Calculate $(ab,p^4)$: Prime Number Exercise

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical exercise involving prime numbers and the greatest common divisor (gcd). Participants explore the relationships between the variables \(a\), \(b\), and a prime \(p\), specifically focusing on the expressions \((a, p^2)\) and \((b, p^3)\) to find \((ab, p^4)\).

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that since \(p | a\) and \(p^2 | b\), they can express \(a\) and \(b\) in terms of \(p\) as \(a = k \cdot p\) and \(b = l \cdot p^2\), where \(k\) and \(l\) are integers.
  • Another participant suggests that to continue, one should identify how many factors of \(p\) are contained in \(a\) and \(b\), leading to the conclusion that \(ab\) contains 3 factors of \(p\).
  • There is a discussion about the implications of having 3 factors of \(p\) in \(ab\), with one participant concluding that this means \(\gcd(ab, p^4) = p^3\).
  • Participants express uncertainty about the meaning of the number of factors of \(p\) in \(ab\) and seek clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the calculations regarding the factors of \(p\) in \(a\) and \(b\) and the resulting gcd, but there is some uncertainty expressed about the implications of these factors.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of the findings beyond the stated gcd, leaving open questions about other potential factors in \(ab\).

evinda
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Hey! :o
I am given the following exercise:
If $p$ is a prime and $(a,p^2)=p$,$(b,p^3)=p^2$,find $(ab,p^4)$.

$p|a \Rightarrow a=k \cdot p , k\in \mathbb{Z}$
$p^2|b \Rightarrow b=l \cdot p^2 , l \in \mathbb{Z}$

Let $(ab,p^4)=d>1$,then $d$ will have a prime divisor, $q$
$q|d , d|ab \Rightarrow q|ab \Rightarrow q|a \text{ or } q|b$
Also, $d|p^4 \Rightarrow q|p^4 \Rightarrow q=p$

Is it right so far?And how can I continue??
 
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evinda said:
Hey! :o
I am given the following exercise:
If $p$ is a prime and $(a,p^2)=p$,$(b,p^3)=p^2$,find $(ab,p^4)$.

$p|a \Rightarrow a=k \cdot p , k\in \mathbb{Z}$
$p^2|b \Rightarrow b=l \cdot p^2 , l \in \mathbb{Z}$

Let $(ab,p^4)=d>1$,then $d$ will have a prime divisor, $q$
$q|d , d|ab \Rightarrow q|ab \Rightarrow q|a \text{ or } q|b$
Also, $d|p^4 \Rightarrow q|p^4 \Rightarrow q=p$

Is it right so far?And how can I continue??

Hi! :)

It is right so far.

But to get further, I would try to identify how many factors $p$ are contained in $a$ exactly.
And also how many factors $p$ there are in $b$.

How many factors $p$ does that make in $ab$?
 
I like Serena said:
Hi! :)

It is right so far.

But to get further, I would try to identify how many factors $p$ are contained in $a$ exactly.
And also how many factors $p$ there are in $b$.

How many factors $p$ does that make in $ab$?

In $a$, there is $1$ factor $p$,in $b$ there are $2$ factors $p$.So,in $ab$ there are $3$ factors $p$..What does this mean?? :confused: Or am I wrong??
 
evinda said:
In $a$, there is $1$ factor $p$,in $b$ there are $2$ factors $p$.So,in $ab$ there are $3$ factors $p$..What does this mean?? :confused: Or am I wrong??

That is exactly right. :D

It means that $ab$ has exactly 3 factors of the prime $p$ and possibly some other prime factors.
The consequence is that $\gcd(ab, p^4) = p^3$.
 
I like Serena said:
That is exactly right. :D

It means that $ab$ has exactly 3 factors of the prime $p$ and possibly some other prime factors.
The consequence is that $\gcd(ab, p^4) = p^3$.

I understand..thank you very much! :cool:
 

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