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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around several statements in number theory that require proof or disproof. The statements include properties of integers, irrational numbers, and modular arithmetic, as well as equations involving real numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to prove various statements, including the evenness of integers, properties of irrational numbers, and modular arithmetic. Some participants question the validity of certain proofs and suggest exploring specific cases or definitions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problems, offering insights and suggestions for approaches. Some have made attempts at proofs, while others are seeking clarification on definitions and methods. There is a mix of progress and uncertainty, particularly regarding the proofs of specific statements.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenges of proving statements in number theory and the importance of understanding definitions, such as what it means for an integer to be not divisible by 3. There is also mention of homework constraints that may limit the depth of exploration.

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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