherwise, then, $|a^2-b^2|=|(a-b)(a+b)|=2u$, but we clearly need $u<a+b<u+u=2u$, so $1<|a-b|<2$ which is impossible. Proven.

Lemma: If distinct naturals $a,b,c,d,n$ satisfy $a^2+b^2=c^2+d^2=n$, then there exists integers $p,q,r,s$ such that either $$a=pr-qs, b=ps+qr, c=ps-qr, d=pr+qs$$or $$a=pr-qs, b=ps+qr, d=ps-qr, c=pr+qs$$Proof: Let $n=p_1p_2 \dots p_k$ be prime factors(possibly repeated) of $n$. Note the following:
1) If $a^2+b^2=n=n_1n_2$, then $n_1$ and $n_2$ are also sum of squares.
2) If $a^2+b^2=n=n_1n_2$, there exist $e,f,g,h$ such that $a=eg-fh, b=eh-fg$ and ${n_1}^2=e^2+f^2$, ${n_2}^2=g^2+h^2$.
3) A prime can only be written as a sum of squares in at most 1 way.
So, the conclusion immediately follows for $k \leq 2$. It suffices to check for $k=3$.
(Note: $n=({x_1}^2+{y_1}^2)({x_2}^2+{y_2}^2)({x_3}^2+{y_3}^2)$, suffices to check any 'combi' with the 3 others, details omitted)
After that, we can induct from $k$ to $k+1$: Since by removing $p_{k+1}$, we can use the result for $k$ to write it as
$$ n=(pr-qs)^2+(ps+qr)^2=(ps-qr)^2+(pr+qs)^2$$We reduce it to the $k=3$ case.

Lemma proven.

Case 1: $$a=pr-qs, b=ps+qr, c=ps-qr, d=pr+qs$$
$$a^2-c^2=(a-c)\cdot (a+c)=(p-q)(r+s)\cdot (p+q)(r-s)=(p^2-q^2)(r^2-s^2)=S=2u=2\sqrt{u^2}=2\sqrt{(p^2+q^2)(r^2+s^2)}$$Let $S_1=p^2-q^2$. If $S_1\neq 0$ we have either $\sqrt{p^2+q^2}\leq |S_1| <\sqrt{2(p^2+q^2)}$, which happens when $||p|-|q||=1$ or $|S_1|\geq 2\sqrt{(p^2+q^2)}$

Since $u^2=(p^2+q^2)(r^2+s^2)$, the only possible case is when $|p^2-q^2|=\sqrt{(p^2+q^2)}$, and $r^2-s^2=2\sqrt{(r^2+s^2)}$(or the constant 2 goes to the first one, which is the same thing WLOG). Implying that $(p,q,r,s)$ is a permutation of $(1,0,2,0)$ which is clearly impossible, as it renders at least 2 of $a,b,c,d$ having the same absolute value.

Case 2: $$a=pr-qs, b=ps+qr, d=ps-qr, c=pr+qs$$
$$a^2-c^2=(a-c)\cdot (a+c)=2pr \cdot 2qs=4pqrs=2u=2\sqrt{u^2}=2\sqrt{(p^2+q^2)(r^2+s^2)}$$
Thankfully this is much easier than case 1 and I now have more time to celebrate Christmas. By AM-GM, we get $\sqrt{p^2+q^2}\geq \sqrt{2|pq|}$ so we must have $|p|=|q|$ and $|r|=|s|$ which again gives solutions where 2 numbers have the same absolute value.

Hence it is impossible.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Th3Numb3rThr33
1247 posts
#13 • 4 Y
Y by Illuzion, Nathanisme, sabkx, Mango247
The answer is no. Let $(xy,zt) = (a^2,b^2)$. If $2 \nmid a - b$, then $x+y$ is odd and $2 \mid xy$. Similarly, $2 \mid zt$, a contradiction. Thus, $2 \mid a-b$.

Now note $x+y = z+t = a^2-b^2$ and note
\begin{align*}
x,y \text{ integer} &\iff (x+y)^2 - 4xy &= (a^2-b^2)^2 - 4a^2 \quad &\text{is square; and} \\
z,t \text{ integer} &\iff (z+t)^2 - 4zt &= (a^2-b^2)^2 - 4b^2 \quad &\text{is square}.
\end{align*}Shorthanding $(a,b) = (m+n,m-n)$ (because we know $a,b$ are the same parity), we wish to find positive integers $m$, $n$ for which
\[4m^2n^2 - (m+n)^2, \quad 4m^2n^2 - (m-n)^2 \quad \text{are both squares}.\]Thus, their product is a square. However, note upon expansion the inequality
\[(4m^2n^2 - m^2 - n^2 - 1)^2 < (4m^2n^2 - (m+n)^2)(4m^2n^2 - (m-n)^2) < (4m^2n^2 - m^2 - n^2 )^2.\]Therefore, we have no solutions.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Th3Numb3rThr33, Apr 26, 2020, 4:57 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
GeronimoStilton
1521 posts
#14 • 1 Y
Y by Nathanisme
No.

Suppose there does exist some satisfactory $(x,y,z,t)$. We will consider a solution $(x,y,z,t)$ and determine what conditions it satisfies by solving the diophantine $xy-zt=x+y=z+t$. WLOG assume $x \ge y$ and $z \ge t$.

Claim: The expression $x+y=z+t$ is not odd.

Solution: Suppose otherwise. Then, we clearly have that at least one of $x,y$ is even, so $xy$ is even. Similarly, $zt$ is even. This implies that $xy-zt$ is even, a contradiction. $\fbox{}$

