Euclid's Theorem - Understanding Proofs & Induction Process

  • Thread starter nebbione
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Theorem
In summary, the conversation discusses the use of induction in proofs and specifically asks why it cannot be used in Euclid's Theorem. The response explains that there is no general formula for proving theorems and that understanding more math will make proofs clearer. It is also mentioned that induction cannot be used in Euclid's Theorem because it involves prime numbers distributed randomly in N, not contiguous numbers.
  • #1
nebbione
133
0
Hi everyone! In this period I'm trying to understand how proofs work.
And i don't understand why the induction process is only used sometimes. When can i use it ?

For example in the euclid's theorem http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euclid's_theorem
why this could not be proven with the induction ?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi. There is no general formula or template for proving something. You can't just take the "induction template" and use that to prove any old theorem.

I am curious how much math you actually know. Because frankly, I think you should focus on learning more math, because with that education, proofs will become clearer.Edit:
Maybe start by reading this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_proof
 
  • #3
Can you explain me why i can't use induction always when talking for examples of euclid's theorem ? we only have natural numbers in this context
 
  • #4
Go ahead. Try to use induction and post your proof here.

Do you know what induction is? Can you tell me in your own words?

Do you know what Euclids Theorem is? Can you tell me in your own words?
 
  • #5
sorry i re read the induction and the euclid's theorem and now i understand.
You are right.
I cannot use induction since I'm not considering contigous numbers, but thre prime numbers distributed randomly in N.
 

Related to Euclid's Theorem - Understanding Proofs & Induction Process

1. What is Euclid's Theorem?

Euclid's Theorem, also known as the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic, states that every positive integer can be expressed as a unique product of primes.

2. How did Euclid prove his theorem?

Euclid used a proof by contradiction, assuming that there exists a finite set of primes, and then showing that there must be at least one additional prime not in that set. This contradicts the assumption, proving that there is no finite set of primes.

3. What is the role of induction in Euclid's Theorem?

Induction is used to prove that every positive integer can be expressed as a product of primes. It involves showing that the theorem holds for a base case (such as 1) and then proving that if it holds for any positive integer, it also holds for the next integer. This process is repeated to cover all positive integers.

4. Can Euclid's Theorem be applied to negative numbers or non-integer numbers?

No, Euclid's Theorem only applies to positive integers. Negative numbers and non-integer numbers do not have a unique prime factorization.

5. What are some real-world applications of Euclid's Theorem?

Euclid's Theorem has many practical applications, including in cryptography, number theory, and computer science. It is also used in algorithms for finding the greatest common divisor of two numbers and determining whether a number is prime.

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
378
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
544
  • General Math
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • General Math
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
989
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
18
Views
1K
Back
Top