How Can You Prove That 83 Divides x in This Mathematical Series?

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In summary, proving 83 divisibility can be done by using the divisibility rule for 83, which states that if the sum of the digits of a number is divisible by 83, then the number itself is divisible by 83. An example of using this rule is 5832, where the sum of its digits is 18, making it divisible by 83. Other methods such as long division or Euclidean algorithm can also be used, but the divisibility rule is the easiest and most efficient way. Proving 83 divisibility is important in mathematics as it simplifies calculations, helps us understand number properties, and solve problems more efficiently.
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anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $x$ and $y$ be the positive integers such that $\dfrac{x}{y}=1-\dfrac{1}{2}+\dfrac{1}{3}-\dfrac{1}{4}+\cdots-\dfrac{1}{54}+\dfrac{1}{55}$.

Prove that 83 divides $x$.

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  • #2
Congratulations to kaliprasad for his correct solution!(Cool)

You can find the model answer below:

By using the identity $1-\dfrac{1}{2}+\dfrac{1}{3}-\dfrac{1}{4}+\cdots-\dfrac{1}{2n}=\dfrac{1}{n+1}+\dfrac{1}{n+2}+\cdots+\dfrac{1}{2n}$, we have

$\begin{align*}\dfrac{x}{y}&=1-\dfrac{1}{2}+\dfrac{1}{3}-\dfrac{1}{4}+\cdots-\dfrac{1}{54}+\dfrac{1}{55}\\&=1-\dfrac{1}{2}+\dfrac{1}{3}-\dfrac{1}{4}+\cdots-\dfrac{1}{2(27)}+\dfrac{1}{55}\\&=\dfrac{1}{28}+\dfrac{1}{29}+\dfrac{1}{30}+\cdots+\dfrac{1}{54}+\dfrac{1}{55}\\&=\left(\dfrac{1}{28}+\dfrac{1}{55}\right)+\left(\dfrac{1}{29}+\dfrac{1}{54}\right)+\cdots+\left(\dfrac{1}{41}+\dfrac{1}{42}\right)\\&=\dfrac{83k}{y}\,\,\,\text{where}\,\,\,(83,\,y)=1\end{align*}$

and this completes the proof.
 

Related to How Can You Prove That 83 Divides x in This Mathematical Series?

1. How do you prove 83 divisibility?

The simplest way to prove 83 divisibility is by using the divisibility rule for 83, which states that if the sum of the digits of a number is divisible by 83, then the number itself is divisible by 83.

2. What is the divisibility rule for 83?

The divisibility rule for 83 states that if the sum of the digits of a number is divisible by 83, then the number itself is divisible by 83.

3. Can you give an example of proving 83 divisibility using the rule?

Sure, let's take the number 5832. The sum of its digits is 5+8+3+2 = 18. Since 18 is divisible by 83, we can conclude that 5832 is also divisible by 83.

4. Are there any other methods for proving 83 divisibility?

Yes, there are other methods such as long division or Euclidean algorithm, but using the divisibility rule is the easiest and most efficient way.

5. Why is proving 83 divisibility important in mathematics?

Proving divisibility by 83 (or any number) is important in mathematics because it allows us to simplify calculations and solve problems more efficiently. It also helps us understand the properties of numbers and their relationships with each other.

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