Odd and even numbers

Even numbers can be shared into two equal groups, or put into pairs with none left over. Odd numbers always have one left over. You only need the last digit to tell.

Key facts

  • Even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8.
  • Odd numbers end in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9.
  • even + even = even, odd + odd = even, odd + even = odd.

Worked examples

Example 1

Is 37 odd or even?

  1. The last digit is 7.
  2. 7 is odd, so 37 is odd.

Answer: Odd

Example 2

Without adding, is 25 + 13 odd or even?

  1. 25 is odd and 13 is odd.
  2. Odd + odd is always even.
  3. Check: 25 + 13 = 38

Answer: Even