Prove, using algebra, that
$n(n^2 + 5)$
is even for all $n \in \mathbb{N}$. - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 13 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 13
Prove, using algebra, that
$n(n^2 + 5)$
is even for all $n \in \mathbb{N}$.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Prove, using algebra, that
$n(n^2 + 5)$
is even for all $n \in \mathbb{N}$. - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 13 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Let $n = 2k$ (where $k \in \mathbb{N}$)
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Answer
When n is even, we can substitute:
n(n2+5)=(2k)((2k)2+5)=(2k)(4k2+5).
This expression is the product of an even number 2k and the sum (4k2+5). Since 2k is even, the entire expression will be even regardless of whether (4k2+5) is even or odd.
Step 2
Let $n = 2k + 1$ (where $k \in \mathbb{N}$)
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Here, 4k2+4k+6 is even (as it is a sum of even numbers). We then have an odd number (2k+1) multiplied by an even number, which results in an even product.
Step 3
Conclusion
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Answer
In both cases, we have shown that whether n is even or odd, the expression n(n2+5) is always even. Thus, we conclude that n(n2+5) is even for all n∈N.