Proof & Structures: Showing n≤0 for Prime/Composite Number

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The discussion focuses on proving that for any integer n ≤ 0, the expression n² - 14n + 40 is a composite number. It also seeks to identify all integer values of n for which the expression yields a prime number. The quadratic expression can be factorized as (n - 4)(n - 10). For n ≤ 0, both factors are negative, confirming that the product is composite. The only integer values of n that result in a prime number occur when one factor equals ±1, leading to the solutions n = 3 and n = 9.

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johnny009
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Hi There,

My apologies, there was an error...in a previous question, which I POSTED ....last week.

This question has now been withdrawn, & replaced with the following :

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a) Show that if n ≤ 0, then n^2 - 14n + 40 is a composite number.

b) Determine, with explanation, all integer values of 'n' for which ...n^2 -14n + 40 is prime

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any guidance on these issues.....will be fantastic!

Thanks a lot.

John
 
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johnny009 said:
a) show that if n ≤ 0, then n^2 - 14n + 40 is a composite number.

b) Determine, with explanation, all integer values of 'n' for which ...n^2 -14n + 40 is prime
Hint: Factorise the quadratic expression $n^2 - 14n + 40.$
 
If you have factorised $n^2 - 14n + 40$, then the only cases where this could represent a prime would be when one of the factors is $\pm1$ and the other factor is (plus or minus) a prime. Which values of $n$ give rise to those possibilities?
 

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