What Values of \( n \) Satisfy the Equation \( (n^3 + 2) \mod (2n + 1) = 0 \)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the values of \( n \) that satisfy the equation \( (n^3 + 2) \mod (2n + 1) = 0 \). Participants explore various approaches to solving this equation, including mathematical reasoning and computational verification.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants state that \( n \) is a natural number and seek to find values of \( n \) that satisfy the equation.
  • One participant claims \( n = 1 \) by inspection.
  • Another participant proposes a transformation of the equation using \( 2n + 1 = p \) and derives conditions for \( p \), concluding that the solutions for \( p \) are \( \{1, 3, 5, 15\} \), leading to potential values \( n = \{0, 1, 2, 7\} \).
  • A later reply suggests that since \( n \) must be a positive integer, \( n = 0 \) should be excluded from the solutions.
  • Another participant notes that definitions of \( \mathbb{N} \) may vary, with some including zero and others not.
  • One participant presents an alternative approach, stating that \( 8n^3 + 16 \mod (2n + 1) = 15 \) leads to \( n = \{1, 2, 7\} \).
  • There is a suggestion for improving LaTeX formatting in the posts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on whether \( n = 0 \) should be considered a valid solution, reflecting differing interpretations of the set of natural numbers. Multiple competing views on the solutions exist, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the inclusion of zero.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of natural numbers and the assumptions made in the transformations and calculations presented by participants.

Albert1
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$n\in N $

$\text{and }(n^3 +2)\,\mod\,(2n+1)=0$

$\text{please find }n$
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Albert said:
$ n\in N $

$ and \,\, (n^3 +2) \,\, mod \,\, (2n+1)=0 $

$please \,\, find \,\, n $
Well n = 1 by inspection.

-Dan
 
Let $2n + 1 = p$. Then:

$$n^3 + 2 \equiv \left [ 2^{-1} (p - 1) \right ]^3 + 2 \equiv 2 - 2^{-3} \pmod{p}$$

Thus, to satisfy your condition, we require:

$$ 2^{-3} \equiv 2 \pmod{p} ~ ~ \implies ~ ~ 2^{-4} \equiv 1 \pmod{p} ~ ~ \implies 2^4 \equiv 16 \equiv 1 \pmod{p}$$

Therefore the only solutions for $p$ are $\{1, 3, 5, 15\}$, which translate to $n = \{0, 1, 2, 7\}$.

May be verified experimentally:

Code:
>>> for n in range(10000):
...     p = 2 * n + 1
...     r = (pow(n, 3, p) + 2) % p
...     if r == 0:
...             print(n)
... 
0
1
2
7
>>>
 
Bacterius:
your answer : n=0,1,2,7
but here n is a positive integer number so n=0 should be deleted

Albert
 
I believe some definitions of $\mathbb{N}$ include zero, but most do not.
 
$\text{here is my solution: for }\,n^3+2\,\mod\,2n+1=0$
$\text{we have }\,8n^3+16\,\mod\,2n+1=0$
$\text{but }\,8n^3+16\,\mod\,2n+1=15 $
$\therefore\,15\,\mod\,2n+1=0$
$\text{and }\,n=\begin{Bmatrix}
1,2,7
\end{Bmatrix}$
 
Last edited:
Albert,

Just a LaTeX tip...to include text within your code, so that it is not italicized like the variables are, use the \text{} command, e.g., \text{insert text here}. Leave everything else outside of the braces.
 
Albert said:
Bacterius:
your answer : n=0,1,2,7
but here n is a positive integer number so n=0 should be deleted

Albert
Your definition of $\mathbb{N}$ was unclear, thus I conservatively included $n = 0$.
 

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