Math Problem Statement

Using the direct proof, what can be assumed so that the statement below is true?

If an integer is odd and another integer is even, their product is even.

Solution

To prove the statement "If an integer is odd and another integer is even, their product is even" using a direct proof, we proceed as follows:

Restating the Given Statement:

We are tasked with proving that:

  • If mm is an odd integer and nn is an even integer, then the product m×nm \times n is even.

Definitions:

  1. Odd integer: An integer mm is odd if it can be written as m=2k+1m = 2k + 1, where kk is some integer.
  2. Even integer: An integer nn is even if it can be written as n=2ln = 2l, where ll is some integer.

Proof:

  1. Assume mm is odd: Since mm is odd, by definition, we can write: m=2k+1for some integer k.m = 2k + 1 \quad \text{for some integer } k.

  2. Assume nn is even: Since nn is even, by definition, we can write: n=2lfor some integer l.n = 2l \quad \text{for some integer } l.

  3. Multiply mm and nn: We now find the product of mm and nn: m×n=(2k+1)×(2l).m \times n = (2k + 1) \times (2l). Expanding this expression: m×n=2k×2l+1×2l=4kl+2l.m \times n = 2k \times 2l + 1 \times 2l = 4kl + 2l.

  4. Factor the result: Notice that the product simplifies to: m×n=2(2kl+l).m \times n = 2(2kl + l). Since 2kl+l2kl + l is an integer, we can conclude that: m×n=2×(some integer).m \times n = 2 \times (\text{some integer}). Therefore, m×nm \times n is even.

Conclusion:

We have shown that the product of an odd integer and an even integer is always even. This concludes the direct proof.


Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions to extend this concept:

  1. What happens if both integers are odd?
  2. How would you prove that the product of two even numbers is always even?
  3. Can an odd number ever result from multiplying two integers? Why or why not?
  4. How does the distributive property apply to multiplying an odd and even number?
  5. What are the properties of integers under multiplication involving even and odd numbers?

Tip: When proving statements about integers, using their algebraic definitions (like 2k2k for even and 2k+12k + 1 for odd) helps break down problems systematically.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Number Theory

Formulas

Odd integer: m = 2k + 1
Even integer: n = 2l
Product: m × n = 2(2kl + l)

Theorems

Properties of even and odd integers under multiplication

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10