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PERFECT NUMBER

Perfect Number

Definition Of Perfect Number

If the sum of the proper divisors of a number is equal to the number itself, then that number is called as a Perfect Number.

More About Perfect Number

Perfect number n is given as n = s(n), where s(n) is the sum of the proper divisors or σ(n) = 2n where σ(n) is the sum of all the divisors.
It is not known whether there exists any odd perfect number or not.

Examples of Perfect Number

Consider the number 6. The proper divisors of 6 are 1, 2, and 3. Sum of these divisors = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6. As the sum of the divisors is 6 and the number is also 6, so 6 is a perfect number.

Video Examples: Deficient, Abundant and Perfect Numbers

Solved Example on Perfect Number

Ques: Which of the following is a perfect number?

Choices:

A. 8
B. 28
C. 46
D. 58
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Step 1: A perfect number is equal to the sum of all its factors.
Step 2: The factors of 28 are 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14.
Step 3: Sum of the factors = 1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14 = 28
Step 4: So, according to the definition, 28 is a perfect number.

Quick Summary

  • A perfect number equals the sum of its proper divisors.
  • It is unknown if any odd perfect numbers exist.
  • The first perfect number is 6 (1+2+3 = 6).
\[ n = \sum_{d|n, d

🍎 Teacher Insights

Emphasize the importance of systematically finding all divisors. Use visual aids to demonstrate the summation of divisors.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Divisibility
  • Factors
  • Summation

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: Which of the following is a perfect number?

Q2: Which of the following is NOT a proper divisor of 6?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the first few perfect numbers?
A: The first four perfect numbers are 6, 28, 496, and 8128.

Q: Are there infinitely many perfect numbers?
A: It is unknown whether there are infinitely many perfect numbers, but it is known that every even perfect number can be written in the form 2^(p-1) * (2^p - 1), where 2^p - 1 is a Mersenne prime.

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