Factoring and Fudging for Diophantine Equations

One of the most accessible methods for solving Diophantine equations (for us, these are multivariable equations where we want only integer solutions) is fudging and factoring. In essence, we rewrite the equation so that there is a factored expression with variables on one side and the other side is a constant. Then we can set each variable factor equal to a constant factor. We show an example of the casework where all factors on the variable side are linear. Note that some people within math contest and olympiad circles call fudging something else: "Simon's Favorite Factoring Trick."

Like, subscribe, and share! To find out more about us:
- Reach out on Twitter at @ExistsforallA

Copyright © Existsforall Academy Inc. All rights reserved.