Homework 1 - Math 2151a

UWO FW2020

Instructions
• The deadline for uploading the solutions is Monday, November 09, 2020
11:59 pm.1
• There are 9 problems in this homework. Each problem is worth 15 points
and will be graded using the rubric given below.
• Please review Section 3.2 - Best practices and common errors in proofs from
the book before writing your solutions.
• Instructions for uploading the solutions will be posted on the course
website after the first midterm. For now,

– Please start each solution on a new page.

– Use a dark pen/pencil and make sure that your handwriting is clear
and legible. Typed solutions are also acceptable.

1 I was informed that there are a lot of exams in the last week of October. Hence, to space things

out a bit, I’m moving the deadline from October 30 to November 09.
 Rubric for homework - Math 2151a

Trait Does not meet (0) Attempted (1) Approaches (2) Meets (3)

Quality of None of the 3 criteria 1 of the 3 criteria are 2 of the 3 criteria are met. All of the following 3 criteria
upload are met. met. are met:
Solution starts on a new
page and is uploaded
properly.
If handwritten, a dark
pen/pencil is used and the
handwriting is clear and
legible.
Document is correctly
oriented and properly
cropped.

Interpreta Complete Correct but Correct interpretation of Correct interpretation of

tion of misinterpretation of incomplete the problem but the the problem with the
what is given or what interpretation of the hypothesis (given) and hypothesis (given) and
Problem is to be shown. In problem. May conclusion (to show) are conclusion (to show)
this case, you get a 0 overlook significant not clearly stated. clearly stated.
in all of the traits details in the
below. statement of the
problem.

Details Virtually no Additional relevant All points are developed, All points are supported by
relevant details are details are needed but some may need a sufficient number of
present. In this to develop most additional relevant details relevant details with no
case, you get a 0 in points. or some excess may be excess.
all of the traits present.
below.

Reasoning The logical The reasoning offers Collectively, the logic Collectively, the logic
(proof) connection of the apparent support for offers adequate support supports and advances the
argument is weak, the argument, but the for the argument, but the argument or explanation of
leaving the argument argument or argument or explanation the proof.
or explanation explanation is weak. remains unclear or
unclear. A “proof by incomplete.
example” falls here.

Word Choice Word choice or Word choice or Word choice and Word choice is
and terminology is terminology is vague, terminology is generally consistently appropriate
consistently limited, or repetitive, accurate, but reflects a and terminology is
Terminology inaccurate or reflecting a weak partial or inconsistent accurate, and reflects a
inappropriate​; grasp of the language grasp of the language strong grasp of the
many words or appropriate to the appropriate to the proof. language appropriate to
terms are notably proof. the proof.
misused.
Problems
1. Prove the following statement using a direct proof. Let a, b, c be real
numbers with a 6= 0. If r and s are the roots of the polynomial ax2 + bx + c
then

rs = c/a and
r + s = −b/a.

2. Prove the following statement using proof by contrapositive. If the sum

of two integers is greater than 2019, then at least one of the two integers is
greater than or equal to 1010.
3. Prove the following statement using proof by contradiction. Cube root of
2 is an irrational number. (You can assume that if N 3 is an even integer
then N is also even.)

4. Prove the following statement using proof by cases. For any real number
x,

| x − 1| + x ≥ 1.

Use any proof techniques to prove the following statements.

5. Let x be a real number. If 3 < x < 5 then x2 − 8x + 15 < 0. (The proof

must be algebraic. Plotting a graph is not a valid proof.)

6. Let x be a real number. If x2 − 8x + 15 < 0 then 3 < x < 5. (The proof

must be algebraic. Plotting a graph is not a valid proof.)
7. Among any group of 1000 people, at least three of the people have the
same birthday.

8. Every fourth power of an integer is either a multiple of 8 or a multiple of 8

plus 1. (You can use the identity ( a + b)4 = a4 + 4a3 b + 6a2 b2 + 4ab3 + b4 .)
9. Let a, b, c be natural numbers. If a2 + b2 = c2 then at least one of a or b is
even. (You can assume that if N 2 is an even natural number then N is also
even.)