Proof about an integer being a perfect square.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that if \( m^2 = kn^2 \) for positive integers \( m \) and \( n \) (where \( m, n \geq 2 \)), then \( k \) must be a perfect square. It is established that all prime factors of \( m \) and \( n \) appear with even multiplicities. If \( k \) is not a perfect square, it will introduce an odd number of prime factors, contradicting the even multiplicities required for \( m^2 \) to equal \( kn^2 \). Therefore, \( k \) must be a perfect square to maintain the integrity of the equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of prime factorization
  • Knowledge of perfect squares
  • Familiarity with integer properties
  • Basic algebraic manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of prime factorization in integers
  • Explore the implications of perfect squares in number theory
  • Learn about algebraic proofs involving integers
  • Investigate the role of even and odd exponents in factorization
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Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in number theory and algebraic proofs will benefit from this discussion.

cragar
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Homework Statement


m and n are positive integers with m,n≥2
where m^2=kn^2

The Attempt at a Solution


we know that all prime factors of m have an even amount , their are no prime factors that
are repeated an odd number of times. The same goes for n.
if k is not a perfect square then it will have an odd number of prime factors.
and then when we multiply into n it will still be an odd number, but
m has only an even number, so k has to the square of an integer so both sides have even number of each prime factor.
 
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if k is not a perfect square then it will have an odd number of prime factors.
6=2*3 has an even number of prime factors.
But it has at least one prime factor where the exponent is odd.

What do you want to prove? That k has to be a perfect square? You can do it that way.

If you can use real numbers in your proof: ##a^2=k## with rational a and an integer k has a solution only if k is a perfect square.
 
what I meant to say is that there would exists a prime factor
that has at least an odd exponent
 

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