Conjectures with algebra 2

Complete the sentences using the word odd or even.

a) If x is even then x + 2 is

b) If x is odd then x + 2 is

c) If x is even then x – 1 is
1 By giving a counterexample for each one, show the conjectures
are incorrect. d) If x is odd then 2x is

e) If x is even then 2x is
a) If x is odd, then 2x is always odd.

f) If x is even then 2x + 1 is

g) If x is odd or even then 2x + 1 is

b) a + 10 is always positive.

3 If n is a positive integer, write the algebraic expressions that represent

the integers.

a) 1 more than n
p
c) If p is even, then 2
is always odd.
b) 2 more than n 

c) 3 more than n 

p d) 2 multiplied by n
d) If p is even, then 2
is always even.

4 Eva says “I can use algebra to prove that when you add two even numbers,
the answer is also an even number.”

e) All the terms of the sequence 3n + 2 are odd. Complete Eva’s proof.

An even number can be written 2n.

A second even number can be written 2m.
Adding the numbers gives 2n + 2m.
f) All of the terms of the sequence 3n + 2 are multiples of 10 Factorising 2n + 2m = 2(  +  )
Therefore, the sum of two even numbers is a multiple of 2,
so is also even.

© White Rose Maths 2020

5 Scott says, “If you add two consecutive integers, the answer will
always be odd.”
a) Test Scott’s conjecture using both odd and even numbers.
8 Kim says, “If you square an even number, the answer will also be even.”
a) Complete the proof to show that Kim’s conjecture is correct.
An even number can be written 2n.

An even number squared = 2n × 2n =  n2

But  n2 = 2 ×  n2

Compare findings with a partner.
Therefore, an even number squared is a multiple of 2, so is also even.
b) Use algebra to show that Scott’s conjecture is always true.
b) Explain why the square of an even number is also a multiple of 4

6 a) Write a conjecture about the sum of two odd numbers.

9 a) Write a conjecture about the squares of multiples of 3

b) By using 2n + 1 and 2m + 1 as the odd numbers, prove that your

conjecture is true. b) Prove your conjecture.

7 a) Write a conjecture about the sum of an odd and an even number. 10 Mo says, “The mean of three consecutive integers is always the
middle number.”
By calling the first of the three numbers n, prove that Mo’s conjecture
is correct.

b) By using 2n + 1 and 2m as the numbers, prove that your conjecture

is true.

Compare your answer with a partner’s.

© White Rose Maths 2020