Diophantine equation

noun

Di·​o·​phan·​tine equation ˌdī-ə-ˈfan-ˌtīn- How to pronounce Diophantine equation (audio)
-ˈfan-tᵊn-
: an indeterminate polynomial equation which has integral coefficients and for which it is required to find all integral solutions

Examples of Diophantine equation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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If the Turing machine ran forever, its corresponding Diophantine equation would have no solution. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Diophantus, 3rd century a.d. Greek. mathematician

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Diophantine equation was circa 1928

Dictionary Entries Near Diophantine equation

Cite this Entry

“Diophantine equation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Diophantine%20equation. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

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