# If $a$ and $b$ are integers then $a^2 -4b-2$ does not equal zero.

I was just wondering if the rough outline of this proof was logically rigorous.

If a and b are integers then $a^2 -4b-2$ does not equal zero.

Proof:

Suppose for the sake of contradiction that $a^2-4b-2=0$. Then we have $a^2 = 2(2b+1)$. $a^2$ is even which implies that $a$ is even. If $a$ is even then $a = 2k$ for some integer $k$. $(2k)^2 = 2(2b+1)$ $2(2k^2) = 2(2b+1)$ $2k^2 = 2b+1$ Let $w = 2k^2$ where since$k^2$is an integer, $w$ is even. Let $v = 2b+1$ where since $b$ is an integer, $v$ is odd. Then we have, $w = v$, which is a contradiction.

QED

Thanks for the feedback!

• Simple. If $a^2=4b+2$, then $2$ divides $a^2$ but $4$ doesn't divide $a^2$! This is not possible. That's a short version of your proof, which is correct. – астон вілла олоф мэллбэрг Aug 2 '16 at 0:29
• Very good. But personally I wouldn't bother introducing $v$ and $w$. After $2k^2=2b+1$ I would just say "this is a contradiction because the left hand side is even and the right hand side is odd". – David Aug 2 '16 at 0:31
• Your proof is fine. This kind of proof can be used to prove $\sqrt 2$ is an irrational. – Zack Ni Aug 2 '16 at 0:36

$0^2 \equiv 0$ mod 4
$1^2 \equiv 1$ mod 4
$2^2 \equiv 0$ mod 4
$3^2 \equiv 1$ mod 4
Clearly $4b + 2 \equiv 2$ mod 4. So indeed it is not possible that $a^2$ = 4b + 2. Similarly you can show $a^2$ - 4b - 3 is not equal to zero either.