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

We applied Euclid Division algorithm on n and 3.

a = bq + r on putting a = n and b = 3


n = 3q + r, 0 < r < 3


So,


n = 3q (I)


n = 3q + 1 (II)


n = 3q + 2 (III)


Case - I: When n = 3q


In this case, we have


n = 3q, which is divisible by 3


Now, n = 3q


n + 2 = 3q + 2


n + 2 leaves remainder 2 when divided by 3


Again, n = 3q


n + 4 = 3q + 4 = 3(q + 1) + 1


n + 4 leaves remainder 1 when divided by 3


n + 4 is not divisible by 3.


Thus, n is divisible by 3 but n + 2 and n + 4 are not divisible by 3.


Case - II: when n = 3q + 1


In this case, we have


n = 3q + 1,


n leaves remainder 1 when divided by 3.


n is divisible by 3


Now, n = 3q + 1


n + 2 = (3q + 1) + 2 = 3(q + 1)


n + 2 is divisible by 3.


Again, n = 3q + 1


n + 4 = 3q + 1 + 4 = 3q + 5 = 3(q + 1) + 2


n + 4 leaves remainder 2 when divided by 3


n + 4 is not divisible by 3.


Thus, n + 2 is divisible by 3 but n and n + 4 are not divisible by 3.


Case - III: When n + 3q + 2


In this case, we have


n = 3q + 2


n leaves remainder 2 when divided by 3.


n is not divisible by 3.


Now, n = 3q + 2


n + 2 = 3q + 2 + 2 = 3(q + 1) + 1


n + 2 leaves remainder 1 when divided by 3


n + 2 is not divisible by 3.


Again, n = 3q + 2


n + 4 = 3q + 2 + 4 = 3(q + 2)


n + 4 is divisible by 3.


Thus, n + 4 is divisible by 3 but n and n + 2 are not divisible by 3.


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