For any integer k greater than or equal to 2, define R(k) as the ratio of k 's largest positive prime divisor to its smallest positive prime divisor. For instance, R(14) = ½, R(15) = 3, R(30) = ½, and R(9) = 3 = 1. Note that R(k) = 1 if k is a prime number or any power of a prime. Additionally, R(1) is defined as 1. Prove or disprove these statements: (a) For every natural number x, there is a natural number y such that the ratio R(y) is at least x. (b) There is a natural number y such that for every natural number x, the ratio R(y) is at least x.

Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
13th Edition
ISBN:9781133382119
Author:Swokowski
Publisher:Swokowski
Chapter1: Fundamental Concepts Of Algebra
Section1.2: Exponents And Radicals
Problem 92E
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For any integer k greater than or equal to 2, define R(k) as the ratio of k 's largest
positive prime divisor to its smallest positive prime divisor. For instance, R(14) = ½,
R(15) = 3, R(30) = ½, and R(9) = 3 = 1. Note that R(k) = 1 if k is a prime number or
any power of a prime. Additionally, R(1) is defined as 1.
Prove or disprove these statements: (a) For every natural number x, there is a natural
number y such that the ratio R(y) is at least x. (b) There is a natural number y such that
for every natural number x, the ratio R(y) is at least x.
Transcribed Image Text:For any integer k greater than or equal to 2, define R(k) as the ratio of k 's largest positive prime divisor to its smallest positive prime divisor. For instance, R(14) = ½, R(15) = 3, R(30) = ½, and R(9) = 3 = 1. Note that R(k) = 1 if k is a prime number or any power of a prime. Additionally, R(1) is defined as 1. Prove or disprove these statements: (a) For every natural number x, there is a natural number y such that the ratio R(y) is at least x. (b) There is a natural number y such that for every natural number x, the ratio R(y) is at least x.
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