Prove that one and only one out of $n, n+2$ and $n+4$ is divisible by $3,$ where $n$ is any positive integer.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Let $n$ be any positive integer. By Euclid's division lemma,$n$ can be expressed in the form $3q, 3q+1,$ or $3q+2$ for some integer $q \ge 0$.
Case $1$: If $n = 3q$,then $n$ is divisible by $3$. In this case,$n+2 = 3q+2$ and $n+4 = 3q+4 = 3(q+1)+1$,neither of which is divisible by $3$.
Case $2$: If $n = 3q+1$,then $n+2 = 3q+1+2 = 3q+3 = 3(q+1)$,which is divisible by $3$. In this case,$n = 3q+1$ and $n+4 = 3q+1+4 = 3q+5 = 3(q+1)+2$,neither of which is divisible by $3$.
Case $3$: If $n = 3q+2$,then $n+4 = 3q+2+4 = 3q+6 = 3(q+2)$,which is divisible by $3$. In this case,$n = 3q+2$ and $n+2 = 3q+2+2 = 3q+4 = 3(q+1)+1$,neither of which is divisible by $3$.
Thus,in all possible cases,exactly one of $n, n+2,$ or $n+4$ is divisible by $3$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

When $a^2$ is divided by $6$,which of the following cannot be the remainder? $(a \in N)$

Difficult
View Solution

The prime factorization of $30$ can be written as: $(A)$ $5 \times 6$,$(B)$ $10 \times 3$,$(C)$ $2 \times 3 \times 5$,$(D)$ $1 \times 30$

When $(6k+1)^2$ is divided by $6$,the remainder is . . . . . . .

State whether the following rational number has a terminating decimal expansion or not. If it has a terminating decimal expansion,find it: $\frac{64}{455}$

For any positive integer $n$,prove that $n^{3}-n$ is divisible by $6$.

Difficult
View Solution

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo