The difference between odd and even numbers can be expressed using the general forms of these numbers. Odd numbers and even numbers are two important types of numbers in Maths that are introduced to students in their early classes. In this article, you will learn the mathematical definitions of odd and even numbers, along with their key properties, which differentiate them.
Learn: Numbers in Maths
Definition of Odd Numbers and Even Numbers
Odd numbers: Any natural number that can be expressed in the form of (2n + 1) is called an odd number, where n is any natural number, i.e. positive integer.
Even numbers: Any natural number that can be expressed in the form of 2n is called an even number, where n is any natural number, i.e. positive integer.
Simply, we can say that those number which are divisible by 2 are called even numbers, whereas those numbers which are not divisible by 2 are called odd numbers.
Learn more about Even and odd numbers here.
What Is the Difference between Odd and Even Numbers?
Some major differences between odd numbers and even numbers are tabulated below:
| S.No | Odd Numbers | Even Numbers |
| 1 | Numbers that can be expressed in the form of 2n + 1, where n is a natural number | Numbers that can be expressed in the form of 2n, where n is a natural number |
| 2 | Numbers that cannot be divided into two equal parts | Numbers that can be divided into two equal parts |
| 3 | When we divide an odd number by 2, we get the remainder 1. | When we divide an even number by 2, we get the remainder 0. |
| 4 | Examples: 1, 5, 7, 9, 23,… | Examples: 2, 4, 18, 26,… |
| 5 | All numbers ending with 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 are referred to as odd numbers | All numbers ending with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 are referred to as even numbers |
| 6 | The sum of two odd numbers is always even | The sum of two even numbers is always even |
| 7 | The product of two odd numbers is always odd | The product of two even numbers is always even |
Video Lesson on Numbers
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q1
How do you know if a number is even or odd?
If a number is divided by 2 and leaves the remainder as 0, then it is even; otherwise, it is an odd number.
Q2
What are odd and even numbers with examples?
Odd numbers are those numbers that cannot be divided into two equal parts, whereas even numbers are those numbers that can be divided into two equal parts.
Examples of odd numbers are 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15,…
Examples of even numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14,…
Q3
Is the difference between two odd numbers always even?
Yes, the difference between two odd numbers is always even. For example, 53 and 45 are two odd numbers, where the difference 53 – 45 = 8, is even.
Q4
Is the difference of two even numbers always even?
Yes, the difference between two even numbers is always even. For example, 86 and 72 are two even numbers, where the difference 86 – 72 = 14, is even.
