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Reformulated the Theorem, and fixed a typo in the formula for $x$
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Michael Zieve
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Theorem: If $p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$ are such that eitherthe curve $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ or$y^2=x^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$ has infinitely many rational points -- which occurs, for instance, if the curve is singular, and also occurs if the curve is nonsingular and the point $(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$ has infinite order onunder the group law of the elliptic curve $y^2=x^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$,-- then there are infinitely many pairs of rational numbers $(u,v)$ satisfying equation (1) in the Question.

Although the hypothesis about infinite order is unappealing, some such hypothesis is needed. For instance, if $p=0$ and $q=1$ then the only rational solutions to $u^3+pu+q=w^3$ are $(u,w)=(-1,0)$ and $(u,w)=(0,1)$, so the approach to producing infinitely many solutions to (1) which is hinted at in the Question cannot work in this case. Perhaps the phrase "in general" in the second sentence of the Question should be interpreted to mean that the question addresses a typical choice of $p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$, rather than addressing every such choice. It is easy to check that the point $(-3p,\frac{27}2q)$ has infinite order for some specific choice of $p$ and $q$ (such as $p=q=1$), so that this point will have infinite order for a typical choice of $p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$.

Now let $d,e$ be any rational numbers such that $d\ne 0$ and $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, and put $$x:=\frac{d}9 + \frac{12p^3+81q^2}d^2$$$$x:=\frac{d}9 + \frac{12p^3+81q^2}{d^2}$$ and $$y:=e\Bigl(\frac{1}{27}-\frac{8p^3+54q^2}{d^3}\Bigr).$$ One can check that $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$. Next define $$m:= e\Bigl( d^5 + 12pd^4 + 54p^2d^3 + (108p^3 + 729q^2)d^2 + (-648p^4 - 4374pq^2)d\Bigr) + \frac{81}2qd^5 + (4374p^3q + \frac{59049}2q^3)d^2 $$ and $$n:=d^6 + 9pd^5 + 81p^2d^4 + (216p^3 + 1458q^2)d^3 + (972p^4 + 6561pq^2)d^2 + (11664p^6 + 157464p^3q^2 + 531441q^4).$$ One can check that if $n\ne 0$ then $g_{u,w}(m/n)=0$ (where $u,w$ are the values defined in terms of $x$ and $y$). Since $n$ is a nonzero polynomial in $d$, there are only finitely many $d\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $n$ vanishes, and for each such $d$ (and likewise for $d=0$) there are at most two values $e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. Thus it suffices to show that there are infinitely many $d,e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. If $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ then we can take $(d,e)=(r^2,r^3)$ for any $r\in\mathbf{Q}$. Henceforth assume $27p^3\ne -\frac{729}4q^2$, so that the equation $E^2=D^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$ defines an elliptic curve $E'$. One rational point on $E'$ is $P:=(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$. Finally, if $P$ has infinite order then indeed $E'$ has infinitely many rational points, which completes the proof of the Theorem.

Theorem: If $p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$ are such that either $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ or the point $(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$ has infinite order on the elliptic curve $y^2=x^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, then there are infinitely many pairs of rational numbers $(u,v)$ satisfying equation (1) in the Question.

Although the hypothesis about infinite order is unappealing, some such hypothesis is needed. For instance, if $p=0$ and $q=1$ then the only rational solutions to $u^3+pu+q=w^3$ are $(u,w)=(-1,0)$ and $(u,w)=(0,1)$, so the approach to producing infinitely many solutions to (1) which is hinted at in the Question cannot work in this case. Perhaps the phrase "in general" in the second sentence of the Question should be interpreted to mean that the question addresses a typical choice of $p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$, rather than addressing every such choice.

Now let $d,e$ be any rational numbers such that $d\ne 0$ and $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, and put $$x:=\frac{d}9 + \frac{12p^3+81q^2}d^2$$ and $$y:=e\Bigl(\frac{1}{27}-\frac{8p^3+54q^2}{d^3}\Bigr).$$ One can check that $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$. Next define $$m:= e\Bigl( d^5 + 12pd^4 + 54p^2d^3 + (108p^3 + 729q^2)d^2 + (-648p^4 - 4374pq^2)d\Bigr) + \frac{81}2qd^5 + (4374p^3q + \frac{59049}2q^3)d^2 $$ and $$n:=d^6 + 9pd^5 + 81p^2d^4 + (216p^3 + 1458q^2)d^3 + (972p^4 + 6561pq^2)d^2 + (11664p^6 + 157464p^3q^2 + 531441q^4).$$ One can check that if $n\ne 0$ then $g_{u,w}(m/n)=0$ (where $u,w$ are the values defined in terms of $x$ and $y$). Since $n$ is a nonzero polynomial in $d$, there are only finitely many $d\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $n$ vanishes, and for each such $d$ (and likewise for $d=0$) there are at most two values $e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. Thus it suffices to show that there are infinitely many $d,e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. If $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ then we can take $(d,e)=(r^2,r^3)$ for any $r\in\mathbf{Q}$. Henceforth assume $27p^3\ne -\frac{729}4q^2$, so that the equation $E^2=D^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$ defines an elliptic curve $E'$. One rational point on $E'$ is $P:=(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$. Finally, if $P$ has infinite order then indeed $E'$ has infinitely many rational points, which completes the proof of the Theorem.

