Proof of e_r = #{d: d $\mid$ n and $d = p_r^k$, $k \in N$} for n = $p_r^{e_r}$

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ballzac
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Proof
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proof of the equation e_r = #{d: d | n and d = p_r^k, k ∈ N} for n = p_r^{e_r}. Participants explore the implications of different definitions of natural numbers and their impact on the proof.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the notation used and seeks clarification on how to prove their statement regarding e_r.
  • Another participant points out that if 0 is included in the natural numbers, then e_r + 1 elements are counted, while if natural numbers start at 1, the count remains consistent.
  • A different participant argues that the presence of 1 as a divisor means the set will always have e_r + 1 elements, regardless of the starting point of natural numbers.
  • One participant agrees with the previous point and discusses the definition of the function Λ(n), questioning the treatment of composite numbers and powers of primes.
  • Clarification is made regarding the definition of natural numbers, with a participant suggesting that k should belong to the positive natural numbers (N*), thus excluding 0 from the count.
  • Participants express a desire for assistance in proving the initial statement about e_r and its implications for the broader problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of including 0 in the definition of natural numbers, leading to differing views on the count of divisors and the validity of the proof approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the proof of the initial statement.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the starting point of natural numbers and the definitions of composite numbers, which affect the arguments presented. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity in mathematical notation and definitions.

ballzac
Messages
100
Reaction score
0
[tex]e_r=\#\lbrace d:d\mid n\;\;\; \textup{and}\;\;\; d=p_r^k, k\in N\rbrace[/tex]
where [tex]n=p_r^{e_r}[/tex]


I am using it in a proof (we were actually shown how to do the proof a different way, but want to see if I can complete the proof in a different way. What I have stated seems logical to me, but not sure how I would prove it. I'm not 100% on the notation I've used, so if anything is unclear I can write what I mean in words. Thanks :)

hmmm, \hspace doesn't seem to work in this environment :S
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
if [tex]0 \in N[/tex] then I get [tex]e_r+1[/tex]. If [tex]N[/tex] starts with 1, then OK.

Example: How many powers of 2 divide [tex]8 = 2^3[/tex] ... Answer: 4 of them, namely 1,2,4,8.
 
The problem is not the first element of [itex]\mathbb N[/itex] to be 0 or 1; rather, is that 1 is always a divisor of any integer, so the set will always have [itex]e_r + 1[/itex] elements.
 
I think g_edgar is right. If [tex]0\notin \mathbb N[/tex] then the set does not contain 1.

We were given

[tex]\Lambda(n) := \left\lbrace\begin{array}{cc}<br /> \log p & \textup{if } n \textup{ is a power of a prime } p\\<br /> 0 & \textup{if } n=1 \textup{ or } n \textup{ is a composite number}<br /> \end{array}[/tex]
Prove that [tex]\Lambda(n)= \sum_{d\mid n}{\mu\left(\frac{n}{d}\right) \log d}[/tex]
Hint: Calculate [tex]\sum_{d\mid n}{\Lambda (d)}[/tex] and apply the Mobius Inversion Formula.
I don't think the definition really makes sense, as I thought a composite number to include powers of primes, but it seems assumed that it means 0 OTHERWISE. Using the property that I gave in the first post, I got:

[tex]\sum_{d\mid n}{\Lambda (d)}=\log n[/tex]

which is what we were given in class when shown how to do this differently, so I figured it must make sense. Obviously because the powers of p do not begin with [tex]e_1=0,\;\;\;k\in\mathbb N\;\;\;[/tex]that I have given, does not start at 0, but 1. Am I making sense? If I am right, how would I prove it? ('It' being the property that I gave in the first post. If I can prove that, then the rest of the problem works itself out.)
 
Last edited:
To make the first statement in my last post clearer...

[tex]1\notin \mathbb P[/tex]
[tex]\therefore d=1\Leftrightarrow k=0[/tex]EDIT:
So I guess I should write
[tex]e_r=\#\lbrace d:d\mid n\;\;\; \textup{and}\;\;\; d=p_r^k, k\in \mathbb N^*\rbrace[/tex]
where [tex]n=p_r^{e_r}[/tex]
I always think of the natural numbers as starting at one, but I guess it is optional and one should be explicit about what the set [tex]\mathbb N[/tex] contains. So if someone can help me figure out how to prove the statement, I would really appreciate it.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K