Integer solutions to x + y^2 + z^3 = 50

XAT 2026 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Medium · Number Systems

How many solutions (x,y,z)(x, y, z) of the equation x+y2+z3=50x + y^2 + z^3 = 50 exist, where x,yx, y and zz are positive integers?

  1. A.

    17

  2. B.

    15

  3. C.

    16

  4. D.

    None of the other options is correct

  5. E.

    18

Answer

C

Explanation

Since x,y,z≥1x, y, z \ge 1 are positive integers:

  • Case z=1z = 1: z3=1  ⟹  x+y2=49z^3 = 1 \implies x + y^2 = 49. Since y2<49y^2 < 49, y∈{1,2,3,4,5,6}y \in \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6\}, giving 66 solutions for xx.
  • Case z=2z = 2: z3=8  ⟹  x+y2=42z^3 = 8 \implies x + y^2 = 42. y2<42  ⟹  y∈{1,2,3,4,5,6}y^2 < 42 \implies y \in \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6\}, giving 66 solutions for xx.
  • Case z=3z = 3: z3=27  ⟹  x+y2=23z^3 = 27 \implies x + y^2 = 23. y2<23  ⟹  y∈{1,2,3,4}y^2 < 23 \implies y \in \{1, 2, 3, 4\}, giving 44 solutions for xx.
  • Case z≥4z \ge 4: z3≥64>50z^3 \ge 64 > 50, no positive integer solutions.

Total solutions =6+6+4=16= 6 + 6 + 4 = 16.

Related Number Systems questions

Practise this under exam conditions

Sign in to solve it with a live timer, the on-screen CAT calculator, and streak and accuracy tracking across every question you attempt.

Solve in the workspace