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. These three numbers form what is known as a "prime triplet."

Step 1: Analyze properties of prime numbers in this form

Let nn, n+2n+2, and n+4n+4 be prime numbers.

  • Since nn, n+2n+2, and n+4n+4 are consecutive odd numbers (because any even nn greater than 2 would make n+2n+2 or n+4n+4 even and thus non-prime), we focus on nn being an odd number.
  • If nn is odd, then one of the numbers in nn, n+2n+2, and n+4n+4 must be divisible by 3. This is because every third integer is divisible by 3.

Step 2: Check divisibility by 3

We now consider the three cases for divisibility by 3:

  • Case 1: nn is divisible by 3. Then n=3n = 3 (since 3 is the only prime divisible by 3). In this case, we check n+2=5n+2 = 5 and n+4=7n+4 = 7, which are both prime. Thus, n=3n = 3 works.

  • Case 2: n+2n+2 is divisible by 3. If n+2n+2 is divisible by 3 and greater than 3, it cannot be prime. Therefore, there are no solutions in this case.

  • Case 3: n+4n+4 is divisible by 3. Similarly, if n+4n+4 is divisible by 3 and greater than 3, it cannot be prime. Hence, there are no solutions in this case either.

Step 3: Conclusion

The only solution for which all three numbers nn, n+2n+2, and n+4n+4 are prime is when 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 more details or have any questions? Here are five related questions to expand on this topic:

  1. Can there be any prime triplets beyond n,n+2,n+4n, n+2, n+4?
  2. Why is 3 the only prime divisible by 3?
  3. Are there other consecutive prime numbers similar to twin primes or prime triplets?
  4. What are twin primes, and do they follow similar divisibility patterns?
  5. How can the prime number theorem help in understanding patterns of prime numbers?

Tip: Prime numbers are integers greater than 1 that have no divisors other than 1 and themselves; studying their properties helps in understanding number theory.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Prime Numbers
Divisibility

Formulas

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Theorems

Divisibility Rules
Prime Number Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12