Let k be a positive integer. Prove that if 2k +1 is prime, then k = 2". The integer F₁ = 22" +1 is called the nth Fermat number. Primes of the form 22" +1 are called Fermat primes. Show that F₁ is prime for n = 1, 2, 3, 4.

Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
13th Edition
ISBN:9781133382119
Author:Swokowski
Publisher:Swokowski
Chapter10: Sequences, Series, And Probability
Section10.5: The Binomial Theorem
Problem 42E
icon
Related questions
Question
Let k be a positive integer. Prove that if 2 + 1 is prime, then k = 2".
The integer
F₁ = 2²" + 1
is called the nth Fermat number. Primes of the form 22" +1 are called
Fermat primes. Show that F, is prime for n = 1, 2, 3, 4.
Transcribed Image Text:Let k be a positive integer. Prove that if 2 + 1 is prime, then k = 2". The integer F₁ = 2²" + 1 is called the nth Fermat number. Primes of the form 22" +1 are called Fermat primes. Show that F, is prime for n = 1, 2, 3, 4.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
Algebra & Trigonometry with Analytic Geometry
Algebra
ISBN:
9781133382119
Author:
Swokowski
Publisher:
Cengage
Algebra: Structure And Method, Book 1
Algebra: Structure And Method, Book 1
Algebra
ISBN:
9780395977224
Author:
Richard G. Brown, Mary P. Dolciani, Robert H. Sorgenfrey, William L. Cole
Publisher:
McDougal Littell
College Algebra (MindTap Course List)
College Algebra (MindTap Course List)
Algebra
ISBN:
9781305652231
Author:
R. David Gustafson, Jeff Hughes
Publisher:
Cengage Learning