Let p and q be positive integers satisfying p < q and p + q = k. What is the smallest value of k that does…
Let p and q be positive integers satisfying p < q and p + q = k. What is the smallest value of k that does not determine p and q uniquely?
3
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5
6
Solution
With p < q, both positive integers, and p + q = k: for k = 3, only (1,2); for k = 4, only (1,3); for k = 5, both (1,4) and (2,3) are possible. So k = 5 is the smallest value that does not determine p and q uniquely.