Theorem: If $p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$ are such that the curve $y^2=x^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$ has infinitely many rational points -- which occurs, for instance, if the curve is singular, and also occurs if the curve is nonsingular and the point $(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$ has infinite order under the group law of the elliptic curve -- then there are infinitely many pairs of rational numbers $(u,v)$ satisfying equation (1) in the Question.

Although the hypothesis about infinite order is unappealing, some such hypothesis is needed. For instance, if $p=0$ and $q=1$ then the only rational solutions to $u^3+pu+q=w^3$ are $(u,w)=(-1,0)$ and $(u,w)=(0,1)$, so the approach to producing infinitely many solutions to (1) which is hinted at in the Question cannot work in this case. Perhaps the phrase "in general" in the second sentence of the Question should be interpreted to mean that the question addresses a typical choice of $p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$, rather than addressing every such choice. It is easy to check that the point $(-3p,\frac{27}2q)$ has infinite order for some specific choice of $p$ and $q$ (such as $p=q=1$), so that this point will have infinite order for a typical choice of $p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$.

Now let $d,e$ be any rational numbers such that $d\ne 0$ and $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, and put $$x:=\frac{d}9 + \frac{12p^3+81q^2}{d^2}$$ and $$y:=e\Bigl(\frac{1}{27}-\frac{8p^3+54q^2}{d^3}\Bigr).$$ One can check that $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$. Next define $$m:= e\Bigl( d^5 + 12pd^4 + 54p^2d^3 + (108p^3 + 729q^2)d^2 + (-648p^4 - 4374pq^2)d\Bigr) + \frac{81}2qd^5 + (4374p^3q + \frac{59049}2q^3)d^2 $$ and $$n:=d^6 + 9pd^5 + 81p^2d^4 + (216p^3 + 1458q^2)d^3 + (972p^4 + 6561pq^2)d^2 + (11664p^6 + 157464p^3q^2 + 531441q^4).$$ One can check that if $n\ne 0$ then $g_{u,w}(m/n)=0$ (where $u,w$ are the values defined in terms of $x$ and $y$). Since $n$ is a nonzero polynomial in $d$, there are only finitely many $d\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $n$ vanishes, and for each such $d$ (and likewise for $d=0$) there are at most two values $e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. Thus it suffices to show that there are infinitely many $d,e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. If $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ then we can take $(d,e)=(r^2,r^3)$ for any $r\in\mathbf{Q}$. Henceforth assume $27p^3\ne -\frac{729}4q^2$, so that the equation $E^2=D^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$ defines an elliptic curve $E'$. One rational point on $E'$ is $P:=(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$. Finally, if $P$ has infinite order then indeed $E'$ has infinitely many rational points, which completes the proof of the Theorem.

edited body
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Michael Zieve
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Although the hypothesis about infinite order is unappealing, some such hypothesis is needed. For instance, if $p=0$ and $q=1$ then the only rational solutions to $u^3+pu+q=w^3$ are $(u,w)=(-1,0)$ and $(u,w)=(0,1)$, so the approach to producing infinitely many solutions to (1) which is hinted at in the Question cannot work in this case. Perhaps the phrase "in general" in the second sentence of the Question should be interpreted to mean that the question addresses a typical choice of $u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$$p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$, rather than addressing every such choice.

Now let $d,e$ be any rational numbers such that $d\ne 0$ and $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, and put $$x:=\frac{d}9 + \frac{12p^3+81q^2}d^2$$ and $$y:=e\Bigl(\frac{1}{27}-\frac{8p^3+54q^2}{d^3}\Bigr).$$ One can check that $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$. Next define $$m:= e\Bigl( d^5 + 12pd^4 + 54p^2d^3 + (108p^3 + 729q^2)d^2 + (-648p^4 - 4374pq^2)d\Bigr) + \frac{81}2qd^5 + (4374p^3q + \frac{59049}2q^3)d^2 $$ and $$n:=d^6 + 9pd^5 + 81p^2d^4 + (216p^3 + 1458q^2)d^3 + (972p^4 + 6561pq^2)d^2 + (11664p^6 + 157464p^3q^2 + 531441q^4).$$ One can check that if $n\ne 0$ then $g_{u,w}(m/n)=0$ (where $u,w$ are the values defined in terms of $x$ and $y$). Since $n$ is a nonzero polynomial in $d$, there are only finitely many $d\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $n$ vanishes, and for each such $d$ (and likewise for $d=0$) there are at most two values $e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. Thus it suffices to show that there are infinitely many $d,e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. If $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ then we can take $(d,e)=(r^2,r^3)$ for any $r\in\mathbf{Q}$. Henceforth assume $27p^3\ne -\frac{729}4q^2$, so that the equation $E^2=D^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$ defines an elliptic curve $E$$E'$. One rational point on $E$$E'$ is $P:=(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$. Finally, if $P$ has infinite order then indeed $E$$E'$ has infinitely many rational points, which completes the proof of the Theorem.

