How to Solve Calculus Problems with Recurrence: A Step-by-Step Explanation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a statement related to natural numbers, specifically that every strictly positive natural number can be expressed as a product of a power of two and an odd number. The subject area is calculus, with a focus on mathematical reasoning and proof techniques, particularly induction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of mathematical induction to prove the statement, with one suggesting a base case for n=1 and a hypothesis for n=2^p(2q+1). Others raise questions about the transition from n to n+1 and consider separating cases for even and odd n.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various approaches being considered, including induction and case analysis. Some participants have provided insights into potential contradictions arising from assuming the statement is false, while others are questioning the assumptions and definitions involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the depth of exploration. There is a focus on ensuring clarity in the definitions of terms and the structure of the proof.

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Homework Statement
∀n ℕ-{0}, ∃ (p,q) ℕ², n=2^p(2q+1)
Relevant Equations
∀n ℕ-{0}, ∃ (p,q) ℕ², n=2^p(2q+1)
i think solution with récurrence

for n=1 then 1=2¨¨^0(2x0 +1) true
suppose that n=2¨^p(2q+1) is true shows that n+1=2^p( 2q +1)?
n+1=2¨^p(2q+1) +1 ⇒ ??
 
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avata4 said:
Homework Statement:: ∀n ℕ-{0}, ∃ (p,q) ℕ², n=2^p(2q+1)
Relevant Equations:: ∀n ℕ-{0}, ∃ (p,q) ℕ², n=2^p(2q+1)

i think solution with récurrence

for n=1 then 1=2¨¨^0(2x0 +1) true
suppose that n=2¨^p(2q+1) is true shows that n+1=2^p( 2q +1)?
n+1=2¨^p(2q+1) +1 ⇒ ??
You could use an induction of the length of the decomposition into primes, or what is also common when it comes to natural numbers, assume a smallest number ##n_0## for which it is not the case and deduce a contradiction.
 
You might want to consider the ##n## even and odd cases separately.
 
avata4 said:
Homework Statement:: ∀n ℕ-{0}, ∃ (p,q) ℕ², n=2^p(2q+1)
Relevant Equations:: ∀n ℕ-{0}, ∃ (p,q) ℕ², n=2^p(2q+1)

i think solution with récurrence

for n=1 then 1=2¨¨^0(2x0 +1) true
suppose that n=2¨^p(2q+1) is true shows that n+1=2^p( 2q +1)?
n+1=2¨^p(2q+1) +1 ⇒ ??

The statement is asserting that every strictly positive natural number is a power of two times an odd number.

This follows from the unique decomposition of n as a product of powers of primes.
 

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