MathLabs

Problem 6

An ordered pair (x,y)(x,y) of integers is called a primitive point if gcd⁡(x,y)=1\gcd(x,y)=1. Given a finite set SS of primitive points, prove that there exist a positive integer nn and integers a0,a1,…,ana_0,a_1,\ldots,a_n such that for every (x,y)∈S(x,y)\in S, we have a0xn+a1xn−1y+a2xn−2y2+⋯+an−1xyn−1+anyn=1a_0x^n+a_1x^{n-1}y+a_2x^{n-2}y^2+\cdots+a_{n-1}xy^{n-1}+a_ny^n=1.
Step 7 of 8: Verify the old points
In plain words

At every old point the determinant product is zero.

Q(xi,yi)=1Q(x_i,y_i)=1
Detailed analysis

For an old point (xi,yi)(x_i,y_i), its own factor yix−xiyy_ix-x_iy vanishes. Since P(x,y)=ax+byP(x,y)=ax+by has value 1 there, the first term of Q(x,y)=P(x,y)U+C(ax+by)V∏i=1k−1(yix−xiy)Q(x,y)=P(x,y)^U+C(ax+by)^V\prod_{i=1}^{k-1}(y_ix-x_iy) is 1 and the correction term is 0. Hence Q(xi,yi)=1Q(x_i,y_i)=1.