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jmc

number theory junior

Problem

What is the only integer value of for which is a positive prime number?
Solution
The expression is negative if is less than or greater than , so must be between 0 and inclusive. Also, since is prime, it must be greater than or equal to 2. Solving we only have to check 9, 10, 11, and 12. (The multiplication by is justified since we have already know that is less than 13). We find that when the expression equals 13.
Final answer
12