Sequence and Series question (maybe)?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding all positive integers n such that both n + 2008 divides n^2 + 2008 and n + 2009 divides n^2 + 2009. The original poster expresses uncertainty about whether this is a sequence and series question and is unsure how to approach it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate the expressions by setting (n^2+2008)/(n+2008)=a and (n^2+2009)/(n+2009)=b, leading to a complex equation for n. Other participants suggest examining the divisibility conditions and simplifying the expressions further.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various approaches to the problem, including examining the implications of the divisibility conditions and the relationship between n + 2008 and n + 2009. Some guidance has been offered regarding the implications of the greatest common divisor, but there is no explicit consensus on a solution yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion about the nature of the problem, indicating a potential lack of clarity in the problem's classification. There is also a mention of feeling embarrassed about the progress made so far.

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Homework Statement



Find all positive integers n such that both n + 2008 divides n^2 + 2008 and n + 2009 divides n^2 + 2009

Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea where to start... I'm not even sure it's a sequence and series question. If it is then I have no idea what to do.
I've played around with it by saying (n^2+2008)/(n+2008)=a and (n^2+2009)/(n+2009)=b, rearranging them into quadratics and equating them, then rearranging again in terms of n. Doing this I got n=(-2008a+2009b-1)/(a-b) and couldn't see anything to do from this. I did a similar thing using partial fractions but ended up with pretty much the same equation (though not exactly the same so I could well have done something wrong but I don't think that was the right way to go about it anyway).
Any light that anyone can shed on this would be much appreciated :)
 
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One way that n+2008 could divide n^2+2008 is that n+2008=n^2+2008. But then n=0 or n=1.

Assume that n+2008 divides n^2+2008. Then n+2008 also divides (n^2+2008)-(n+2008). Thus n+2008 divides n^2-n.
Now do thesame for n+2009, what do you get?
 
I get n+2009 divides n^2-n.
I see that they have the same numerator... Though dividing n+2008 and n+2009 to get rid of n^2 - n won't necessarily give another integer so I'm guessing that's not the next step. I had a play around after doing this and got n^2 - n = n^2 - n which also isn't much help...!
This is a little embarrassing :blushing:
 
Yes, and since gcd(n+2008,n+2009)=1. We must have that (n+2008)(n+2009) divides n^2-n. This is a contradiction.
 
Yes I see it now, thanks for the help :)
 

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