Prove n^3 - n is a multiple of 3

To prove n3-n is a multiple of 3 we rely on a few simple tricks. The first is to factorise the expression.n3-n = n(n2-1)n(n2-1) = (n-1)(n)(n+1)The next trick is to realise that the series of numbers n-1, n, n+1 are consecutive. For example if n = 2:n-1 = 1n = 2n+1 = 3If you have a series of 3 consecutive numbers, clearly one of them will be a multiple of 3. Hence if; n3-n = (n-1)(n)(n+1), for all n and one of the numbers n-1, n, n+1 is a multiple of 3, then n3-n is also a multiple of 3.

IH
Answered by Isaac H. Maths tutor

14221 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

prove that lnx differentiated is 1/x


How do I find the maximum/minimum of a curve?


f(x) = x^3+2x^2-x-2 . Solve for f(x) = 0


Write 5cos(theta) – 2sin(theta) in the form Rcos(theta + alpha), where R and alpha are constants, R > 0 and 0 <=alpha < 2 π Give the exact value of R and give the value of alpha in radians to 3 decimal places.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning