Common multiple of positive integers

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the least common multiple of positive integers a, b, c, and d, and proving that abcd is divisible by at least one of 3 and 5. The conversation presents a solution by raising the lcm to the fourth power and rearranging the equation to satisfy the first requirement. However, the speaker is not confident in their solution and apologizes for not being able to provide a complete answer.
  • #1
kurt.physics
258
0
Just have this question I am having trouble with

The least common multiple of positive integers a, b, c and d is equal to a + b + c + d.
Prove that abcd is divisible by at least one of 3 and 5.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
does anyone have an answer?
 
  • #3
anyone out there?
 
  • #4
man I'll give it a try but I'm not math pro so bear with me.

(1) lcm= a+b+c+d = x1a = x2b = x3c = x4d for x1-x4 are some integer.

raise to exponent 4 on the left side will yield : (a+b+c+d)^4=(x1a)(x2b)(x3c)(x4d)
rewrite it to : (a+b+c+d)^4 = x1x2x3x4(abcd)
divide by x1x2x3x4 : (a+b+c+d)^4/(x1x2x3x4)=abcd
divide both side by 15 which is 3 and 5 : (a+b+c+d)^4/(15x1x2x3x4)=abcd/15
now we want the left side to equal to some integer say k, let have k+1 for simplicity
k=1=(a+b+c+d)^4/(15x1x2x3x4)
rearange : x1x2x3x4=(a+b+c+d)^4/(15)
If we take a+b+c+d = 15, then x1x2x3x4=15^3 = 3375 we can expand this number to get some random x1-4. Though the equation is valid but you have to also satisfy the first requirement. Sorry, coudln't help u. Hope this might give some idea.
 

FAQ: Common multiple of positive integers

1. What is a common multiple of positive integers?

A common multiple of positive integers is a number that is divisible by all of the given integers without leaving a remainder. For example, the common multiples of 2 and 3 are 6, 12, 18, etc.

2. How do you find the common multiple of positive integers?

To find the common multiple of positive integers, you can use the method of prime factorization. First, list out the prime factors of each integer. Then, find the highest power of each prime factor that appears in any of the lists. Finally, multiply all of these highest power numbers together to get the common multiple.

3. Why is finding the common multiple of positive integers important?

Finding the common multiple of positive integers is important in a variety of mathematical calculations, such as simplifying fractions, adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators, and solving equations with multiple variables.

4. Can there be more than one common multiple for a set of positive integers?

Yes, there can be multiple common multiples for a set of positive integers. For example, the common multiples of 3 and 4 are 12, 24, 36, etc. and the common multiples of 4 and 6 are 12, 24, 36, etc. Therefore, 12 is a common multiple for both sets of integers.

5. Is there a limit to the number of common multiples that can exist for a set of positive integers?

No, there is no limit to the number of common multiples that can exist for a set of positive integers. However, as the numbers get larger, it becomes more difficult to find their common multiples.

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