Show that this polynomial in two variables has no integer solutions

Hint : Considering in mod $m$ for some $m\ge 2\in\mathbb N$ sometimes works. In our case, $m=3$.


Added : It seems that you are not familiar with considering in mod $m$.

The equation can be written as $$y^2=3(5x^2-2y^2-6)+2$$ So, $y^2$ has to be of the form $3k+2$ where $k\in\mathbb Z$. This is impossible. (why?)


Consider the equation modulo 3: $$15x^2-7y^2=16$$

  • $15x^2$ is always divisible by 3,
  • $7y^2$ is either 0 or 1 modulo 3 and
  • $16\equiv1\pmod3$.

Substituting these residues into the equation, we find that it is inconsistent in all cases: $$0-0\not\equiv1\pmod3$$ $$0-1\not\equiv1\pmod3$$ $$15x^2-7y^2\not\equiv16\pmod3$$ Therefore the equation has no integer solution.


A good learning Software for your problem was written by Dario Alejandro Alpern:

set mode to Step-by-Step.

First of all we must determine the $gcd$ of all coefficients but the constant term, that is: $gcd(15, 0, -7, 0, 0) = 1.$

Dividing the equation by the greatest common divisor we obtain: $15 x^2 - 7 y^2 - 16 = 0$.

We try to check the equation modulo the prime divisors of $15$ ... here the hint ends :) ...