Now, let $x+y=z+t=2d$. Let $x=d+k,y=d-k, z = d+\ell, t = d-\ell$ for integers $k,\ell$ with $k,\ell \ge 0$. We have
\[2d=xy-zt=d^2-k^2 - (d^2-\ell^2) = \ell^2-k^2.\]Observe that $\ell$ and $k$ are the same parity. Let $a = \frac{k+\ell}{2}, b = \frac{\ell - k}{2}$. Note that both $a$ and $b$ are integers and $a \ge b \ge 0$. Clearly, we have $b \ne 0$ because we would otherwise get $0 < x+y=2d=0$. Thus, we have $a\ge b > 0$. Observe that
\[2d = (a+b)^2 - (a-b)^2 = 4ab,\]so we have the parametrization
\[(x,y,z,t) = (2ab+a-b,2ab-a+b,2ab+a+b,2ab-a-b).\]Note that $(a,b)=(1,1)$ does not work because it gives $t=0$; thus, we have $a \ge 2$.
Now, we have
\[xy=4a^2b^2-a^2+2ab-b^2, zt = 4a^2b^2-a^2-2ab-b^2.\]Let $xy=m^2,zt=n^2$. We have $m^2-n^2 = 4ab$. It is clear that $m$ and $n$ have the same parity, so we get that $4ab=m^2-n^2 \ge 4n+4$, implying $n \le ab-1$. Then, we get that
\[(ab-1)^2 \ge n = 4a^2b^2-(a+b)^2.\]Equivalently, we have
\[a^2+2ab+b^2 = (a+b)^2 \ge 4a^2b^2-(ab-1)^2 = 3a^2b^2 + 2ab - 1,\]so
\[a^2+b^2 \ge 3a^2b^2-1  > 2a^2b^2 = a^2b^2+a^2b^2 \ge a^2+b^2.\]This is clearly absurd, so we are done.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by GeronimoStilton, Apr 27, 2020, 3:27 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
pad
1671 posts
#15 • 2 Y
Y by Nathanisme, Aryan-23
Solution with anantmudgal09.

Key Claim: We can explicitly parametrize $(x,y,z,t)$ given the equations.
Proof: Let $xy-zt=x+y=z+t=a$. Then $y=a-x,t=a-z$. We get the key factorization:
\[ a=x(a-x)-z(a-z)=(x-z)(-x-z+a)=(x-z)(y-z). \]Let $a=cd$ with $x-z=c,y-z=d$. WLOG $c\ge d$. Then $x=z+c,y=z+d$. Now $2z+c+d=cd$, so $z=\tfrac{cd-c-d}{2}$. Then $y=z+d=\tfrac{cd-c+d}{2}$, and $x=z+c=\tfrac{cd+c-d}{2}$, and $t=cd-z=\tfrac{cd+c+d}{2}$. So we have the explicit parametrization
\[ (x,y,z,t) = \left(\frac{cd+c-d}{2}, \frac{cd-c+d}{2}, \frac{cd-c-d}{2}, \frac{cd+c+d}{2}\right). \]This proves the claim. $\square$
Now that we have a parametrization, we check for the squares condition. Assume $xy$ and $zt$ are squares. We have
\begin{align*}
    4xy &= (cd+c-d)(cd-c+d) = (cd)^2-(c-d)^2=u^2 \\
    4zt &= (cd-c-d)(cd+c+d) = (cd)^2-(c+d)^2=v^2,
\end{align*}for some $u,v$.
The rest of the solution is to use size to conclude that there are no solutions. The following claim will help with size calculations.

Claim: $u-4\ge v$.
Proof: Clearly $u>v$. We claim $u$ and $v$ are of the same parity. This is clear from the definitions of $u$ and $v$, since $c-d$ and $c+d$ are of the same parity. It suffices to show $u-2>v$. Indeed,
\begin{align*}
    (u-2)^2-v^2 &= \big[[(cd)^2-(c-d)^2]- 4\sqrt{(cd)^2-(c-d)^2} + 4\big] - \big[ (cd)^2-(c+d)^2\big] \\
    &= 4cd - 4 \sqrt{(cd)^2-(c-d)^2} + 4 > 0.
\end{align*}This proves the claim. $\square$

Claim: Let $\epsilon=cd-\sqrt{(cd)^2-(c-d)^2}$. Then $\epsilon < c$.
Proof: We have
\begin{align*}
    &\qquad \epsilon = cd-\sqrt{(cd)^2-(c-d)^2} < c \iff (cd)^2-(c-d)^2 > (cd-c)^2 \\
    &\iff -(c-d)^2 > -2c^2d + c^2 \iff (c-d)^2 < c^2(2d-1),
\end{align*}which is clearly true. $\square$

Now,
\begin{align*}
    (u-4)^2-v^2 &= \big[[(cd)^2-(c-d)^2] - 8\sqrt{(cd)^2-(c-d)^2} + 16 \big] - \big[(cd)^2-(c+d)^2\big] \\
    &= 4cd - 8\sqrt{(cd)^2-(c-d)^2} + 16 = 4cd - 8(cd - \epsilon) + 16 \\
    &= -4cd + 8\epsilon + 16 < -4cd+8c+16=16+4c(2-d).
\end{align*}Unless $c(d-2)\le 4$, we get a contradiction. Clearly $c,d>1$; if $c=1$ or $d=1$ then $v^2<0$. We need to check $(c,d)=(c,2),(3,3),(4,3)$. It is not hard to check that none of these work, so we conclude that there are no solutions.

Remarks
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by pad, May 22, 2020, 8:27 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
khina
993 posts
#16 • 12 Y
Y by dangerousliri, naman12, mijail, Imayormaynotknowcalculus, Illuzion, Nathanisme, Kanep, tigerzhang, rcorreaa, CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid, L567, DongerLi
Wait can someone check my sol? I think this is absurdly short, so I'm worried that it's wrong.

solution
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
jj_ca888
2726 posts
#17 • 3 Y
Y by Illuzion, Nathanisme, pavel kozlov
We first check that $xy - zt = x + y = z + t$ are all even. Suppose otherwise, and that $x + y = z + t$ are odd. Then, one of $(x, y)$ is even, and one of $(z, t)$ is even. Hence $xy - zt$ is even, a contradiction.

Write $xy - zt = x + y = z + t = k$ hence $(x, y) = (k - a, k+a)$ and $(z, t) = (k - b, k + b)$ for some positive integers $a, b$. Plugging in, we get $b^2 - a^2 = 2k$, and we want to determine if $k^2 - a^2$ and $k^2 - b^2$ can both be perfect squares.

Clearly $a, b$ must be of the same parity, or else their difference can not be even. So let $b = m+n, a = m - n$ where $m$ is greater. Indeed, we get $2mn = k$ and we wish to determine if it is possible for $(2mn)^2 - (m-n)^2$ and $(2mn)^2 - (m+n)^2$ to both be perfect squares.

