Divisibility Proof: 9^n-5^n is Divisible by 4

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that the expression 9^n - 5^n is divisible by 4 for all non-negative integers n. The proof utilizes mathematical induction, starting with the base case of n=1, where 9^1 - 5^1 equals 4. The inductive step shows that if 9^k - 5^k is divisible by 4, then 9^{k+1} - 5^{k+1} can also be expressed in a form that confirms its divisibility by 4. The notation used in the proof was critiqued, suggesting the use of 4z instead of 4ℤ for clarity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mathematical induction
  • Familiarity with integer notation and properties
  • Basic knowledge of exponentiation
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study mathematical induction techniques in detail
  • Learn about divisibility rules in number theory
  • Explore algebraic manipulation of exponential expressions
  • Review common notation in mathematical proofs
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in number theory and proof techniques, particularly those studying divisibility and induction methods.

odolwa99
Messages
85
Reaction score
0
Can anyone help me confirm if I have solved this correctly?

Many thanks.

Homework Statement



Q. [itex]9^n-5^n[/itex] is divisible by 4, for [itex]n\in\mathbb{N}_0[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Step 1: For [itex]n=1[/itex]...
[itex]9^1-5^1=4[/itex], which can be divided by [itex]4[/itex].
Therefore, [itex]n=1[/itex] is true...


Step 2: For [itex]n=k[/itex]...
Assume [itex]9^k-5^k=4\mathbb{Z}[/itex], where [itex]\mathbb{Z}[/itex] is an integer...1
Show that [itex]n=k+1[/itex] is true...
i.e. [itex]9^{k+1}-5^{k+1}[/itex] can be divided by [itex]4[/itex]
[itex]9^{k+1}-5^{k+1}[/itex] => [itex]9^{k+1}-9\cdot5^k+9\cdot5^k-5^{k+1}[/itex] => [itex]9(9^k-5^k)+5^k(9-5)[/itex] => [itex]9(4\mathbb{Z})+5^k(4)[/itex]...from 1 above => [itex]36\mathbb{Z}+5^k\cdot4[/itex] => [itex]4(9\mathbb{Z}+5^k)[/itex]

Thus, assuming [itex]n=k[/itex], we can say [itex]n=k+1[/itex] is true & true for [itex]n=2,3,[/itex]... & all [itex]n\in\mathbb{N}_0[/itex]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That's good. Some remarks on notation:

odolwa99 said:
Assume [itex]9^k-5^k=4\mathbb{Z}[/itex], where [itex]\mathbb{Z}[/itex] is an integer...

Using [itex]\mathbb{Z}[/itex] is not good here. That is the symbol for the set of all integers. You should write [itex]9^k-5^k=4z[/itex] where z is an integer.

[itex]9^{k+1}-5^{k+1}[/itex] => [itex]9^{k+1}-9\cdot5^k+9\cdot5^k-5^{k+1}[/itex] => [itex]9(9^k-5^k)+5^k(9-5)[/itex] => [itex]9(4\mathbb{Z})+5^k(4)[/itex]...from 1 above => [itex]36\mathbb{Z}+5^k\cdot4[/itex] => [itex]4(9\mathbb{Z}+5^k)[/itex]

The => should be =
 
Ok. Thank you.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K