1979 AHSME Problems/Problem 22

Problem 22

Find the number of pairs $(m, n)$ of integers which satisfy the equation $m^3 + 6m^2 + 5m = 27n^3 + 27n^2 + 9n + 1$.

$\textbf{(A) }0\qquad \textbf{(B) }1\qquad \textbf{(C) }3\qquad \textbf{(D) }9\qquad \textbf{(E) }\infty$

Solution

The equation is equivalent to $m(m+1)(m+5) = 27n^3 + 27n^2 + 9n + 1$. Taking mod 3, we get $m(m+1)(m+2)=1 (\bmod 3)$. However, $m(m+1)(m+2)$ is always divisible by $3$ for any integer $m$. Thus, the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(A)} 0}$ Solution by mickyboy789

See also

1979 AHSME (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 21
Followed by
Problem 23
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