Positive values of non-homogeneous indefinite quadratic forms of type (2,4) (Q1907845)

Let \(Q(X)\) be a real indefinite quadratic form in \(n\) variables of type \((r, n-r)\) and determinant \(D\neq 0\). \textit{H. Blaney} [J. Lond. Math. Soc. 23, 153-160 (1948; Zbl 0031.20404)]\ proved that there exist real numbers \(\Gamma\), depending only on \(n\) and \(r\), such that for any \(C\in \mathbb{R}^n\) there exists \(X\in \mathbb{Z}^n\) such that (1) \(0< Q(X+ C)\leq (\Gamma |D|)^{1/n}\). Then arose the problem of determining the minimum \(\Gamma_{r, n-r}\) of all such numbers \(\Gamma\). Further investigations gave the values of \(\Gamma_{r, n-r}\) for various \(r\) and \(n-r\). After the paper by \textit{R. Sehmi} and \textit{V. C. Dumir} [J. Number Theory 48, 1-35 (1994; Zbl 0808.11043)]\ \(\Gamma_{2r,n - r}\) were obtained for all meaningful pairs \(r,n-r\) with the exception of \(\Gamma_{2,4}\) and \(\Gamma_{1,4}\). The present paper gives \(\Gamma_{2,4}= 64/3\) and determines the forms \(Q(X)\) for which the equality in (1) is necessary.