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Even Numbers and Odd Numbers

Jo-ann Caballes

Updated on January 2, 2024

Welcome to Brighterly, the home of delightful and engaging math for children! Our mission is to make math enjoyable, accessible, and relatable for kids. Today, we’re going to embark on an exciting journey to unravel the mysteries of even numbers and odd numbers. We’ll uncover their definitions, delve into their intriguing properties, and learn some nifty tricks to identify them with ease. So, fasten your seatbelts and let’s dive into the captivating world of even and odd numbers!

Even and odd numbers are essential building blocks in mathematics, and understanding them helps unlock the door to countless mathematical concepts. Whether it’s recognizing patterns, solving problems, or simply making sense of the world around us, even and odd numbers play a significant role in our daily lives.

What is an Even Number?

An even number is a special type of whole number that exhibits a unique characteristic: it can be divided by 2 without leaving any remainder. When you take an even number and divide it by 2, you’ll always end up with another whole number as the result. Examples of even numbers include 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and so on. Mathematically, even numbers can be expressed using the formula 2n (where n is a whole number).

Even numbers are fascinating because they have a certain orderliness to them. They appear at regular intervals, and their properties are both intuitive and easy to grasp. By understanding even numbers, we can unlock numerous mathematical patterns and concepts that are vital for further learning.

What is an Odd Number?

An odd number, on the other hand, is a whole number that has a distinct property: it cannot be divided by 2 without leaving a remainder. When you try to divide an odd number by 2, you’ll always end up with a remainder of 1. Examples of odd numbers include 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and so on. Mathematically, odd numbers can be represented by the formula 2n + 1 (where n is a whole number).

Odd numbers are equally intriguing and possess a certain charm. They don’t follow the same patterns as even numbers, which makes them interesting to explore. By studying odd numbers, we can gain valuable insights into the world of mathematics and develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty of numbers.

How do we identify these numbers?

Identifying even and odd numbers is a breeze! Here’s a straightforward trick to help you distinguish between the two:

1. Examine the last digit of the number.
2. If the last digit is 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8, then the number is even.
3. If the last digit is 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9, then the number is odd.

For instance, let’s look at the number 42. The last digit is 2, which falls into the even category. Therefore, 42 is an even number. With this simple technique, you’ll be able to quickly and accurately identify even and odd numbers, making it a valuable tool in your mathematical arsenal!

Fascinating Properties of an Even Number

• Even numbers are symmetric around 0. If a is an even number, then -a is also an even number.
• The sum of two even numbers is always even.
• The difference between two even numbers is always even.
• The product of two even numbers is always even.
• The product of an even number and an odd number is always even.

Fascinating Properties of an Odd Number

• Odd numbers are symmetric around 0. If a is an odd number, then -a is also an odd number.
• The sum of two odd numbers is always even.
• The difference between two odd numbers is always even.
• The product of two odd numbers is always odd.
• The product of an odd number and an even number is always even.

Solved Examples of Even and Odd Numbers

1. Is 0 even or odd? Answer: 0 is even because it can be divided by 2 without leaving a remainder.

2. Is 5 even or odd? Answer: 5 is odd because when divided by 2, it leaves a remainder of 1.

Practice Problems of Even and Odd Numbers

1. Is 12 even or odd?
2. Is 15 even or odd?
3. Is 8 even or odd?

Even Numbers – Definition With Examples

An even number is any whole number that can be exactly divided by 2 without leaving a remainder. Examples of even numbers are 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and so on.

Odd Number – Definition With Examples

An odd number is any whole number that cannot be exactly divided by 2, leaving a remainder of 1. Examples of odd numbers are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and so on.

Examples of Odd and Even Numbers

Here are some examples of odd and even numbers:

1. 24 is an even number because it can be divided by 2 without leaving a remainder (24 ÷ 2 = 12).
2. 17 is an odd number because it cannot be divided by 2 without leaving a remainder (17 ÷ 2 = 8 with a remainder of 1).
3. 100 is an even number because it can be divided by 2 without leaving a remainder (100 ÷ 2 = 50).

Discover the best math worksheets for kids at Brighterly! 

Practice Questions on Even and Odd Numbers

1. Is 31 even or odd?
2. Is 58 even or odd?
3. Is 97 even or odd?

Conclusion

As we reach the end of our exciting exploration of even and odd numbers, we hope that you enjoyed this fun and enlightening journey with us at Brighterly. Our goal is to make math an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for children, and we believe that understanding even and odd numbers is a crucial stepping stone towards building a robust foundation in mathematics.

We’re confident that with the knowledge and skills you’ve gained through this adventure, you’ll be able to tackle even more complex mathematical concepts with ease. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep exploring and applying what you’ve learned about even and odd numbers in various situations. Soon, you’ll become a master in identifying and working with these fascinating numbers.

At Brighterly, we’re committed to igniting a lifelong passion for learning and nurturing a love for math in young minds. We strive to provide engaging and interactive content that simplifies complex concepts and makes learning a delightful experience. We hope that your journey with us has been both enjoyable and enriching.

Frequently Asked Questions of Even and Odd Numbers

Is 0 considered an even number?

Yes, 0 is considered an even number because it can be divided by 2 without leaving a remainder.

Can a negative number be even or odd?

Yes, negative numbers can be even or odd. A negative even number is an integer that can be divided by 2 without leaving a remainder, while a negative odd number is an integer that, when divided by 2, leaves a remainder of 1.

What is the smallest even number?

The smallest even number is 0.

What is the smallest odd number?

The smallest odd number is 1.

Jo-ann Caballes

5 articles

As a seasoned educator with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and over three years of experience, I specialize in making mathematics accessible to students of all backgrounds through Brighterly. My expertise extends beyond teaching; I blog about innovative educational strategies and have a keen interest in child psychology and curriculum development. My approach is shaped by a belief in practical, real-life application of math, making learning both impactful and enjoyable.