Factors of 2* : a way to know if integer factorises by 4, 8, 16... is this valid?

57 Views Asked by At

Are my findings valid? If so they must be on some maths logic that is beyond me...

So I was quizzing my kids (7&9) on seeing if a number was divisible by 3. They then asked me about 4 but the standard 'trick' (last 2 digits are divisible by 4) is not 'easy' for them so I observed the following:

On any length number:

$F$ = Penultimate digit

$V$ = last digit

If $(F + \frac{V}{2})$ is EVEN,

Then the original number is divisible by $4$.

Eg

$36 = 3 + 6/2$ which is even

$46 = 4 + 6/2$ which is odd

Intrigued I tested this for $8$

$F =$ antepenultinate digit

$V =$ last $2$ digits

If $(F + \frac{V}{2*2})$ is Even

Then the original number is divisible by $8$

Eg

$816 = 8 + \frac{16}{4}$ = even

$820 = 8 + \frac{20}{4}$ = odd

I tested again for $16$ and the pattern continued,

So

$2^x$ Is a factor of INTEGER if...

$F = INTEGER [INTEGER.Length-x+1]$ (single digit)

$V =\text{last }(x - 1) \text{ digit(s)}$

If $F + \frac{V}{2^x}$ = EVEN

Then

$2^x$ is a factor of INTEGER

Was I right? Is there a proof?

What logic is this based on - simple times tables?