Thread: Any ideas...

... on how to visually prove/justify with toothpicks, that the sum of any three odd numbers is an odd number. I am trying to find a structurally based justification, using toothpicks, for this simple proof.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Originally Posted by bearej50

... on how to visually prove/justify with toothpicks, that the sum of any three odd numbers is an odd number. I am trying to find a structurally based justification, using toothpicks, for this simple proof.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Toothpick definition of an odd number: The toothpicks can be arranged in pairs with one left over.

Three odd toothpick numbers consist of some pairs with three unpaired. Pair two of the three left overs now we have pairs and one left over: an odd toothpick number.

CB