Monday, May 28, 2018

number theory - Show that 3p2=q2 implies 3|p and 3|q




This is a problem from "Introduction to Mathematics - Algebra and Number Systems" (specifically, exercise set 2 #9), which is one of my math texts. Please note that this isn't homework, but I would still appreciate hints rather than a complete answer.



The problem reads as follows:




If 3p2 = q2, where p,qZ, show that 3 is a common divisor of p and q.




I am able to show that 3 divides q, simply by rearranging for p2 and showing that




p2Zq2/3Z3|q



However, I'm not sure how to show that 3 divides p.






Edit:



Moron left a comment below in which I was prompted to apply the solution to this question as a proof of 3's irrationality. Here's what I came up with...




[incorrect solution...]



...is this correct?



Edit:



The correct solution is provided in the comments below by Bill Dubuque.


Answer



Write q as 3r and see what happens.


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