Proving Divisibility by 9 with Modulo Notation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the divisibility of an integer by 9 using properties of its digits and modulo notation. Participants explore various approaches to establish this theorem, including induction and algebraic manipulation of digit sums.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the sum of an integer's digits and its divisibility by 9. Some suggest using proof by induction, while others explore algebraic expressions involving modulo notation. Questions arise about the application of these concepts and the validity of different proof strategies.

Discussion Status

There is active engagement with multiple approaches being considered. Some participants have provided hints and suggestions for using modulo notation to simplify the proof, indicating a productive direction in the discussion. However, there is no explicit consensus on a single method or conclusion yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with proofs and modulo notation, which may influence their contributions and understanding of the problem. Some mention specific examples and manipulations that may not fully align with standard proof techniques.

chimath35
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An integer is divisible by 9 if and only if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9

Proof by induction?
 
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I am new to proofs never done them, I am stuck ac=b 9c=b ex. 9c=81 so c is an int. thus divisible let b= d+dn so 9c=d+dn then 9c=d+dn+dn+9
 
In the decimal system, an integer with ##n## digits is written in the form
##\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}a_{k}10^{k}##, where the numbers ##a_{k}## are the digits.

Now consider the number
##\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}a_{k}10^{k}-\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}a_{k}##,
and deduce that it must always be divisible by 9. Then use the fact that if a sum of two integers, ##m+n## is divisible by 9 then either both ##m## and ##n## are divisible by 9 or neither of them is. That way you can prove the theorem.
 
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chimath35 said:
An integer is divisible by 9 if and only if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9

Proof by induction?

Have you worked with modulo notation? Easiest way is to reduce the decimal representation ##\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}a_{k}10^{k} \pmod{9}## where the digits ##0 \leq a_k \leq 9## and make the observation that ##10 \equiv 1 \pmod{9}##. The rest should quickly follow, but if you get stuck, post back.
 
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Curious3141 said:
Have you worked with modulo notation? Easiest way is to reduce the decimal representation ##\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}a_{k}10^{k} \pmod{9}## where the digits ##0 \leq a_k \leq 9## and make the observation that ##10 \equiv 1 \pmod{9}##. The rest should quickly follow, but if you get stuck, post back.

This is a great hint. Using this method, you can actually prove a stronger statement:

## a \equiv (\sum a_k) \ (\text{mod } 9) ##

where ##a_k## are the digits of ##a##.
 
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