Why is $p_i + \frac{k}{p_i}$ divisible by $3$ and $8$?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the divisibility of the expression $p_i + \frac{k}{p_i}$ by $3$ and $8$, given a natural number $k$ such that $k + 1 \equiv 0 \:\: (mod\:\:24)$. Participants explore the implications of this condition on the sum of the divisors of $k$ and seek clarification on the reasoning behind the divisibility claims.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that since $k = 4n_1 + 3$, $\sqrt{k}$ is not a natural number, which leads to considering divisors $p_i < \sqrt{k}$.
  • It is proposed that the sum of all divisors can be expressed as $\sum_{i=1}^{m}(p_i + \frac{k}{p_i})$, and that this sum is divisible by $24$.
  • Participants question why $p_i + \frac{k}{p_i}$ is divisible by $3$ and $8$, with one hint suggesting to examine $(1 + p)(1 + \frac{k}{p})$ for divisibility.
  • One participant attempts to connect the divisibility of $p + 1$ and $\frac{k}{p} + 1$ to the conditions of $k$, but expresses uncertainty about proving the divisibility.
  • Another participant clarifies that either $p + 1$ or $\frac{k}{p} + 1$ must be a multiple of $3$, and similarly for $4$, based on modular arithmetic arguments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasoning behind the divisibility of $p_i + \frac{k}{p_i}$. While some agree on the modular conditions, there is no consensus on the proof of divisibility or the implications of the hints provided.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the relationship between $k$, its divisors, and their modular properties is complex, with unresolved steps in the reasoning regarding the divisibility conditions.

lfdahl
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Problem:
Let $k$ be a natural number, and $k+1 \equiv 0 \:\: (mod\:\:24)$

Show, that the sum of $k$´s divisors is also divisible by $24$.

Solution:
First, note that since $k = 4n_1+3$ for some $n_1\in \mathbb{N}$, $\sqrt{k}$ is not a natural number.

Let $p_1,p_2,…,p_m < \sqrt{k}$ be all $k$´s divisors smaller than $\sqrt{k}$.

Then, the sum of all $k$´s divisors is: $\sum_{i=1}^{m}\left ( p_i+\frac{k}{p_i} \right )$.

Now, since $k = 3n_2+2$ and $k = 8n_3+7$, and $k = p_i\frac{k}{p_i}$, the term $p_i+\frac{k}{p_i}$ is divisible by $3$ and $8$.

Thus, the sum : $\sum_{i=1}^{m}\left ( p_i+\frac{k}{p_i} \right )$ is also divisible by 24.

Can someone explain to me, why $p_i+\frac{k}{p_i}$ is divisible by $3$ and $8$??

Thankyou in advance!
 
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lfdahl said:
Problem:
Let $k$ be a natural number, and $k+1 \equiv 0 \:\: (mod\:\:24)$

Show, that the sum of $k$´s divisors is also divisible by $24$.

Solution:
First, note that since $k = 4n_1+3$ for some $n_1\in \mathbb{N}$, $\sqrt{k}$ is not a natural number.

Let $p_1,p_2,…,p_m < \sqrt{k}$ be all $k$´s divisors smaller than $\sqrt{k}$.

Then, the sum of all $k$´s divisors is: $\sum_{i=1}^{m}\left ( p_i+\frac{k}{p_i} \right )$.

Now, since $k = 3n_2+2$ and $k = 8n_3+7$, and $k = p_i\frac{k}{p_i}$, the term $p_i+\frac{k}{p_i}$ is divisible by $3$ and $8$.

Thus, the sum : $\sum_{i=1}^{m}\left ( p_i+\frac{k}{p_i} \right )$ is also divisible by 24.

Can someone explain to me, why $p_i+\frac{k}{p_i}$ is divisible by $3$ and $8$??

Thankyou in advance!
Hint: Let $p$ be a divisor of $k$. Can you show that $(1+p)\Bigl(1+\dfrac kp\Bigr)$ is divisible by $3$ and by $8$?
 
Opalg said:
Hint: Let $p$ be a divisor of $k$. Can you show that $(1+p)\Bigl(1+\dfrac kp\Bigr)$ is divisible by $3$ and by $8$?

Thanks for the hint:

I´m not sure. Here is my attempt:

If $p < \sqrt{k}$ and $k \equiv 0 \:\: (mod \:\: p)$ then $k+1 \equiv 0 \:\: (mod \:\: p+1)$

$\Rightarrow$ $p+1 \equiv 0 \:\: (mod \:\: 3)??$

but it is not necessarily true, that: $k+1 \equiv 0 \:\: (mod \:\: 1+\frac{k}{p}).$

For example: Say $k = 95$, then $k \equiv 0 \:\: (mod \:\: p=5)$ and $k+1=96 \equiv 0 \:\: (mod \:\: p+1=6)$

- but $\frac{k}{p}=\frac{95}{5}=19$ and $k+1=96 \not\equiv 0 \:\: (mod \:\: p+1=20)$

Still it is true, that $3$ and $8$ divides $96$. I just don´t know how to prove this ... :(

If I could show, that $3$ and $8$ divides $(1+p)(1+\frac{k}{p})$ then $k+1 + p + \frac{k}{p}$ would of course also
be divisible by $24$, that is $p +\frac{k}{p}$ would be divisible by 24 as required.
 
For convenience, write $q = \dfrac kp$, so that $k = pq$. You know that $k\equiv-1\pmod3$. As you say, it does not necessarily follow that $p\equiv-1\pmod3$. But the only way that the product of two integers can be congruent to $-1\pmod3$ is that one of them is $\equiv1\pmod3$ and the other one is $\equiv-1\pmod3.$ So what is true is that either $p+1$ or $q+1$ must be a multiple of $3$.

A similar argument working mod $4$ shows that one of the integers $p+1,\,q+1$ is a multiple of $2$ and the other one is a multiple of $4$.
 
Opalg said:
For convenience, write $q = \dfrac kp$, so that $k = pq$. You know that $k\equiv-1\pmod3$. As you say, it does not necessarily follow that $p\equiv-1\pmod3$. But the only way that the product of two integers can be congruent to $-1\pmod3$ is that one of them is $\equiv1\pmod3$ and the other one is $\equiv-1\pmod3.$ So what is true is that either $p+1$ or $q+1$ must be a multiple of $3$.

A similar argument working mod $4$ shows that one of the integers $p+1,\,q+1$ is a multiple of $2$ and the other one is a multiple of $4$.

Thanks a lot, Opalg! This really helped me solve the matter!
 

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