Math Problem Statement

Find all positive integers $n$ such that $n$, $n+2$, and $n+4$ are all prime.

Solution

We are tasked with finding all positive integers nn such that nn, n+2n+2, and n+4n+4 are all prime numbers. Let's analyze this step by step.

Step 1: Explore small values of nn

First, let's check small values of nn to see if we can find any primes that fit the condition.

  • For n=3n = 3:
    • n=3n = 3, n+2=5n+2 = 5, and n+4=7n+4 = 7. All three numbers are prime.
    • Therefore, n=3n = 3 is a solution.

Step 2: General Analysis

Now let's see if there are any other solutions.

We are looking for three numbers nn, n+2n+2, and n+4n+4 that are all prime. Consider the following points:

  • One of the numbers must be divisible by 3, since among any three consecutive numbers nn, n+2n+2, and n+4n+4, one of them must be divisible by 3. This follows from the fact that every third number is divisible by 3.

    • If nn is divisible by 3, then n=3n = 3 (since any higher multiple of 3 is not prime).
    • If n+2n+2 is divisible by 3, then n+2=3n+2 = 3, which implies n=1n = 1. However, n=1n = 1 is not prime, so this case is not possible.
    • If n+4n+4 is divisible by 3, then n+4=3n+4 = 3, which implies n=1n = -1, but this is not a positive integer.

Thus, the only possibility for nn being divisible by 3 is when n=3n = 3.

Step 3: Conclusion

The only solution is n=3n = 3.

Thus, the only positive integer nn such that nn, n+2n+2, and n+4n+4 are all prime is: 3\boxed{3}

Would you like further details or clarifications?

Here are five related questions to explore further:

  1. What are the first 10 prime numbers?
  2. Can there be any sequence of 4 consecutive odd primes?
  3. What is the largest known prime number, and how is it discovered?
  4. Why is 2 the only even prime number?
  5. How can we prove that there are infinitely many prime numbers?

Tip: Prime numbers greater than 3 can be expressed in the form 6k±16k \pm 1.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Prime Numbers

Formulas

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Theorems

Prime Number Theorem
Divisibility Rule for 3

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12