Alll Positive Integers proof by contraposition

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proof by contraposition for the statement involving positive integers \( n \), \( r \), and \( s \): if \( rs \le n \), then \( r \le \sqrt{n} \) or \( s \le \sqrt{n} \). A participant expresses confusion regarding the manipulation of inequalities, specifically how \( sr > s\sqrt{n} \) relates to \( rs > \sqrt{ns} \). Another contributor clarifies that for any positive number, \( s \geq \sqrt{s} \), leading to the conclusion that \( sr > s\sqrt{n} \geq \sqrt{sn} \).

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tmt1
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For all positive integers $n$, $r$, and $s$, if $rs \le n$ then $r \le\sqrt{n}$ or $s \le \sqrt{n}$

Proof:

Suppose $r$ , $s$ and $n$, are integers and $r > \sqrt{n}$ and $ s > \sqrt{e}$.

Multiply both sides of the first inequality by $s$.

I get $sr > s\sqrt{n} $, but the book gives $rs > \sqrt{ns}$. How is this possible.

Also, if I multiply the second inequality by $\sqrt{n}$, I get $s \sqrt{n}> n$, but the book gives $\sqrt{ns} > n$ . What am I doing wrong?
 
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tmt said:
For all positive integers $n$, $r$, and $s$, if $rs \le n$ then $r \le\sqrt{n}$ or $s \le \sqrt{n}$

Proof:

Suppose $r$ , $s$ and $n$, are integers and $r > \sqrt{n}$ and $ s > \sqrt{e}$.

Multiply both sides of the first inequality by $s$.

I get $sr > s\sqrt{n} $, but the book gives $rs > \sqrt{ns}$. How is this possible.

Also, if I multiply the second inequality by $\sqrt{n}$, I get $s \sqrt{n}> n$, but the book gives $\sqrt{ns} > n$ . What am I doing wrong?

Hi tmt,

Note that for any positive number, $s\geq\sqrt{s}$. Therefore, $sr > s\sqrt{n}\geq\sqrt{s}\sqrt{n}=\sqrt{sn}$.
 

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