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1985 AIME Problems/Problem 3

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Problem

Find c if a, b, and c are positive integers which satisfy c=(a + bi)^3 - 107i, where i^2 = -1.

Solution

Expanding out both sides of the given equation we have c + 107i = (a^3 - 3ab^2) + (3a^2b - b^3)i. Two complex numbers are equal if and only if their real parts and imaginary parts are equal, so c = a^3 - 3ab^2 and 107 = 3a^2b - b^3 = (3a^2 - b^2)b. Since a, b are integers, this means b is a divisor of 107, which is a prime number. Thus either b = 1 or b = 107. If b = 107, 3a^2 - 107^2 = 1 so 3a^2 = 107^2 + 1, but 107^2 + 1 is not divisible by 3, a contradiction. Thus we must have b = 1, 3a^2 = 108 so a^2 = 36 and a = 6 (since we know a is positive). Thus c = 6^3 - 3\cdot 6 = \boxed{198}.

See also

1985 AIME (ProblemsResources)
Preceded by
Problem 2
Followed by
Problem 4
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