The Lesson

An even number is a whole number that can be divided exactly by 2.

Dictionary Definition

The Oxford English Dictionary defines an even number as a number "divisible integrally into two equal parts; opposed to odd."

Examples of Even Numbers

Some examples of even numbers are given below:

Even Numbers on a Number Line

The image below shows the even numbers on the number line.

How to Check if a Number Is an Even Number

A number is even if it can be divided exactly by 2.

Question

Is 24 an even number?

Step-by-Step:

1

Divide the number by 2.
24 ÷ 2 = 12

2

Check if the answer from Step 1 is a whole number. If it is, the original number is even. Else it is odd. In our example, 12 is a whole number.

Answer:

24 is an even number.

Interactive Game on Even Numbers

Here is an interactive game to help you learn about even numbers and odd numbers.

A Formula to Generate Even Numbers

The formula below generates even numbers:

If k takes a whole number (1, 2, 3...), then n will always be even.

k = 0 ∴ n = 2k = 2 × 0 = 0

k = 1 ∴ n = 2k = 2 × 1 = 2

k = 2 ∴ n = 2k = 2 × 2 = 4

k = 3 ∴ n = 2k = 2 × 3 = 6

k = 4 ∴ n = 2k = 2 × 4 = 8

Top Tip

A Quick Way to See If a Number Is Even

A number is even if its last digit is 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8.

Lesson Slides

The slider below shows a real example of even numbers.