Show N has Prime Numbers

AI Thread Summary
Every set of n+1 positive integers chosen from 2n consecutive integers must include at least one pair of relatively prime numbers. The hint emphasizes that consecutive integers, such as m and m+1, are always relatively prime. The challenge lies in selecting n+1 integers from a defined set without avoiding all pairs that are relatively prime. The discussion clarifies that regardless of the selection method, a pair of relatively prime numbers will always emerge. This conclusion is central to solving the problem effectively.
C R P
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(For the following problem I don't just want a flat out answer, but steps and Ideas on how to solve it. The problem was given by my Universities newspaper and for solving it you get free Loot and stuff)​
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The Problem:
Show that every set of n+1 positive integers, chosen from a set of 2n consecutive integers, contains at least one pair of relatively prime numbers.

relatively prime means: "Two integers are relatively prime if they share no common positive factors (divisors) except 1"

Example: 8 and 15 are relatively prime.

8 = 2 * 2 * 2 15 = 3 * 5

Example: 9 and 12 are NOT relatively prime

9 = 3 * 3 12 = 2 * 2 * 3
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My thinking thus far:
None really I've just started
 
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Hint: If m is a positive integer, then m and m+1 are relatively prime.
 
Petek said:
Hint: If m is a positive integer, then m and m+1 are relatively prime.

very true, but I think the problem is more difficult than this.

"Show that every set of n+1 positive integers, chosen from a set of 2n consecutive integers"

wouldn't this mean the set would be...
n= 0 1 2 3 4
Set=0,2,6,8

then you would do the n+1 one on that set?
Or something to that extent?
 
Petek's hint is right. If you wanted to choose a subset without picking any pair that's relatively prime, what does that tell you about the option of picking consecutive numbers from the set?
 
C R P said:
very true, but I think the problem is more difficult than this.

"Show that every set of n+1 positive integers, chosen from a set of 2n consecutive integers"

The statement means: I give you a set S = {a, a+1, a+2, ..., a+2n-1} and you pick a subset with n+1 elements.

The point of the problem is that no matter what you do, your subset always contains a pair which are relatively prime.
 
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