Math Problem Statement

Prove that the difference between the square of any odd integer and the integer itself is always an even integer. Write an algebraic proof.

Solution

Proof:

Let the odd integer be represented as nn. Since nn is odd, it can be written in the form:

n=2k+1n = 2k + 1

where kk is some integer.

Now, we are asked to prove that the difference between the square of this odd integer and the integer itself is always an even integer. This means we need to show that the following expression is even:

n2nn^2 - n

Step 1: Substitute n=2k+1n = 2k + 1

We substitute nn with 2k+12k + 1 in the expression n2nn^2 - n:

n2n=(2k+1)2(2k+1)n^2 - n = (2k + 1)^2 - (2k + 1)

Step 2: Expand the expression

Now, expand (2k+1)2(2k + 1)^2:

(2k+1)2=(2k)2+2(2k)(1)+12=4k2+4k+1(2k + 1)^2 = (2k)^2 + 2(2k)(1) + 1^2 = 4k^2 + 4k + 1

Substitute this back into the expression for n2nn^2 - n:

n2n=(4k2+4k+1)(2k+1)n^2 - n = (4k^2 + 4k + 1) - (2k + 1)

Step 3: Simplify the expression

Now, subtract (2k+1)(2k + 1) from (4k2+4k+1)(4k^2 + 4k + 1):

n2n=4k2+4k+12k1n^2 - n = 4k^2 + 4k + 1 - 2k - 1

Simplify the terms:

n2n=4k2+2kn^2 - n = 4k^2 + 2k

Step 4: Factor out the common factor

Notice that both terms, 4k24k^2 and 2k2k, have a common factor of 2. So, we can factor out 2:

n2n=2(2k2+k)n^2 - n = 2(2k^2 + k)

Step 5: Conclusion

Since n2n=2(2k2+k)n^2 - n = 2(2k^2 + k), the expression is clearly a multiple of 2. Therefore, n2nn^2 - n is always an even integer.

Thus, we have proven that the difference between the square of any odd integer and the integer itself is always even.


Do you need any further clarification on this proof?

Here are five related questions to explore:

  1. How can we prove the same for even integers?
  2. What happens if we apply this reasoning to a negative odd integer?
  3. Can this concept be generalized to powers greater than 2?
  4. How does this relate to the fact that n2n=n(n1)n^2 - n = n(n-1)?
  5. How can we prove that the sum of an odd number and an even number is always odd?

Tip: The key to recognizing whether a number is even or odd in algebraic proofs is using the form 2k2k for even and 2k+12k+1 for odd, where kk is an integer.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Odd and Even Numbers
Polynomials

Formulas

n = 2k + 1
n^2 - n = 2(2k^2 + k)

Theorems

Difference of squares
Properties of even and odd numbers

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9