Asked by Steve
If a and b are positive odd integers, then prove that one of (a+b)/2 and (a-b)/2 are even or odd number. I mean in the above numbers one is odd and one is an even number.
Answers
Answered by
black_widow
Let a>b
a=2n+1+2k ,n,k is positive
b=2n+1
(a+b)/2=2n+1+k
(a-b)/2=k
If k is odd,
then
(a+b)/2 is even
(a-b)/2 is odd
If k is even,
(a+b)/2 is odd
(a-b)/2 is even
The same method also applies if a<b
(However I assume that a,b are distinct number because if a=b, (a-b)/2=0 but 0 is neither odd nor even)
a=2n+1+2k ,n,k is positive
b=2n+1
(a+b)/2=2n+1+k
(a-b)/2=k
If k is odd,
then
(a+b)/2 is even
(a-b)/2 is odd
If k is even,
(a+b)/2 is odd
(a-b)/2 is even
The same method also applies if a<b
(However I assume that a,b are distinct number because if a=b, (a-b)/2=0 but 0 is neither odd nor even)
Answered by
Steve
excuse me? 0 is an even number. The definition of even is that it leaves a zero remainder when divided by 2.
Answered by
black_widow
sorry about that....
I thought 0 is neither even nor odd....
I thought 0 is neither even nor odd....
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