Show N has Prime Numbers

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SUMMARY

The problem states that in any selection of n+1 positive integers from a set of 2n consecutive integers, there exists at least one pair of relatively prime numbers. Relatively prime numbers are defined as integers that share no common positive factors other than 1. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of choosing subsets from consecutive integers, particularly highlighting that selecting n+1 integers from a set of 2n integers guarantees the presence of at least one relatively prime pair.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relatively prime integers
  • Familiarity with the concept of consecutive integers
  • Basic knowledge of set theory
  • Ability to analyze mathematical proofs
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the properties of prime numbers and their relationships
  • Study the Pigeonhole Principle in combinatorial mathematics
  • Learn about integer factorization and its implications
  • Investigate examples of sets of integers and their subsets
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in number theory or combinatorial problems will benefit from this discussion.

C R P
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(For the following problem I don't just want a flat out answer, but steps and Ideas on how to solve it. The problem was given by my Universities newspaper and for solving it you get free Loot and stuff)​
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The Problem:
Show that every set of n+1 positive integers, chosen from a set of 2n consecutive integers, contains at least one pair of relatively prime numbers.

relatively prime means: "Two integers are relatively prime if they share no common positive factors (divisors) except 1"

Example: 8 and 15 are relatively prime.

8 = 2 * 2 * 2 15 = 3 * 5

Example: 9 and 12 are NOT relatively prime

9 = 3 * 3 12 = 2 * 2 * 3
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My thinking thus far:
None really I've just started
 
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Hint: If m is a positive integer, then m and m+1 are relatively prime.
 
Petek said:
Hint: If m is a positive integer, then m and m+1 are relatively prime.

very true, but I think the problem is more difficult than this.

"Show that every set of n+1 positive integers, chosen from a set of 2n consecutive integers"

wouldn't this mean the set would be...
n= 0 1 2 3 4
Set=0,2,6,8

then you would do the n+1 one on that set?
Or something to that extent?
 
Petek's hint is right. If you wanted to choose a subset without picking any pair that's relatively prime, what does that tell you about the option of picking consecutive numbers from the set?
 
C R P said:
very true, but I think the problem is more difficult than this.

"Show that every set of n+1 positive integers, chosen from a set of 2n consecutive integers"

The statement means: I give you a set S = {a, a+1, a+2, ..., a+2n-1} and you pick a subset with n+1 elements.

The point of the problem is that no matter what you do, your subset always contains a pair which are relatively prime.
 

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