Math Problem Statement

Form a valid conclusion, using all the statements for each argument. Give reasons.

If 5 divides a positive integer N and if N is greater than 5, then N is not a prime number.

N is a prime number.

5 , _____ (divide/does not divide) a positive integer N or _____(N is composite number/ N is not greater than 5).

_______ (direct/indirect) statement.

Solution

We are given the argument:

  1. If 5 divides a positive integer NN and N>5N > 5, then NN is not a prime number.
  2. NN is a prime number.

Now, let's analyze the situation and form a conclusion:

Step 1: Reword the first statement in logical form.

  • The first statement says:
    If 5 divides NN and N>5N > 5, then NN is not a prime number.
    This can be written as: (5N)(N>5)    N is not a prime number.(5 \mid N) \land (N > 5) \implies N \text{ is not a prime number}.

Step 2: Use the second statement.

  • The second statement says that NN is a prime number.
    This means the conclusion of the first statement ("NN is not a prime number") cannot be true.

Step 3: Apply logical reasoning.

  • If the conclusion of the first statement is false (because NN is prime), then one of the conditions in the premise of the first statement must be false.
  • The premise of the first statement involves two conditions:
    (a) 5N5 \mid N (5 divides NN)
    (b) N>5N > 5

Step 4: Conclusion.

  • Since NN is prime and the first statement would lead to NN not being prime if both conditions were true, one of the conditions must be false.
  • The false condition could either be that 5 does not divide NN or N5N \leq 5.

Final conclusion:

  • 5 does not divide NN or N5N \leq 5.
  • This is an indirect statement because we are negating one of the conditions based on the information that NN is prime.

Answer:

  1. 5 does not divide a positive integer NN or N5N \leq 5.
  2. This is an indirect statement.

Do you need more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand the understanding:

  1. What are the conditions for a number to be divisible by 5?
  2. Can a number greater than 5 be prime if it is divisible by 5?
  3. What are the properties of composite numbers?
  4. How can indirect statements help in logical reasoning?
  5. What is the difference between direct and indirect proofs in mathematics?

Tip: Prime numbers greater than 5 can never be divisible by 5 since a prime number only has two divisors: 1 and itself.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Prime Numbers
Divisibility Rules
Logical Reasoning

Formulas

Divisibility rule for 5
Prime number definition

Theorems

Basic properties of prime numbers

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12