Math Is Fun Forum

shocamefromebay

Member

Registered: 2007-05-30

Posts: 103

someone might've already posted this but...

someone might've already posted this but i dont know if anone did or not so im gonna post it here anyways
its a nice little riddle

Here it is:

What is "never odd or even"?

Last edited by shocamefromebay (2007-05-31 05:04:57)

JaneFairfax

Member

Registered: 2007-02-23

Posts: 6,868

Re: someone might've already posted this but...

Last edited by JaneFairfax (2007-05-31 05:07:27)

Big Mac

Member

Registered: 2007-05-19

Posts: 20

Re: someone might've already posted this but...

Jane - if even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8  in your opinion why is the first even number not 0? - kids in year 9 were asking.

Personally, I would argue that 0 is not even a number....is it?? (digital representation only when using our place value system)

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I think, therefore I am.

shocamefromebay

Member

Registered: 2007-05-30

Posts: 103

Re: someone might've already posted this but...

jane u got it!!!!that is totally rite. you are awesome!!!! congrats.

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: someone might've already posted this but...

Jane - if even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8  in your opinion why is the first even number not 0? - kids in year 9 were asking.

Personally, I would argue that 0 is not even a number....is it?? (digital representation only when using our place value system)

It depends what you mean by number. 2 is the first natural number, but if you're talking about non-negative integers then it's 0 instead. And if you're talking about integers then there isn't a first one. The same goes for rationals and reals, but for those the labels of odd and even don't make sense anyway.

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Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

Big Mac

Member

Registered: 2007-05-19

Posts: 20

Re: someone might've already posted this but...

Cheers mathsy- much appreciated.

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I think, therefore I am.