On the power values of power sums (Q996206)

The author proves that, for odd values of \(k\) with \(0<k<170\), the equation \[ 1^k+2^k+\cdots + x^k = y ^{2n}, \] with \(x>1\) and \(n>2\) has no solution. In the case \(n=1\), in 1918 G. N. Watson proved that the only solution is \((x,y)=(24,70)\). The proof of the present result uses consequences of the modular method applied on ternary equations \[ Ax^n+By^n=Cz^m, \quad m=3, \;\text{ or}\;n. \] It uses also sharp estimates on linear forms in two logarithms. To conclude many cases have to be studied and difficult Thue equations must be solved completely.