Although the hypothesis about infinite order is unappealing, some such hypothesis is needed. For instance, if $p=0$ and $q=1$ then the only rational solutions to $u^3+pu+q=w^3$ are $(u,w)=(-1,0)$ and $(u,w)=(0,1)$, so the approach to producing infinitely many solutions to (1) which is hinted at in the Question cannot work in this case. Perhaps the phrase "in general" in the second sentence of the Question should be interpreted to mean that the question addresses a typical choice of $u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$, rather than addressing every such choice.

Now let $d,e$ be any rational numbers such that $d\ne 0$ and $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, and put $$x:=\frac{d}9 + \frac{12p^3+81q^2}d^2$$ and $$y:=e\Bigl(\frac{1}{27}-\frac{8p^3+54q^2}{d^3}\Bigr).$$ One can check that $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$. Next define $$m:= e\Bigl( d^5 + 12pd^4 + 54p^2d^3 + (108p^3 + 729q^2)d^2 + (-648p^4 - 4374pq^2)d\Bigr) + \frac{81}2qd^5 + (4374p^3q + \frac{59049}2q^3)d^2 $$ and $$n:=d^6 + 9pd^5 + 81p^2d^4 + (216p^3 + 1458q^2)d^3 + (972p^4 + 6561pq^2)d^2 + (11664p^6 + 157464p^3q^2 + 531441q^4).$$ One can check that if $n\ne 0$ then $g_{u,w}(m/n)=0$ (where $u,w$ are the values defined in terms of $x$ and $y$). Since $n$ is a nonzero polynomial in $d$, there are only finitely many $d\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $n$ vanishes, and for each such $d$ (and likewise for $d=0$) there are at most two values $e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. Thus it suffices to show that there are infinitely many $d,e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. If $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ then we can take $(d,e)=(r^2,r^3)$ for any $r\in\mathbf{Q}$. Henceforth assume $27p^3\ne -\frac{729}4q^2$, so that the equation $E^2=D^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$ defines an elliptic curve $E$. One rational point on $E$ is $P:=(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$. Finally, if $P$ has infinite order then indeed $E$ has infinitely many rational points, which completes the proof of the Theorem.

Although the hypothesis about infinite order is unappealing, some such hypothesis is needed. For instance, if $p=0$ and $q=1$ then the only rational solutions to $u^3+pu+q=w^3$ are $(u,w)=(-1,0)$ and $(u,w)=(0,1)$, so the approach to producing infinitely many solutions to (1) which is hinted at in the Question cannot work in this case. Perhaps the phrase "in general" in the second sentence of the Question should be interpreted to mean that the question addresses a typical choice of $p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$, rather than addressing every such choice.

Now let $d,e$ be any rational numbers such that $d\ne 0$ and $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, and put $$x:=\frac{d}9 + \frac{12p^3+81q^2}d^2$$ and $$y:=e\Bigl(\frac{1}{27}-\frac{8p^3+54q^2}{d^3}\Bigr).$$ One can check that $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$. Next define $$m:= e\Bigl( d^5 + 12pd^4 + 54p^2d^3 + (108p^3 + 729q^2)d^2 + (-648p^4 - 4374pq^2)d\Bigr) + \frac{81}2qd^5 + (4374p^3q + \frac{59049}2q^3)d^2 $$ and $$n:=d^6 + 9pd^5 + 81p^2d^4 + (216p^3 + 1458q^2)d^3 + (972p^4 + 6561pq^2)d^2 + (11664p^6 + 157464p^3q^2 + 531441q^4).$$ One can check that if $n\ne 0$ then $g_{u,w}(m/n)=0$ (where $u,w$ are the values defined in terms of $x$ and $y$). Since $n$ is a nonzero polynomial in $d$, there are only finitely many $d\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $n$ vanishes, and for each such $d$ (and likewise for $d=0$) there are at most two values $e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. Thus it suffices to show that there are infinitely many $d,e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. If $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ then we can take $(d,e)=(r^2,r^3)$ for any $r\in\mathbf{Q}$. Henceforth assume $27p^3\ne -\frac{729}4q^2$, so that the equation $E^2=D^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$ defines an elliptic curve $E'$. One rational point on $E'$ is $P:=(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$. Finally, if $P$ has infinite order then indeed $E'$ has infinitely many rational points, which completes the proof of the Theorem.

