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I am trying to solve the diophantine equation $x^3-2y^3=1$ using $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt[3]{2}).$

I've read this link: Solve $x^3 +1 = 2y^3$

The following is what i have tried:

Finding all integer solutions of $x^3-2y^3=1$ is equivalent to finding all the elements of the form $x + y\sqrt[3]{2}$ in $\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt[3]{2})$ of norm $1$ over $\mathbb{Q}$ where $x,y\in \mathbb{Z}.$ By Dirichlet's unit theorem $\mathcal{O}_{\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt[3]{2})}^{\times} \cong \mathbb{Z}/2 \oplus \mathbb{Z}.$ Thus $x + y\sqrt[3]{2}=±(-1-\sqrt[3]{2})^n$ for some $n\in \mathbb{Z}.$

But then I have to idea how to proceed. In fact, I'm not even sure if what I have tried is correct. Can anyone help me please?

sacch
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1 Answers1

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First, let me point out that $E:x^3-2y^3=1$, together with the point $[1,0,1]$, is an elliptic curve. Its Mordell-Weil group can be calculated by finding a Weierstrass model, which can be chosen to be $y^2=x^3-27$, and then verify that $E(\mathbb{Q})\cong \mathbb{Z}/2\mathbb{Z}$. Thus, there are only two rational points on $E$, namely $[1,0,1]$ and $[-1,-1,1]$ in projective coordinates, which correspond to $(1,0)$ and $(-1,-1)$ in affine coordinates.

To calculate the integral points using the method you mention, you first need to notice that if $K=\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt[3]{2})$, then the norm from $K$ down to $\mathbb{Q}$ of $a+b\sqrt[3]{2}$ is $a^3+2b^3$, for any integers $a,b\in\mathbb{Z}$. Thus, if $x,y$ are integers such that $$x^3-2y^3=1,$$ then $x-y\sqrt[3]{2}$ has norm $1$. Since $K/\mathbb{Q}$ has one real embedding, and two complex embeddings, Dirichlet's unit theorem says that the unit group has rank $1$. Moreover, the only roots of unity are $\pm 1$, and a generator of the free part of the unit group is $-1+\sqrt[3]{2}$. Hence, $x-y\sqrt[3]{2}$ is of the form $$\pm (-1+\sqrt[3]{2})^n$$ for some $n\in\mathbb{Z}$. When $n=0$, we notice that $-1$ has norm $-1$, so we only get a possible solution, namely $x=1$, $y=0$. When $n=1$, we only get one solution, namely $x=-1$, $y=-(1)=-1$. In order to finish the proof, you need to show that for any other $n$, the power $(-1+\sqrt[3]{2})^n$ is not of the form $a+b\sqrt[3]{2}$, i.e., there is a non-zero term in $\sqrt[3]{4}$. For example, $$(-1+\sqrt[3]{2})^{-1} = 1+\sqrt[3]{2}+\sqrt[3]{4},$$ so this does not yield a point in $x^3-2y^3=1$.

  • Thanks a lot! But I am still not sure how I can prove −1+3√2 is a fundamental unit. – sacch Feb 26 '14 at 16:46
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    See http://www.math.uconn.edu/~kconrad/blurbs/gradnumthy/unittheorem.pdf , in particular have a look at Cor. 4.6 and Example 4.7. – Álvaro Lozano-Robledo Feb 26 '14 at 16:53
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    The "need to show that for any other $n$..." part at the end is not so simple. An approach using $p$-adic arguments with $p=31$ or alternatively with $p=3$ is in https://kconrad.math.uconn.edu/blurbs/gradnumthy/x3-2y3=1.pdf. – KCd Mar 22 '22 at 08:38