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

In order to prove this we can write a general expression of an odd number in terms of n, e.g - 2n+1Square this 'odd number': (2n+1)^2, therefore you can write it as (2n+1)(2n+1), then expand (multiply out) the brackets to get: 4n^2 + 4n + 1We can then factorise this to get: 4(n^2 + 1) + 1 which is 'one more than a multiple of 4' as 4(n^2 + 1) will always be a multiple of 4 regardless of what n is.

BH
Answered by Ben H. Maths tutor

3237 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Factorise f(x) = x^2+4x+4 and sketch the curve, identifying the roots and minimum point of f(x).


Find the x co-ordinates where the curve y=x+1 and y= x^2 +1 cross?


Solve x^2+10x-3=0 by completing the square, simplify your answer.


Prove that (2n+3)^2-(2n-3)^2 is a multiple of 8 for positive integer values of n


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