You are given that \(n\), \(n + 1\) and \(n + 2\) are three consecutive integers.
- Expand and simplify \(n^2 + (n + 1)^2 + (n + 2)^2\). [2]
- For what values of \(n\) will the sum of the squares of these three consecutive integers be an even number? Give a reason for your answer. [2]