Incorporated a solution to the elliptic curve question from the previous versions of my post
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Michael Zieve
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This is not a complete solution, but instead is a reduction of your question to the following question about elliptic curves, which probably has a nice answerThis is a revised version of my previous partial solution, which now comprises a more-or-less complete solution to the question.

I will show:

Revised QuestionTheorem: LetIf $K$ be the function field$p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$ are such that either $\mathbf{Q}(p,q)$ in two variables, and let$27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ or the point $E$ be$(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$ has infinite order on the elliptic curve $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$. Then$y^2=x^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, then there are infinitely many pairs of rational numbers $P:=(p + 9\frac{q^2}{p^2}, \frac92q + 27\frac{q^3}{p^3})$ is a point on$(u,v)$ satisfying equation $E$(1) in the Question. Show that

Although the hypothesis about infinite order is unappealing, for every nonzero integer $n$some such hypothesis is needed. For instance, if we write $nP=(a,b)$$p=0$ and $q=1$ then put $$u:=-\frac16\cdot\frac{9pq +9qa + 2pb- 2ab}{p^2 + pa + a^2}$$the only rational solutions to $u^3+pu+q=w^3$ are $(u,w)=(-1,0)$ and $$w:=\frac16\cdot\frac{4pb+9qa+2ab}{p^2+pa+a^2},$$ then $(u,w)=(0,1)$, so the polynomialapproach to producing infinitely many solutions to $T^3 - 9wT^2 - 3T(3u^2+p-6w^2+3uw) - 3(u-w)(3u^2+p-3w^2)$ has a root(1) which is hinted at in the Question cannot work in this case. Perhaps the phrase "in general" in the second sentence of the Question should be interpreted to mean that the question addresses a typical choice of $K$$u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$, rather than addressing every such choice.

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I checkednote that this is true forSolutions 1 and 2 in the first fewQuestion may be obtained from my proof of the Theorem by starting with the point $n$'s$P:=(-3p,\frac{27}2q)$ and the point $-2P$, so I would guess that it's truerespectively; infinitely many similar solutions may be obtained from my proof by starting with the point $nP$ for everyany nonzero integer $n$. The remainder of what I write is an explanation of how to get from your question to my question.

As in your questionthe Question, we start with arbitrary rational numbers $p,q$, and let $x_1,x_2,x_3$ be the roots ofcomplex numbers such that $f(T):=T^3+pT+q$ in some extension ofequals $\mathbf{Q}$$\prod_{i=1}^3(T-x_i)$. For

Lemma: For any $u\in\mathbf{Q}$, let$u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$ such that $y_1,y_2,y_3$ be$f(u)=w^3$, the real cube roots offollowing are equivalent:

  1. there exist $y_i\in\mathbf{C}$ such that $y_i^3=u-x_i$ and $y_1y_2y_3=w$ and $(y_1+y_2+y_3)^3\in\mathbf{Q}$
  2. the polynomial $$g_{u,w}(T):=T^3 - 9wT^2 - 3T(3u^2+p-6w^2+3uw) - 3(u-w)(3u^2+p-3w^2)$$ has at least one root in $\mathbf{Q}$.

