Prove Even Integer is Multiple of 4: Contradiction Approach

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That is, $n^2$ is a multiple of 4.In summary, this conversation discusses the proof by contradiction that every even integer that is the square of an integer is a multiple of four. It introduces the lemma that states if n squared is even, then n is also even, and uses it to prove the theorem that if n squared is even, then it is also a multiple of four. The proof is done by assuming n is not even and showing that it leads to a contradiction.
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cbarker1
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Every even integer that is the square of an integer is a multiple of four.

Prove by Contritidiction.

Assume that n is even and n is square.

I am lost to do next.
 
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Cbarker1 said:
Every even integer that is the square of an integer is a multiple of four.

Prove by Contritidiction.

Assume that n is even and n is square.

I am lost to do next.

... and assume n is not a multiple of 4 (setting up the contradiction).

Then n must be divisible by 2 but not by 4...

What can we say about the number that was squared?
Can we tell if it's even or odd?
 
  • #3
Lemma: if $n^2$ is even then n is even.
Proof by contradiction- Suppose n is not even. Then it is of the form n= 2k+ 1 for some integer k. Then $n^2= (2k+1)^2= 4k^2+ 4k+ 1= 2(2k^2+ 2k)+ 1$ so is odd, not even.

Theorem: if $n^2$ is even then $n^2$ is a multiple of 4.
Proof- by the lemma, since $n^2$ is even, n is even. That is, n= 2k for some integer, k. Then $n^2= (2k)^2= 4k^2$.
 

FAQ: Prove Even Integer is Multiple of 4: Contradiction Approach

What is the "contradiction approach" to proving that an even integer is a multiple of 4?

The contradiction approach is a method of proof that involves assuming the opposite of what is being proven and then showing that this leads to a contradiction. This contradiction then proves that the original statement must be true.

Why is the contradiction approach useful in proving that an even integer is a multiple of 4?

The contradiction approach is useful in this case because it allows us to prove the statement without having to directly show that the integer is divisible by 4. This can be helpful when the proof is more complex or difficult to demonstrate directly.

What is the first step in using the contradiction approach to prove that an even integer is a multiple of 4?

The first step is to assume that the even integer is not a multiple of 4. This means that when the integer is divided by 4, there will be a remainder of 2 or 3.

What is the second step in using the contradiction approach to prove that an even integer is a multiple of 4?

The second step is to use this assumption to derive a contradiction. This can be done by manipulating the original statement or using other known facts about even integers.

What does the contradiction ultimately prove about the even integer being a multiple of 4?

The contradiction ultimately proves that the even integer must be a multiple of 4. This is because if the original assumption leads to a contradiction, the only logical conclusion is that the original statement is true.

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