A number theory problem by Prem Chebrolu

What is the largest even integer that cannot be written as the sum of 2 odd composite numbers?


The answer is 38.

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1 solution

Prem Chebrolu
Jun 27, 2018

Let n n be an integer that cannot be written as the sum of two odd composite numbers. If n > 33 n > 33 , then n 9 , n 15 , n 21 , n 25 , n 27 n-9, n-15, n-21, n-25, n-27 and n 33 n-33 must all be prime [or n 33 = 1 n-33 = 1 , which yields n = 34 = 9 + 25 n = 34 = 9 + 25 , which doesn't work]. Thus n 9 , n 15 , n 21 , n 27 n-9, n-15, n-21,n-27 and n 33 n-33 by forming prime quintuplet. However only one prime quintuplet exists as exactly one of those 5 numbers must be divisible by 5. This prime quintuplet is 5, 11, 17, 23 and 29, yielding a maximum answer of 38. Since 38 25 = 13 38 - 25 = 13 , which is prime, the answer is 38 \boxed{38}

Same with this

X X - 2 years, 11 months ago

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I didn't knew that...

Prem Chebrolu - 2 years, 11 months ago

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It's OK.I was just wondering why that problem would be a Level 5.

X X - 2 years, 11 months ago

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@X X Lol. Yeah... I guess it was an old problem... And many level 5's in number theory, committed mistakes.😄

Prem Chebrolu - 2 years, 11 months ago

XX, can you tell me your name?

Prem Chebrolu - 2 years, 9 months ago

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