Question

Show that n^2-1 is divisiable 8 if n is an odd positive integer​

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

We know ,

odd number in the form of (2Q +1) where Q is a natural number ,

so, n² -1 = (2Q + 1)² -1

= 4Q² + 4Q + 1 -1

= 4Q² + 4Q

now , checking :

Q = 1 then,

4Q² + 4Q = 4(1)² + 4(1) = 4 + 4 = 8 , it is divisible by 8.

Q =2 then,

4Q² + 4Q = 4(2)² + 4(2) =16 + 8 = 24, it is also divisible by 8 .

Q =3 then,

4Q² + 4Q = 4(3)² + 4(3) = 36 + 12 = 48 , divisible by 8

It is concluded that 4Q² + 4Q is divisible by 8 for all natural numbers.

Hence, n² -1 is divisible by 8 for all odd value of n .