SOLUTION: Suppose that you square two consecutive whole numbers and subtract the smaller square from the larger. Is it possible that the difference is an even number? Explain your answer wi

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Suppose that you square two consecutive whole numbers and subtract the smaller square from the larger. Is it possible that the difference is an even number? Explain your answer wi      Log On


   



Question 184234: Suppose that you square two consecutive whole numbers and subtract the smaller square from the larger. Is it possible that the difference is an even number? Explain your answer with appropriate examples.
Answer by ptaylor(2198) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let n=smaller number
And n+1=larger number
ANS=(n+1)^2-n^2=n^2+2n+1-n^2=2n+1
Since 2n is always even, 2n+1 has to be odd
The answer is "no"
example
n=3
n+1=4
4^2-3^2=16-9=7 (2*3+1)
Hope this helps---ptaylor