Something interesting concerning parity

In summary, the conversation discusses the proof of even numbers and their ending digits. It is suggested to rewrite n as 10a+b, where 0<=b<10, to prove that even numbers end in 0,2,4,6, or 8. It is also mentioned that any number that is a multiple of ten is even and divisible by 2, and that the ending digit of an even number must be divisible by 2. This ultimately proves that the definition of an even number (n=2k) is satisfied by numbers ending in 0,2,4,6, or 8.
  • #1
sEsposito
154
0
Is there a proof or way of proving that all even numbers (taking into account the definition of an even number as [tex]n=2k[/tex]) end in 0,2,4,6, or 8?
 
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  • #2
What do you think? Care to try showing that numbers ending in 1,3,5,7, or 9 can not be even?
 
  • #3
Rewrite n as 10a+b, where 0<=b<10.

Then n is even means 2 divides 10a+b, i.e. 2 divides b (let 10a+b=2k and solve for b). Hence b=0,2,4,6,8
 
  • #4
TwilightTulip said:
Rewrite n as 10a+b, where 0<=b<10.

Then n is even means 2 divides 10a+b, i.e. 2 divides b (let 10a+b=2k and solve for b). Hence b=0,2,4,6,8

An explanation such as this is alright for proving that an integer [tex]n[/tex] is even if [tex]n=2k[/tex], for some integer [tex] k.[/tex] Thus, we have to use our knowledge of even numbers to say that they end in an integer that is divisible by 2. A satisfactory explanation, no doubt, just not what I'm looking for.

Is there a way to show that the fact that all even numbers end in 0,2,4,6, or 8 implies the definition of an even number ([tex]n=2k[/tex], where [tex]k[/tex] is an integer)?
 
  • #5
Any number that is a multiple of ten is even and divisible by 2. Then any number (base ten) denoted by ...dcba (where a is the ones place, b in the tens, etc.) will be divisible by two if a is divisible by 2 because ...+d*10^3+c*10^2+b*10^1+a represents the number and division is linear. All terms except a are multiples of ten always and therefore divisible by 2, then all that is left is a.
 

What is parity?

Parity is a mathematical concept that refers to the classification of numbers as either even or odd.

What are the properties of parity?

The properties of parity include: every integer has a unique parity, the sum of two even numbers is even, the sum of two odd numbers is even, and the sum of an even and an odd number is odd.

How is parity used in science?

Parity is used in science to analyze and understand patterns and relationships in data. It is also used in fields such as quantum mechanics and particle physics to describe the behavior of subatomic particles.

Can parity be changed?

No, the parity of a number cannot be changed. It is an inherent property of the number and remains the same regardless of mathematical operations performed on it.

What is the significance of parity in everyday life?

While parity may not have a direct impact on everyday life, it is a fundamental concept in mathematics and is used in many real-world applications, such as coding and error detection in computer systems.

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