Find Perfect Square $m,n \in N$ with $m^2-4n$ & $n^2-4m$

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The discussion focuses on finding natural numbers \(m\) and \(n\) such that both \(m^2 - 4n\) and \(n^2 - 4m\) are perfect squares. Participants noted that without restrictions like \(m > n\), there could be infinite solutions, particularly if negative integers were allowed. However, since only natural numbers are considered, the problem requires a more structured approach to identify valid pairs of \(m\) and \(n\). The conversation highlights the need for clarity in the problem's constraints to avoid ambiguity in solutions.

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Albert1
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$m,n \in N$
if $m^2-4n ,\,\, and \,\, n^2-4m$ are all perfect square numbers , please find all $m$ and $n$
 
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Should you not have some restrictions, like m > n?
Asking because these are 3 of the solutions:
m = 4, n = 4
m = 6, n = 5
m = 5, n = 6
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Wilmer said:
Should you not have some restrictions, like m > n?
Asking because these are 3 of the solutions:
m = 4, n = 4
m = 6, n = 5
m = 5, n = 6
your answers are corret,please state with reason
 
without loss of generality we can assume m >=n. if(m,n) is a solution then (n,m) is another
now 4n is even so $m^2 - 4n <= (m-2)^2$
or $-4n<=-4m + 4$
or $n >=m-1$

case 1)
$m=n$
then $m^2 -4m = m(m-4)$ is perfect square = $(k+2)(k-2)$ taking $k = m-2$

$(k+2)(k-2) = k^2 - 4 = p^2(say)$
$(k+p)(k-p) = 4$ so $k+ p = k- p = 2$ as both are even or both odd
so $k = 2, p = 0$ or $m = 4$
so solution $m=n= 4$

case 2)
$n >=m-1$
or $n = m- 1$
now $m^2- 4n = m^2-4(m-1) = (m-2)^2$ always whole square
check the other one
$n^2 - 4m = n^2 - 4(n+1) = n^2 - 4n - 4 = (n-2)^2 + 8 = q^2(say)$

or $(n+2)^2-q^2 = 8$ giving $n-2 + q =4$ and $n-2-q=2$ as both are even
solving $n= 5$ and as $m = n+1$ we have (m,n) = (6,5)
by symmetry (m,n) = (5,6)

combining both we have (m,n) = (6,5) or (5,6) or (4,4)
 
Albert said:
your answers are correct,please state with reason
Sorry. Was intending to ask question only...gave those as examples.

Didn't realize negative integers were not allowed.
If they were, then there's infinite solutions:
if m = x then n = -(x + 1)
 
Wilmer said:
Sorry. Was intending to ask question only...gave those as examples.

Didn't realize negative integers were not allowed.
If they were, then there's infinite solutions:
if m = x then n = -(x + 1)
yes this original qustion has a flaw:
here we treat $m^2-4n , and \, n^2-4m $ separately
 

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