Just want to check if my proof is OK
Prove that if 3n2+2n is even, then n is even
If 3n2+2n is even, then 3n2+2n=2k for some k∈Z.
⇒n(3n+2)=2k
So 2 must either divide n or (3n+2). If 2 divides n, we're done. Otherwise let 2 divide (3n+2). Then 2 must divide 3n⇒ it divides n (since it doesn't divide 3). Hence result.
Is this ok?
EDIT (further question):
A proof by contradiction supposedly also works:
Assume n is odd, i.e. n=2k+1.
Then 3(2k+1)2+2(2k+1)=3(4k2+4k+1)+4k+2=12k2+16k+5 which is not divisible 2. Hence n must be even.
My issue with this: how have we proved that n is even? Have we not only proven that n can't be odd? We don't know it works for every even number though...?
Answer
Yes, it is just fine.
I would have done it as follows: since 3n2+2n=n2+2(n2+n) and 2(n2+n) is even, 3n2+2n is even if an only if n2 is even. And n2 is even if and only if n is even.
Your proof by contradiction shows (correctly) thatn odd⟹3n2+2n odd,
No comments:
Post a Comment