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?

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Numbers -> 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?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 273557: 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?
Found 2 solutions by edjones, solver91311:
Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


No

Let represent the smaller of the two consecutive integers. Then represents the larger.

Square the larger:



Square the smaller:



Subtract the smaller square from the larger:



If is an integer, must be odd.

John