Now we do something really dumb. Multiply the two of them and check that the product actually can't be a perfect square. The product, after extensive multiplying, is\[P = 16m^4n^4- 8(m^2 + n^2)m^2n^2  + m^4 - 2m^2n^2 + n^4.\]Clearly this expression is strictly less than $(4m^2n^2 - m^2 - n^2)^2$ since $m, n$ must be positive. Then, the stupid part is that somehow\[(4m^2n^2 - m^2 - n^2 - 1)^2 < P\]holds since it simplifies to $4m^2n^2 - 2m^2 - 2n^2 - 1 > 0 \iff (2m^2 - 1)(2n^2 - 1) > 2$ for all $(m, n) \neq (1, 1)$. A quick plug in shows that $(m, n) = (1, 1)$ does not work. For all other cases, $P$ is bounded between two perfect squares, and hence cannot be a perfect square. So our answer is $\boxed{no}$.

Remark: "Something really dumb" took like half a day to come with lol.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Illuzion
211 posts
#18 • 1 Y
Y by Nathanisme
Assume that $xy=u^2, zt=v^2.$ We can assume $x\geq y, t\geq z$ and since $xy-zt>0,$ it follows that $x>z.$ We have also $$0<xy-zt=xy-z(x+y-z)=(x-z)(y-z),$$so in fact $t>x\geq y>z.$ Now write $x+y=xy-zt=xy-zx-zy+z^2$ as $$y(x-z-1)=x+zx-z^2.$$From here we obtain (given that $x-z-1>0$) $$x-z-1\mid x+zx-z^2+(-zx+z^2+z)+(-x+z+1)=2z+1,$$thus $x\leq 3z+2$ (note that this is also true when $x-z-1=0$)$.$

Next we see that $2\mid u-v.$ Indeed$,$ if this is not the case$,$ then WLOG $v$ is odd (the other case is the same)$,$ thus $z, t$ are odd and so $x+y$ is even$.$ We have that $xy$ is also even$,$ therefore $x, y$ are even$,$ but in the end it doesn't even matter ($2\nmid xy-zt=x+y$)$.$

Then there is the inequality $u=\sqrt{xy}>v=\sqrt{zt}>z.$ We surely cannot have $u=v, $ and by the previous paragraph it follows that $u\geq v+2.$ Now use $zt=v^2$ $$\Rightarrow v^2+z^2=z(x+y)=z(u^2-v^2)\geq z(4v+4),$$so $v^2-4zv+z^2-4z\geq 0.$ This is our favourite high-school quadratic inequality in $v,$ so our first job is to calculate the roots of the equation $v^2-4zv+z^2-4z=0,$ namely $$v_{1, 2}=\frac{4z\pm 2\sqrt{3z^2+4z}}{2}=2z \pm \sqrt{3z^2+4z}.$$We easily check that $2z-\sqrt{3z^2+4z}<z,$ so it must be the case $v\geq 2z+\sqrt{3z^2+4z}>3z.$ We are ready for the contradiction$.$ The final inequality is$:$ $$6z+4\geq 2x\geq x+y=u^2-v^2\geq 4+4v>4+12z,$$as desired$.$ $\blacksquare$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
r_ef
11 posts
#19
Y by
I have different solution. Can someone check this?
Lemma-1. If $n\equiv 3\pmod 4$ then exist prime number $p\equiv 3\pmod 4$ that divides $n$.
Lemma-2. if $p$ is prime number and divides $A^2 +1$ for some integer $A$ then $p=2$ or $p\equiv 1\pmod 4$
Suppose that $xy=B^2 , zt=A^2$ for some integer $A,B$.
Case-1.$x,y,z,t$ are all odd.
In this case we have $x+y=xy-zt\equiv {1-1}\equiv 0\pmod 4$ but $x+y\equiv {3+3}\equiv {1+1=2}\pmod 4$. Contradiction!
Case-2. One of this is even. Suppose that $x$ is even. We have $xy-x-y-1=(x-1)(y-1)=zx+1=A^2 +1$ now if 4 divides $x$ then with Lemma-1 there exist prime number $p\equiv 3\pmod 4$ that divides $x-1$ and so divides $A^2 +1$ but with Lemma-2 this is Contradiction! It means $x\equiv 2\pmod 4$ but we know $xy$ is perfect square and it means $y$ is even number so we have $y\equiv 2\pmod 4$ too. $x+y=xy-zt$ and $x+y , xy$ are even numbers so $zt$ is even and with above proof we conclude $z\equiv t\equiv x\equiv y\equiv 2\pmod 4$ but in this case we have $xy-zt\equiv 0\equiv {x+y} \equiv 4 \pmod 8$
Contradiction! We are done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by r_ef, Oct 28, 2020, 10:30 AM
Reason: Bad english
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
IMOTC
111 posts
#20 • 1 Y
Y by Mango247
Let $(xy,zt) = (a^2,b^2)$. If $2 \nmid a - b$, then $x+y$ is odd and $2 \mid xy$. Similarly, $2 \mid zt$, a contradiction. Thus, $2 \mid a-b$.Now note $x+y = z+t = a^2-b^2$ and note
$x,y \text{ integer}\implies (x+y)^2 - 4xy = (a^2-b^2)^2 - 4a^2 \quad \text{is square}$
$z,t \text{ integer} \implies (z+t)^2 - 4zt = (a^2-b^2)^2 - 4b^2 \quad \text{is square}.$
$(a,b) = (m+n,m-n)$ (because we know $a,b$ are the same parity), we require to find to find positive integers $m$, $n$ for which$4m^2n^2 - (m+n)^2, \quad 4m^2n^2 - (m-n)^2$$ \quad \text{are both squares}.$ Thus, their product is a square. However, note upon expansion the inequality $(4m^2n^2 - m^2 - n^2 - 1)^2 $< $(4m^2n^2 - (m+n)^2)(4m^2n^2 - (m-n)^2)$$ < (4m^2n^2 - m^2 - n^2 )^2.$ Therefore, we have no solutions.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by IMOTC, Oct 28, 2020, 12:02 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Aryan-23
558 posts
#22 • 5 Y
Y by pavel kozlov, N0_NAME, Mango247, Mango247, Mango247
No. Assume otherwise.

First we claim that the common value must be even. Assume not. Then $\{x,y\}$ and $\{z,t\}$ are distinct modulo $2$, so $xy$ and $zt$ are both even and so is their difference which gives a contradiction. $\square$

Let $x+y=2s=z+t$. Let $xy=a^2$ and $zt=b^2$. Define $c,d$ such that :

$$ x=s+c \quad y=s-c \quad z=s+d \quad t = s -d $$
Note that the given conditions rearrange to :

$$ s^2 = a^2+c^2=b^2 +d^2$$$$2s = a^2-b^2=d^2-c^2$$
The second equation tells us that $\{a,b\}$ and $\{c,d\}$ are of the same parity, so their differences must be atleast $2$. This gives $a+b \leq s$ and $c+d \leq s$. Squaring both sides gives $a^2+b^2 \leq s^2-2ab <s^2$. Similarly $c^2+d^2<s^2$.

