From the Division Algorithm, We know that if an integer is divided by 3 , it will leave remainder 0,1 or 2. Now, how is one supposed to write a proper proof for the given question?
P.S. This is a problem from An Introduction to the Theory OF Numbers by Ivan Niven and H.S. Zuckerman.
Answer
You can rewrite any number (for instance n) in the format of 3k, 3k+1 or 3k+2 if the division is by 3 and remainders are 0, 1 and 2.
Hint: We know from mathematical induction that if we prove n+1 is also in this format, for all numbers we have proven this to be true as n is an arbitrary number.
Assume: n=3k, then n+1=3k+1 and therefore the remainder is 1.
Assume: n=3k+1, then n+1=3k+1+1=3k+2 and therefore the remainder is 2.
Assume: n=3k+2, then n+1=3k+2+1=3k+3=3(k+1)=3k′ and therefore the remainder is 0.
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