K-th Prime Proofs & Co-Prime Numbers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around two problems related to the k-th prime number and the concept of co-prime numbers. Participants seek assistance in proving a statement about the k-th prime and exploring the possibility of finding a specific set of four co-prime numbers that cannot be grouped into sets of three co-prime numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help proving a statement involving the k-th prime number, denoted as pk.
  • Another participant questions whether a number related to pk is prime or composite and discusses implications of it being composite.
  • A later reply clarifies that the expression involves the product of all primes up to pk plus one, suggesting that this number is composite.
  • There is an inquiry about finding a set of four co-prime numbers that cannot be grouped into sets of three co-prime numbers, indicating a search for specific examples or properties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the nature of the number related to pk and whether it is prime or composite. There is no consensus on the proof regarding the k-th prime or the properties of co-prime numbers.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the nature of the number related to pk, nor have they clarified the conditions under which the co-prime numbers can be grouped.

vmx200
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I am having a hard time making head way on two problems related to the k-th prime and one about co-primes that I would really appreciate some help and/or direction!

Prove that:
(let pk be the k-th prime)
Picture1-1.png


and

Picture3-2.png

Regarding co-primes... is there any way to find a set of four numbers that are coprime, but cannot be subsequently grouped into sets of three that are?

Again, thank you for your time and generosity in helping me out!
 
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In the first problem, is the number on the right prime or composite? If it's composite, what can you say about its factors?
 
hamster143 said:
In the first problem, is the number on the right prime or composite? If it's composite, what can you say about its factors?

Oh, sorry!
Uhmn... pk is the k-th prime, so pk + 1 (the right most term) would be a composite, I believe?
 
I'm asking about the whole thing: 1 + the product of all primes up to pk.
 
vmx200 said:
Oh, sorry!
Uhmn... pk is the k-th prime, so pk + 1 (the right most term) would be a composite, I believe?
I believe you are misreading the expression.

To clarify: [itex]p_{k+1} \leq (p_1~p_2 \cdots p_k)+1[/itex]
 

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