Proof. Pick $u-x_1,u-x_2,u-x_3$, and define$u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $s:=y_1+y_2+y_3$ and$f(u)=w^3$. Since $t:=y_1y_2+y_1y_3+y_2y_3$$-f(u-T)=\prod_{i=1}^3 (T-(u-x_i))$ and $w:=y_1y_2y_3$. Then$-f(u-T)$ is monic, we see that $w^3=(u-x_1)(u-x_2)(u-x_3)$$(u-x_1)(u-x_2)(u-x_3)$ is the productnegative of the rootsconstant term of the monic polynomial $-f(u-T)$, and hence equals the negative of the constant term$f(u)=w^3$. Now let $y_1,y_2,y_3$ be arbitrary cube roots of this polynomial$u-x_1,u-x_2,u-x_3$, sorespectively, and define $w^3=f(u)=u^3+pu+q$$s:=y_1+y_2+y_3$ and $t:=y_1y_2+y_1y_3+y_2y_3$ and $r:=y_1y_2y_3$. Your equation Note that (1) says$r^3=(u-x_1)(u-x_2)(u-x_3)=w^3$, so that $s^3$$r$ is inrational if and only if $\mathbf{Q}$$r=w$. We We compute $s^3$ using the identity $$(a+b+c)^3 = (a^3+b^3+c^3) + 3(a+b+c)(ab+ac+bc) - 3abc,$$ together with the fact that $x_1+x_2+x_3=0$; this yields $$s^3 = 3u + 3st - 3w.$$$$s^3 = 3u + 3st - 3r.$$ In light of this identityThus, the easiest way to conceive of having $s^3$ be in $\mathbf{Q}$ is if both $st$ and $w$ are in $\mathbf{Q}$. (I don't know whether $s^3$ can be in$r$ is rational then $\mathbf{Q}$$s^3\in\mathbf{Q}$ if $w\notin\mathbf{Q}$.) So let's assume $w\in\mathbf{Q}$, and let's computeonly if $st$$st\in\mathbf{Q}$. Actually I'll compute $(st)^3$ by computing $t^3$ in the The same way I computed $s^3$; thisargument as above yields $$t^3 = (3u^2+p) + 3t(sw) - 3w^2,$$$$t^3 = (3u^2+p) + 3t(sr) - 3r^2,$$ where I used the fact that the values $u-x_i$ are the roots of the monic cubic polynomial $-f(u-T)$, so that the sum of all products of two $(u-x_i)$'s$(u-x_1)(u-x_2)+(u-x_1)(u-x_3)+(u-x_2)(u-x_3)$ is the coefficient of $T$ in this polynomial$-f(u-T)$, which can be obtained by evaluating the derivative at $0$ to get $f'(u)=3u^2+p$. Multiplying Multiplying the expressions for $s^3$ and $t^3$ yields $g_{u,w}(st)=0$$g_{u,r}(st)=0$ where $$g_{u,w}(T):=T^3 - 9wT^2 + 3T(3u^2+p-6w^2+3uw) + 3(u-w)(3u^2+p-3w^2).$$ So your question becomes that$g_{u,r}(T)$ is defined in item 2 of findingthe Lemma. Thus, if $u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$ such$r\in\mathbf{Q}$ (so that $w^3=u^3+pu+q$$r=w$) then $s^3$ is rational if and only if $g_{u,w}(T)$ has$st$ is a rational root. Next I compute a Weierstrass model for the curve of $W^3=U^3+pU+q$$g_{u,w}(T)$. This shows that item 1 implies item 2. In order to show that item 2 implies item 1, with base point being the uniqueit suffices to show that if $g_{u,w}(T)$ has a rational point at infinity on this curve. The changes of variables are: given anyroot $u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$$d$ then there exist $\zeta_1,\zeta_2,\zeta_3\in\mathbf{C}$ such that $w^3=u^3+pu+q$$\zeta_i^3=1$ and $y_i':=\zeta_i y_i$ satisfy both $\prod_{i=1}^3 y_i'=w$ and $H(y_1',y_2',y_3')=d$, ifwhere $$H(X,Y,Z):=(X+Y+Z)(XY+XZ+YZ).$$ Since $y_1y_2y_3$ is a cube root of unity times $w$, we putstart by replacing $y_3$ by $y_3\theta$ for some cube root of unity $\theta$ in order to ensure that $y_1y_2y_3=w$. $$x := p + 3\frac{pu + q}{w-u}$$Next let $\zeta$ be a primitive cube root of unity, and note that and$$ g_{u,w}(T)=(T-H(y_1,y_2,y_3))\cdot (T-H(y_1\zeta,y_2/\zeta,y_3))\cdot (T-H(y_1\zeta,y_2,y_3/\zeta).$$ $$y := \frac32\cdot\frac{2pu^2 + 2puw + 2pw^2 + 3qu + 3qw}{w-u}$$Since $g_{u,w}(d)=0$, it follows that $d=H(y_1',y_2',y_3')$ where $y_i'=\zeta_i y_i$ for some choice of $(\zeta_1,\zeta_2,\zeta_3)$ in $\{(1,1,1),(\zeta,1/\zeta,1),(\zeta,1,1/\zeta)\}$. In each case we have $\prod_{i=1}^3 \zeta_i=1$, so that $\prod_{i=1}^3 y_i' = \prod_{i=1}^3 y_i = w$, as required. thenThis completes the proof of the Lemma.

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In light of the Lemma, to prove the Theorem it suffices to show that there are infinitely many pairs of rational numbers $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$;$(u,w)$ for which $f(u)=w^3$ and conversely,the polynomial $g_{u,w}(T)$ has at least one rational root. One can check that if $x,y\in\mathbf{Q}$ satisfy $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$ then $$u:=-\frac16\cdot\frac{9pq +9qx + 2py- 2xy}{p^2 + px + x^2}$$ and $$w:=\frac16\cdot\frac{4py+9qx+2xy}{p^2+px+x^2}$$ satisfy $w^3=u^3+pu+q$. Under these transformations$f(u)=w^3$, the valueso long as $u$ from "Solution 1" in the original question turns into$p^2+px+x^2\ne 0$; the pointexcluded case $P$ in my Revised Question$p^2+px+x^2=0$ only occurs for $p=x=0$, which means that $y^2=-\frac{27}4q^2$ so that $y=q=0$. Thus it suffices to show that there are infinitely many $x,y\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$ and $g_{u,w}(T)$ has a rational root (for the valuevalues $u$ from "Solution 2" in the original question turns into the pointand $-2P$$w$ defined above).

