The Little Alibaba math competition problems are also difficult, but the difficulty lies in a different direction. The competition problems are very straightforward. Even when asking for integer solutions, they are typically restricted to a specific range, testing the participants' basic problem-solving skills, and their flexible use of theorems and methods.
Solving his equation, however, directly involves the theoretical depth of modern number theory. Its solution requires more complex algebraic geometry tools, arithmetic geometry tools, and advanced skills in numerical analysis.
The simplest and most understandable difference is that the people who write competition problems know the correct answers and can provide detailed solution steps as reference answers.
But for the equation he posted on the forum, even he, the problem setter, does not know the correct answer.
