Browse · MathNet
PrintCzech-Slovak-Polish Match
number theory
Problem
Let and for any (the Fibonacci sequence). Prove that for any natural number there exists an index such that the number is divisible by .
Solution
All the congruences and remainder classes below are meant mod . We obtain the desired congruence relation as a consequence of the simpler relation .
The sequence of remainder classes of the numbers has the following property: the remainder classes of any two consecutive elements , determine uniquely the remainder classes of all subsequent elements (), as well as of all elements () preceding them. By the standard argument, based on the fact that the number of ordered pairs of remainder classes is , hence finite, it follows that the sequence of remainder classes of the elements is periodic, starting already from its first member. Thus there exists a number (depending on the given modulus ) such that for any index . Unless (then the problem is trivial), clearly . Since , we also have , whence and , so we can take and the proof is finished.
The sequence of remainder classes of the numbers has the following property: the remainder classes of any two consecutive elements , determine uniquely the remainder classes of all subsequent elements (), as well as of all elements () preceding them. By the standard argument, based on the fact that the number of ordered pairs of remainder classes is , hence finite, it follows that the sequence of remainder classes of the elements is periodic, starting already from its first member. Thus there exists a number (depending on the given modulus ) such that for any index . Unless (then the problem is trivial), clearly . Since , we also have , whence and , so we can take and the proof is finished.
Techniques
Modular ArithmeticRecurrence relationsPigeonhole principle