Now let $d,e$ be any rational numbers such that $d\ne 0$ and $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, and put $$x:=\frac{d}9 + \frac{12p^3+81q^2}d^2$$ and $$y:=e\Bigl(\frac{1}{27}-\frac{8p^3+54q^2}{d^3}\Bigr).$$ One can check that $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$. Next define $$m:= e\Bigl( d^5 + 12pd^4 + 54p^2d^3 + (108p^3 + 729q^2)d^2 + (-648p^4 - 4374pq^2)d\Bigr) + \frac{81}2qd^5 + (4374p^3q + \frac{59049}2q^3)d^2 $$ and $$n:=d^6 + 9pd^5 + 81p^2d^4 + (216p^3 + 1458q^2)d^3 + (972p^4 + 6561pq^2)d^2 + (11664p^6 + 157464p^3q^2 + 531441q^4).$$ One can check that if $n\ne 0$ then $g_{u,w}(m/n)=0$ (where $u,w$ are the values defined in my Revised Questionterms of $x$ and $y$). Conversely Since $n$ is a nonzero polynomial in $d$, an affirmative answerthere are only finitely many $d\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $n$ vanishes, and for each such $d$ (and likewise for $d=0$) there are at most two values $e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. Thus it suffices to my Revised Question would yieldshow that there are infinitely many pairs of rational numbers $(u,w)$ such$d,e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. If $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ then we can take $(d,e)=(r^2,r^3)$ for any $r\in\mathbf{Q}$. Henceforth assume $27p^3\ne -\frac{729}4q^2$, so that the equation $w^3=u^3+pu+q$ and$E^2=D^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$ defines an elliptic curve $g_{u,w}(T)$$E$. One rational point on $E$ is $P:=(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$. Finally, if $P$ has ainfinite order then indeed $E$ has infinitely many rational rootpoints, which would solve your original questioncompletes the proof of the Theorem.

This is not a complete solution, but instead is a reduction of your question to the following question about elliptic curves, which probably has a nice answer:

Revised Question: Let $K$ be the function field $\mathbf{Q}(p,q)$ in two variables, and let $E$ be the elliptic curve $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$. Then $P:=(p + 9\frac{q^2}{p^2}, \frac92q + 27\frac{q^3}{p^3})$ is a point on $E$. Show that, for every nonzero integer $n$, if we write $nP=(a,b)$ and then put $$u:=-\frac16\cdot\frac{9pq +9qa + 2pb- 2ab}{p^2 + pa + a^2}$$ and $$w:=\frac16\cdot\frac{4pb+9qa+2ab}{p^2+pa+a^2},$$ then the polynomial $T^3 - 9wT^2 - 3T(3u^2+p-6w^2+3uw) - 3(u-w)(3u^2+p-3w^2)$ has a root in $K$.

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I checked that this is true for the first few $n$'s, so I would guess that it's true for every $n$. The remainder of what I write is an explanation of how to get from your question to my question.

As in your question, we start with rational $p,q$ and let $x_1,x_2,x_3$ be the roots of $f(T):=T^3+pT+q$ in some extension of $\mathbf{Q}$. For any $u\in\mathbf{Q}$, let $y_1,y_2,y_3$ be the real cube roots of $u-x_1,u-x_2,u-x_3$, and define $s:=y_1+y_2+y_3$ and $t:=y_1y_2+y_1y_3+y_2y_3$ and $w:=y_1y_2y_3$. Then $w^3=(u-x_1)(u-x_2)(u-x_3)$ is the product of the roots of the monic polynomial $-f(u-T)$, and hence equals the negative of the constant term of this polynomial, so $w^3=f(u)=u^3+pu+q$. Your equation (1) says that $s^3$ is in $\mathbf{Q}$. We compute $s^3$ using the identity $$(a+b+c)^3 = (a^3+b^3+c^3) + 3(a+b+c)(ab+ac+bc) - 3abc,$$ together with the fact that $x_1+x_2+x_3=0$; this yields $$s^3 = 3u + 3st - 3w.$$ In light of this identity, the easiest way to conceive of having $s^3$ be in $\mathbf{Q}$ is if both $st$ and $w$ are in $\mathbf{Q}$. (I don't know whether $s^3$ can be in $\mathbf{Q}$ if $w\notin\mathbf{Q}$.) So let's assume $w\in\mathbf{Q}$, and let's compute $st$. Actually I'll compute $(st)^3$ by computing $t^3$ in the same way I computed $s^3$; this yields $$t^3 = (3u^2+p) + 3t(sw) - 3w^2,$$ where I used the fact that the values $u-x_i$ are the roots of the monic cubic polynomial $-f(u-T)$, so that the sum of all products of two $(u-x_i)$'s is the coefficient of $T$ in this polynomial, which can be obtained by evaluating the derivative at $0$ to get $f'(u)=3u^2+p$. Multiplying the expressions for $s^3$ and $t^3$ yields $g_{u,w}(st)=0$ where $$g_{u,w}(T):=T^3 - 9wT^2 + 3T(3u^2+p-6w^2+3uw) + 3(u-w)(3u^2+p-3w^2).$$ So your question becomes that of finding $u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$ such that $w^3=u^3+pu+q$ and $g_{u,w}(T)$ has a rational root. Next I compute a Weierstrass model for the curve $W^3=U^3+pU+q$, with base point being the unique rational point at infinity on this curve. The changes of variables are: given any $u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$ such that $w^3=u^3+pu+q$, if we put $$x := p + 3\frac{pu + q}{w-u}$$ and $$y := \frac32\cdot\frac{2pu^2 + 2puw + 2pw^2 + 3qu + 3qw}{w-u}$$ then $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$; and conversely, if $x,y\in\mathbf{Q}$ satisfy $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$ then $$u:=-\frac16\cdot\frac{9pq +9qx + 2py- 2xy}{p^2 + px + x^2}$$ and $$w:=\frac16\cdot\frac{4py+9qx+2xy}{p^2+px+x^2}$$ satisfy $w^3=u^3+pu+q$. Under these transformations, the value $u$ from "Solution 1" in the original question turns into the point $P$ in my Revised Question, and the value $u$ from "Solution 2" in the original question turns into the point $-2P$ in my Revised Question. Conversely, an affirmative answer to my Revised Question would yield infinitely many pairs of rational numbers $(u,w)$ such that $w^3=u^3+pu+q$ and $g_{u,w}(T)$ has a rational root, which would solve your original question.

