Will a number divisible by 6 necessarily be divisible by 3?
To determine whether a number divisible by 6 is necessarily divisible by 3, we need to understand the properties of divisibility for the numbers involved.
Let's analyze the problem step by step:
- Step 1: Restate the Problem
We need to find out if any number that is divisible by 6 is also divisible by 3.
- Step 2: Identify Key Information and Variables
- A number is divisible by 6 if it can be expressed as k×6 for any integer k.
- We want to check if such a number is also divisible by 3, meaning it can also be expressed as m×3 for some integer m.
- Step 3: Relevant Theorems
- A number is divisible by 6 if it is divisible by both 2 and 3.
- Step 4: Choose Approach
We'll use the divisibility rules for numbers to deduce if a number divisible by 6 must be divisible by 3.
- Step 5: Steps for Solution
1. Given a number is divisible by 6, it is expressed as a multiple of 6: n=k×6.
2. Since 6 can be factored into 2×3, a number divisible by 6 is also divisible by 3.
3. Therefore, n=k×6=k×(2×3)=(k×2)×3, making it divisible by 3.
- Step 6: Assumptions
We assume the integer k is any integer and does not affect the general proof.
- Step 7: Conclusion
Every number divisible by 6 is necessarily divisible by both 2 and 3, due to the factorization properties of numbers. Thus, by the rules of divisibility, a number divisible by 6 is necessarily divisible by 3.
Therefore, the answer to the problem is Yes.