Prove that 3^(2n+1) + 4^(2n+1)is divided by 7

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the expression 3^(2n+1) + 4^(2n+1) is divisible by 7 for every natural number n. Participants explore various methods, including mathematical induction and modular arithmetic, to establish this claim.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using induction to prove the divisibility, stating that the sequence can be expressed in a specific form.
  • Another participant attempts to apply induction but encounters difficulties in showing that certain terms are divisible by 7.
  • A later reply offers encouragement and hints that the initial approach is close to a solution, suggesting a further manipulation of the terms.
  • Another participant proposes an alternative proof without induction, using modular arithmetic to show that the expression is congruent to 0 modulo 7.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method of proof, as some advocate for induction while others propose a non-inductive approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective method to demonstrate the claim.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the steps involved in their proofs, particularly in the induction approach. There are also limitations in the clarity of the transformations made during the reasoning process.

Anzas
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prove that 3^(2n+1) + 4^(2n+1)
is divided by 7 for every natural n
 
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What have you done so far?
 
this isn't that hard. It is just induction as you suspect. The only fact you need to know is that c_1n + c_2m \equiv b_1n + b_2m\, (mod\, k) if c_1\equiv b_1,\,c_2\equiv b_2\,(mod\, k).

So just write down your sequence a_n = 3^{2n+1}+4^{2n+1}. When a_n is in that form can you write down a_{n+1} without out modifying the exponent.

Hope those hints help.
Steven
 
well assuming that 3^(2n+1) + 4^(2n+1) is divisible by 7
im writing down what needs to be proven for n=n+1

3^(2n+3) + 4^(2n+3) / 7 = some integer = Z

9*3^(2n+1)+16*4^(2n+1) / 7 = Z

3^(2n+1)+4^(2n+1) / 7 + 8*3^(2n+1)+15*4^(2n+1) / 7 = Z

the first term is divisible because of the induction assumption so that leaves me with
8*3^(2n+1)+15*4^(2n+1) / 7

here I am stuck i can't find a way to show that this term is divisible by 7
i tried proving that with another induction but that led me no where.
i also tried transforming 8*3^(2n+1)+15*4^(2n+1) / 7 to
7*3^(2n+1)+7*4^(2n+1) / 7 + 3^(2n+1)+8*4^(2n+1) / 7

3^(2n+1)+4^(2n+1) + 3^(2n+1)+8*4^(2n+1) / 7
and that leaves me with the term 3^(2n+1)+8*4^(2n+1) / 7
that does not help me i can't find a way to show that its divisible by 7
any help/tips would be appreciated

sorry for not using latex by the way it would just take me too much time to type all this in latex :smile:
 
Oh you're so close!

(3^(2n+1)+4^(2n+1)) / 7 + (8*3^(2n+1)+15*4^(2n+1)) / 7
= (3^(2n+1)+4^(2n+1)) / 7 + (3^(2n+1)+4^(2n+1)) / 7 + (7*3^(2n+1)+14*4^(2n+1)) / 7

You just needed to do your trick one more time over

Hope that helps
Steven
 
of course! i can't believe i didn't notice this thank you very much! :smile:
 
We can easily prove it without induction:

a_n = 3^{2n+1}+4^{2n+1}\equiv 3^{2n+1} + (-3)^{2n+1} \equiv 3^{2n+1}\cdot(1 + (-1)^{2n+1}) \equiv 0 (mod 7).
 

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