Wildberger, N.J.

Pell's equation without irrational numbers

J. Integer Seq. 13(4), Article ID 10.4.3, 11 p., electronic only (2010)

Summary

Summary: We give a simple way to generate an infinite number of solutions to Pell's equation $x^{2} - D y^{2} = 1$, requiring only basic matrix arithmetic and no knowledge of irrational numbers. We illustrate the method for $D = 2$,7 and 61. Connections to the Stern-Brocot tree and universal geometry are also discussed.

Mathematics Subject Classification

11D09, 11E16

Keywords/Phrases

pell's equation, quadratic form, stern-brocot tree, universal geometry

Downloads