Math Problem Statement

For all n ∈ Z+, 5 divides 7^n - 2^n.

Solution

The image contains the following statement:

For all nZ+n \in \mathbb{Z}^+, 5 divides 7n2n7^n - 2^n.

This is a mathematical statement claiming that for all positive integers nn, the expression 7n2n7^n - 2^n is divisible by 5, or equivalently:

7n2n0(mod5)7^n - 2^n \equiv 0 \pmod{5}

Proof by Induction:

Let's prove this statement using mathematical induction.

Base Case: For n=1n = 1:

7121=72=57^1 - 2^1 = 7 - 2 = 5

Clearly, 55 is divisible by 5, so the base case holds.

Inductive Step: Assume the statement holds for some n=kn = k, i.e.,

7k2k0(mod5)7^k - 2^k \equiv 0 \pmod{5}

This means:

7k2k(mod5)7^k \equiv 2^k \pmod{5}

Now we need to prove the statement for n=k+1n = k+1, i.e.,

7k+12k+10(mod5)7^{k+1} - 2^{k+1} \equiv 0 \pmod{5}

Using the property of exponents, we can express 7k+17^{k+1} and 2k+12^{k+1} as:

7k+1=7k77^{k+1} = 7^k \cdot 7 2k+1=2k22^{k+1} = 2^k \cdot 2

Thus, we need to show:

7k72k20(mod5)7^k \cdot 7 - 2^k \cdot 2 \equiv 0 \pmod{5}

From the inductive hypothesis, we know 7k2k(mod5)7^k \equiv 2^k \pmod{5}, so we replace:

7k72k22k72k2(mod5)7^k \cdot 7 - 2^k \cdot 2 \equiv 2^k \cdot 7 - 2^k \cdot 2 \pmod{5} 2k(72)2k50(mod5)2^k \cdot (7 - 2) \equiv 2^k \cdot 5 \equiv 0 \pmod{5}

Thus, the statement holds for n=k+1n = k+1.

By the principle of mathematical induction, the statement is true for all nZ+n \in \mathbb{Z}^+.


Would you like more details or have any questions about this proof?

Here are 5 related questions for you to consider:

  1. What is modular arithmetic and how is it used in divisibility proofs?
  2. Can this statement be proven using another method besides induction?
  3. What other numbers besides 5 can be used to generalize this result?
  4. How does the property of exponents help in simplifying complex expressions?
  5. What are common pitfalls in applying mathematical induction?

Tip: When proving divisibility statements, modular arithmetic simplifies handling large powers and remainders, making the logic clearer.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Modular Arithmetic
Mathematical Induction

Formulas

7^n - 2^n ≡ 0 (mod 5)

Theorems

Principle of Mathematical Induction

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12