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In the proof of \(\sqrt{3}\) being irrational, what is the best description of the role of \(3\)?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: \(3\) acts as the prime that divides \(p^2\) and then must divide \(p\) and finally forces \(3\mid q\), contradicting \(\gcd(p,q)=1\).

After assuming \(\sqrt{3}=\frac{p}{q}\) with \(\gcd(p,q)=1\) and squaring, we get \(3q^2=p^2\). Here \(3\) is the key prime. Since \(3\mid 3q^2\), it follows that \(3\mid p^2\). Using the divisibility principle for primes, \(3\mid p\), so let \(p=3k\). Substituting back gives \(3q^2=9k^2\Rightarrow q^2=3k^2\), hence \(3\mid q\). Then both \(p\) and \(q\) are divisible by \(3\), so \(\gcd(p,q)\neq1\), a contradiction. Thus \(3\) is used as the prime driving the divisibility chain, exactly as stated in option A.

Related tags

Irrationality\Sqrt{3}Prime DivisibilityRole Of 3Contradiction

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