Problem Of the Week

Spring 2007

POW 12: The Prime Directive

Find all positive integers n such that 2ⁿ+1 and 2ⁿ-1 are both prime numbers. JUSTIFY YOUR ANSWER!

Due Friday, April 27^th , at Noon.

Solutions should be submitted to Dr. Maegan Bos’ mailbox in the Math office or sent via e-mail to mbos@stlawu.edu

Presentation counts! The prize-winning entry will be selected from all correct submissions, based on the clarity, creativity and elegance of the solution.

Look for the SLU POW on the Web at http://it.stlawu.edu/~math/activities/