Prove that the difference of any two consecutive square numbers is odd

It is important we first define what we mean by an odd and even number.
An even number is any integer (whole number) number divisible by 2 so we can express any even number as 2x where x is any integer. When counting, every even number is followed by an odd number; 1,2,3... etc.
We can then express any odd number as 2x+1 as it will just be the next number after 2x i.e. add one.
Now any square number can be expressed as n^2 where n is any integer. The next square number can also be written as (n+1)^2 since it will be the square of the next number after n i.e. n+1.
As such, the difference of any two consecutive square numbers can be written as (n+1)^2 - n^2   
Expanding this we get (n^2 + 2n + 1) - n^2
This reduces to 2n+1 since the n^2 values cancel.
Since any odd number can be written in the form 2x+1  where x is any integer as earlier defined, 2n+1 is an odd number for any value of n which completes the proof.  

AH
Answered by Amar H. Maths tutor

68536 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Jorgen has 20 sweets in his pocket. The sweets are either blue or yellow. He picks a sweet and eats it and takes another sweet and eats it again. The probability of him picking two blue sweets is 6/30. How many yellow sweets does he have in his pocket.


What is the solution to x^2 + 5x - 7 = 0


In a sale the price of a shirt is reduced by 60%. The sale price is £7.98. What is the original price?


How to convert a recurring decimal into fraction


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning