Math Problem Statement

Which of the following statements are true? Select all that apply. Assume the domain of discourse is the set of integers. A. ∃n such that n2≤−1 B. ∀n,n2≥0 C. ∃n such that n2=2 D. ∀n,n2≥n

Solution

Let us analyze each statement in the context of the domain of integers to determine which are true:


A. ∃n such that n² ≤ −1

  • Analysis: The square of any integer nn is n2n^2, which is always non-negative (n20n^2 \geq 0). Thus, there cannot exist an integer nn such that n21n^2 \leq -1, as n20n^2 \geq 0 for all integers.

  • Verdict: False


B. ∀n, n² ≥ 0

  • Analysis: The square of any integer nn is always non-negative (n20n^2 \geq 0) because multiplying any number by itself yields a positive or zero result. This is true for all integers.

  • Verdict: True


C. ∃n such that n² = 2

  • Analysis: There is no integer nn such that n2=2n^2 = 2. The square root of 2 is irrational and cannot be represented as an integer.

  • Verdict: False


D. ∀n, n² ≥ n

  • Analysis: For n1n \geq 1, n2nn^2 \geq n holds true. However, for integers nn such as 0 and n<0n < 0, the inequality n2nn^2 \geq n also holds:

    • n=0n = 0: n2=00n^2 = 0 \geq 0
    • n=1n = -1: n2=11n^2 = 1 \geq -1
    • For all negative integers, n2n^2 is positive and thus n2nn^2 \geq n holds.
  • Verdict: True


Final Answer:

  • The true statements are: B and D.

Follow-up Questions:

  1. Why is n2n^2 always non-negative for all integers?
  2. How can we prove that 2\sqrt{2} is irrational and thus not an integer?
  3. Can you find a counterexample for n2nn^2 \geq n among integers?
  4. What is the general behavior of n2n^2 compared to nn for negative, zero, and positive integers?
  5. What are some similar inequalities involving squares of integers that can be analyzed?

Tip: Always check the nature of a mathematical operation (e.g., squaring) to determine its range of possible values in a given domain.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Inequalities
Properties of Integers
Square Functions

Formulas

n² for integers n

Theorems

Non-negativity of square numbers
Properties of integer solutions for quadratic equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12