4.II.11H
Part II, 2005
(a) Let be a non-square integer. Describe the integer solutions of the Pell equation in terms of the convergents to . Show that the set of integer solutions forms an abelian group. Denote the addition law in this group by ; given solutions and , write down an explicit formula for . If is a solution, write down an explicit formula for in the group law.
(b) Find the continued fraction expansion of . Find the smallest solution in integers of the Pell equation . Use the formula in Part (a) to compute .