Math Problem Statement

Question15. Which of the following statements is true: (7 pts) (a) A number k divides the sum of three consecutive integers n, n + 1, and n + 2 if and only if it divides the middle integer n + 1. (b) An integer n is divisible by 6 if and only if it is divisible by 3. (c) For all integers a,b,and c, a|(bc) if and only if a | b and a | c. (d) For all integers a,b,and c, a|(b+c) if and only if a | b and a | c. (e) If r and s are integers, then r | s if and only if r 2 | s 2 .

Solution

Let's analyze each statement carefully to determine which is true:


(a) A number kk divides the sum of three consecutive integers n,n+1,n+2n, n+1, n+2 if and only if it divides the middle integer n+1n+1.

  • The sum of three consecutive integers is: n+(n+1)+(n+2)=3n+3=3(n+1).n + (n+1) + (n+2) = 3n + 3 = 3(n+1). This means the sum is always divisible by 3. Therefore, kk dividing 3(n+1)3(n+1) does not necessarily imply it divides n+1n+1, because kk might include a factor of 3.
  • This is false.

(b) An integer nn is divisible by 6 if and only if it is divisible by 3.

  • For a number to be divisible by 6, it must be divisible by both 2 and 3. Divisibility by 3 alone is not sufficient.
  • This is false.

(c) For all integers a,b,a, b, and cc, a(bc)a | (bc) if and only if aba | b and aca | c.

  • Counterexample: Let a=2a = 2, b=4b = 4, and c=3c = 3. Here, a(bc)=212a | (bc) = 2 | 12 (true), but a3a \nmid 3.
  • This is false.

(d) For all integers a,b,a, b, and cc, a(b+c)a | (b+c) if and only if aba | b and aca | c.

  • If aba | b and aca | c, then b=ak1b = ak_1 and c=ak2c = ak_2 for some integers k1k_1 and k2k_2. Adding them: b+c=ak1+ak2=a(k1+k2),b + c = ak_1 + ak_2 = a(k_1 + k_2), so a(b+c)a | (b+c).
  • Conversely, a(b+c)a | (b+c) does not imply aba | b and aca | c, since a single aa dividing b+cb+c doesn't guarantee separate divisibility.
  • This is false.

(e) If rr and ss are integers, then rsr | s if and only if r2s2r^2 | s^2.

  • If rsr | s, then s=rks = rk, so s2=r2k2s^2 = r^2k^2, meaning r2s2r^2 | s^2.
  • Conversely, if r2s2r^2 | s^2, then s2=r2ks^2 = r^2k. Since the square of a number is divisible by another square, rr must divide ss.
  • This is true.

Answer: (e) is the correct statement.


Do you want me to expand any explanation or clarify? Here are related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What are the divisibility rules for integers?
  2. Can you provide another counterexample for statement (c)?
  3. How does the distributive property help prove statement (d)?
  4. Why does statement (b) fail when nn is odd?
  5. What other properties of divisors can we infer from statement (e)?

Tip: When analyzing "if and only if" statements, always check both directions to confirm equivalence.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Divisibility
Properties of Integers
Logical Equivalence

Formulas

Sum of three consecutive integers: n + (n+1) + (n+2) = 3(n+1)

Theorems

If a | b and a | c, then a | (b+c)
If r | s, then r^2 | s^2

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12