Math Problem Statement

For all integers a, b, and c, if a | b and a ∤ (3b 3 − c), then 3b ∤ c.

Solution

Let's break down the logic behind this mathematical statement:

Given:

  1. aba \mid b: This means that aa divides bb, i.e., b=kab = ka for some integer kk.
  2. a(3b3c)a \nmid (3b^3 - c): This means that aa does not divide 3b3c3b^3 - c, i.e., 3b3c3b^3 - c is not divisible by aa.
  3. We are asked to prove that 3bc3b \nmid c: This means that 3b3b does not divide cc, i.e., cc is not a multiple of 3b3b.

Approach:

We are given that aba \mid b, meaning that b=kab = ka for some integer kk. This fact will help in reasoning about the divisibility properties later.

From the second condition, a(3b3c)a \nmid (3b^3 - c), we can rewrite it as:

3b3c≢0(moda)3b^3 - c \not\equiv 0 \pmod{a}

In other words, 3b3≢c(moda)3b^3 \not\equiv c \pmod{a}.

Now, if we assume that 3bc3b \mid c, then c=3bmc = 3bm for some integer mm. Substituting this into the expression 3b3c3b^3 - c, we get:

3b3c=3b33bm=3b(b2m)3b^3 - c = 3b^3 - 3bm = 3b(b^2 - m)

Thus, 3b3c=3b(b2m)3b^3 - c = 3b(b^2 - m).

If 3bc3b \mid c, this would imply that a(3b3c)a \mid (3b^3 - c), because 3b3c3b^3 - c would be divisible by 3b3b, and since aba \mid b, it would follow that a(3b(b2m))a \mid (3b(b^2 - m)). However, this contradicts the given condition that a(3b3c)a \nmid (3b^3 - c).

Conclusion:

Therefore, our assumption that 3bc3b \mid c must be false. Hence, we can conclude that:

3bc3b \nmid c

Would you like a more detailed explanation or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. If aba \mid b, does a3b3a \mid 3b^3?
  2. Can cc be a multiple of aa given these conditions?
  3. What happens if a=1a = 1?
  4. How does the condition a(3b3c)a \nmid (3b^3 - c) influence divisibility?
  5. How does the relationship between aa and bb affect cc?

Tip:

When dealing with divisibility, always carefully check assumptions about factors and how modifying one term can affect the overall divisibility in the equation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Divisibility
Modular Arithmetic
Number Theory

Formulas

a | b implies b = ka for some integer k
a ∤ (3b^3 - c) implies 3b^3 - c ≠ 0 mod a
If 3b | c, then c = 3bm for some integer m

Theorems

Divisibility rule
Properties of modular arithmetic
Contradiction method in proofs

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Mathematics or Advanced High School (Grades 11-12)