The following “Theorem” is obviously not true. Explain what’s wrong with the proof. [5]  Theorem: 1 is the largest natural number. Proof: The proof is by contradiction. Let n be the largest natural number, and suppose that n > 1. Multiplying both sides of this inequality by n we see that n2 > n. Thus n2 is a natural number greater than n, contradicting the fact that n is the largest natural number. So the assumption n > 1 is wrong, and therefore n = 1. So 1 is the largest natural number.

Advanced Engineering Mathematics
10th Edition
ISBN:9780470458365
Author:Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:Erwin Kreyszig
Chapter2: Second-order Linear Odes
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ
icon
Related questions
Question

The following “Theorem” is obviously not true. Explain what’s wrong with the proof. [5]
 Theorem: 1 is the largest natural number.
Proof: The proof is by contradiction. Let n be the largest natural number, and suppose that n > 1. Multiplying both sides of this inequality by n we see that n2 > n. Thus n2 is a natural number greater than n, contradicting the fact that n is the largest natural number. So the assumption n > 1 is wrong, and therefore n = 1. So 1 is the largest natural number.

19:10 Fri 21 Oct
Back
https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/
1. The following "Theorem" is obviously not true. Explain what's wrong with the proof.
Theorem: 1 is the largest natural number.
Proof: The proof is by contradiction. Let n be the largest natural number, and suppose that n > 1.
Multiplying both sides of this inequality by n we see that n²>n. Thus n² is a natural number greater
than n, contradicting the fact that n is the largest natural number. So the assumption n> 1 is wrong,
and therefore n = 1. So 1 is the largest natural number.
2. Prove the following statements by contradiction.
Theorem.
83%
(a) There do not exist integers x and y such that 15x + 1 = 21y.
(b) There is no integer n such that n² + 1 is divisible by 4.
[
[
Transcribed Image Text:19:10 Fri 21 Oct Back https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/ 1. The following "Theorem" is obviously not true. Explain what's wrong with the proof. Theorem: 1 is the largest natural number. Proof: The proof is by contradiction. Let n be the largest natural number, and suppose that n > 1. Multiplying both sides of this inequality by n we see that n²>n. Thus n² is a natural number greater than n, contradicting the fact that n is the largest natural number. So the assumption n> 1 is wrong, and therefore n = 1. So 1 is the largest natural number. 2. Prove the following statements by contradiction. Theorem. 83% (a) There do not exist integers x and y such that 15x + 1 = 21y. (b) There is no integer n such that n² + 1 is divisible by 4. [ [
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780470458365
Author:
Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:
Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
Numerical Methods for Engineers
Numerical Methods for Engineers
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780073397924
Author:
Steven C. Chapra Dr., Raymond P. Canale
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Introductory Mathematics for Engineering Applicat…
Introductory Mathematics for Engineering Applicat…
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9781118141809
Author:
Nathan Klingbeil
Publisher:
WILEY
Mathematics For Machine Technology
Mathematics For Machine Technology
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9781337798310
Author:
Peterson, John.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning,
Basic Technical Mathematics
Basic Technical Mathematics
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780134437705
Author:
Washington
Publisher:
PEARSON
Topology
Topology
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780134689517
Author:
Munkres, James R.
Publisher:
Pearson,