[Math] Prove that there is no number that divides both n and n+1

divisibilityelementary-number-theoryproof-writingsolution-verification

Statement

There is no number $x > 1$ that divides both $n$ and $n+1$.

Proof (my attempt)

Indirect proof:

\begin{align}
x\mathbin{\vert} n & \implies n = xt_1 \\
x\mathbin{\vert}(n+1) & \implies n+1 = xt_2
\end{align}

Having $n$ as a multiple of $x$ that is $x t_1$, the next larger multiple of $x$ is $x(t_1+1)$ which is always greater than $n+1$ as $x>1$.

Therefore, $x$ does not divide $n+1$ and we have a contradiction.

Thus the original statement is true.

Question

Is this how you can prove the statement? Is there anything wrong or something that can be improved formally?

Best Answer

Your proof is fine. Another way to say the same thing is: $x\mathbin|n$ and $x\mathbin|n+1$ would imply that $x\mathbin|(n+1)-n=1$, contradicting with the premise that $x>1$.

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