Divisibility of n by 7: Elementary Proof

In summary, the conversation discusses removing the last digit from a number and subtracting twice this digit from the new number. It is shown that the original number is divisible by 7 if and only if this difference is divisible by 7. The conversation also mentions using the division algorithm and basic arithmetic to prove this. Additionally, the use of modular arithmetic is suggested to make the problem easier.
  • #1
JFo
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Remove the last digit from a number and subtract twice this digit from the new (shorter) number. Show that the original number is divisible by 7 iff this difference is divisible by 7.

I have only the division algorithm and the fact that the integers are closed under addition/multiplication/subtraction to work with plus elementary arithmetic. By the way, all numbers are in base 10

Heres what I've got:
let n be an integer. By the division algorithm I can find an integers c,d s.t. n = 10c + d where 0<= d < 10

The number 10c is n with the last digit removed. We need to show 10c + d is divisble by 7 iff 10c - 2d is divisible by 7

Suppose 10c + d is divisble by 7. Then 10c + d = 7m for some integer m.

using the division algorithm we can find integers e,f st. d = 7e + f where
0<= f < 7

given the restrictions that 0<=d<10 we must have e = 0 or 1.

Here's where I'm stuck. Any suggestions?
 
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  • #2
The number 10c is n with the last digit removed.

No, 10c is n with the last digit replaced with a zero. You want to consider c - 2d.

This proof can be done like so (using various elementary divisibility properties):

c - 2d is divisible by 7
<=>
10c - 20d is divisibly by 7
<=>
10c - 20d + 21d is divisibly by 7
<=>
10c + d is divisible by 7
<=>
n is divisible by 7.

If you had modular arithmetic in your inventory, this type of problem would be routine.
 
  • #3
Thank you muzza! I really need to get rid of this extra chromosome!
 

1. What is the "Divisibility of n by 7: Elementary Proof"?

The "Divisibility of n by 7: Elementary Proof" is a mathematical concept that proves whether a given number n is divisible by 7 or not. It is a fundamental concept in arithmetic and has many applications in various fields of science and technology.

2. How is the divisibility of n by 7 determined?

The divisibility of n by 7 can be determined by using the elementary proof method, which involves dividing the number n by 7 and checking if the remainder is 0. If the remainder is 0, then n is divisible by 7, otherwise it is not divisible.

3. Why is divisibility by 7 important?

Divisibility by 7 is important because it helps in simplifying calculations and identifying patterns in numbers. It also has many practical applications, such as in cryptography, where it is used to generate secure random numbers.

4. Can any number be divided by 7?

No, not all numbers can be divided by 7. A number can only be divided by 7 if it is a multiple of 7. In other words, the remainder of dividing the number by 7 must be 0 in order for it to be divisible by 7.

5. How is the "Divisibility of n by 7: Elementary Proof" used in real life?

The concept of divisibility by 7 is used in various fields such as banking, finance, and computer science. For example, in banking, it is used to check if a bank account number is valid by dividing it by 7 and checking the remainder. In computer science, it is used in algorithms for generating random numbers and in data encryption techniques.

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