Math Problem Statement

Is the 11th perfect number divisible by 8?

Solution

The formula to find a perfect number is:

Pn=2n1(2n1)P_n = 2^{n-1}(2^n - 1)

where 2n12^n - 1 is a prime number (called a Mersenne prime).

To find the 11th perfect number, let's first compute the corresponding Mersenne prime and perfect number for n=11n = 11.

  1. 2111=20472^{11} - 1 = 2047
  2. We check if 2047 is prime. It is not, as 2047=23×892047 = 23 \times 89, so n=11n = 11 does not give us a valid Mersenne prime.

To find the correct perfect number, we must use values of nn corresponding to Mersenne primes. For the 11th perfect number, the Mersenne prime is associated with n=61n = 61 because 26112^{61} - 1 is a prime number.

The 11th perfect number is:

P11=260(2611)P_{11} = 2^{60}(2^{61} - 1)

Now, to check if the 11th perfect number is divisible by 8:

P11=260×(2611)P_{11} = 2^{60} \times (2^{61} - 1)

Since P11P_{11} contains the factor 2602^{60}, it is divisible by 23=82^3 = 8.

Thus, the 11th perfect number is divisible by 8.


Would you like any additional details or have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the smallest perfect number, and why is it perfect?
  2. How are Mersenne primes related to perfect numbers?
  3. What are the properties of an even perfect number?
  4. Is there an odd perfect number, or has one been found?
  5. How can you prove that a given number is a perfect number?

Tip: When a number is a power of 2, it will always be divisible by smaller powers of 2, including 8.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Perfect Numbers
Mersenne Primes
Divisibility Rules

Formulas

P_n = 2^{n-1}(2^n - 1)
Divisibility rule for powers of 2

Theorems

Perfect Number Theorem
Mersenne Prime Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12