Can $3^{2008}+4^{2009}$ Be Factored into Two Numbers Larger Than $2009^{182}$?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The expression $3^{2008}+4^{2009}$ can indeed be factored into two positive integers, each exceeding $2009^{182}$. This conclusion is supported by mathematical analysis and factorization techniques. The discussion emphasizes the importance of exploring properties of exponential growth and modular arithmetic to establish the factorization. Participants in the forum suggest various approaches to demonstrate this factorization rigorously.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of exponential functions and their growth rates
  • Familiarity with modular arithmetic
  • Knowledge of factorization techniques in number theory
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced factorization methods in number theory
  • Explore the properties of exponential growth in mathematical expressions
  • Learn about modular arithmetic applications in factorization
  • Study examples of similar expressions and their factorizations
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, number theorists, and students interested in advanced factorization techniques and properties of exponential functions.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Show that $3^{2008}+4^{2009}$ can be written as product of two positive integers each of which is larger than $2009^{182}$
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
anemone said:
Show that $3^{2008}+4^{2009}$ can be written as product of two positive integers each of which is larger than $2009^{182}$

I do not know the solution but below could be a starting point

(x^4+ 4y^2) = (x^2 + 2y^2 – 2xy)(x^2 + 2y^2 + 2xy)

SO 3^2008+ 4^ 2009 = (3^502)^4 + 4 * (4^502)^ 4
= (3^1004 + 2 *4^1004 + 2 * 12^502) (3^1004 + 2*4^1004 - 2 * 12^502)

Now if we show that (3^1004 + 2*4^1004 - 2 * 12^502) > 2009^182 we are through
 
Thanks for the food for thought, kaliprasad!

Solution proposed by other:
We use the standard factorization:

$$x^4+4y^4=(x^2+2xy+2y^2)(x^2-2xy+2y^2)$$

Observe that for any integers $x, y$,

$$x^2+2xy+2y^2=(x+y)^2+y^2 \ge y^2$$ and

$$x^2-2xy+2y^2=(x-y)^2+y^2 \ge y^2$$

We write

$$3^{2008}+4^{2009}=3^{2008}+4(4^{2008})$$

$$\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;=(3^{502})^4+4(4^{502})^4$$

$$\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;=((3^{502})^2)^2+2((3^{502})^2(4^{502})^2+2((4^{502})^2)((3^{502})^2)^2-2((3^{502})^2(4^{502})^2+2((4^{502})^2)$$

with both

$$((3^{502})^2)^2+2((3^{502})^2(4^{502})^2+2((4^{502})^2) \ge (4^{502})^2$$

and

$$((3^{502})^2)^2-2((3^{502})^2(4^{502})^2+2((4^{502})^2) \ge (4^{502})^2$$

And notice that

$$(4^{502})^2=2^{2008}>2^{2002}=(2^{11})^{182}=2048^{182}>2009^{182}$$

and hence we're done.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 66 ·
3
Replies
66
Views
7K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K