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

In summary, the conversation discusses whether 9^n-5^n is divisible by 4 for n\in\mathbb{N}_0, and provides a solution for this problem using mathematical notation and equations. The conversation also includes some remarks on notation and clarification on the use of symbols, such as \mathbb{Z} and =, in the solution.
  • #1
odolwa99
85
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]
 
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  • #2
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 =
 
  • #3
Ok. Thank you.
 

What is a "Divisibility Proof"?

A divisibility proof is a mathematical technique used to show that a number is divisible by another number without actually performing the division. This is typically done using algebraic manipulations and properties of divisibility.

Why is 9^n-5^n divisible by 4?

9^n-5^n can be rewritten as (9-5)(9^(n-1)+9^(n-2)5+...+5^(n-1)), which is always divisible by 4 because the first factor is divisible by 4 and each term in the parentheses has at least one factor of 5, which cancels out with the factor of 5 in the first term.

What is the significance of proving that 9^n-5^n is divisible by 4?

Proving that 9^n-5^n is divisible by 4 can be useful in various mathematical problems, particularly in number theory and algebra. It can also be used to simplify calculations and make certain proofs more efficient.

Can this proof be extended to other numbers?

Yes, this proof can be extended to other numbers. In general, if a and b are integers and m is a positive integer, then a^n-b^n is divisible by m whenever a-b is divisible by m.

How can this proof be applied in real-world situations?

This proof can be applied in various real-world situations, such as in engineering and computer science. For example, it can be used to optimize algorithms and improve the efficiency of computations involving large numbers.

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