Algebraic Proof

Proof

• You can use algebra to prove facts about numbers
• Using algebra helps you to probe that something is true for every number
• In a proof question the working is the answer
• If the question say ‘show that’ or ‘prove that’ you need to write down every stage of your working
    * If you don’t you won’t get all the marks

Golden rule

• If you need to prove something about numbers then you always use algebra

Algebraic proof toolkit

• Even number = 2n
• Odd number = 2n+1 or 2n-1
• Multiple of 3 = 3n
• Consecutive numbers = n,n+1.n+2…
• Consecutive even numbers = 2n,2n+2,2n+4…
• Consecutive odd numbers = 2n+1,2n+3,2n+5…