IMO 1989 · Problem 5

Prove that for each positive integer \(n\) there exist \(n\) consecutive positive integers none of which is an integral power of a prime number.

Official text of the problem. Official problem paper (PDF)

Solution

Let \(n\) be a positive integer and put \(F=(n+1)!\). We claim that the \(n\) consecutive positive integers \[ F^2+2,\ F^2+3,\ \ldots,\ F^2+n+1 \] have the required property.

Indeed, fix any integer \(k\) with \(2\le k\le n+1\). Since \(k\mid F\), we may write \(F=kr\), where \(r\) is a positive integer. Then \[ F^2+k=k(kr^2+1). \] Both factors exceed \(1\), and \[ \gcd(k,kr^2+1)=1, \] because any common divisor divides \((kr^2+1)-r^2k=1\).

Each factor therefore has a prime divisor, and their coprimality ensures that these prime divisors are distinct. Hence \(F^2+k\) has at least two distinct prime divisors and cannot be an integral power of a prime number.

This holds for every \(k=2,\ldots,n+1\), proving the assertion. \(\square\)

The solution was checked against John Scholes' IMO solution archive (Kalva).