If m and n are both odd integers, which of the following must also be an odd integer?

1. 2m +n
2. (m +n)^2
3. mn

1 answer

To determine whether each expression is odd when \( m \) and \( n \) are both odd integers, let's examine each case.

  1. For \( 2m + n \):

    • Since \( m \) is odd, \( 2m \) is even (as multiplying an odd integer by 2 results in an even integer).
    • \( n \) is odd.
    • The sum of an even integer and an odd integer is odd.
    • Therefore, \( 2m + n \) is odd.
  2. For \( (m + n)^2 \):

    • The sum \( m + n \) is the sum of two odd integers, which is even (the sum of two odd numbers is always even).
    • Squaring an even integer results in an even integer.
    • Therefore, \( (m + n)^2 \) is even.
  3. For \( mn \):

    • The product of two odd integers is always odd.
    • Therefore, \( mn \) is odd.

In summary:

  • \( 2m + n \) is odd.
  • \( (m + n)^2 \) is even.
  • \( mn \) is odd.

The expressions that must also be odd are:

  • \( 2m + n \)
  • \( mn \)

So the expressions that must be odd are:

  1. True: \( 2m + n \) is odd.
  2. False: \( (m + n)^2 \) is even.
  3. True: \( mn \) is odd.

Thus, the final answer is that the expressions \( 2m + n \) and \( mn \) are odd (while \( (m + n)^2 \) is not).