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# Is it as easy as it looks?

Prove that the square of any positive integer is in the form of either $$3m+1$$ or $$3m$$ for some integer $$m$$.

$$n^{2}$$ = $$3m+1$$

or

$$n^{2}$$ = $$3m$$

I couldnt get this, so decided to post it to see if anyone knows how it can be done Post your proofs below please :)

Note by Chinmay Raut
3 years, 4 months ago

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FIRST- a^2={3q}^2 a^2=9q^2 a^2=3(3q^2) a^2=3m,where m=3q^2 SECOND- a=3q+1 a^2={3q+1}^2 a^2=9q^2+1+2(3q*1) a^2=9q^2+1+6q a^2=3(3q^2+2q)+1 a^2=3m+1,where m=3q^2+2q

- 3 years, 4 months ago

Thnks

- 3 years, 4 months ago

So this question could also be phrased, show that n^2 is 0 or 1 modulo 3.

The great thing about modulo is that you can multiply things. So we only need to try n being 0, 1, 2 modulo 3.

2^2 = 4 = 1 mod 3 The other two are trivial and left as an exercise for the reader.

- 3 years, 4 months ago

Thknx

- 3 years, 4 months ago