This is a revised version of my previous partial solution, which now comprises a more-or-less complete solution to the question.

I will show:

Theorem: If $p,q\in\mathbf{Q}$ are such that either $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ or the point $(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$ has infinite order on the elliptic curve $y^2=x^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, then there are infinitely many pairs of rational numbers $(u,v)$ satisfying equation (1) in the Question.

Although the hypothesis about infinite order is unappealing, some such hypothesis is needed. For instance, if $p=0$ and $q=1$ then the only rational solutions to $u^3+pu+q=w^3$ are $(u,w)=(-1,0)$ and $(u,w)=(0,1)$, so the approach to producing infinitely many solutions to (1) which is hinted at in the Question cannot work in this case. Perhaps the phrase "in general" in the second sentence of the Question should be interpreted to mean that the question addresses a typical choice of $u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$, rather than addressing every such choice.

I note that Solutions 1 and 2 in the Question may be obtained from my proof of the Theorem by starting with the point $P:=(-3p,\frac{27}2q)$ and the point $-2P$, respectively; infinitely many similar solutions may be obtained from my proof by starting with the point $nP$ for any nonzero integer $n$.

As in the Question, we start with arbitrary rational numbers $p,q$, and let $x_1,x_2,x_3$ be complex numbers such that $f(T):=T^3+pT+q$ equals $\prod_{i=1}^3(T-x_i)$.

Lemma: For any $u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$ such that $f(u)=w^3$, the following are equivalent:

  1. there exist $y_i\in\mathbf{C}$ such that $y_i^3=u-x_i$ and $y_1y_2y_3=w$ and $(y_1+y_2+y_3)^3\in\mathbf{Q}$
  2. the polynomial $$g_{u,w}(T):=T^3 - 9wT^2 - 3T(3u^2+p-6w^2+3uw) - 3(u-w)(3u^2+p-3w^2)$$ has at least one root in $\mathbf{Q}$.

