# Math Help - equation and her solutions...

1. ## equation and her solutions...

If a and b are solutions of equation $x^2-6x+1=0$, proove that $\forall n \in N$ number $a^n+b^n$ is integer not divisible with 5.

2. ## Re: equation and her solutions...

since x2 - 6x + 1 = (x - a)(x - b) = x2 - (a+b)x + ab,

we have a + b = 6, which is clearly an integer. note 5 does not divide 6. note also that ab = 1, as we will need this later.

also (a + b)2 = (a + b)(a + b) - 2ab = 36 - 2 = 34, which is also an integer.

now let's prove an + bn is an integer, by induction on n.

suppose ak-1 + bk-1 is an integer, for all k < n as our induction hypothesis.

then an + bn = (an-1 + bn-1)(a + b) - (ab)(ak-2 + bk-2)

since the RHS side is all integers, the LHS must be, as well.

3. ## Re: equation and her solutions...

Yes, but the question is about $a^n + b^n$ and not $(a+b)^n$.

4. ## Re: equation and her solutions...

Originally Posted by emakarov
Yes, but the question is about $a^n + b^n$ and not $(a+b)^n$.
its funny how your mind plays tricks on you. i noticed this just as i posted my answer, and amended it accordingly.

5. ## Re: equation and her solutions...

thank you very much.
How to proove a^n+b^n is not divisible with 5?

6. ## Re: equation and her solutions...

Originally Posted by Deveno
an + bn = (an-1 + bn-1)(a + b) - (ab)(ak-2 + bk-2)
And concerning divisibility by 5, it is sufficient to consider this recurrence relation modulo 5: this is a periodic sequence.

Originally Posted by Deveno
its funny how your mind plays tricks on you.
I can relate. On the other forum, there was a discussion about formal proofs. I argued that verifying proofs on the computer ensures their correctness for all practical purposes, but agreed that there is no absolutely 100% guarantee, if only for this reason. Though typos can usually be eliminated by a community of researchers.