Question

Hi, i'm trying to learn how to do proper mathematical proofs for my assignments, but i can't seem to grasp the correct logic. Could anyone give me any hints or recommend any good material to help (clear books, software, videos, etc...). @Mathematics

Answer 1

Do you have a specific problem you would like to work out?

Answer 2

yes. It says to - Prove that if a|c and b|c and gcd(a,b) = 1, then ab|c.

Answer 3

Alright. So we are going to do whats called a Direct Proof. This is where we take whats given, and manipulate it to get what we want to prove. First lets actually say what we are given.

Answer 4

We are given:\[a\mid c, b\mid c, (a,b)=1\]but what does this actually mean?
\[a\mid c\iff c=ak_1,k_1\in \mathbb Z\]this is telling us that a divides c means that c is equal to a times some integer. Likewise:\[b\mid c\iff c=bk_2,k_2\in \mathbb Z\]

Answer 5

Im going to use Bezout's Identity for the last part. Bezout's Identity states if the gcd(a,b)=1, then there exist integers x and y such that:\[ax+by=1\]

So now that ive said what each of the 3 things given to us means, now lets try to think of how i can combine them to prove that:\[ab\mid c\]

Answer 6

Taking Bezout's Identity and multiplying by c gives:\[ax+by=1\iff acx+bcy=c\]
But I know that:\[c=ak_1=bk_2\]Substituting those values in I obtain:\[acx+bcy=c\Longrightarrow abk_2+bak_1=c\]

Answer 7

The left side of the equation is divisible by ab because:\[abk_2+bak_1=ab(k_2+k_1)\]Therefore, because the left side is divibsle by ab, the right side is as well, and we get:\[ab\mid c\]

Answer 8

And that's the final proof?

Answer 9

yes. Every step is either justified, or is just an algebraic step. thats what makes is a solid proof.

Answer 10

Ok. Thanks!