Math Problem Statement

Prove or disprove the following: “If x is an odd integer and y is an even integer then x² + y² is an odd integer.”

Solution

We will analyze whether the given statement is true or false.

Step 1: Define Odd and Even Integers

  • An odd integer can be written as x=2k+1x = 2k + 1, where kk is an integer.
  • An even integer can be written as y=2my = 2m, where mm is an integer.

Step 2: Compute x2+y2x^2 + y^2

  • Squaring xx:

    x2=(2k+1)2=4k2+4k+1x^2 = (2k+1)^2 = 4k^2 + 4k + 1

    Since 4k2+4k4k^2 + 4k is always even, x2x^2 is odd.

  • Squaring yy:

    y2=(2m)2=4m2y^2 = (2m)^2 = 4m^2

    Since 4m24m^2 is always divisible by 2, y2y^2 is even.

Step 3: Sum of x2x^2 and y2y^2

x2+y2=(odd)+(even)=oddx^2 + y^2 = (\text{odd}) + (\text{even}) = \text{odd}

Conclusion:

Since an odd + even = odd, the sum x2+y2x^2 + y^2 is always odd.

Thus, the given statement is true.


Do you want more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. What happens if both xx and yy are even?
  2. What happens if both xx and yy are odd?
  3. Can we generalize this result to other exponents, like x3+y3x^3 + y^3?
  4. How does this result apply to modular arithmetic?
  5. Can we extend this idea to non-integer real numbers?

Tip: When dealing with odd and even numbers, always express them in terms of 2k2k and 2k+12k+1 to simplify proofs.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Parity of Integers
Algebra

Formulas

x = 2k + 1 (odd integer)
y = 2m (even integer)
x² = (2k + 1)²
y² = (2m)²

Theorems

Sum of odd and even numbers
Properties of odd and even integers

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9