Proof. Pick $u,w\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $f(u)=w^3$. Since $-f(u-T)=\prod_{i=1}^3 (T-(u-x_i))$ and $-f(u-T)$ is monic, we see that $(u-x_1)(u-x_2)(u-x_3)$ is the negative of the constant term of $-f(u-T)$, and hence equals $f(u)=w^3$. Now let $y_1,y_2,y_3$ be arbitrary cube roots of $u-x_1,u-x_2,u-x_3$, respectively, and define $s:=y_1+y_2+y_3$ and $t:=y_1y_2+y_1y_3+y_2y_3$ and $r:=y_1y_2y_3$. Note that $r^3=(u-x_1)(u-x_2)(u-x_3)=w^3$, so that $r$ is rational if and only if $r=w$. We compute $s^3$ using the identity $$(a+b+c)^3 = (a^3+b^3+c^3) + 3(a+b+c)(ab+ac+bc) - 3abc,$$ together with the fact that $x_1+x_2+x_3=0$; this yields $$s^3 = 3u + 3st - 3r.$$ Thus, if $r$ is rational then $s^3\in\mathbf{Q}$ if and only if $st\in\mathbf{Q}$. The same argument as above yields $$t^3 = (3u^2+p) + 3t(sr) - 3r^2,$$ where I used the fact that $(u-x_1)(u-x_2)+(u-x_1)(u-x_3)+(u-x_2)(u-x_3)$ is the coefficient of $T$ in $-f(u-T)$, which can be obtained by evaluating the derivative at $0$ to get $f'(u)=3u^2+p$. Multiplying the expressions for $s^3$ and $t^3$ yields $g_{u,r}(st)=0$ where $g_{u,r}(T)$ is defined in item 2 of the Lemma. Thus, if $r\in\mathbf{Q}$ (so that $r=w$) then $s^3$ is rational if and only if $st$ is a rational root of $g_{u,w}(T)$. This shows that item 1 implies item 2. In order to show that item 2 implies item 1, it suffices to show that if $g_{u,w}(T)$ has a rational root $d$ then there exist $\zeta_1,\zeta_2,\zeta_3\in\mathbf{C}$ such that $\zeta_i^3=1$ and $y_i':=\zeta_i y_i$ satisfy both $\prod_{i=1}^3 y_i'=w$ and $H(y_1',y_2',y_3')=d$, where $$H(X,Y,Z):=(X+Y+Z)(XY+XZ+YZ).$$ Since $y_1y_2y_3$ is a cube root of unity times $w$, we start by replacing $y_3$ by $y_3\theta$ for some cube root of unity $\theta$ in order to ensure that $y_1y_2y_3=w$. Next let $\zeta$ be a primitive cube root of unity, and note that $$ g_{u,w}(T)=(T-H(y_1,y_2,y_3))\cdot (T-H(y_1\zeta,y_2/\zeta,y_3))\cdot (T-H(y_1\zeta,y_2,y_3/\zeta).$$ Since $g_{u,w}(d)=0$, it follows that $d=H(y_1',y_2',y_3')$ where $y_i'=\zeta_i y_i$ for some choice of $(\zeta_1,\zeta_2,\zeta_3)$ in $\{(1,1,1),(\zeta,1/\zeta,1),(\zeta,1,1/\zeta)\}$. In each case we have $\prod_{i=1}^3 \zeta_i=1$, so that $\prod_{i=1}^3 y_i' = \prod_{i=1}^3 y_i = w$, as required. This completes the proof of the Lemma.

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In light of the Lemma, to prove the Theorem it suffices to show that there are infinitely many pairs of rational numbers $(u,w)$ for which $f(u)=w^3$ and the polynomial $g_{u,w}(T)$ has at least one rational root. One can check that if $x,y\in\mathbf{Q}$ satisfy $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$ then $$u:=-\frac16\cdot\frac{9pq +9qx + 2py- 2xy}{p^2 + px + x^2}$$ and $$w:=\frac16\cdot\frac{4py+9qx+2xy}{p^2+px+x^2}$$ satisfy $f(u)=w^3$, so long as $p^2+px+x^2\ne 0$; the excluded case $p^2+px+x^2=0$ only occurs for $p=x=0$, which means that $y^2=-\frac{27}4q^2$ so that $y=q=0$. Thus it suffices to show that there are infinitely many $x,y\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$ and $g_{u,w}(T)$ has a rational root (for the values $u$ and $w$ defined above).

Now let $d,e$ be any rational numbers such that $d\ne 0$ and $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$, and put $$x:=\frac{d}9 + \frac{12p^3+81q^2}d^2$$ and $$y:=e\Bigl(\frac{1}{27}-\frac{8p^3+54q^2}{d^3}\Bigr).$$ One can check that $y^2=x^3-(p^3+\frac{27}4q^2)$. Next define $$m:= e\Bigl( d^5 + 12pd^4 + 54p^2d^3 + (108p^3 + 729q^2)d^2 + (-648p^4 - 4374pq^2)d\Bigr) + \frac{81}2qd^5 + (4374p^3q + \frac{59049}2q^3)d^2 $$ and $$n:=d^6 + 9pd^5 + 81p^2d^4 + (216p^3 + 1458q^2)d^3 + (972p^4 + 6561pq^2)d^2 + (11664p^6 + 157464p^3q^2 + 531441q^4).$$ One can check that if $n\ne 0$ then $g_{u,w}(m/n)=0$ (where $u,w$ are the values defined in terms of $x$ and $y$). Since $n$ is a nonzero polynomial in $d$, there are only finitely many $d\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $n$ vanishes, and for each such $d$ (and likewise for $d=0$) there are at most two values $e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. Thus it suffices to show that there are infinitely many $d,e\in\mathbf{Q}$ for which $e^2=d^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$. If $27p^3=-\frac{729}4q^2$ then we can take $(d,e)=(r^2,r^3)$ for any $r\in\mathbf{Q}$. Henceforth assume $27p^3\ne -\frac{729}4q^2$, so that the equation $E^2=D^3+27p^3+\frac{729}4q^2$ defines an elliptic curve $E$. One rational point on $E$ is $P:=(-3p,\frac{27}2 q)$. Finally, if $P$ has infinite order then indeed $E$ has infinitely many rational points, which completes the proof of the Theorem.

Corrected formula for P
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Michael Zieve
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Corrected formulas for u and w near the end of the post
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Michael Zieve
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Source Link
Michael Zieve
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