Show N has Prime Numbers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical problem that requires participants to demonstrate 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. The conversation includes exploratory reasoning and hints towards potential approaches to solving the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for steps and ideas rather than a direct answer, indicating they are at the beginning of their thought process.
  • Another participant provides a hint that consecutive integers are relatively prime, specifically stating that if m is a positive integer, then m and m+1 are relatively prime.
  • A different participant acknowledges the hint but suggests that the problem may be more complex than it appears, questioning the implications of selecting n+1 integers from the specified set.
  • One participant emphasizes that the problem involves selecting a subset from a defined set of consecutive integers and asserts that any chosen subset will inevitably contain at least one pair of relatively prime numbers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the basic premise of the problem and the hint regarding consecutive integers being relatively prime. However, there is some disagreement regarding the complexity of the problem and the implications of the selection process.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not yet fully explored the mathematical implications or provided a complete solution, leaving some assumptions and steps unresolved.

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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