Now we have :

$$2s^2=a^2+b^2+c^2+d^2 <s^2+s^2=2s^2$$
Contradiction. $\square$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
N0_NAME
112 posts
#23
Y by
r_ef wrote:
I have different solution. Can someone check this?
Lemma-1. If $n\equiv 3\pmod 4$ then exist prime number $p\equiv 3\pmod 4$ that divides $n$.
Lemma-2. if $p$ is prime number and divides $A^2 +1$ for some integer $A$ then $p=2$ or $p\equiv 1\pmod 4$
Suppose that $xy=B^2 , zt=A^2$ for some integer $A,B$.
Case-1.$x,y,z,t$ are all odd.
In this case we have $x+y=xy-zt\equiv {1-1}\equiv 0\pmod 4$ but $x+y\equiv {3+3}\equiv {1+1=2}\pmod 4$. Contradiction!
Case-2. One of this is even. Suppose that $x$ is even. We have $xy-x-y-1=(x-1)(y-1)=zx+1=A^2 +1$ now if 4 divides $x$ then with Lemma-1 there exist prime number $p\equiv 3\pmod 4$ that divides $x-1$ and so divides $A^2 +1$ but with Lemma-2 this is Contradiction! It means $x\equiv 2\pmod 4$ but we know $xy$ is perfect square and it means $y$ is even number so we have $y\equiv 2\pmod 4$ too. $x+y=xy-zt$ and $x+y , xy$ are even numbers so $zt$ is even and with above proof we conclude $z\equiv t\equiv x\equiv y\equiv 2\pmod 4$ but in this case we have $xy-zt\equiv 0\equiv {x+y} \equiv 4 \pmod 8$
Contradiction! We are done.
I think this solution is correct but the step $xy-zt\equiv 0\equiv {x+y} \equiv 4 \pmod 8$ requires more explanation.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mathaddiction
308 posts
#24
Y by
The answer is no, we now show it.
CLAIM. $xy\equiv zt\pmod 2$
Proof.
Otherwise, $x+y\equiv z+t\pmod 2$, hence $xy\equiv zt\equiv 1\pmod 2$, contradiction. $\blacksquare$

WLOG assume $z<t$ and $x>y$, then $x>z$.
Suppose on the contrary that $xy=c^2,zt=d^2$, then $d\leq c-2$. Fixing $x,z$, we have
$$t=x+\frac{x+z}{x-z-1},\hspace{20pt}y=z+\frac{x+z}{x-z-1}$$Let $\displaystyle k=\frac{x+z}{x-z-1}$, then $k(x-z-1)=x+z$, hence
$$z=\frac{(k-1)x-k}{k+1}$$Therefore, $0\equiv (k-1)x-k\equiv 2x-1\pmod{k+1}$, hence $k$ is even, let $k=2m$, then $x\equiv m+1\pmod{2m+1}$. Let $x=a(2m+1)+m+1$, then
$$z=\frac{(a(2m+1)+m+1)(2m-1)-2m}{2m+1}=a(2m-1)+m-1$$Therefore, we conclude that
\begin{align*}
zt&=(a(2m+1)+3m+1)(a(2m-1)+m-1)\\
xy&=(a(2m+1)+m+1)(a(2m-1)+3m-1)\\
\end{align*}Now it is just some simple bounding, notice that $m>0$, hence $a\geq 0$. Notice that
$$4am+4m=xy-zt=c^2-d^2\geq c^2-(c-2)^2=4\sqrt{xy}-4$$If $a=0$ then we need $m\geq\sqrt{(3m+1)(m-1)}$, no solution.
If $a=1$, we need $m\geq \sqrt{(5m+2)(3m-2)}$, no solution.
If $a\geq 2$ then $\sqrt{xy}\geq a\sqrt{4m^2-1}\geq\sqrt{3}am$
Therefore,
$$m+1\geq(\sqrt{3}-1)am\geq2(\sqrt{3}-1)m$$hence $m\leq 2$, which gives no solution.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
EulersTurban
386 posts
#25
Y by
The answer is NO.

First let $s=x+y=z+t$.
And we shall express $t=x+y-z$ and $x=z+t-y$.
Giving us $2$ quadratic equations:
$$z^2-z(x+y)+xy-x-y=0$$$$-y^2+y(z+t)-zt-z-t=0$$Let $ \Delta_1$ and $\Delta_2$ be the discriminants of the given quadratic equations, respectively.
Thus we have that:
$$\Delta_1^2=(x+y)^2-4xy+4x+4y=(x-y)^2+4(x+y)$$$$\Delta_2^2=(z+t)^2-4zt-4z-4t=(z-t)^2-4(z+t)$$Since we have that $x+y=z+t=s$, we have that $4s=\Delta_1^2-(x-y)^2=(z-t)^2-\Delta_2^2$.
Thus we have that $\Delta_1^2+\Delta_2^2=(x-y)^2+(z-t)^2$.

Now we state the obvious lemma.
Lemma:
If we have that $x^2+y^2=z^2+t^2$, then there exist $a,b,c,d$ such that $(x,y,z,w) \in \left\{(ac+bd,bc-ac,bc+ad,ac-bd)\right\}$ and all of their respected permutations.

Now when we return to our problem and start input what we have, we easily come to the conclusion that $x-y=bc-ad$ and $z-t=ac+bd$, $\Delta_1 = bc+ad$ and $\Delta_2 = ac-bd$.

When we now plug that in we get that $s=abcd$, and having that $s=x+y=z+t$, we get that:
$$2x=bc-ad+abcd$$$$2y=abcd+ad-bc$$$$2z=ac+bd+abcd$$$$2t=abcd-ac-bd$$
From here on out we claim that $xy$ and $zt$ are both square numbers.
If they are both square number then we must have that $4xy=m^2$ and $4zt=n^2$ are also square numbers.
Plugging in what we got we have that:
$$4xy-4zt=4s \implies (c^2-d^2)(a^2-b^2)=0$$thus we can claim wlog that $a=b$

Thus we have that $m^2=a^2(a^2c^2d^2-(d-c)^2)$ and $n^2=a^2(a^2c^2d^2-(d+c)^2)$
Thus we have that $a^2c^2d^2=(d-c)^2+k^2=(d+c)^2+g^2$.
Applying our lemma again on the pairs $(d-c,k,d+c,g)$, we get a contradiction, since any solution we got, brought us that $xy$ and $zt$ aren't squares at the same time.

