Question

Difficulty: MediumOdd and Even Integers (Parity)

For any integer kk, the expression k(k+1)(k+5)k(k + 1)(k + 5) must be an even integer.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True. The expression k(k+1)(k+5)k(k + 1)(k + 5) is guaranteed to be an even integer for all integer values of kk.
Because kk and k+1k + 1 are consecutive integers, one of them must be even. The product of an even integer and any other integer is always even, making k(k+1)(k+5)k(k + 1)(k + 5) even for every integer kk.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the parity of the consecutive terms kk and k+1k + 1.
One of the two integers kk or k+1k + 1 is always even regardless of whether kk is even or odd.
Consecutive integers always alternate between even and odd.
2
Determine the parity of the product of an even integer and any other integer.
The product k(k+1)k(k + 1) is always an even integer.
The product of an even integer and any integer is always even.
3
Evaluate the full expression k(k+1)(k+5)k(k + 1)(k + 5).
Since k(k+1)k(k + 1) is even, multiplying by (k+5)(k + 5) produces an even integer.
An even integer multiplied by any integer results in an even integer.

Key Concept

Parity of products of consecutive integers
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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