Odd Integer and Multiple of Four

In summary, for any odd integer n, it can be expressed as either one greater than a multiple of 4 (n = 4m+1) or one less than a multiple of 4 (n = 4m-1), where m is an integer. This can be proven using a direct proof, by considering two cases: if n is in the form of 2a+1 where a is even or odd. By expressing 3 as (4-1) and recognizing that any integer can be of the form 4n, 4n+1, 4n+2, or 4n+3, it can be shown that n is either one greater than a multiple of 4 or
  • #1
nelson98
6
0

Homework Statement



Suppose that n is an odd integer. Prove that n is either one greater than a multiple of 4 or one less than a multiple of 4.

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



I realize that this is going to be a direct proof. However, I am stumped on where to go from here.
 
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  • #2
We know that the if n is a odd integer it is in form of 2a+1.

Do two cases:
Case 1 a is even so a = 2b for some b
Case 2: a is odd so a = 2b+1 for some b (hint: express 3 in terms of 4)
 
Last edited:
  • #3
A slightly different way: any integer must be of one of these forms:
a) 4n
b) 4n+ 1
c) 4n+ 2
d) 4n+ 3
for some n. Both 4n= 2(2n) and 4n+2= 2(2n+1) are even. Can you show that 4n+ 3= 4m- 1 for some number m?
 

Related to Odd Integer and Multiple of Four

1. What is an odd integer?

An odd integer is a whole number that is not divisible by 2. In other words, it has a remainder of 1 when divided by 2. Some examples of odd integers are 3, 7, and 15.

2. What is a multiple of four?

A multiple of four is a number that can be divided by 4 without leaving a remainder. Some examples of multiples of four are 4, 12, and 24.

3. Is every odd integer also a multiple of four?

No, not every odd integer is a multiple of four. In fact, only every other odd integer is a multiple of four. For example, 3 is an odd integer but not a multiple of four, while 7 is both an odd integer and a multiple of four.

4. Can an odd integer be a multiple of four?

Yes, an odd integer can be a multiple of four. As mentioned before, every other odd integer is also a multiple of four. Some examples of odd integers that are also multiples of four are 12, 20, and 36.

5. How can you tell if a number is both an odd integer and a multiple of four?

To determine if a number is both an odd integer and a multiple of four, you can divide the number by 4. If the remainder is 1, then the number is an odd integer. If the remainder is 0, then the number is a multiple of four. Therefore, a number that has a remainder of 1 when divided by 2 and a remainder of 0 when divided by 4 is both an odd integer and a multiple of four.

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