Thus the answer is negative.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by EulersTurban, Mar 23, 2021, 8:27 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
AwesomeYRY
579 posts
#26
Y by
The answer is no.

Done using the walk-through from NICE Journal
Let $xy=a^2,zt=b^2$, then $x+y=a^2-b^2=z+t$. Note that $a^2-b^2 >0$, so $a\neq b$
\[(x-y)^2=(x+y)^2-4xy = (a^2-b^2)^2-4a^2\]\[(z-t)^2=(z+t)^2-4zt = (a^2-b^2)^2-4b^2\]Note that $xy,zt$ must be of the same parity mod 2. AFTSOC otherwise, then $xy-zt=x+y=z+t$ is odd, so both $xy,zt$ must be even, contradiction.

Thus, we may write $a=m+n,b=m-n$, where $m>n>0$. Then, we now know that $(x-y)^2(z-t)^2$ is a square and equals:
\[((a^2-b^2)^2-4a^2)((a^2-b^2)^2-4b^2)=(16m^2n^2-4(m+n)^2)(16m^2n^2-4(m+n)^2)\]Which equals,
\[=16(4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2-2mn)(4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2-2mn)\]We can pull out $4^2$, so,
\[S= (4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2)^2-(2mn)^2 \text{ is a square}\]Note that for $m>n>0$.
\[  0<(2m^2-1)(2n^2-1)-2 \Longrightarrow 4m^2n^2 < 8m^2n^2-2m^2-2n^2-1\]Thus, $S$ can be bounded between two consecutive squares
\[(4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2-1)^2< (4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2)^2-(2mn)^2 < (4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2)^2\]thus, we have a contradiction, so $xy,zt$ cannot ever both be squares.$\blacksquare$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
squareman
966 posts
#27 • 1 Y
Y by Catsaway
Check $xy - zt = x + y = z + t$ are all even. Let $xy - zt = x + y = z + t = 2N.$

Take $x = N+a, y = N-a, z = N+b, t = N-b.$ We are given $b^2-a^2 = 2N.$ We have $b$ and $a$ are of equal parity.

Suppose $N^2-a^2$ and $N^2-b^2$ are both perfect squares. Then take $b = g+h, a = g-h,$ so then $N = 2gh.$ But $$(N^2-a^2)(N^2-b^2)= ((2gh)^2-(g-h)^2)((2gh)^2-(g+h)^2) =(4g^2h^2-g^2-h^2)^2 - 4g^2h^2 $$is not a perfect square because it can be bounded between $(4g^2h^2-g^2-h^2-1)^2$ and $(4g^2h^2-g^2-h^2)^2.$ $\square$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
IAmTheHazard
4999 posts
#28
Y by
The answer is no. Suppose otherwise; replace $x,y,z,t$ with $a,b,c,d$ in that order, and let $ab-cd=a+b=c+d=N$, where WLOG $a,c\leq N/2$ so $a>c$ (else $ab-cd<0$). Then we have $b=N-a$ and $d=N-c$, so
$$a(N-a)-c(N-c)=N \implies N=\frac{a^2-c^2}{a-c-1} \implies N-a-c=\frac{a+c}{a-c-1},$$so we want $a(N-a)=ac+a\cdot \tfrac{a+c}{a-c-1}$ and $c(N-c)=ac+c\cdot \tfrac{a+c}{a-c-1}$ to be perfect squares. Evidently, $a$ and $c$ are the same parity, otherwise $a-c-1$ is even but $a+c$ is odd so we have $a-c-1 \nmid a+c$. As such, we can let $a+c=2x,a-c=2y$, so $x>y>0$ and we have $a=x+y,c=x-y$. Then
$$\frac{a+c}{a-c-1}=\frac{2x}{2y-1}:=2k~(k \in \mathbb{Z}),$$so $x=k(2y-1)>0$. Then,
$$ac+a\cdot \frac{a+c}{a-c-1}=x^2-y^2+(x+y)\frac{2x}{2y-1}=4k^2y^2-(k-y)^2:=(2ky-A)^2,$$and
$$ac+c\cdot \frac{a+c}{a-c-1}=x^2-y^2+(x-y)\frac{2x}{2y-1}=4k^2y^2-(k+y)^2:=(2ky-B)^2,$$where $A<B<2ky$ are nonnegative integers. Then
\begin{align*}
(2ky-A)^2-(2ky-B)^2&=(k+y)^2-(k-y)^2\\
(B-A)4ky-(B^2-A^2)&=4ky\\
A+B&=\frac{B-A-1}{B-A}4ky\geq 2ky,
\end{align*}where the last line comes from the fact that $B-A=1$ makes the LHS zero, while $A=B=0$ clearly fails as $k+y>0 \implies B \geq 1$. This means that $B \geq ky$, so
$$4k^2y^2-(k+y)^2 \leq k^2y^2 \iff (k+y)^2 \geq 3k^2y^2.$$For a fixed value of $k+y$, the RHS is minimized when one of $k,y$ is equal to $1$, so setting $k=1$, we need $y^2+2y+1\geq 3y^2$, which only holds for $y=1$. Then $x=1(2-1)=1$, but this implies that $c=x-y=0$impossible. As such, no such positive integers $(a,b,c,d)$ exist. $\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by IAmTheHazard, Apr 26, 2022, 1:12 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
pavel kozlov
611 posts
#29 • 2 Y
Y by NO_SQUARES, Mango247
Author of this problem - my friend Mikhail Murashkin.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
pavel kozlov
611 posts
#30 • 1 Y
Y by NO_SQUARES
Under conditions of problem we have:
$$xy-zt=x+y=z+t=(x-z)(y-z)=(x-t)(y-t).$$After division on all possible common divisors we can go to the problem:
$$xy-zt=(z-x)(z-y)=(t-x)(t-y)|x+y=z+t$$for positive integers $x,y,xz,t$ with $(x,z)=(x,t)=(y,z)=(y,t)=1.$
Let $z=ak^2, t=al^2, x=cm^2, y=cn^2$, where $(a,c)=(k,l)=(m,n)=1$.
Let's rewrite previuos chain as:
$$(cmn-akl)(cmn+akl)=(ak^2-cm^2)(ak^2-cn^2)=(al^2-cn^2)(al^2-cn^2)|a(k^2+l^2)=c(m^2+n^2)$$.
So it is true that:
$$t=(cmn-akl)(cmn+akl)=$$$$=(ak^2-cm^2)(ak^2-cn^2)=(al^2-cn^2)(al^2-cn^2), \eqno(1)$$$$s=a(k^2+l^2)=c(m^2+n^2), \eqno(2)$$$$t|s. \eqno(3)$$For every prime $p$, dividing $t$, it is also true that$p|s$ from $(3)$ and $p\not | a,c,k,l,m,n$ from $(1),(2)$.
Particularly, $2\not |t$, otherwise $a,c,k,l,m,n$ would be odd, so $4$ should divide $t$ but not $s$ - contradiction with $(3)$.

