A Rocket of Primes

Number Theory Level pending

n n 2 + 4 2 n 2 + 5 n + 8 12 n + 13 24 n 11 n 2 + 398 n + 12 \large n \qquad\qquad \large n^2 + 4\qquad\qquad \large 2n^2 + 5n + 8 \\ \large 12n + 13\qquad\qquad \large 24n - 11\qquad\qquad \large n^2 + 398n +12

Let n n be a positive integer such that the 6 numbers above are all prime numbers . Find the sum of all the possible values of n n .


The answer is 5.

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1 solution

Ralph Macarasig
Jun 1, 2016

Obviously, n 1 n \neq 1 . If n = 2 n = 2 , 2 n 2 + 5 n + 8 2n^2 + 5n + 8 and n 2 + 398 n + 12 n^2 + 398n +12 will be composite. If n = 3 n = 3 , 12 n + 13 12n + 13 and n 2 + 398 n + 2 n^2 + 398n + 2 will be composite. Since 4 4 is composite, n 4 n \neq 4 .

Checking for n = 5 n = 5 ,

n 2 + 4 = 29 n^2 + 4 = 29

2 n 2 + 5 n + 8 = 83 2n^2 + 5n + 8 = 83

12 n + 13 = 73 12n + 13 = 73

24 n 11 = 109 24n - 11 = 109

n 2 + 398 n + 12 = 2017 n^2 + 398n + 12 = 2017

which are all primes! Hence n = 5 n=5 .

To prove that there is no other solution for n > 5 n>5 , set n n as 5 k , 5 k + 1 , 5 k + 2 , 5 k + 3 , 5k, 5k+1, 5k+2, 5k+3, and 5 k + 4 5k+4 (for all k 1 k \geq 1 ). By substituting, there is always at least one among the numbers which is divisible by 5 5 (and perhaps, other prime numbers).

Hence, n = 5 \boxed{n=5}

Same approach

Norwyn Kah - 5 years ago

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