Prove that if a is even & b is any positive integer, then ab is even

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that if a is an even integer and b is any positive integer, then the product ab is also even. Participants explore the implications of the definitions of even and odd integers in the context of this proof.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants present proofs for both cases where b is even and where b is odd. Others question whether it is necessary to distinguish between these cases, suggesting a more streamlined approach.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the proof structure, with participants providing feedback on clarity and emphasis of key points. Some guidance has been offered regarding simplifying the proof without losing essential reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original question did not specify whether a is positive, which has led to some discussion about the implications of this omission on the proof.

sonadoramante
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Proof:
Let a be a even positive integer of the form a=2m & b of the form b=2n (This is where b is a even positive integer)
ab = 2m*2n
= 2(mn)
= Let k = mn
= 2k
Therefore, ab is even.

Let a be a even positive integer a=2m & b be a odd positive integer b = 2n+1
ab = (2m)*(2n+1)
= 4mn + 2m
= 2(mn+m)
= Let k = (mn+m)
= 2k
Hence ab is even.
 
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sonadoramante said:
Proof:
Let a be a even positive integer of the form a=2m & b of the form b=2n (This is where b is a even positive integer)
ab = 2m*2n
= 2(mn)
= Let k = mn
= 2k
Therefore, ab is even.

Let a be a even positive integer a=2m & b be a odd positive integer b = 2n+1
ab = (2m)*(2n+1)
= 4mn + 2m
= 2(mn+m)
= Let k = (mn+m)
= 2k
Hence ab is even.
Okay, but can you improve on that?

PS did the question specify that ##a## is positive?
 
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I moved your threads to our homework section.
sonadoramante said:
2m*2n
= 2(mn)
Check this step.

You can simplify the overall proof quite a bit. Does it matter if b is even or odd?
 
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mfb said:
I moved your threads to our homework section.
Check this step.

You can simplify the overall proof quite a bit. Does it matter if b is even or odd?
It wasn't specified, however, I was trying to prove it for both cases (if b is even or odd positive integer)
 
PeroK said:
Okay, but can you improve on that?

PS did the question specify that a is positive?
No! My bad. It didn't specify in the question that a is positive.
 
Oh sure, you need to prove it for all b, even or odd, but you can do so in a single step. There is no need to distinguish the two cases.
 
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mfb said:
Oh sure, you need to prove it for all b, even or odd, but you can do so in a single step. There is no need to distinguish the two cases.

After feedback.

Let p be a even integer & q be any positive integer.
Given that even number*even number is even
& even number*odd number is even, then..

p=2m
pq= 2mq
pq= 2(mq)
Let k=mq
pq=2k
Hence pq is even. :)
 
sonadoramante said:
After feedback.

Let p be a even integer & q be any positive integer.
Given that even number*even number is even
& even number*odd number is even, then..

p=2m
pq= 2mq
pq= 2(mq)
Let k=mq
pq=2k
Hence pq is even. :)

That's okay, but (in my opinion) you are not emphasisng the key points.

First, as ##p## is even ##p = 2m## for some integer ##m##.

Second, ##pq = 2(mq)##. Now, whether or not you introduce ##k = mq##, the key point is that ##mq## is an integer. Hence ##pq## is even.
 
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sonadoramante said:
Given that even number*even number is even
& even number*odd number is even, then..
That's what you want to prove, you can't take it as given.
 
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PeroK said:
That's okay, but (in my opinion) you are not emphasisng the key points.

First, as ##p## is even ##p = 2m## for some integer ##m##.

Second, ##pq = 2(mq)##. Now, whether or not you introduce ##k = mq##, the key point is that ##mq## is an integer. Hence ##pq## is even.
Thanks a lot.
 

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