Recognize even and odd numbers

A whole number is even when it can be divided into two equal whole-number groups, or equivalently when division by 2 leaves remainder 0; it is odd when division by 2 leaves remainder 1. In base-ten notation, the ones digit identifies the classification (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 for even and 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 for odd), including that zero is even; formal parity rules for negative or nonwhole numbers are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Recognize even and odd numbers

A whole number is even if it can be divided into 2 equal groups with no leftovers. It is odd if dividing by 2 leaves 1 leftover.

A quick way to tell is to look at the ones digit:

Even: $0, 2, 4, 6, 8$
Odd: $1, 3, 5, 7, 9$

Example: Is $246$ even or odd?

Find the ones digit.
The ones digit in $246$ is $6$ .
Check the list.
$6$ is one of the even digits: $0, 2, 4, 6, 8$ .
Conclude.
Therefore, $\boxed{246\text{ is even}}$ .

We can check by dividing:

246 \div 2 = 123

There is no remainder, so $246$ is even. Remember, $0$ is also an even number because $0 \div 2$ leaves a remainder of $0$ .

Learn by doing: Recognize even and odd numbers

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Number Sense - Even or Odd

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