Mathematica Proving Statement: If m^2 is 4k+3, Then m is 4k+3

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The discussion centers on proving the statement that if m^2 is of the form 4k+3, then m must also be of the form 4k+3. The initial approach suggests using contraposition, indicating that if m is not of the form 4k+3, it must be one of the other forms: 4k, 4k+1, or 4k+2. Participants clarify that all integers can be categorized into these four forms based on their remainders when divided by 4. The conclusion drawn is that the only integer m that satisfies both m^2 = 4k+3 and m = 4k+3 is m=1. Additionally, it is noted that this problem has been previously discussed and answered multiple times, with a reference provided for further exploration.
CollectiveRocker
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I'm given the statement: if m^2 is of the form 4k+3, then m is of the form 4k+3. I don't even know how to begin proving this. I'm guessing by contraposition.
 
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You put this already under general math
 
good guess. if m is not of form 4k+3 thern m is of form 4k, 4k+1, or 4k+2. see what that gives.
 
Please explain what you mean.
 
all integers m are of one of the three forms 4k, 4k+1, 4k+2, or 4k+3, since when you divide an integer by 4, you get a remainder which is either 0,1,2, or 3.
 
The only way that m^2 = 4k+3 AND m = 4k+3 is if m=1

Is this what you meant?
 

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