The diophantine equation x3 − 3xy2 − y3 = 1 and related equations

The diophantine equation of the title has been solved by Ljunggren, by indirect use of the p-adic method (use is made of intermediate algebraic extensions). It is generally accepted that an immediate application of the p-adic method for the aforementioned equation is impossible. In this paper, however, this view was overthrown by first solving x² + 3 = 4y³ and then x³ ? 3xy² ? y³ = 1 with direct application of the p-adic method, avoiding the use of intermediate algebraic extensions, fulfilling thus a desire of Professor Mordell. The method used in this paper has a general character, as it is shown in Appendix B, where three more examples are given.