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1.4 A: Proof

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Question 10

A cryptographer is analyzing a security protocol that relies on the properties of prime numbers. They are required to prove the following theorem for any positive integer nnn:

“If n2n^2n2 is a multiple of 7, then nnn must be a multiple of 7.”

The start of the proof by contradiction is shown in the box below.

Assumption: There exists an integer n∈Z+n \in \mathbb{Z}^+n∈Z+, such that n2n^2n2 is a multiple of 7, and nnn is NOT a multiple of 7.

Case 1: Let n=7k+1n = 7k + 1n=7k+1 for some integer kkk.

n2=(7k+1)2=49k2+14k+1=7(7k2+2k)+1 n^2 = (7k + 1)^2 = 49k^2 + 14k + 1 = 7(7k^2 + 2k) + 1 n2=(7k+1)2=49k2+14k+1=7(7k2+2k)+1

which is not a multiple of 7.

Case 2: Let n=7k+2n = 7k + 2n=7k+2 for some integer kkk.

n2=(7k+2)2=49k2+28k+4=7(7k2+4k)+4 n^2 = (7k + 2)^2 = 49k^2 + 28k + 4 = 7(7k^2 + 4k) + 4 n2=(7k+2)2=49k2+28k+4=7(7k2+4k)+4

which is not a multiple of 7.

Case 3: Let n=7k+3n = 7k + 3n=7k+3 for some integer kkk.

n2=(7k+3)2=49k2+42k+9=7(7k2+6k+1)+2 n^2 = (7k + 3)^2 = 49k^2 + 42k + 9 = 7(7k^2 + 6k + 1) + 2 n2=(7k+3)2=49k2+42k+9=7(7k2+6k+1)+2

which is not a multiple of 7.

Case 4: Let n=7k+4n = 7k + 4n=7k+4 for some integer kkk.

n2=(7k+4)2=49k2+56k+16=7(7k2+8k+2)+2 n^2 = (7k + 4)^2 = 49k^2 + 56k + 16 = 7(7k^2 + 8k + 2) + 2 n2=(7k+4)2=49k2+56k+16=7(7k2+8k+2)+2

which is not a multiple of 7.

A boxed start of a proof by contradiction, giving the assumption and calculations for the first four possible non-zero remainders when n is divided by 7.

a.

Show the calculations and statements required to complete this part of the proof.

[3]
b.

Hence prove, by contradiction, that 7\sqrt{7}7​ is an irrational number.

[4]

1.4 A: Proof Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Maths
  3. /1.4 A: Proof

Practise AQA A Level Maths 1.4 A: Proof with exam-style questions for A Level Maths. 107 questions covering 1.4.1 Structure and methods of proof, matched to the AQA A Level Maths (7357) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.

Question bank

1.4 A: Proof
1.5 B: Algebra and functions
1.6 C: Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane
1.7 D: Sequences and series
1.8 E: Trigonometry
1.9 F: Exponentials and logarithms
1.10 G: Differentiation
1.11 H: Integration
1.12 I: Numerical methods (A-level only)
1.13 J: Vectors