Divisibility rules and proof by contradiction

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving integers x,y,z with no common divisor, satisfying the condition 5|(x+y-z) and 2*5^{4}k=(x+y)(z-y)(z-x)((x+y)^2+(z-y)^2+(z-x)^2). The objective is to show that GCD(x,y,z)≠1, and the conversation suggests considering the squares of any integer mod 5 to find an expression divisible by 5.
  • #1
tt2348
144
0
I posted this in the number theory forum to no success... so I figured maybe the homework help people would have some input

Let x,y,z be integers with no common divisor satisfying a specific condition, which boils down to
[itex]5|(x+y-z)[/itex] and [itex]2*5^{4}k=(x+y)(z-y)(z-x)((x+y)^2+(z-y)^2+(z-x)^2)[/itex]
or equivalently [itex]5^{4}k=(x+y)(z-y)(z-x)((x+y-z)^2-xy+xz+yz)[/itex]
I want to show that GCD(x,y,z)≠1, starting with the assumption 5 dividing (x+y), (z-y), or (z-x) results in x,y or z being divisible by 5. then it's easy to show that 5 divides another term, implying 5 divides all three.
I run into trouble assuming 5 divides the latter part, [itex]2((x+y)^2+(z-y)^2+(z-x)^2)=((x+y-z)^2-xy+xz+yz)[/itex] and showing the contradiction from that point.
Any hints?
 
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  • #2
Hello tt2348,
Leave the square terms unchanged and consider all possible values of the square of any integer mod 5 .There are three squares here() .How will you get them to get an expression divisible by 5 ?There lies the answer that one of the square terms has to be divisible by 5.
Hoping this helps.
regards
Yukoel
 

Related to Divisibility rules and proof by contradiction

1. What are the basic divisibility rules?

Divisibility rules are simple mathematical principles that determine if one number is divisible by another without having to perform long division. The basic rules state that a number is divisible by 2 if it is even, by 3 if the sum of the digits is divisible by 3, by 4 if the last two digits are divisible by 4, by 5 if the last digit is either 0 or 5, by 6 if it is divisible by both 2 and 3, by 9 if the sum of the digits is divisible by 9, and by 10 if the last digit is 0.

2. How can I use divisibility rules in proof by contradiction?

Proof by contradiction is a method of proving a mathematical statement by assuming the opposite and showing that it leads to a logical contradiction. Divisibility rules can be used in this method by assuming that a number is not divisible by another and using the rules to show that it must be divisible, thus proving the original statement.

3. Can divisibility rules be used for all numbers?

No, divisibility rules are only applicable to certain numbers. For example, the rule for 4 only works for numbers with two or more digits, and the rule for 9 only applies to numbers with three or more digits. Also, not all numbers have a specific divisibility rule (e.g. there is no rule for determining if a number is divisible by 7).

4. Are there any exceptions to the divisibility rules?

Yes, there are some exceptions to the divisibility rules. For example, the rule for 3 may not work for numbers with repeating digits (e.g. 111 is not divisible by 3 even though the sum of its digits is 3). Additionally, the rule for 4 may not work for numbers with alternating digits (e.g. 121 is not divisible by 4 even though the last two digits are divisible by 4).

5. Why are divisibility rules important in mathematics?

Divisibility rules are important in mathematics because they provide a quick and efficient way to determine if a number is divisible by another. They also help in simplifying complex mathematical problems and can be used in various mathematical proofs and concepts, such as prime factorization and modular arithmetic.

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