Prove n^3 - n is a multiple of 3

To prove n3-n is a multiple of 3 we rely on a few simple tricks. The first is to factorise the expression.n3-n = n(n2-1)n(n2-1) = (n-1)(n)(n+1)The next trick is to realise that the series of numbers n-1, n, n+1 are consecutive. For example if n = 2:n-1 = 1n = 2n+1 = 3If you have a series of 3 consecutive numbers, clearly one of them will be a multiple of 3. Hence if; n3-n = (n-1)(n)(n+1), for all n and one of the numbers n-1, n, n+1 is a multiple of 3, then n3-n is also a multiple of 3.

IH
Answered by Isaac H. Maths tutor

15097 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Prove that 8 times any triangle number is always 1 less than a square number


The graph with equation y= x^3 - 6x^2 + 11x - 6 intersects the x axis at 1, find the other 2 points at which the graph intersects the x axis


Find the indefinite integral of cos^2 x


What is the velocity of the line from vector A(3i+2j+5k) to vector B(10i-3j+2k)?


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