Proving Equivalence of y is Rational, y/3 is Rational, 2y+5 is Rational

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the equivalence of three statements regarding rational numbers: whether \( y \) is rational, whether \( y/3 \) is rational, and whether \( 2y + 5 \) is rational. Participants are exploring the definitions and properties of rational numbers in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to establish the equivalence of the statements by expressing \( y \), \( y/3 \), and \( 2y + 5 \) in terms of integers and questioning the necessity of common factors in the definition of rational numbers. Some are exploring the implications of having a numerator of zero in a fraction.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing different perspectives on the definitions of rational numbers and the steps needed to prove the equivalence. There is a recognition of the need to condense expressions into single fractions, and some participants are clarifying their understanding of the requirements for numerators and denominators.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of confusion regarding the role of common factors in the definition of rational numbers, as well as the treatment of zero as a numerator in fractions. Participants are also navigating the specific requirements of their homework assignment.

PowerStrike
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Well I have to prove the following statements are equivalent:
a. y is a rational number
b. y/3 is a rational number
c. 2y+5 is a rational number
So a -> b -> c -> a

I'm not quite sure how you are suppose to prove something is rational however.
I started like this:

* y = q/r Where q & r are integers, r is not 0, no common factors other than 1 [Therefore rational]

* y/3
q/r/3 ... (q/r)(1/3)= q/3r ... Which is rational because everything is integer math?

* 2y+5 ... 2(q/r) + (5/1) ... same reason

This doesn't seem to work like the ones I've done before with proving something is even (2n) or odd (2n+1). Is there some step I'm not getting?
 
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I don't see why they can't have common factors (other than 1), 8/6 is a rational number too. I think it's sufficient that it can be written as p/q where q is non-zero and p and q are integers. It should be too hard then, it actually seems trivial.

If y = p/q (with p and q as above), then y/3 is p/(3q) and 3q is still an integer since integer*integer is another integer, hence y/3 is rational too. Etcetera, I assume.
 
For 2y+5 you should condense it into a single fraction with nonzero integer numerator and denominator.
 
0rthodontist said:
For 2y+5 you should condense it into a single fraction with nonzero integer numerator and denominator.
Why can't a fraction with a numerator of 0 be a rational number. As long as the denominator is not 0, we have y = 0 / r = 0 (a rational number).
Yes, I agree with the nonzero integer denominator part, but not numerator!
Am I missing something? :confused:
 
Oh yeah, right. I meant denominator. I kind of added the nonzero part at the end without thinking.
 

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