It follows that
$$(cmn-akl,cmn+akl)=(ak^2-cm^2,ak^2-cn^2)=1,$$and there are coprime positive integers $T_1,T_2,T_3,T_4$ such that
$$cmn-akl = T_1T_2, \eqno(4)$$$$cmn+akl = T_3T_4, \eqno(5)$$$$ak^2-cm^2=cn^2-al^2=T_1T_3, \eqno(6)$$$$ak^2-cn^2=cm^2-al^2=T_2T_4. \eqno(7)$$
Further,
$$(cmn-akl)^2-ac(kn-lm)^2=(ak^2-cm^2)(al^2-cn^2)=-T_1^2T_3^2,$$therefore it follows from $(4),(6)$ that
$$ac(kn-lm)^2=T_1^2(T_2^2+T_3^2). \eqno(8)$$Analogously,
$$(cmn+akl)^2-ac(km+ln)^2=(ak^2-cn^2)(al^2-cm^2)=-T_2^2T_4^2,$$and we get from $(5),(7)$ that
$$ac(km+ln)^2=T_4^2(T_2^2+T_3^2). \eqno(9)$$Adding $(8)$ to $(9)$, we find that
$$(T_1^2+T_4^2)(T_2^2+T_3^2)=ac((kn-lm)^2+(km+ln)^2)=a(k^2+l^2)c(n^2+n^2)=s^2,$$therefore the next divisibility is true from $(3)$
$$t^2=T_1^2T_2^2T_3^2T_4^2|(T_1^2+T_4^2)(T_2^2+T_3^2)=s^2.$$Let us remember that $t$ is odd, $s$ then should be even, so divisibility below is also true
$$4T_1^2T_2^2T_3^2T_4^2|(T_1^2+T_4^2)(T_2^2+T_3^2). \eqno(10)$$It is easy to see that $(10)$ is true iff$T_1=T_2=T_3=T_4=1$, that contradicts to $(4),(5)$, q.e.d.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
akasht
83 posts
#31 • 1 Y
Y by Mango247
No. Suppose otherwise. Let $x=t+a$, $y=z-a$ for some integer $a$. Then $(z-a)(t+a)-zt=a(z-t-a)=z+t$. Let $b=z-t-a$, then $z+t=ab$ and $z-t=a+b$. It follows that $(ab)^2-(a+b)^2=4zt$, which is a perfect square. Similarly, $y+x=ab$, \[y-x=z-a-(t+a)=z-t-2a=b-a \implies (ab)^2-(a-b)^2=4xy\]another perfect square.

Next, let $4zt=(ab-k)^2$ and $4xy=(ab-k+l)^2$. Then \[(ab-k+l)^2-(ab-k)^2=4ab \implies 2l(ab-k)+l^2 = 4ab\]
Claim: $k \le ab/2$

Proof: Suppose otherwise. Then \[(ab)^2-(a+b)^2 < (\frac{1}{2}ab)^2 \implies \frac{3}{4}ab^2 < (a+b)^2 \implies a+b > \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}ab\]Note that $ab > a+b$, else $xy$ would be nonpositive. In particular, at least one of $a,b$ must be at least $3$, and both must be at least $2$. Thus, WLOG let $a \ge 3$. But dividing by $a$ we have \[1+\frac{b}{a} > \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}b \implies 1+\frac{b}{3} > \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}b \implies \left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}-\frac{1}{3} \right) b -1 < 0 \]But after rearranging it is apparent that this implies $b < 2$, contradiction.

Returning to the problem, we see that $2l(ab-k)+l^2 = 4ab \implies 4ab > 2l(ab-k) > lab \implies l<4$. Furthermore, $l$ is even for parity reasons. Thus $l=2$. Hence $4ab-4k+4=4ab \implies k=1$. But then $(ab)^2-(a-b)^2=(ab+1)^2$,contradiction and we are done.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by akasht, Jun 18, 2022, 6:54 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
amuthup
779 posts
#32
Y by
I think I have a different solution, does this work?

WLOG assume $x\ge y.$ Then $x$ cannot be smaller than both $z$ and $t$, as this would mean $xy-zt\le 0,$ impossible. So assume $x\ge z$ as well.

