Math Problem Statement

Show that the difference between the squares of two consecutive odd numbers is a multiple of 8.

Solution

Let's denote two consecutive odd numbers as nn and n+2n+2.

The squares of these two consecutive odd numbers are:

n2and(n+2)2n^2 \quad \text{and} \quad (n+2)^2

The difference between these squares is:

(n+2)2n2(n+2)^2 - n^2

Now, let's expand (n+2)2(n+2)^2:

(n+2)2=n2+4n+4(n+2)^2 = n^2 + 4n + 4

So, the difference becomes:

(n2+4n+4)n2=4n+4(n^2 + 4n + 4) - n^2 = 4n + 4

We can factor out the common factor 4:

4(n+1)4(n + 1)

Since nn is an odd number, n+1n + 1 is an even number. Let n+1=2kn + 1 = 2k, where kk is an integer.

Substituting this into the expression:

4(n+1)=4(2k)=8k4(n + 1) = 4(2k) = 8k

This shows that the difference between the squares of two consecutive odd numbers is 8k8k, which is clearly a multiple of 8.

Thus, the difference between the squares of two consecutive odd numbers is always a multiple of 8.

Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are some related questions for you to explore:

  1. What happens if you take the difference between squares of consecutive even numbers?
  2. How would you prove that the difference between squares of any two consecutive integers is an odd number?
  3. Can this method be used to show that the difference between squares of any two consecutive numbers is related to their sum?
  4. What can you say about the sum of the squares of two consecutive odd numbers?
  5. How does this property of squares relate to the concept of arithmetic progressions?

Tip: When proving mathematical properties, look for patterns and try to factor expressions to identify common multiples.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Arithmetic
Number Theory

Formulas

Difference of squares formula: (a^2 - b^2) = (a - b)(a + b)

Theorems

Properties of even and odd numbers
Multiplication properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10