Question: How can I solve these Number Theory/Expansion homework problems?

  • Thread starter Thread starter f(x)
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around two number theory problems. For the first problem, it is established that the number formed by 91 ones is composite, as 91 can be factored into 7 and 13, allowing the number to be segmented and analyzed for primality. In the second problem, participants suggest using the sum of a geometric series to find the value of n, with hints pointing towards the final answer being 2^9 + 1. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding divisibility and the properties of composite numbers in solving these types of problems. Overall, the participants are collaboratively working through the challenges posed by the homework.
f(x)
Messages
182
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


a)True or False :
\underbrace{111111111...1} is a prime number .
91 times

b) Find n such that -:
2\times 2^2+ 3\times2^3+4\times2^4+ \cdots + n\times2^n=2^{n+10}




Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea about a). The number is not divisible by 3,7,11...but i can't go on dividing all the way like this. How do i resolve this into prime factors(if possible) ? Do i use binomial theorem and how ?

About b), LHS is an AGP . I tried taking the \ n\times2^n to RHS and then dividing by 2^2...but that doesn't seem to help ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
any suggestions ?
 
Here are some hints...
1.
a) 91 is composite
b) Perhaps you can start by taking partial sums and seeing what happens...
 
NateTG said:
Here are some hints...
1.
a) 91 is composite

Umm i don't understand...how does 91 being composite influence divisibility ?
Could you please explain in abit more detail
Thx
 
f(x) said:
Umm i don't understand...how does 91 being composite influence divisibility ?
Could you please explain in abit more detail
Thx

one reason that it helps is because 91=7x13 means that you can chop the number into segments like
\underbrace{\underbrace{1111111}_{7\; times}\underbrace{1111111}_{7\; times}\ldots\underbrace{1111111}_{7\; times}}_{13\; times}

and if 1111111 is not a prime then you are done. Otherwise more work needed.
 
11 + 1100 + 11 0000 + 11 000000 ...

O god damn it, 91's an odd number nvm me didn't notice
 
Last edited:
111,111,111,111,111=111*1,001,001,001,001
 
For problem (b) you might want to consider the sum to n terms of
1+2x+3x^2+4x^3+...+nx^{n-1}
 
If i am not mistaken (b)'s answer is 2^9+1
but you need to do the workings yourself..
 
  • #10
NateTG said:
111,111,111,111,111=111*1,001,001,001,001

How did you get that ?


truewt said:
If i am not mistaken (b)'s answer is 2^9+1

Yeah 513 was surely an option...
 
  • #11
mjsd said:
one reason that it helps is because 91=7x13 means that you can chop the number into segments like
\underbrace{\underbrace{1111111}_{7\; times}\underbrace{1111111}_{7\; times}\ldots\underbrace{1111111}_{7\; times}}_{13\; times}

and if 1111111 is not a prime then you are done. Otherwise more work needed.

1111111 = 239 x 4649
 
Back
Top