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| Question 1168701:  If a,b,c,d, and e are distinct prime numbers such that: b=(a-1)^1/2 +1 ; c=(b-1)^1/2 +1 ; d=(c-1)^1/2 +1 ; e= (d-1)^1/2 +1 ; Find the least possible value of a+b+c+d+e
 A) 65537
 B) 65536
 C) 65816
 D) 65819
 E) 65814
 Answer by solver91311(24713)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! 
 
 a, b, c, d, and e are the five known prime Fermat numbers (in descending order)
 
 65537, 257, 17, 5, and 3.
 
 A Fermat number is of the form
  . 
 e, d, c, b, a are
  for   
 
  for  believed to be composite. 
 John
 
  My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
 
   
 I > Ø
 
  
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