For each of the statements below (which all happen to be false), look at the “proofs” that have been provided and explain in one or two sentences what error has been made by the author.

Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
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ChapterP: Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts Of Algebra
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1MCCP: In Exercises 1-25, simplify the given expression or perform the indicated operation (and simplify,...
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For each of the statements below (which all happen to be false), look at
the “proofs” that have been provided and explain in one or two sentences what error has been made by the author.

(a) Statement: The sum of any three odd integers equals 3p for some integer p.
"Proof": Suppose x, y and z are any three odd integers. By definition of odd,
x = 2k +1 for some integer k, y = 2k +1 for some integer k, and z = 2k +1 for
some integer k.
Now, r+ y +z = (2k + 1) + (2k + 1) + (2k + 1) (by substitution)
(by algebra)
(by algebra)
= 6k + 3
= 3(2k + 1)
= 3p
where we're letting p = 2k + 1, which is an integer by the closure properties of
integers. We have shown that, for any odd integers r, y and z, r+ y + z = 3p
for some integer P, which completes the proof. I
(b) Statement: For all integers m and n, if m +n is even, then m is even and n is
even.
"Proof": Let m and n be any even integers. Since m is even, m = 2p for some
integer p. Since n is even, n = 2q for some integer q.
Therefore,
m+n = 2p + 2q
(by substitution)
= 2(p+ q) (by algebra)
= 2k
where k = p+ q is an integer since it is the sum of two integers, p and q.
Therefore, m + n is even, by definition of even. This completes the proof. I
Transcribed Image Text:(a) Statement: The sum of any three odd integers equals 3p for some integer p. "Proof": Suppose x, y and z are any three odd integers. By definition of odd, x = 2k +1 for some integer k, y = 2k +1 for some integer k, and z = 2k +1 for some integer k. Now, r+ y +z = (2k + 1) + (2k + 1) + (2k + 1) (by substitution) (by algebra) (by algebra) = 6k + 3 = 3(2k + 1) = 3p where we're letting p = 2k + 1, which is an integer by the closure properties of integers. We have shown that, for any odd integers r, y and z, r+ y + z = 3p for some integer P, which completes the proof. I (b) Statement: For all integers m and n, if m +n is even, then m is even and n is even. "Proof": Let m and n be any even integers. Since m is even, m = 2p for some integer p. Since n is even, n = 2q for some integer q. Therefore, m+n = 2p + 2q (by substitution) = 2(p+ q) (by algebra) = 2k where k = p+ q is an integer since it is the sum of two integers, p and q. Therefore, m + n is even, by definition of even. This completes the proof. I
(c) Statement: For all odd integers m and n, " is an integer.
"Proof": Let m = 7 and let n = 1. 7 is odd because 7 = 2(3) + 1, and 3 is an
integer. 1 is odd because 1 = 2(0) + 1, and 0 is an integer.
We wish to prove that " is an integer.
m².
6.
m-1 = 4 (by substitution)
(by algebra)
= 8
(by algebra)
Since 8 is an integer, we have shown what we were required to show.
Transcribed Image Text:(c) Statement: For all odd integers m and n, " is an integer. "Proof": Let m = 7 and let n = 1. 7 is odd because 7 = 2(3) + 1, and 3 is an integer. 1 is odd because 1 = 2(0) + 1, and 0 is an integer. We wish to prove that " is an integer. m². 6. m-1 = 4 (by substitution) (by algebra) = 8 (by algebra) Since 8 is an integer, we have shown what we were required to show.
Expert Solution
Sub-part (a)

Statement: The sum of any three odd integers equals 3p for some integer p.In the proof of this statement, the author has assumed x=y=z=2k+1 for some integer k.This is just a specific case, and not a general case.A better choice for x,y and z would be x=2a+1  for some integer ay=2b+1  for some integer bz=2c+1  for some integer cNow, x+y+z=2a+1+2b+1+2c+1                               by substitution                        =2a+b+c+3                                                     by algebra                        =2a+b+c+1+1                                               by algebra                        =2p+1 where we're letting p=a+b+c+1, which is an integer.As 2p+1 is an odd integer, therefore all we can claim is that the sum of any three odd integers in an odd integer.

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