Revision as of 09:32, 2 September 2008 by Walther (Talk)

Does anyone know how to go about starting problem 50 for 4.1

Use mathematical induction to show that given a set of n + 1 positive integers, none exceeding 2n, there is at least one integer in this set that divides another integer in the set.

Here is an idea: P(n)="given a set of n + 1 positive integers, none exceeding 2n, there is at least one integer in this set that divides another integer in the set".

Then assume P(n) and prove P(n+1) by a) checking what happens when at most one of 2n+1 and 2n+2 are chosen, b) what happens if both are chosen.

b) is harder, investigate what happens if n+1 was chosen.

if n+1 was not chosen, pretend you also get to chose k+1 and go from there.

Alumni Liaison

Basic linear algebra uncovers and clarifies very important geometry and algebra.

Dr. Paul Garrett