1.

If n is an odd integer, then show that n2 – 1 is divisible by 8.

Answer»

Solution:
Any odd integer n is of the form 4m + 1 or 4m + 3.

=> n2 – 1 = (4m + 1)2 – 1
= 16m2 + 8m
= 8(2m2 + m),
which is divisible by 8.
Also, n2 – 1 = (4m + 3)2 – 1
= 16m2 + 24m + 8
= 8(2m2 + 3m + 1),
which is divisible by 8.
Hence, n2 – 1 is divisible by 8 for any odd integer n.



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