Question

show that exactly one of numbers n, n+2or n+4 is divisible by 3

Answer 1

Given: prove that among n, n+2, n+4 only one is divisible ..

Let, n=1,
then. n+2 =3,
'3' is divisible by 3. eqn-1

Let, n=2,
then. n+4 =6,
'6' is divisible by 3. eqn-2

Let, n=3,
then. n=3,
'3' is divisible by 3. eqn-3


from, eqns 1,2,3..
we can conclude that,
exactly one of that no.s is divisible by 3.

Answer 2

We know that any positive integer of the form 3q or, 3q+1 or 3q+2 for some integer q and one and only one of these possibilities can occur.

So, we have following cases:

Case-I: When n=3q

In this case, we have

n=3q, which is divisible by 3

Now, n=3q

n+2=3q+2

n+2 leaves remainder 2 when divided by 3

Again, n=3q

n+4=3q+4=3(q+1)+1

n+4 leaves remainder 1 when divided by 3

n+4 is not divisible by 3.

Thus, n is divisible by 3 but n+2 and n+4 are not divisible by 3.

Case-II: when n=3q+1

In this case, we have

n=3q+1,

n leaves remainder 1 when divided by 3.

n is divisible by 3

Now, n=3q+1

n+2=(3q+1)+2=3(q+1)

n+2 is divisible by 3.

Again, n=3q+1

n+4=3q+1+4=3q+5=3(q+1)+2

n+4 leaves remainder 2 when divided by 3

n+4 is not divisible by 3.

Thus, n+2 is divisible by 3 but n and n+4 are not divisible by 3.

Case-III: When n=3q+2

In this case, we have

n=3q+2

n leaves remainder 2 when divided by 3.

n is not divisible by 3.

Now, n=3q+2

n+2=3q+2+2=3(q+1)+1

n+2 leaves remainder 1 when divided by 3

n+2 is not divisible by 3.

Again, n=3q+2

n+4=3q+2+4=3(q+2)

n+4 is divisible by 3.

Hence, n+4 is divisible by 3 but n and n+2 are not divisible by 3.