Small solutions of the congruencea 1 x 1 2 +a 2 x 2 2 +a 3 x 3 2 +a 4 x 4 2 ≡c(modp) (Q4397379)

Let \(a_1,a_2, a_3,a_4\) be any non-zero integers with \(p\nmid a_1a_2 a_3a_4\), where \(p\) is an odd prime number. Let \(F_p\) denote a finite field. In this paper the authors prove that for any integer \(c\in F_p\), there exists an integer solution \(x_1,x_2, x_3,x_4\) of the congruence \[ a_1x_1^2 +a_2x^2_2+ a_3 x_3^2+ a_4x^2_4 \equiv c\pmod p \] such that \(\max_{1\leq j\leq 4}| x_j| \ll \sqrt p \log p\) where the implied constant in the Vinogradov symbol is absolute. Previous works in this area are due to \textit{D. R. Heath-Brown} [Glasg. Math. J. 27, 87-93 (1985; Zbl 0581.10008)], \textit{T. Cochrane} [J. Number Theory 37, 92-99 (1991; Zbl 0713.11031)] and \textit{Y. Wang} [Acta Math. Sin., New Ser. 9, 382-389 (1993; Zbl 0795.11019)].