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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the sequence defined by \( a_n = \left\lfloor{2^n\sqrt{2}}\right\rfloor \) and the question of whether it contains infinitely many composite numbers. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and proposed solutions to this problem.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts the need to prove that the sequence contains infinitely many composite numbers.
  • Multiple participants suggest various solutions, though specific details of these solutions are not provided in the posts.
  • Another participant indicates that the proposed solution is not their own, suggesting a collaborative or exploratory aspect to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus, as multiple suggested solutions are presented without agreement on their validity or correctness.

Contextual Notes

Details of the suggested solutions are not elaborated upon, leaving the mathematical steps and assumptions involved in the proofs unresolved.

lfdahl
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Prove, that the sequence:

$a_n = \left\lfloor{2^n\sqrt{2}}\right\rfloor,\;\;\;\;n = 1,2,3,..$- contains infinitely many composite numbers.
 
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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
 

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