Covers: Sections 4.1–4.5 + Modular Arithmetic
Focus: Direct Proofs, Counterexamples, Rational Numbers, Divisibility, Quotient-Remainder Theorem, Modular Arithmetic
Even Integer: An integer n
is even if n = 2k
for some integer k
.
Odd Integer: An integer n
is odd if n = 2k + 1
for some integer k
.
Prime Number: A number > 1 that has no divisors other than 1 and itself.
Composite Number: A number > 1 that is not prime.
To prove a statement: Show it logically follows from known facts.
To disprove a statement: Provide a counterexample (a specific case where it's false).
Prove: 10a + 8b + 1 is odd for all integers a
and b
.
10a + 8b = 2(5a + 4b), which is even
Then: 10a + 8b + 1 = even + 1 = odd
State what is given and what to prove.
Use definitions and logical steps.
Conclude with a justification (QED).
Avoid arguing from examples.
Always define variables and explain steps.
Avoid assuming what you're trying to prove.
Incorrect: "m and n are even, so m + n is even." Correct: "m = 2r, n = 2s; m + n = 2(r + s)"
A rational number is any number that can be written as a ratio a/b
where a
and b
are integers, b ≠ 0
.
The sum, difference, and product of rational numbers are rational.
Repeating decimals are rational.
Prove: The sum of two rational numbers is rational.
Let r = a/b
, s = c/d
r + s = (ad + bc)/bd
(still a ratio of integers with non-zero denominator)
a | b
means "a divides b", or b = ak
for some integer k
A number divides 0: a | 0
is always true if a ≠ 0
Transitivity: If a | b
and b | c
, then a | c
Every integer > 1 is divisible by a prime
Every integer > 1 can be uniquely factored into primes
Prove: If a | b
and b | c
, then a | c
b = ak
, c = bm
→ c = a(km)
Given any integer n
and positive integer d
, there are unique integers q
and r
such that:
n = dq + r
where 0 ≤ r < d
n div d = q
, n mod d = r
n = d * (n div d) + (n mod d)
Example: Any integer is one of: 4q
, 4q+1
, 4q+2
, 4q+3
Prove: Consecutive integers have opposite parity.
Case 1: m = 2k
(even) → m + 1 = 2k + 1
(odd)
Case 2: m = 2k + 1
(odd) → m + 1 = 2k + 2 = 2(k + 1)
(even)
a ≡ b (mod d)
means a mod d = b mod d
OR d | (a - b)
Addition: (a + b) mod d = [(a mod d) + (b mod d)] mod d
Multiplication: (a × b) mod d = [(a mod d) × (b mod d)] mod d
Exponentiation: a^k mod d
can be computed by repeated squaring
Compute: (7 × 8) mod 3
7 mod 3 = 1
, 8 mod 3 = 2
(1 × 2) mod 3 = 2
a mod 10
is the last digit of a
If m mod 11 = 6
, then 4m mod 11 = 2