SOLUTION: Prove that for any integer n, 5 divides n^5-n.

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Question 1070422: Prove that for any integer n, 5 divides n^5-n.
Found 2 solutions by solver91311, ikleyn:
Answer by solver91311(24713)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Answer by ikleyn(52847)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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Prove that for any integer n, 5 divides n^5-n.
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 =  =  =  = .


If n is a multiple of 5, the statement is true.


If n gives the remainder 1 when divided by 5, then the factor (n-1) is a multiple of 5, and the statement is true.


If n gives the remainder 4 when divided by 5, then the factor (n+1) is a multiple of 5, and the statement is true.


If n gives the remainder 2 when divided by 5, then the factor (n^2+1) is a multiple of 5. 
     Indeed, the remainder of division by 5 is  = 5 (equivalent to 0) in this case, and the statement is true.


If n gives the remainder 3 when divided by 5, then the factor (n^2+1) is a multiple of 5. 
     Indeed, the remainder of division by 5 is  = 10 (equivalent to 0) in this case, and the statement is true.


Thus the statement is true in all cases.

QED.   Proved and solved.


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