If a is an even integer and b is an odd integer then prove a − b is an odd integer

Discussion in 'Calculator Requests' started by math_celebrity, Jan 28, 2024.

  1. math_celebrity

    math_celebrity Administrator Staff Member

    If a is an even integer and b is an odd integer then prove a − b is an odd integer

    Let a be our even integer
    Let b be our odd integer

    We can express a = 2x (Standard form for even numbers) for some integer x
    We can express b = 2y + 1 (Standard form for odd numbers) for some integer y

    a - b = 2x - (2y + 1)
    a - b = 2x - 2y - 1

    Factor our a 2 from the first two terms:
    a - b = 2(x - y) - 1

    Since x - y is an integer, 2(x- y) is always even. Subtracting 1 makes this an odd number.

     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2024

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