How to prove that a result does not hold in general

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving a mathematical statement regarding divisibility in integers, specifically focusing on the conditions under which the product of two integers divides another integer. The original poster seeks to establish a proof for a specific case and to demonstrate that the result does not hold when the integers are not coprime.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to construct a proof for the first part of the problem using integer combinations and divisibility properties. They express confusion regarding how to approach the second part of the question, considering using specific values to illustrate a counter-example.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided guidance suggesting that a single counter-example is sufficient to address the second part of the question. The original poster has indicated progress in finding suitable values for the integers involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the implications of the greatest common divisor (gcd) of the integers a and b, particularly in relation to the validity of the divisibility statement when (a,b) is not equal to 1.

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Homework Statement


Prove that for all a, b, c ∈ ℤ, if a|c and b|c and (a,b)=1 then ab|c. Prove result does not hold in general when (a,b)≠1.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


This is not my formal proof it's just the scratch work, for the first part, I have there are integers x and y such that ax + by = 1 which leads us to cax + cby = c. Since a|c and b|c there are integers f and g such that c=fa and c=gb which leads us to gbax + faby = c. Since ab divides the left side it must mean it divides the right side. I am just confused how to prove the second part of the question. I thought instead I could do (a,b)=3 and show that it does not work but I do not think that is right. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you.
 
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It only takes a single counter-example to prove the second part.
 
Looks good so far. You can work with ##(a,b)=3## as an example. Just find specific numbers ##a,b,c## so that the statement is false.
 
phyzguy said:
It only takes a single counter-example to prove the second part.
Thank you, I got it now.
 
fresh_42 said:
Looks good so far. You can work with ##(a,b)=3## as an example. Just find specific numbers ##a,b,c## so that the statement is false.
Thank you for the reply, I did find values for a, b, and c.
 

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