Proving 5 integers to be pairwise relatively prime

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SUMMARY

The integers 6n-1, 6n+1, 6n+2, 6n+3, and 6n+5 are proven to be pairwise relatively prime for any integer n. The proof utilizes the properties of odd and even numbers, demonstrating that odd integers are relatively prime to their consecutive even counterparts. Specifically, the pairs (6n-1, 6n+1), (6n+1, 6n+3), and (6n+3, 6n+5) are established as relatively prime. Additionally, the even integer 6n+2 is shown to be relatively prime to both 6n+3 and itself, confirming the overall pairwise relative primeness.

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  • Understanding of pairwise relative primeness
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  • Familiarity with integer properties and proofs
  • Experience with mathematical induction or contradiction techniques
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Homework Statement


Let n be an integer. Prove that the integers 6n-1, 6n+1, 6n+2, 6n+3, and 6n+5 are pairwise relatively prime.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to prove that the first two integers in the list are relatively prime.

(6n-1)-(6n+1)=1 (trying to eliminate the n variable)
6n-1-6n-1=1
-2=1, which is obviously not true.
Not sure where to go from here. Is there another way to prove that two integers are relatively prime?
 
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DerpyPenguin said:

Homework Statement


Let n be an integer. Prove that the integers 6n-1, 6n+1, 6n+2, 6n+3, and 6n+5 are pairwise relatively prime.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

[/B]
I tried to prove that the first two integers in the list are relatively prime.

(6n-1)-(6n+1)=1 (trying to eliminate the n variable)
6n-1-6n-1=1
-2=1, which is obviously not true.
Not sure where to go from here. Is there another way to prove that two integers are relatively prime?

You can make at least some progress by noting that ##O = 6n-1## is an odd number, and then arguing that for any odd number ##O##, the pair ##O, O+2## are relatively prime. That also takes care of the pairs ##6n+1, 6n+3##, ##6n+3, 6n+5##. You also have that ##E = 6n+2## is an even number, and can argue that ##E## and ##E+1## are relatively prime, so that takes care of ##6n+2, 6n+3##. That leaves a few more similar pairs to check.

As for showing relative primeness, you just need to show that any factor of one of the numbers fails to be a factor of the other (except for 1, of course). You may be able to do it by contradiction.
 

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