Number Theory Question 2: Proving pn | mn Using Prime Factorization

In summary, we can prove that if p is a prime and m and n are natural numbers, then p | mn implies pn | mn. This can be shown by writing mn as a product of primes and using the fact that taking a power of a product of primes does not introduce any new prime factors. Additionally, we can use the fact that if a prime divides the product of two numbers, it must divide at least one of the numbers. Therefore, we can conclude that p | m and pn | mn.
  • #1
trap101
342
0
Let p be a prime and let m and n be natural numbers. Prove that p | mn implies pn | mn.

Attempt:

Since mn can be written out as a product of primes i.e: p1p2...pn in which p is a divisor.

Raising mn means that there would exist pn primes for each factor of m: mn = m1m2...mn = (p1...pn)1(p1...pn)2...(p1...pn)n = p1a1p2a2...pnan

which means pn | mn.

Is there anything I'm missing to clean it up?

Cheers for the help.
 
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  • #2
It seems ok but could be written better.

Like you said m is a product of primes so let's write m as [itex]m=p_1^{\alpha_1}p_2^{\alpha_2}\ldots p_t^{\alpha_t}[/itex]. Then [itex]m^n = \left(p_1^{\alpha_1}p_2^{\alpha_2}\ldots p_t^{\alpha_t}\right)^n = p_1^{n\alpha_1}p_2^{n\alpha_2}\ldots p_t^{n\alpha_t}[/itex]. Since [itex]p|m^n[/itex], [itex]p|p_i[/itex] for [itex]1\leq i\leq t[/itex].
Let [itex]p_j[/itex] be that p. Then [itex]p|p_j[/itex]. Since [itex]p_j[/itex] is prime, [itex]p=p_j[/itex].

[itex]p|m^n=p_1^{n\alpha_1}p_2^{n\alpha_2}\ldots p_j^{n\alpha_j} p_t^{n\alpha_t}[/itex].

[itex]n\alpha_j\geq n[/itex] so [itex]p^n|p_j^{n\alpha_j}\Rightarrow p^n|m^n[/itex]
 
  • #3
i would prove p|m first. then pn|mn is rather obvious.

in intuitive terms, we don't get "any new prime factors" when we take a power.

again p|mn → p|m is a simple application of the fact:

p|ab → p|a or p|b, which some people take as a definition of prime (it generalizes well to more general settings).

(a "rigorous" proof of p|mn→p|m would use induction on n, but i feel that's over-kill).
 

FAQ: Number Theory Question 2: Proving pn | mn Using Prime Factorization

What is Number Theory Question 2?

Number Theory Question 2 is a mathematical problem that involves finding the smallest positive integer solution to the equation x^2 + y^2 = 100.

What is the significance of Number Theory Question 2?

Number Theory Question 2 is significant because it is a classic example of a Diophantine equation, which is an equation where only integer solutions are allowed. It also has real-world applications in areas such as cryptography and coding theory.

What is the solution to Number Theory Question 2?

The solution to Number Theory Question 2 is x = 6 and y = 8. This can be found by trial and error, or by using more advanced techniques such as modular arithmetic.

Are there any other solutions to Number Theory Question 2?

Yes, there are infinitely many solutions to Number Theory Question 2. This is because there are an infinite number of ways to write 100 as the sum of two squares.

How is Number Theory Question 2 related to Pythagorean triples?

Number Theory Question 2 is related to Pythagorean triples because it is essentially asking for the smallest Pythagorean triple (a set of three positive integers that satisfy the Pythagorean theorem) whose hypotenuse is equal to 10. In this case, the triple is (6,8,10).

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