Proving n & m Divide k When gcd(m,n)=1

  • Thread starter Diophantus
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In summary, the conversation discusses a method for proving the statement: "If m and n are natural numbers such that their greatest common divisor is 1, and n divides k and m divides k for some natural number k, then nm divides k." The method involves using the fundamental theorem of arithmetic and decomposing m and n into their unique prime factors. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding mathematical symbols and not just relying on words.
  • #1
Diophantus
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I forgot how to prove the following, can anyone jog my memory:

Let m,n be natural numbers s.t. gcd(m,n) = 1 and n|k and m|k for some natural number k.

Then nm|k.

I know I'll kick myself when I find out. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
well what do n|k and m|k represent and what does it imply about k? think in terms of mathematical symbols and not words. Apply the gcd constriction and then you should be done.
 
  • #3
This also falls to the fundamental theorem of arithmetic nicely.
 
  • #4
Oh I see it now!

You just decompose m and n into their unique prime factors and note that no prime factor of m can be a prime factor of n and vice versa.

So if am = k = bn then each prime factor of n, say, divides a (with aprropriate multiplicity) and hence n divides a giving the result.

Ta.
 

1. What is the significance of gcd(m,n)=1 in proving n & m divide k?

The greatest common divisor (gcd) of two numbers represents the largest number that can evenly divide both numbers. In this case, gcd(m,n)=1 means that m and n have no common factors other than 1, making them relatively prime. This is important in proving that n and m can divide k, as it eliminates any other factors that could potentially interfere with the division.

2. How do you go about proving that n and m divide k when gcd(m,n)=1?

In order to prove that n and m divide k, we must show that k is a multiple of both n and m. Since gcd(m,n)=1, we know that n and m have no common factors other than 1. Therefore, we can express k as a product of m and n, multiplied by some integer. This shows that k is indeed a multiple of both n and m, proving that they divide k.

3. Can you provide an example of how to prove n and m divide k with gcd(m,n)=1?

Sure, let's say we want to prove that 3 and 4 divide 24. We know that gcd(3,4)=1, so we can express 24 as 3*4*2. This shows that 24 is a multiple of both 3 and 4, proving that they divide 24.

4. Does the value of k affect the proof of n and m dividing k when gcd(m,n)=1?

No, the value of k does not affect the proof. As long as gcd(m,n)=1, we can always express k as a product of m and n, multiplied by some integer. The specific value of k does not change this fact.

5. How does proving n and m divide k with gcd(m,n)=1 relate to the fundamental theorem of arithmetic?

The fundamental theorem of arithmetic states that every positive integer can be uniquely expressed as a product of prime numbers. In our case, proving that n and m divide k with gcd(m,n)=1 is essentially showing that k can be expressed as a product of m and n, which are prime numbers. This aligns with the fundamental theorem of arithmetic, providing a deeper understanding of the concept.

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