Math Problem Statement

Consider the following statement. There is an integer n such that 2n^2 − 5n + 2 is prime. To prove the statement it suffices to find a value of n such that (n, 2n^2 − 5n + 2) satisfies the property "2n^2 − 5n + 2 is prime." Show that you can do this by entering appropriate values for n and 2n^2 - 5n + 2.

Solution

To prove the statement that there exists an integer nn such that 2n25n+22n^2 - 5n + 2 is prime, we need to find a specific value of nn for which 2n25n+22n^2 - 5n + 2 evaluates to a prime number.

Let's check a few small integer values for nn:

1. n=1n = 1:

2(1)25(1)+2=2(1)5+2=25+2=1(not prime)2(1)^2 - 5(1) + 2 = 2(1) - 5 + 2 = 2 - 5 + 2 = -1 \quad \text{(not prime)}

2. n=2n = 2:

2(2)25(2)+2=2(4)10+2=810+2=0(not prime)2(2)^2 - 5(2) + 2 = 2(4) - 10 + 2 = 8 - 10 + 2 = 0 \quad \text{(not prime)}

3. n=3n = 3:

2(3)25(3)+2=2(9)15+2=1815+2=5(prime)2(3)^2 - 5(3) + 2 = 2(9) - 15 + 2 = 18 - 15 + 2 = 5 \quad \text{(prime)}

Here, when n=3n = 3, 2n25n+2=52n^2 - 5n + 2 = 5, and 5 is indeed a prime number.

Conclusion:

The integer n=3n = 3 satisfies the condition that 2n25n+22n^2 - 5n + 2 is prime. Therefore, this proves the statement.

Would you like more details or have any other questions?


Here are 5 related questions you might consider:

  1. What happens if you try other values of nn?
  2. Can 2n25n+22n^2 - 5n + 2 be prime for negative values of nn?
  3. How does changing the coefficients in the quadratic expression affect the result?
  4. Are there other integer values of nn for which 2n25n+22n^2 - 5n + 2 is prime?
  5. What other types of expressions can yield prime numbers?

Tip: Always check small values first when trying to prove a statement with an example, as they often reveal patterns or solutions quickly.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Prime numbers
Quadratic equations

Formulas

Quadratic formula

Theorems

Existence of prime numbers

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12