We have $$x+y=xy-zt=xy-z(x+y-z)=xy-zx-yz+z^2=(x-z)(y-z).$$If $y-z=1,$ then $x-z=x+y,$ absurd. Thus $x-y<x-z\le\tfrac{x+y}{2},$ so $x<3y.$ This gives the bound $$\frac{x+y}{\sqrt{xy}}=\frac{y(\tfrac{x}{y}+1)}{y\sqrt{\tfrac{x}{y}}}\le\frac{3+1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}.$$Now assume $xy$ and $zt$ are both perfect squares. Then there exists $m\le\sqrt{xy}$ such that $$xy-x-y=zt=(\sqrt{xy}-m)^2=xy-2m\sqrt{xy}+m^2.$$Rearranging, $$m\le 2m-\frac{m^2}{\sqrt{xy}}=\frac{x+y}{\sqrt{xy}}<\frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}.$$Hence $m=1$ or $m=2,$ so we have reduced the problem to a finite case check.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
YaoAOPS
1481 posts
#33
Y by
Let $n = xy - zt = x + y = z + t$.
Then we can subsitute to get $n = x(n - x) - z(n - z) = n(x - z) + z^2 - x^2$ such $n \ge x, z$.
As such, $n = n(x - z) + z^2 - x^2 = (n - x - z)(x - z)$ and $z^2 \equiv x^2 \pmod{n}$.
Then, we need $n$ to be even, so $x - z, x + z$ must both be even, and thus $4 \mid n$.
Then, we can take $n$ to be a multiple of $4$, then let $4ab = n$, so \begin{align*} z &= 2ab - a - b \\ t &= 2ab + a + b \\ x &= 2ab - a + b \\ y &= 2ab + a - b \end{align*}Then, $xy = 4a^2b^2 - (a - b)^2$ and $zt = 4a^2b^2 - (a + b)^2$ are perfect squares, and their difference $xy - zt = 4ab$. As such, by difference of squares, $\sqrt{xy} + \sqrt{zt} \le 2ab$ and $xy + zt \le 4a^2b^2$. Similarily, $(a - b)^2 + (a + b)^2 = 2a^2 + 2b^2 < 4a^2b^2$ holds when not both $a, b$ are $1$.
However, $xy + zt + (a - b)^2 + (a + b)^2 = 8a^2b^2$, contradiction.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
math_comb01
659 posts
#34
Y by
Very Nice problem!
We claim that the answer is no and the product $xyzt$ cannot be a perfect square.
Let $p = xy - zt = x + y = z + t$; WLOG $x \leq y,z \leq t$
It is easy to see that $4 | p$ by parity arguements, let
$$p=xy-zt=x(p-x)-z(p-z)=px-pz-x^2+z^2 = (p-x-z)(x-z)$$,notice that $2$ must divide both of these. Let $(x-z)=2m$, $p-x-z = 2n$. It follows that $p=4mn$ and $(x,y,z,t)=(2mn+m+n,2mn-m-n,2mn+m-n,2mn+n-m)$
Now $xyzt = (2mn+m+n)(2mn-m-n)(2mn-m+n)(2mn+m-n)$ $=(4m^2n^2-(m+n)^2)(4m^2n^2-(m-n)^2)=(4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2)^2-(2mn)^2$ now to show that this is not a perfect square. We use bounding,
$(4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2)^2-(2mn)^2 \leq (4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2-1)^2$
$\leftrightarrow (4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2)^2-(2mn)^2 \leq (4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2)^2-2(4m^2n^2-m^2-n^2)+1$
$\leftrightarrow (2m^2-2)(2n^2-2) \leq 2$
which is a contradiction!.
EDIT : 150th HSO post!
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by math_comb01, Jan 3, 2024, 4:57 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
OronSH
1715 posts
#35
Y by
It is not possible. Notice $4(xy-zt)-2(x+y)-2(z+t)=(2x-1)(2y-1)-(2z+1)(2t+1)=0$ so there exist positive integers $p,q,r,s$ such that $pq=2x-1,rs=2y-1,pr=2z+1,qs=2t+1.$ Then from $x+y=z+t$ we get $pq+rs+4=pr+qs,$ which rearranges to $(p-s)(r-q)=4.$ Then notice that $p,q,r,s$ are all odd, so $p-s,r-q$ are even so by symmetry we can assume they are both $2,$ as opposed to $-2.$ Then letting $p=2a+1,s=2a-1,r=2b+1,q=2b-1$ we get $x=2ab-a+b,y=2ab+a-b,z=2ab+a+b,t=2ab-a-b.$ Then we have $xy=4a^2b^2-(a-b)^2$ and $zt=4a^2b^2-(a+b)^2.$ First, we notice that $a=b=1$ is invalid and for all other pairs $a,b$ of positive integers we have $ab\sqrt3>a+b,$ so $4a^2b^2-(a+b)^2>a^2b^2.$ Thus if we let $xy=i^2$ and $zt=j^2$ for positive integers $i,j$ we have that $a^2b^2<zt<xy \le 4a^2b^2$ and $xy-zt=4ab.$ Thus if $i-j=1$ we see that $xy-zt=i+j$ but $j<i\le 2ab$ so $i+j<4ab.$ Now if $i-j \ge 2$ we see that $i>j>ab$ so $i+j>2ab$ so $xy-zt>4ab$ so we are done.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
JafoNoksy
3 posts
#36 • 2 Y
Y by NO_SQUARES, Sivege
It's obvious, that $x+y = 2m$. So let $x = m-k, y = m+k, z = m-l, t = m+l, xy = a^2, zt = b^2$. We know that $2m = a^2 - b^2 = (m-k)(m+k) - (m-l)(m+l) = l^2 - k^2$ and $a^2 + k^2 = m^2 = b^2 + l^2$. In this format $(a, b, k, l)$ is equal to $(l, k, b, a)$, so we can assume that $l - k \leqslant a-b \implies l+k \geqslant a+b$. Let's denote $d_2 = l-k, d_1 = l+k$. Easy to see that $d_1 - d_2 \geqslant 2b$ and $2|d_1, d_2$. So, $4d_1^2 \leqslant (d_1d_2)^2 = (2b)^2 + (2l)^2 \leqslant (d_1 - d_2)^2 + (d_1+d_2)^2 = 2(d_1^2 + d_2^2) \leqslant 4d_1^2$. This can only happen if $d_1 = d_2 = 2$, but $4 = 2m > 2l = d_1 + d_2 = 4$, contradiction.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
awesomeming327.
1664 posts
#37 • 1 Y
Y by centslordm
Let $xy=a^2$ and $zt=b^2$. Clearly, $xy>zt$ but $x+y=z+t$ which means that $\max{z,t}>\max{x,y}$. WLOG, assume $z>t$. Then,
\[(a-b)(a+b)=a^2-b^2=xy-zt=xy-z(x+y-z)=(z-x)(z-y)\]so by the four-number theorem we can write $z-x=pq$, $z-y=rs$, $a-b=pr$, and $a+b=qs$ for positive integers $p,q,r,s$. Then we can easily find that $x+y=a^2-b^2=pqrs$ so
\begin{align*}
x&=\frac{-pq+rs+pqrs}{2}\\
y&=\frac{pq-rs+pqrs}{2}
\end{align*}Then using $(2x)(2y)=(2a)^2$ we can get $(pqrs)^2=(pr+qs)^2+(pq-rs)^2=(p^2+s^2)(q^2+r^2)$. We have either $p^2s^2\le p^2+s^2$ or $q^2r^2\le q^2+r^2$, which implies $\min{p,q,r,s}=1$. WLOG, assume $p=1$ then
\[s^2q^2r^2=(1+s^2)(q^2+r^2)\le 2s^2(q^2+r^2)\]so $q^2r^2\le 2(q^2+r^2)$ and it is clear at this point that $s=1$ and $q=r=2$ which gives us the values $x=y=2$ and $z=4,t=0$ which is absurd.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
shihan
243 posts
#38 • 1 Y
Y by centslordm
The answer is no.

