Prove Number Theory Proofs: Sum Irrational, (m+dk) mod d, x^2=x, n^2 mod 3

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on proving various number theory statements, including the properties of integers and irrational numbers. Key points include the proof that if \( n \) is odd, then \( 7n + 4 \) is odd, and the assertion that the sum of two positive irrational numbers is irrational is countered with a counterexample. The discussion also addresses the modular arithmetic expression \( (m + dk) \mod d = m \mod d \) and the proof that if \( n \) is not divisible by 3, then \( n^2 \mod 3 = 1 \). Participants share their attempts and seek clarification on these proofs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic number theory concepts, including parity and modular arithmetic.
  • Familiarity with irrational numbers and their properties.
  • Knowledge of the quotient remainder theorem.
  • Ability to construct mathematical proofs and counterexamples.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of irrational numbers and their sums.
  • Learn about the quotient remainder theorem in detail.
  • Explore modular arithmetic, specifically focusing on proofs involving \( n^2 \mod d \).
  • Investigate methods for proving statements by contraposition and contradiction.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students of mathematics, particularly those studying number theory, as well as educators and anyone looking to enhance their proof-writing skills in mathematical contexts.

and1bball4mk
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1. For any positive integer n, if 7n+4 is even, then n is even.
2.Sum of any two positive irrational numbers is irrational.
3. If m, d, and k are nonnegative integers with d=/=0 then (m+dk) mod d = m mod
4. For all real x, if x^2=x and x=/=1 then x=0
5. If n is an integer not divisible by 3, then n^2 mod 3=1

2. Basically I have to prove (or disprove) all of those and I'm stuck. Any advice and feed back would be appreciated.
3. Here are my attempts at solutions
1. By contraposition, if n is odd then 7n+4 is odd. If N is odd, then n=2k+1 for some integer k. so 7(2k+1)+4, and by algebra we get 2(7k+5)+1. 7k+5 is an integer, so it must be odd.

Is this right? I think it is but I'm never sure because I'm terrible at number theory.

2. For this one I found a counterexample and I think that is sufficient to get the problem right but I want to know why it's a false statement..anyone have any insight?

3. This is confusing. Basically after half an hour of writing stuff I haven't reached any conclusions. I'm sure it has something to do with the quotient remainder theorem because the form of (m+dk) is very similar to QRT where given any interger n and positive integer d, there exists unique integers q and r such that n=dq+r. Any help would be appreciated.

4. This one is really bothering me. I know that it's true but I'm trouble proving it. I keep going back to the method of exhaustion but obviously that won't work. I have a feeling that this is really simple and I'm just overlooking something.

5. This is another that I know is true but I don't know how to prove it. I think part of the problem I'm having here is defining n as a integer not divisible by 3.Any help on any of those would be appreciated.

Thanks

 
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Actually I might of made some headway on number 4.

If x^2=x then x=x/x. So x/x will always reduce to 1 unless x=0.

Is this sufficient for a proof?
 
You're likely to get more responses if you put each problem in itw own thread, rather than posting a whole slew of them all at once.
 
and1bball4mk said:
Actually I might of made some headway on number 4.

If x^2=x then x=x/x. So x/x will always reduce to 1 unless x=0.

Is this sufficient for a proof?

and1bball4mk said:
4. For all real x, if x^2=0 and x=/=1 then x=0
Which is it? x^2 = 0 or x^2 = x?
 
Mark44 said:
Which is it? x^2 = 0 or x^2 = x?

It is x^2=x
 
For 5, if n is an integer not divisible by 3, then its remainder when divided by 3 has to be either 1 or 2. I.e., n = 1 mod 3 or n = 2 mod 3.

Investigate each case to say something about n^2.
 
Mark44 said:
For 5, if n is an integer not divisible by 3, then its remainder when divided by 3 has to be either 1 or 2. I.e., n = 1 mod 3 or n = 2 mod 3.

Investigate each case to say something about n^2.


Thanks.
 

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