A remark on a theorem of Serret (Q1073068)

Let f(x,y) be an indefinite quadratic form with integer coefficients and irrational roots \(\rho_ 1\), \(\rho_ 2\) of \(f(x,1)=0\). Suppose \((p,q)\in {\mathbb{Z}}^ 2\setminus \{(0,0)\}\) such that \(| f(p,q)|\) is minimal. Then it is well known that ''usually'' p/q must be a convergent to either \(\rho_ 1\) or \(\rho_ 2.\) In the present paper the ''exceptional case'' is completely characterized: This occurs if and only if f is equivalent but not equal to an integer multiple of \(x^ 2-xy-y^ 2\); in this case there exists (up to the sign) exactly one pair (p,q) such that p/q is not a convergent of \(\rho_ 1\) or \(\rho_ 2\) and \(| f(p,q)|\) attains its minimum. This ''exceptional pair'' is determined explicitly.