Math Problem Statement

Prove: An even number plus an odd number is odd.

Solution

To prove the statement "An even number plus an odd number is odd," let's analyze the provided image and the steps taken:


Proof Explanation:

  1. Representation of Even and Odd Numbers:

    • Any even number can be written as 2n2n, where nn is an integer.
    • Any odd number can be written as 2m+12m + 1, where mm is an integer.
  2. Adding the Even and Odd Numbers: (2n)+(2m+1)(2n) + (2m + 1)

  3. Combine Like Terms: 2n+2m+12n + 2m + 1

  4. Factor Out 22 From 2n+2m2n + 2m: 2(n+m)+12(n + m) + 1

    • Here, n+mn + m is still an integer because the sum of two integers is an integer.
  5. Conclusion:

    • The expression 2(n+m)+12(n + m) + 1 has the form of an odd number because it consists of an even term 2(n+m)2(n + m) plus 1.
    • Thus, the sum of an even number and an odd number is always odd.

Would you like a deeper breakdown or additional examples to further solidify this concept?


Related Questions:

  1. Can we extend this proof to subtraction (e.g., an even number minus an odd number)?
  2. How does the addition of two even numbers differ from this case?
  3. Can this result be verified using modular arithmetic?
  4. Is the sum of two odd numbers even? Why?
  5. Can this proof be applied in other fields, such as computer science or logic?

Tip:

When working with proofs involving even and odd numbers, modular arithmetic (mod 2) often provides a quick and elegant way to verify results.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Even and Odd Numbers
Basic Algebra

Formulas

Representation of even numbers: 2n, where n is an integer
Representation of odd numbers: 2m + 1, where m is an integer

Theorems

Sum of an even number and an odd number is odd

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8