Prove that (2*a^2 + 7a + 3)/(a + 3) is an odd number for any positive integer number, a.

We see that the numerator is a quadratic, so we factorise it to obtain:

(2a + 1)(a + 3)/(a + 3) = 2a + 1

Since a is a positive integer, we know that 2*a + 1 will always be an odd number.

NM

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the following pair of simultaneous equations; 10x+4y=15, 2x+y=7


For the equation, 5(7x + 8) + 3(2x + b) ≡ ax + 13. Find the values of a and b. You may use a calculator.


Make x the subject of the following formula: 5(3x -2y) = 14 - 2ax


Solve 5x^2 - 4x - 3 =0. Give answers to 3 significant figures