How can $5^{1985}-1$ be factored into three integers greater than $5^{100}$?

In summary, a product of three integers is the result of multiplying three whole numbers together. The formula for finding the product of three integers is a x b x c, where a, b, and c are the three integers being multiplied. The product of three integers can be negative if the three numbers being multiplied have a mix of positive and negative signs. The difference between a product of three integers and a sum of three integers is that the product is the result of multiplication, while the sum is the result of addition. In science, the product of three integers is commonly used in calculations, equations, and models to represent relationships between variables and to find measurements such as volume and force.
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Factor $5^{1985}-1$ into a product of three integers, each of which is greater than $5^{100}$.
 
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Solution suggested by other:

Note that $x^5-1=(x-1)(x^4+x^3+x^2+x+1)$ and $x^4+x^3+x^2+x+1=(x^2+3x+1)^2-5x(x+1)^2$, hence if we let $x=5^{397}$, we have

$\begin{align*}x^4+x^3+x^2+x+1&=(x^2+3x+1)^2-5x(x+1)^2\\&=(x^2+3x+1)^2-5^{398}(x+1)^2\\&=(x^2+3x+1)^2-(5^{199}(x+1))^2\\&=(x^2+3x+1+5^{199}(x+1))(x^2+3x+1-5^{199}(x+1)) \end{align*}$

It is obvious that $x-1$ and $x^2+3x+1+5^{199}(x+1)$ are both greater than $5^{100}$.

As for the third factor, we have

$x^2+3x+1-5^{199}(x+1)=x(x-5^{199})+3a-5^{199}+1 \ge a+0+1 \ge 5^{100}$

Hence $5^{1985}-1$ can be expressed as a product of three integers, i.e. $5^{1985}-1=(5^{397}-1)(5^{794}+3(5^{397})+1+5^{199}(5^{397}+1))(5^{794}+3(5^{397})+1-5^{199}(5^{397}+1))$, each of which factor is greater than $5^{100}$.
 

FAQ: How can $5^{1985}-1$ be factored into three integers greater than $5^{100}$?

What is a product of three integers?

A product of three integers is the result of multiplying three whole numbers together.

What is the formula for finding the product of three integers?

The formula for finding the product of three integers is a x b x c, where a, b, and c are the three integers being multiplied.

Can the product of three integers be negative?

Yes, the product of three integers can be negative if the three numbers being multiplied have a mix of positive and negative signs. For example, (-2) x (-3) x 4 = 24.

What is the difference between a product of three integers and a sum of three integers?

The product of three integers is the result of multiplying the three numbers together, while the sum of three integers is the result of adding the three numbers together.

How is the product of three integers used in science?

The product of three integers is used in many scientific calculations, such as finding the volume of a cube or determining the total force acting on an object. It is also commonly used in mathematical models and equations to represent relationships between variables.

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