Is Every Integer in the Decimal System Divisible by 5?

In summary, a positive integer is divisible by 5 if and only if its last digit is either 0 or 5. This can be proven by writing the integer in the decimal system and noting that 10, the base of the system, is the product of 2 and 5. Therefore, for all numbers in this system, 5 divides the number if its last digit is 0 or 5.
  • #1
Prathep
7
0
I need some help proving this statement.

Prove that a positive integer is divisible by 5 if and only if it's last digit is either
0 or 5.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
I need some help proving this statement.

Homework Statement



Prove that a positive integer is divisible by 5 if and only if it's last digit is either
0 or 5.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
  • #3
One way is easy. Suppose n is a positive integer that ends in 0 or 5. Then we can write
[tex]n = 10k + 5\epsilon[/tex]
with k a positive integer and [itex]\epsilon[/itex] = 0 or 1. For example,
1234985135 = 123498513 * 10 + 5. Then obviously [itex]n / 5 = k + \epsilon[/itex] which is a positive integer again.

Also this approach should give you a clue for the other direction (suppose n is divisible by 5, then you can write it as 5k for some positive integer k. Now what can you say about k?)
 
  • #4
Let's continue the conversation https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=198173, so we don't have to double post as well.
 
  • #5
Better yet, I've merged the two threads- into this one since the problem doesn't seem to me to have a lot to do with "Computer Science and Technology"!
 
  • #6
every integer in the decimal system can be written as follows:

[tex]z = a_0 + a_1*10 + a_2*10^2 + ... + a_n*10^n[/tex]

as 10 is the product of 2 and 5 ==> 5 | 10

for n > 0 all terms have 0 as the last digit

if z is a number with last digit = 0, then [tex] a_0 = 0[/tex] ==> 5 | z

else [tex] a_0 = 5[/tex] and also this implies 5 | z
 

1. What is the definition of divisibility of 5?

Divisibility of 5 means that a number can be evenly divided by 5 without leaving a remainder.

2. How do you test if a number is divisible by 5?

To test for divisibility by 5, you can check if the last digit of the number is either 0 or 5. If it is, then the number is divisible by 5.

3. Can a number be divisible by 5 if it ends in an even digit?

Yes, a number can be divisible by 5 even if it ends in an even digit. As long as the last digit is either 0 or 5, the number is divisible by 5.

4. Is divisibility by 5 a reliable method for determining if a number is prime?

No, divisibility by 5 is not a reliable method for determining if a number is prime. While all prime numbers except for 5 are not divisible by 5, not all numbers that are not divisible by 5 are prime.

5. Are there any other methods for testing divisibility by 5?

Yes, there are other methods for testing divisibility by 5. For example, a number is divisible by 5 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 5. Another method is to divide the number by 10 and check if the result is divisible by 2.

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