Prove that the square of an odd number is always 1 more than a multiple of 4.

Recap, what is 'squaring a number'? Multiplying a number by itself, for example, 3 x 3 = 9. The question hasn't given us a specific number, hence that value can be any number, it is said to be a 'variable'. Normally we assign variables with a letter, it can be any number. Let that number be called 'n'. Any odd number is 1 number greater than an even number. An even number is any number that can be divided by 2 to get a whole number. Therefore, in algebra, let an even number be 2n, so an odd number will be 2n + 1.
If we substitute 'n' for any number into the formula, for instance, 3, 2(3) + 1 = 7, if 7 is squared, we get 49, 1 number greater than 48 (which is a multiple of 4). If we substitute 5 for 'n', we get 2(5) + 1 = 11, 11 squared is 121, which is 1 number greater than 120 (which is a multiple of 4). Hence, we have proved that the square of an odd number is always 1 more than a multiple of 4.

FO
Answered by Florence O. Maths tutor

3947 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

P=(3a+5)/(4-a) Make a the subject


Solve 7x=4(x-8)


The line L1 has an equation y=2x-2. What is the equation of the line L2 which is parallel to L1 and passes through the point (0,3)?


If the two shorter lengths of the triangle have sizes 4cm and 3cm, what is the length of the longest side?


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