Find the least positive integer a such that the expression n2−1n8+n6+n4+n2+a for n=2014 is an integer divisible by 3. (Mea Bombardelli)
Solution
Arranging the expression we get n2−1n8+n6+n4+n2+a=n2−1n8−n6+2(n6−n4)+3(n4−n2)+4(n2−1)+a+4=n6+2⋅n4+3⋅n2+4+n2−1a+4. Since 2014≡1(mod3), every power of 2014 is congruent to 1 modulo 3. Therefore, 20146+2⋅20144+3⋅20142+4≡1+2+3+4≡1(mod3). In order for the entire expression to be divisible by 3, the number 20142−1a+4 has to be congruent to 2 modulo 3, so the least positive integer a with the desired property is the one that satisfies 20142−1a+4=2, which gives a=2⋅20142−6.
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