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Subject: "Sum of three integers"     Previous Topic | Next Topic
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neat_maths
Member since Aug-22-03
Aug-06-07, 10:04 AM (EST)
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"Sum of three integers"
 
   a, b and c are integers with no factor in common and none is divisible by an odd prime n. If the sum of a, b and c is divisible by n can anyone give values for a, b, c and n

take care
kind regards
JB


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alexb
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2065 posts
Aug-06-07, 10:09 AM (EST)
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1. "RE: Sum of three integers"
In response to message #0
 
   Assuming n = a + b + c, one has only to worry about a, b, c not having common factors:

10 + 11 + 12 = 23

In general, for a prime n = 2k + 3 take

a = k, b = k+1, c = k+2.


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neat_maths
Member since Aug-22-03
Aug-07-07, 06:29 AM (EST)
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2. "RE: Sum of three integers"
In response to message #1
 
   10 plus 11 plus 12 = 33 not 23

Also you have not mentioned n which I assume is 3

n= 3 a=4 b=7 c=13 is a good example however

Despite this, if you also add the conditions that a, b, c are positive integers and also that
mod(a,n)= mod(b plus c, n)
mod(b,n)= mod(a plus c, n)
mod(c,n)= mod(a plus b, n)
You have an impossible situation.



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alexb
Charter Member
2065 posts
Aug-07-07, 08:19 AM (EST)
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3. "RE: Sum of three integers"
In response to message #1
 
   >Assuming n = a + b + c, one has only to worry about a, b, c
>not having common factors:

This is a straightforward idea followed up shortly.

>10 + 11 + 12 = 23
>
>In general, for a prime n = 2k + 3 take
>
>a = k, b = k+1, c = k+2.

This is nonsense because 2 ≠ 3.

But then, e.g., take

n = 11, a = 2, b = 3, c = 6, or
n = 13, a = 3, b = 4, c = 6, or
n = 13, a = 2, b = 5, c = 6, or
n = 17, a = 3, b = 5, c = 9, or ...

So, it is too easy. You probably had something else in mind.



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Al Q
guest
Aug-07-07, 10:40 AM (EST)
 
4. "RE: Sum of three integers"
In response to message #3
 
   This is certainly a simple task. Even if the problem Description requires that GCD(a,b)=GCD(b,c)=GCD(a,c)=1 the problem is still a simple one.

13 = 1+3+9 = 1+5+7
17 = 1+3+13 = 1+5+11 = 1+7+9 = 3+5+9

...and so on and so fourth.

As far as adding the mod restriction, it is indeed impossible (as by definition each of a, b, and c would have to be some integer multiple of n).


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Al Q
guest
Aug-09-07, 08:09 AM (EST)
 
5. "RE: Sum of three integers"
In response to message #4
 
   Err, ignore 1+3+9 and 3+5+9 (GCD =/= 1!)


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