[Math] Sum of consecutive cubes

algebraic-curvesdiophantine equationselliptic-curvesnt.number-theorypolynomials

I'm investigating when the sum of $n$ consecutive cubes equals a cube, i.e., for which $n$ does

$$\sum_{i=0}^{n-1} (k+i)^3 = k^3 + (k+1)^3 + \cdots + (k+n-1)^3 = Y^3 $$

have nontrivial solutions $(k,Y)$ for $k, Y \in \mathbb{N} $. I have found (using programs) that if this equation has non-trivial solutions, n is not squarefree (for $n > 3$). Now I'm trying to prove that $n > 3$ cannot be squarefree. Here is a link to my proof and what I've done so far but I've reached a wall. I have three equations that I believe contradict each other (I am almost certain they contradict each other). I just can't see how they contradict each other and I might need a new set of eyes to look at it. The three equations are given in the link but, if you like, I've put them below. I'm trying to show the following:

For natural numbers $ x, y, k, d \in \mathbb{N} $ and $ d > 1,$

  1. $ d^2y = 2k + dx – 1 $
  2. $ xy(d^4y^2+d^2x^2-1) = cube $
  3. $ x {\space} | {\space} k(k-1) $

cannot all be true. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for me! Thanks in advance!

Best Answer

Found some bigger numbers: {n,k} as you call them: {4913 , 11368} {6591 , 305} {6859 , 18171} {8000 , 22534} {10648 , 33558} {12167 , 40381} {13923 , 3010} {14161 , 1624} {25201 , 46690} {33124 , 18551} {63001 , 11170} {48841 , 967190} {277729 , 711785} Most 'n' are squares, but a strange ones are 6591, 13923 and 25201

pipo

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