On the degree of regularity of some equations

In this paper we investigate the behaviour of the solutions of equations Σ_I=1ⁿ a_ix_i = b, where Σ_i=1ⁿ, a_i = 0 and b ≠ 0, with respect to colorings of the set N of positive integers. It turns out that for any b ≠ 0 there exists an 8-coloring of N, admitting no monochromatic solution of x₃ − x₂ = x₂ − x₁ + b. For this equation, for b odd and 2-colorings, only an odd-even coloring prevents a monochromatic solution. For b even and 2-colorings, always monochromatic solutions can be found, and bounds for the corresponding Rado numbers are given. If one imposes the ordering x₁ < x₂ < x₃, then there exists already a 4-coloring of N, which prevents a monochromatic solution of x₃ − x₂ = x₂ − x₁ + b, where b ε N.