Proving the Salvage of a Divisibility Statement with Relatively Prime Numbers

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the divisibility statement "If a|bc, then a|b" and its validity in the context of relatively prime numbers. The consensus is that the statement is incorrect unless it is specified that 'a' and 'c' are relatively prime. The key to salvaging the statement lies in using the property that if gcd(a, c) = 1, then there exist integers x and y such that ax + cy = 1. This relationship is essential for proving the modified statement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of divisibility in number theory
  • Knowledge of relatively prime numbers
  • Familiarity with the concept of greatest common divisor (gcd)
  • Basic skills in constructing mathematical proofs
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of relatively prime numbers in depth
  • Learn how to apply the Euclidean algorithm to find gcd
  • Explore the implications of Bézout's identity in number theory
  • Practice constructing rigorous proofs in discrete mathematics
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This discussion is beneficial for students of discrete mathematics, particularly those studying number theory, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts of divisibility and relative primality.

DrAlexMV
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In my Discrete Mathematics class we are are covering divisibility. One of the problems that the professor covered (quite terribly) is the following:

Homework Statement



Prove or salvage:

If a|bc, then a|b.

Homework Equations



Relevant concepts:

Relatively prime numbers
Divisibility

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that the statement is wrong as it is. I also know that in order to salvage the statement, I must say that a and c are relatively prime. The problem is that I do not know how to rigorously prove this.

Could somebody guide me in how to do this. Teach a man to fish!
 
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Use the following fact: If gcd(a,c)=1, then ax+cy=1 for some integers x,y.
 

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