Let $a=\tfrac 12 (x+y)=\tfrac 12 (z+t)=\tfrac 12(xy-zt)$; let $x = a - \alpha$, $y = a+\alpha$, $z = a-\beta$, $w = a+ \beta$. Without loss of generality, $\alpha,\beta>0$. Suppose to the contrary that $xy$ and $zt$ are perfect squares; write $xy = \gamma^2$, $zt = \delta^2$. Then
\begin{align}\tag{1}
    xy - zt = (a^2 - \alpha^2)- (a^2-\beta^2) = \beta^2 - \alpha^2 = 2a.
\end{align}Additionally, we have
\begin{align}\tag{2}
    a^2 = (a^2 - \alpha^2) + \alpha^2 = \gamma^2 + \alpha^2=\delta^2+\gamma^2
\end{align}Lemma 1. $a\in \mathbb{Z}$.
Proof. If not, then $a = a_0 + \frac{1}{2}$ for $a_0\in\mathbb{Z}$; then since $x=a-\alpha\in\mathbb{Z}$, we have $\alpha = d_1 + \frac{1}{2}$ for $d_1\in \mathbb{Z}$, similarly $\beta = d_2+\frac{1}{2}$ for $d_2\in \mathbb{Z}$. Then note that
\begin{align}
        \alpha^2 = (d_1+\tfrac 12)^2 = \underbrace{d_1(d_1+1)}_{\text{even}}+\tfrac{1}{4}
    \end{align}and the corresponding equation for $\beta^2$, from which it is evident that $2a_0+1 = 2a = \beta^2 - \alpha^2$ is even, a contradiction. $\blacksquare$

Since $2a\in \{0,2\}\pmod 4$ and $\beta^2 - \alpha^2 \in \{-1,0,1\}\pmod 4$ it follows that $a = 2a_1$, for $a_1\in \mathbb{Z}$. Then since $\gamma^2 + \alpha^2\equiv 4a_1^2 \equiv 0\pmod 4$, we get $\gamma = 2\gamma_{1}$ and $\alpha= 2\alpha_{1}$ and similarly $\delta = 2\delta_1$, $\beta = 2\beta_1$ for $\alpha_1,\ldots, \delta_1\in \mathbb{Z}$. Thus (1) and (2) become
\begin{align}\tag{$1'$}
    \beta_{1}^2 - \alpha_{1}^2 &= \frac{a_1}{2} \\
    \tag{$2'$}
    \gamma_{1}^2 + \alpha_1^2 &=\delta_1^2 + \beta_1^2= a_1^2.
\end{align}Lemma 2. For positive integers $p_{1},p_2, q_1,q_2, r,k$, if we have
\begin{align}\tag{$\dag$}
        p_2^2 -p_1^2 = \frac{r}{2^k} \\
        \tag{$\ddag$}
        p_i^2 + q_i^2 = r^2,
    \end{align}then $2\mid p_i,q_i,r$.
Proof. Clearly $2^k\mid r$, so $2\mid r$. Then $p_{i}^2 + q_i^2 \equiv r^2 \equiv 0\pmod 4$, so we must have $2\mid p_i,q_i$. $\blacksquare$

Then, writing $\widetilde{p}_i = p_i/2$, etc. and substituting into ($\dag$) and ($\ddag$) we get
\begin{align}\tag{3}
        \widetilde{p}_2^2 -\widetilde{p}_1^2 &= \frac{\widetilde{r}}{2^{k+1}} \\
\tag{4}         \widetilde{p}_i^2 + \widetilde{q}_i^2 &= \widetilde{r}^2,
    \end{align}So we can apply the lemma again to get $2\mid \widetilde{p}_i, \widetilde{q}_i,\widetilde{r}$. Continuing this process yields $2^n\mid p_i,q_i,r$ for any $n>0$, which is obviously impossible. But since $\alpha_1,\beta_1,\gamma_1,\delta_1, a_1$ satisfy the conditions of the lemma, we have a contradiction, so we are done.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Iveela
115 posts
#39
Y by
Did not enjoy.

Answer: No.

Suppose yes. Let $p^2=xy$ and $zt=q^2$. Relabel so that $z$ is now $y$. Then our condition becomes \[p^2-q^2=\frac{p^2+x^2}{x}=\frac{q^2+y^2}{y}\]Turning these into quadratic equations we get
  • $x^2-x(p^2-q^2)+p^2=0$
  • $y^2 - y(p^2-q^2) + q^2 = 0$
For these to have integer roots both $(p^2-q^2)^2-4p^2$ and $(p^2-q^2)^2 - 4q^2$ need to be perfect squares. Now, note that if $2 < p \neq q + 1$ \begin{align*} \left(\frac{p^2-q^2}{2} - 2\right)^2 &\leq (p^2-q^2-2p)^2 =(p^2-q^2)^2-4p(p^2-q^2)+4p^2 \leq \\ &\leq (p^2-q^2)^2-4p(4p-4)+4p^2 = (p^2-q^2)^2 - 12p^2 + 16p < (p^2-q^2)^2 -4p^2 \end{align*}Then, letting $x^2=(p^2-q^2)^2-4p^2$, we notice that \[(x+4)^2-x^2 > \left(\frac{p^2-q^2}{2}+2\right)^2 - \left(\frac{p^2-q^2}{2}-2\right)^2 = 4(p^2-q^2) \implies (x+4)^2 > (p^2-q^2)-4q^2\]Hence, $(x+2)^2=(p^2-q^2)^2-4q^2$, by parity. This implies $(x+2)^2-x^2=2(2x+2)=4(p^2-q^2)$ and hence $x=p^2-q^2-1$. This obviously cannot be true since it would imply that $x^2$ is not congruent to $(p^2-q^2)^2-4p^2$ modulo $2$.

Now, suppose that $p=q+1$. Then, we would have $(p^2-q^2)^2-4p^2 < 0$ which implies that $x$ does not exist, a contradiction. $\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 5 times. Last edited by Iveela, Jul 31, 2024, 2:24 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Mathandski
706 posts
#40
Y by
Goofy non-NT solution
Subjective Rating (MOHs) $       $
Attachments:
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Mathandski, Sep 13, 2024, 3:48 AM
Z K Y
N Quick Reply
G
H
=
a