Prove that n is not divisible by 105.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the proposition that a natural number \( n \), defined as an odd perfect number, is not divisible by 105. The scope includes theoretical exploration of number properties and the implications of odd perfect numbers, which remain an open question in mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Theoretical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that \( n \) is an odd perfect number, which is defined as being equal to the sum of its positive divisors, excluding itself.
  • Another participant suggests a solution but does not provide details, leaving the reasoning open for further discussion.
  • A third participant also suggests a solution without elaborating, indicating that multiple approaches may be considered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the proposed solutions or the validity of the claims regarding \( n \) and its divisibility by 105.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions underlying the properties of odd perfect numbers or the specific mathematical steps involved in proving the claim.

lfdahl
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Problem: Suppose that a natural number $n$ is an odd perfect number, i.e.:

$n$ is odd and $n$ is equal to the sum of all its positive divisors (including $1$ and excluding $n$).Prove that $n$ is not divisible by $105$.P.S.: To this day, no one knows, whether such a number exists. Here
is a comment on the subject from Wolfram Mathworld.
 
Last edited:
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Suggested solution:
Suppose that $n$ is divisible by $105 = 3 \cdot 5 \cdot 7$. Consider the prime factorization of $n$:

\[n = 3^{\alpha_1}\cdot 5^{\alpha_2 } \cdot 7^{\alpha_3}\cdot p_4^{\alpha_4}\cdot ...\cdot p_k^{\alpha_k},\: \: \: \alpha_1,\alpha_2 , \alpha_3 \geq 1.\]

Let $S(n)$ be the sum of all positive divisors of $n$ (including $1$ and $n$):

\[S(n)= n\left ( 1+\frac{1}{3}+...+\frac{1}{3^{\alpha_1}} \right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{5}+...+\frac{1}{5^{\alpha_2}} \right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{7}+...+\frac{1}{7^{\alpha_3}} \right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{p_4}+...+\frac{1}{p_4^{\alpha_4}} \right )...\left ( 1+\frac{1}{p_k}+...+\frac{1}{p_k^{\alpha_k}} \right )\]

Since $n$ is an odd perfect number $S(n) = 2n$ and $S(n)$ is not divisible by $4$. Since all primes in the decomposition of $n$ are odd, $\alpha_1$ and $\alpha_3$ are at least $2$, - otherwise

$\left ( 1+\frac{1}{3}+...+\frac{1}{3^{\alpha_1}} \right )=\frac{4}{3}$ and $\left ( 1+\frac{1}{7}+...+\frac{1}{7^{\alpha_3}} \right )=\frac{8}{7}$ and $S(n)$ is divisible by $4$. Finally:
\[2 = \frac{S(n)}{n}= \left ( 1+\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{3^{2}} \right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{5}\right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{7}+\frac{1}{7^2} \right )=\frac{13}{9}\cdot \frac{6}{5} \cdot \frac{57}{49}= \frac{4446}{2205}>2.\]
Contradiction.
 
lfdahl said:
Suggested solution:
Suppose that $n$ is divisible by $105 = 3 \cdot 5 \cdot 7$. Consider the prime factorization of $n$:

\[n = 3^{\alpha_1}\cdot 5^{\alpha_2 } \cdot 7^{\alpha_3}\cdot p_4^{\alpha_4}\cdot ...\cdot p_k^{\alpha_k},\: \: \: \alpha_1,\alpha_2 , \alpha_3 \geq 1.\]

Let $S(n)$ be the sum of all positive divisors of $n$ (including $1$ and $n$):

\[S(n)= n\left ( 1+\frac{1}{3}+...+\frac{1}{3^{\alpha_1}} \right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{5}+...+\frac{1}{5^{\alpha_2}} \right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{7}+...+\frac{1}{7^{\alpha_3}} \right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{p_4}+...+\frac{1}{p_4^{\alpha_4}} \right )...\left ( 1+\frac{1}{p_k}+...+\frac{1}{p_k^{\alpha_k}} \right )\]

Since $n$ is an odd perfect number $S(n) = 2n$ and $S(n)$ is not divisible by $4$. Since all primes in the decomposition of $n$ are odd, $\alpha_1$ and $\alpha_3$ are at least $2$, - otherwise

$\left ( 1+\frac{1}{3}+...+\frac{1}{3^{\alpha_1}} \right )=\frac{4}{3}$ and $\left ( 1+\frac{1}{7}+...+\frac{1}{7^{\alpha_3}} \right )=\frac{8}{7}$ and $S(n)$ is divisible by $4$. Finally:
\[2 = \frac{S(n)}{n}= \left ( 1+\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{3^{2}} \right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{5}\right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{7}+\frac{1}{7^2} \right )=\frac{13}{9}\cdot \frac{6}{5} \cdot \frac{57}{49}= \frac{4446}{2205}>2.\]
Contradiction.
why $S(n)=2n\, ?$ ,can you give me an example ?
 
Albert said:
why $S(n)=2n\, ?$ ,can you give me an example ?

Yes: Take $n = 6$, which is an even perfect number, because the sum of its divisors (except for $n$) is:

$1+2+3 = 6$. The proof defines $S(n)$ as the sum of all divisors of $n$ including $n$ itself.

Thus: $S(6) = 1+2+3+6 = 12 = 2 \cdot 6$.

I would like to give you an example with $n$ odd, but this would be a hard task, since math researchers have shown, that the
smallest possible odd perfect number $n > 10^{1500}$.
 

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