Prove Prime p^2+2 is Composite mod 3 #5

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Prove that if p \geq 5 is prime, then p^{2} +2 is composite
(hint: work mod 3 and use #5 to show p^2 + 2 has a factor of 3.)
 
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phyguy321 said:
Prove that if p \geq 5 is prime, then p^{2} +2 is composite
(hint: work mod 3 and use #5 to show p^2 + 2 has a factor of 3.)

Hi phyguy321! :smile:

Show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help. :smile:

(and … erm … what's #5? :redface:)
 
The problem is i have no idea of where to start. Modular arithmetic makes no sense to me. and #5 was my other post on modular arithmetic
 
phyguy321 said:
The problem is i have no idea of where to start. Modular arithmetic makes no sense to me. and #5 was https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=261171"

Your other post was to prove that for any integer n, n2 = 0 or 1 (mod 3).

So n2 + 2 = … ? (mod 3).
 
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