Are All Even Perfect Numbers Also Triangular Numbers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between even perfect numbers and triangular numbers, exploring whether all even perfect numbers can be classified as triangular numbers. It includes theoretical considerations and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to prove that every even perfect number is a triangular number, referencing the formula for triangular numbers and the definition of perfect numbers.
  • Another participant suggests examining residues for prime numbers and refers to a related thread titled 'Prime Factorial Conjecture' for further insights.
  • A third participant points out that the original poster has asked similar questions in another thread and encourages them to review previous responses.
  • One participant provides information about the form of even perfect numbers and suggests finding a relationship between triangular numbers and perfect numbers, emphasizing the need for an "if and only if" relationship.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between even perfect numbers and triangular numbers, with no consensus reached on the proof or the validity of the claims made.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for further exploration of the relationship between triangular numbers and perfect numbers, as well as the dependence on the properties of prime numbers in the context of the discussion.

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i have two ?'s to ask yall. ok, i need to prove every even perfect number is a triangular number. the formula is t(n)= 1+2+... tn = (n(n+1))/2.

ok i know that to be a perfect number, it is sigma (a) which menas 2times a. for ex, sigma(6)=1+2+3+6=12. this is as far as i can get can anyone show me light for this?

find least residue for (n-1)! mod n for several n values and find a general rule.

alright, i know bty least residue means basically the remainder. it is in the form of a=bq + r, where r is the least residue. again, can anyone show me what I'm missing here for this problem?

please even if you are viewing this post, please say anything as to what you are thinking about the problem... :redface:
 
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2. Look at the residues for prime n.

Then look at today's thread titled 'Prime Factorial Conjecture' in this subforum.
 
You've asked these questions in another thread, where I've responded. In case you missed it, check [post=244396]my post[/post] along with the thread Gokul43201 suggested.
 
For the first question, regarding triangle numbers and perfect numbers; the two facts we need to know are the form of the even perfect numbers, the only kind ever found, and a way of relating a triangle number to a perfect number. The form of the perfect number is: (2^(p-1))((2^p) -1). In this case we must have (2^p) -1 is prime and this implies that p is also prime.

Now all that is necessary is to find an if and only if relationship between a triangle number, and something like a square, and see if that also holds for a perfect number.
 
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