Equivalence Problem: Is A and B Equivalent?

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The discussion centers on whether the statements A and B are equivalent. Statement A asserts that n is an integer that is not a perfect square, while statement B claims that if n is greater than or equal to 1, then the square root of n is either an integer or irrational. Participants argue that the two statements are not equivalent, highlighting that A is an assumption about n, whereas B presents a broader condition that includes non-integer values. The examples of irrational numbers, such as the square roots of 2/3 and 3/2, further illustrate the differences in the statements. Ultimately, the consensus is that A and B are not equivalent.
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Homework Statement


Are the statements A and B equivalent with each other?

A. Suppose that n is an integer which is not a perfect square.
B. If n >= 1, then \sqrt{n} is either an integer or is irrational.

The Attempt at a Solution


I am keen on saying that the two statements are not equivalent.
However, Oxford's undergraduate booklet claims that they are equivalent.

In my opinion, A is inclined to that n is not a perfect square, while B is neutral.
 
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they are quite different. Statement 1, is an assumption (which we are assuming to be true), whereas statement 2 is a...well its a statement (that may be true/false)

Also, consider the second statement

It says sqrt(n) is either integer or irrational. This means sqrt(n) could be sqrt(2/3) which is also irrational. However, it is not equivalent to saying n is an "integer" and not a perfect square..

edit: ok, Statement 2 also says n>=1(missed that) so just do the entire same argument for sqrt(3/2), that'll also hold
 
they are quite different. Statement 1, is an assumption (which we are assuming to be true), whereas statement 2 is a...well its a statement (that may be true/false)

Also, consider the second statement

It says sqrt(n) is either integer or irrational. This means sqrt(n) could be sqrt(2/3) which is also irrational. However, it is not equivalent to saying n is an "integer" and not a perfect square..
 
praharmitra said:
they are quite different. Statement 1, is an assumption (which we are assuming to be true), whereas statement 2 is a...well its a statement (that may be true/false)

Also, consider the second statement

It says sqrt(n) is either integer or irrational. This means sqrt(n) could be sqrt(2/3) which is also irrational. However, it is not equivalent to saying n is an "integer" and not a perfect square..

I agree with you.
 
praharmitra said:
edit: ok, Statement 2 also says n>=1(missed that) so just do the entire same argument for sqrt(3/2), that'll also hold

Do you mean that the two statements are equivalent?
 
No he still means they are not equivalent. Just plug in 3/2 instead of 2/3 in his previous argument of why they are not equivalent.
 
dperkin2 said:
No he still means they are not equivalent. Just plug in 3/2 instead of 2/3 in his previous argument of why they are not equivalent.

Thank you both!
The problem is now clear.
 
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