Which have integer solutions? Rational solutions?

x2 + y 2 = 29 x2 + y 2 = 19

2x2 + y 2 = 23 x2 + 3y 2 = 28

x2 − y 2 = 8 x2 − 2y 2 = 3

momath.org
 Which odd primes are a sum of two squares?
Left column: List the odd prime numbers in order.
Middle column: For each odd prime p, write a sum of two squares that equals p.
If no such sum of squares exists, write NO.
Right column: Write the prime factorization of p − 1.

p x2 + y 2 ? p − 1 factors how?

3 NO 3−1=

5 22 + 12 5−1=

13 − 1 = 22 · 3

37 37 − 1 =

Can you guess a rule that predicts when the middle column is NO?

momath.org
 Using geometry to find rational solutions
The circle below has equation x2 + y 2 = 5.
Each big square is 1 × 1, and each little square is 0.1 × 0.1.
Intersect the circle with lines of rational slope through (1, 2) to find more rational solutions,
either graphically or by solving a system of equations.
For example, try slope 3, as shown.
Feeling ambitious?
Let the slope be a parameter t, and find the intersection point in terms of t.

(1, 2)

x2 + y 2 = 5

momath.org