Not every number is the sum or difference of two prime powers
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- by Fred Cohen and J. L. Selfridge PDF
- Math. Comp. 29 (1975), 79-81 Request permission
Abstract:
Every odd number less than 262144 is the sum or difference of a power of two and a prime. An interesting example is $113921 = p - {2^{141}}$. Using covering congruences, we exhibit a 26-digit odd number which is neither the sum nor difference of a power of two and a prime. The method is then modified to exhibit an arithmetic progression of numbers which are not the sum or difference of two prime powers.Additional Information
- © Copyright 1975 American Mathematical Society
- Journal: Math. Comp. 29 (1975), 79-81
- MSC: Primary 10J15; Secondary 10-04
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1090/S0025-5718-1975-0376583-0
- MathSciNet review: 0376583