Simple Division Proof: 15|n iff 5|n and 3|n

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that for every integer n, 15 divides n if and only if 5 divides n and 3 divides n. The participant successfully demonstrated the "if" direction and sought assistance with the "only if" portion. They initially proposed (j + k)/8 and (j - k)/2 but later identified that 2k - j is a more suitable form to show that 15 divides n. The proof confirms that if 3|n and 5|n, then n can be expressed as a linear combination of these integers, thus establishing the required divisibility.

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Homework Statement




Prove that for every integer n, 15|n iff 5|n and 3|n.

I have proven the "if" direction. My question regards the "only if" portion of the proof.
So far I have:

(<--) Suppose 5|n and 3|n. Then there are j,k ∈ Z for which n = 5j and n = 3k.

*above, Z stands for the set of integers

I have found that both (j + k)/8 and (j - k)/2 seem to provide the desired value to show that 15|n, however I am not entirely sure how to show that either of these values is an integer (as is required by the definition of "divides"). I assume I am not proposing a clever enough value (or form) for the divisor. Any advice on this?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Heh heh, stupid me. It looks like a better form of the desired value is 2k - j, which of course an integer. The proof of the "only if" direction then goes:

(<---) Suppose 3|n and 5|n. Then there are j,k ∈ Z for which n = 5j and n = 3k. Note, then, that (2j - k) ∈ Z and also:
(15)(2j - k) = (30j - 15k) = (6)(5j) - (5)(3k) = 6n - 5n = n.

=)
 
Last edited:

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