odd number
An odd number![]()
is an integer of the form , and as such it is not divisible by 2. In terms of congruences
![]()
, , and in its binary representation the least significant bit is 1. With the exception of 2, all prime numbers
![]()
are odd numbers.
The addition of two odd numbers gives an even number, or any even number of odd summands gives an even number as a result. For example, .
But the multiplication of two odd numbers, or any even amount of odd multiplicands always gives an odd number. For example, .
A negative number raised to the power of an odd number gives a negative number. For example, (compare ).
The sum of the first consecutive positive odd numbers is .
The famous Gregory series![]()
which gives a quarter of is an alternating sum of the reciprocals
![]()
of the odd numbers:
However, note that this series is not absolutely convergent.