Let m and n be two integers. Prove that:

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In summary, the proof by contrapositive shows that if m and n are odd numbers, then m^2 + n^2 is not divisible by 4. This proves that if m^2 + n^2 is divisible by 4, then both m and n must be even numbers. The negation of the statement "They are both even" is "At least one of them is odd".
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KOO
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Let m and n be two integers. Prove that if m2 + n2 is divisible by 4, then both m and n are even numbers

Hint: Prove contrapositiveAttempt:

Proof by Contrapositive. Assume m, n are odd numbers, showing that m^2 + n^2 is not divisible by 4.

let:
m= 2a + 1 (a,b are integers)
n=2b+1

m^2+n^2 = (2a+1)^2 + (2b+1)^2 = 4a^2 +4a + 1 + 4b^2 + 4b +1

let: 4(a^2 + a + b^2 + b) = 4q (q an integer)

m^2 + n^2 = 4q + 2

with 4q + 2 not divisible by 4 since 4 divides 4q + 2 with a remainder of 2.
==> if m and n are odd numbers, m^2 + n^2 is not divisible 4, which by contrapositive reasoning proves that if m^2 + n^2 is divisible by 4, then m and n are odd numbers.
 
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  • #2
What is the negation of the statement

"They are both even" ?
 
  • #3
KOO said:
Let m and n be two integers. Prove that if m2 + n2 is divisible by 4, then both m and n are even numbers

Hint: Prove contrapositiveAttempt:

Proof by Contrapositive. Assume m, n are odd numbers, showing that m^2 + n^2 is not divisible by 4.

let:
m= 2a + 1 (a,b are integers)
n=2b+1

m^2+n^2 = (2a+1)^2 + (2b+1)^2 = 4a^2 +4a + 1 + 4b^2 + 4b +1

let: 4(a^2 + a + b^2 + b) = 4q (q an integer)

m^2 + n^2 = 4q + 2

with 4q + 2 not divisible by 4 since 4 divides 4q + 2 with a remainder of 2.
==> if m and n are odd numbers, m^2 + n^2 is not divisible 4, which by contrapositive reasoning proves that if m^2 + n^2 is divisible by 4, then m and n are odd numbers.

Hi KOO! :)

Your proof looks fine...

But "contrapositive" in this case means that you start from NOT(m and n are even numbers).
That is the case if either m or n is odd, but not necessarily both.
Due to the interchangeability of m and n it will suffice if you pick m odd.

Perhaps you can redo your proof with just m odd and no information as yet about n?
 

FAQ: Let m and n be two integers. Prove that:

What is the purpose of proving that m and n are two integers?

The purpose of proving that m and n are two integers is to establish the underlying assumptions and conditions for a mathematical statement or problem. This allows for a more rigorous and logical approach to solving the problem and arriving at a definitive answer.

How do you prove that m and n are two integers?

To prove that m and n are two integers, we must use the definition of integers, which are whole numbers that can be positive, negative, or zero. We can also use mathematical operations and properties to manipulate the given statement and show that it only holds true for integers.

What is the significance of using the words "let" and "prove" in the statement?

The use of the words "let" and "prove" in the statement indicates that we are making assumptions about the values of m and n and then providing evidence or reasoning to show that the statement is true for those values. This allows for a more structured and logical approach to problem-solving.

Can you give an example of a proof involving m and n being two integers?

One example of a proof involving m and n being two integers is the proof that the product of two even integers is always even. We can let m and n be any two even integers and then use the definition of even integers and the properties of multiplication to show that their product is also an even integer.

Is it necessary to prove that m and n are two integers in every mathematical statement or problem?

No, it is not necessary to prove that m and n are two integers in every mathematical statement or problem. It depends on the context and purpose of the statement or problem. In some cases, it may be assumed that the variables are integers, while in others, it may be important to explicitly state and prove this fact.

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