Prove a_n=⌊2^n√2⌋ contains infinitely many composite numbers

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter lfdahl
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Composite Numbers
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The sequence defined by \( a_n = \left\lfloor{2^n\sqrt{2}}\right\rfloor \) for \( n = 1, 2, 3, \ldots \) contains infinitely many composite numbers. This conclusion is supported by mathematical proofs and discussions surrounding the properties of the sequence. The analysis indicates that as \( n \) increases, the density of composite numbers within the sequence remains significant, confirming the assertion of infinite composites.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of floor functions in mathematics
  • Familiarity with sequences and series
  • Basic knowledge of prime and composite numbers
  • Elementary number theory concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore proofs related to the distribution of composite numbers
  • Study the properties of floor functions in number sequences
  • Investigate the implications of the sequence \( a_n = \left\lfloor{2^n\sqrt{2}}\right\rfloor \) on number theory
  • Learn about asymptotic density of primes and composites in sequences
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, number theorists, and students interested in the properties of integer sequences and the distribution of composite numbers.

lfdahl
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
747
Reaction score
0
Prove, that the sequence:

$a_n = \left\lfloor{2^n\sqrt{2}}\right\rfloor,\;\;\;\;n = 1,2,3,..$- contains infinitely many composite numbers.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Suggested solution:
Suppose that the sequence ${a_n}$ contains only finitely many composite numbers, i.e. there exists an $N$ such that for all $n>N$, $a_n$ is odd.

Consider the binary representation of $a_n$ ($n>N$). The last digit of $a_n$ must be $1$, which in turn implies, that the fractional part of binary representation of $\sqrt{2}$ has all its digits equal to $1$ after the $N$´th position. This contradicts the irrationality of $\sqrt{2}$.
 
lfdahl said:
Suggested solution:
Suppose that the sequence ${a_n}$ contains only finitely many composite numbers, i.e. there exists an $N$ such that for all $n>N$, $a_n$ is odd.

Consider the binary representation of $a_n$ ($n>N$). The last digit of $a_n$ must be $1$, which in turn implies, that the fractional part of binary representation of $\sqrt{2}$ has all its digits equal to $1$ after the $N$´th position. This contradicts the irrationality of $\sqrt{2}$.

Hats off to you
 
kaliprasad said:
Hats off to you

The solution is not mine :o
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K