--%>

Explain Factorisation by Fermats method

Factorisation by Fermat's method: This method, dating from 1643, depends on a simple and standard algebraic identity. Fermat's observation is that if we wish to nd two factors of n, it is enough if we can express n as the di fference of two squares. This is because if n = a2 - b2, then we have immediately

n = a2 - b2 = (a+b)(a - b);

and so we have found two factors, a+b and a - b, of n.

It is possible here that a - b might equal 1, in which case we will only have found the trivial factorisation n = n x 1, but we can arrange matters so that this will only happen if n has no other factorisation - i.e., is prime.

At first glance, it may seem over-optimistic to hope that an expression for n as the di fference of two squares will exist.

But assume that n is odd, which we can always do if we are trying to factorise n. Then if n = uv and we put

a = 1/2(u+v) and b = 1/2(u - v);

we have n = a2 - b2 (note that a and b are both integers if n is odd), so that a representation of n as the difference of two squares does exist. (In fact, it is easy to see that the above formulae define a one-to-one correspondence between representations of n as the di erence of two squares and as the product of two factors - exercise.)

   Related Questions in Mathematics

  • Q : Pig Game Using the PairOfDice class

    Using the PairOfDice class design and implement a class to play a game called Pig. In this game the user competes against the computer. On each turn the player rolls a pair of dice and adds up his or her points. Whoever reaches 100 points first, wins. If a player rolls a 1, he or she loses all point

  • Q : Logic and math The homework is attached

    The homework is attached in the first two files, it's is related to Sider's book, which is "Logic for philosophy" I attached this book too, it's the third file.

  • Q : State Fermat algorithm The basic Fermat

    The basic Fermat algorithm is as follows: Assume that n is an odd positive integer. Set c = [√n] (`ceiling of √n '). Then we consider in turn the numbers c2 - n; (c+1)2 - n; (c+2)2 - n..... until a perfect square is found. If th

  • Q : Define Well-formed formulas or Wffs

    Wffs (Well-formed formulas): These are defined inductively by the following clauses:    (i) If  P  is an n-ary predicate and  t1, …, tn are terms, then P(t1, …, t

  • Q : Uniform scaling what is uniform scaling

    what is uniform scaling in computer graphic

  • Q : Maths assignment complete assignment

    complete assignment with clear solution and explanation

  • Q : Explain a rigorous theory for Brownian

    Explain a rigorous theory for Brownian motion developed by Wiener Norbert.

  • Q : Simulation with Arena An office of

    An office of state license bureau has two types of arrivals. Individuals interested in purchasing new plates are characterized to have inter-arrival times distributed as EXPO(6.8) and service times as TRIA(808, 13.7, 15.2); all times are in minutes. Individuals who want to renew or apply for a new d

  • Q : Problem on mass balance law Using the

    Using the mass balance law approach, write down a set of word equations to model the transport of lead concentration. A) Draw a compartmental model to represent  the diffusion of lead through the lungs and the bloodstream.

  • Q : Graph Theory is the n-Dimensional Qn

    is the n-Dimensional Qn Hamiltonian? Prove tour answer