[Math] A perfect square and a perfect cube: is it also a perfect sixth power

discrete mathematicselementary-number-theory

As the title suggests:

Prove that for any natural number, if it is a perfect square and a perfect cube, it is also a perfect sixth power.

For some reason I just have hit a road block on this question. Any help would be appreciated.

Best Answer

Suppose that $n$ is an integer such that $n = a^2 = b^3$ for some integers $a, b$.

Let $p$ be any prime.

How many times does $p$ divide $n$?

Can you show that it must be a multiple of $6$?

Hence conclude that $n$ must be of the form $c^6$, i.e. a perfect sixth power.

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