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Perfect Squares
implex Views : 1761
23-Jun-09 Rated 5.0 by 4 Users

Perfect Squares

There has been a huge surge in the number of questions about perfect squares, in almost all mocks.
The basic trick to any such question is assuming the number as a perfect square of an integer k and
then using techniques of completion of square and then the formula of (a2-b2) and solving using
divisibility theory

Example I Find all natural n such that n(n+16) is a perfect square

step 1 n(n+16)=k2

step 2 (n2+2.8.n+82)-82=k2

step3 (n+8+k)(n+8-k)=64

see now LHS and RHS both are integers then both of (n+8-k) and (n+8+k) are divisors of 64. But
note that we add the two equations we will get 2n+16, so the sum of two divisors should be even
hence both divisors even or both odd

so n+8+k=32,16,8,4,2 and n+8-k=2,4,8,16,32

but as n is positive hence k is positive, thus n+8+k>n+8-k

so only two options

and solving we get 2n+16=34,20

so n=9,2

Note : The source of this problem is Pomona Wisconsin mathematics talent search exam!

Practice problem!!
Find the sum of all such positive integers m’s such that m2+25m+19 is a perfect square

Now we will extend the method to other kinds of problems

Basically what we used in the above problem is difference of square method

lets take an example

x6=y2+127, find the no of pairs of postive integers (x,y)

first step in this problem is recognising that 127 is a prime

then we move to
(x3+y)(x3-y)=127
so clearly 2x3=128 x=4 and y=63

so one pair (4,63)

Good Luck!

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Views : 1761
Rated 5.0 by 4 Users

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1 of 3 Saturday 16 October 2010 12:33 PM

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1. 03-Jul-09 09:44:37 AM Reply with quote

nice yaar solution..... thanx ,,, but hey my num systm is terribly week... what shd i do..?

neelansh

2. 06-Oct-09 03:55:47 PM Reply with quote

plzz Implex can u edxpand this....so n+8+k=32,16,8,4,2 and n+8-k=2,4,8,16,32...i din get
how it came???????????

schiff

3. 06-Oct-09 11:17:29 PM Reply with quote

Quote:

Originally Posted by schiff

plzz Implex can u edxpand this....so n+8+k=32,16,8,4,2 and n+8-k=2,4,8,16,32...i din
get how it came???????????

answering on your behalf implex..hope you dont mind

see

so the sum of two divisors should be even hence both divisors even or both odd

so n+8+k=32,16,8,4,2 and n+8-k=2,4,8,16,32

64 as a product of two nos. can be written in ways like 64 *1 , 32*2 , 16 * 4 , 8 * 8

so separating them we are making pairs which can be like as mentioned above

tell if it is still not clear

sumit2goody

4. 13-Oct-09 11:04:01 AM Reply with quote

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumit2goody

Quote:

Originally Posted by schiff

plzz Implex can u edxpand this....so n+8+k=32,16,8,4,2 and
n+8-k=2,4,8,16,32...i din get how it came???????????

answering on your behalf implex..hope you dont mind

see

so the sum of two divisors should be even hence both divisors even or both odd

so n+8+k=32,16,8,4,2 and n+8-k=2,4,8,16,32

64 as a product of two nos. can be written in ways like 64 *1 , 32*2 , 16 * 4 , 8 * 8

so separating them we are making pairs which can be like as mentioned above

tell if it is still not clear

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2 of 3 Saturday 16 October 2010 12:33 PM

Perfect Squares http://testfunda.com/examprep/mba-resource/lesso...

THaks alot Sumit

schiff

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