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Math 2112 Solutions Assignment 1

The document contains solutions to math problems involving properties of integers, divisibility, and perfect squares. It includes proofs that the difference of cubes of integers is even if their difference is even, that the sum of squares and their square root is a perfect square, and that four consecutive integers minus one is a perfect square. It also includes a counterexample showing a property about primes is false and another showing a divisibility property is false.

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78 views2 pages

Math 2112 Solutions Assignment 1

The document contains solutions to math problems involving properties of integers, divisibility, and perfect squares. It includes proofs that the difference of cubes of integers is even if their difference is even, that the sum of squares and their square root is a perfect square, and that four consecutive integers minus one is a perfect square. It also includes a counterexample showing a property about primes is false and another showing a divisibility property is false.

Uploaded by

Guyrataka
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Math 2112 Solutions

Assignment 1
3.1.32 For all integers n and m, if n − m is even then n3 − m3 is even.

Proof: Let n and m be integers such that n − m is even. Therefore, n − m = 2k


for some k ∈ Z. Note that

n3 − m3 = (n − m)(n2 + nm + m2 ) = 2k(n2 + nm + m2 ) = 2(k(n2 + nm + m2 )).

Let r = k(n2 + nm + m2 ). Since k(n2 + nm + m2 ) is an integer, n3 − m3 = 2r,


with r ∈ Z. Therefore n3 − m3 is even.

3.1.33 For all integers n, if n is prime the (−1)n = (−1).

Counterexample: Let n = 2. Then n is prime, but (−1)n = 1.

3.1.38 Any product of four consecutive integers is one less than a


perfect square.

Proof: Let n, n + 1, n + 2, n + 3 be any four consecutive integers. Consider

n(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3) + 1 = n(n + 1)(n2 + 5n + 6) + 1


= n(n3 + 6n2 + 11n + 6) + 1
= n4 + 6n3 + 11n2 + 6n + 1
= (n2 + 3n + 1)2 .

Therefore, any four consecutive integers is one less than a perfect square.

√
3.1.42 If m and n are perfect squares, then m + n + 2 mn is also a
perfect square. Why?

Proof: Let m and n be perfect squares. Then there exist integers a and b such
that m = a2 and n = b2 . But now
√ √
m + n + 2 mn = a2 + b2 + 2 a2 b2
= a2 + b2 + 2ab
= a2 + 2ab + b2
= (a + b)2
√
Therefore, m + n + 2 mn is also a perfect square.

1
3.2.24 Suppose that a, b, c and d are integers and a 6= c. Suppose also
that x is a real number that satisfies the equation
ax + b
= 1.
cx + d
Must x be rational? If so, express x as a ratio of two integers.

Proof: Let a, b, c and d be integers with a 6= c. Suppose that x is a real number


such that
ax + b
= 1.
cx + d
But then
ax + b
= 1
cx + d
ax + b = cx + d
ax − cx = d−b
(a − c)x = d−b
d−b
x = .
a−c
Since d and b are integers, so is d − b. Likewise, since a and c are integers, so is
a − c. Note also that since a 6= c, a − c 6= 0. Therefore, x is a rational number.

3.3.12 If n = 4k + 3, does 8 divide n2 − 1?

Proof: Let n = 4k + 3. Then

n2 − 1 = (4k + 3)2 − 1
= 16k 2 + 24k + 9 − 1
= 16k 2 + 24k + 8
= 8(2k 2 + 3k + 1).

Therefore, 8 divides n2 − 1.

3.3.24 For all integers a,b and c, if a|bc then a|b or a|c.

Counterexample: Let a = 4, b = 2 and c = 2. Then a|bc but a 6 |b and a 6 |c.

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