How Are Pell and Sophie Germain Triangular Numbers Related?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between Pell Numbers and Sophie Germain Triangular Numbers, highlighting specific mathematical formulas and sequences. The Pell Number formula is defined as P_n = ((1 + sqrt(2))^n - (1 - sqrt(2))^n)/(2*sqrt(2)), generating a sequence including values like 0, 1, 2, 5, and 12. The discussion also introduces the concept of "Half Companion" Pell Numbers and their connection to triangular numbers, specifically noting that X_(2n) represents triangular numbers that are twice another triangular number, while X_(2n + 1) represents triangular numbers that are square. The explicit formula for Sophie Germain Triangular Numbers is also provided, emphasizing their unique properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Pell Numbers and their formula (A000129)
  • Familiarity with triangular numbers and their properties
  • Knowledge of mathematical sequences and series
  • Basic algebra involving square roots and quadratic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Pell Numbers in depth (A000129)
  • Explore the characteristics of Sophie Germain Triangular Numbers (A124174)
  • Investigate the relationship between triangular numbers and square numbers
  • Learn about the applications of mathematical sequences in number theory
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, educators, and students interested in number theory, particularly those exploring the connections between different types of number sequences and their applications in mathematical proofs.

Raphie
Messages
151
Reaction score
0
Or, more aptly titled:
Pell Numbers & [ Sophie Germain, Square & Pronic ] Triangular Numbers

BACKGROUND RESEARCH
Conjecture: Sophie Germain Triangles & x | 2y^2 + 2y - 3 = z^2 (Proven)
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=462793

Consider the following form...

X = (((z - 1)/2)^2 + ((z - 1)/2)^1)/2 = T_((z - 1)/2)
for T_n denotes a Triangular Number

Let P_n denote a Pell Number.
Pell Number Formula
((1 + sqrt (2))^n - (1 - sqrt (2))^n)/(2*sqrt (2))

P_n = 0, 1, 2, 5, 12, 29, 70, 169 ...
http://oeis.org/A000129

The following is well known...
For z = P_(n+2) - P_(n+1), then...

z = 1, 3, 7, 17, 41, 99, 239, 577, 1393 ... ("Half Companion" Pell Numbers)
http://oeis.org/A001333
X_n = 0, 1, 6, 36, 210, 1225, 7140, 41616...
http://oeis.org/A096979

X_(2n) --> Triangular Numbers that are twice another Triangular Number
X_(2n + 1) --> Triangular Numbers that are Square


If, on the other hand, we set...

z = .5*(P_(n + 2 + b) + P_(n + 1 + b)(-1)^b + P_(n - b)(-1)^b - P_(n - 1 - b)), for b = n (mod 2), which generates an alternating series...

z = .5*(P_(n + 2) + P_(n + 1) + P_(n - 0) - P_(n - 1)) [Even n]
z = .5*(P_(n + 3) - P_(n + 2) - P_(n - 1) - P_(n - 2)) [Odd n]

then...

The following would seem not to be so well known...

z = 1, 3, 9, 19, 53, 111, 309, 647 ... (n | 2*n^2 + 7 is a square)
http://oeis.org/A077442
X_n = 0, 1, 10, 45, 351, 1540, 11935, 52326 ...
http://oeis.org/A124174

X_(2n) --> Sophie Germain Triangular Numbers ("Even")
X_(2n+1) --> Sophie Germain Triangular Numbers ("Odd")


Of course, the above is a bit simplistic compared to the following explicit formula for Sophie Germain Triangular Numbers one can find on OEIS...

A124174
Sophie Germain triangular numbers tr: 2*tr+1 is also a triangular number
http://oeis.org/A124174
a(n)=-11/32 + (-3 - 2*sqrt(2))^n/64 + (5*(3 - 2*sqrt(2))^n)/32 + (-3 - 2*sqrt(2))^n/(32*sqrt(2)) - (5*(3 - 2*sqrt(2))^n)/(32*sqrt(2)) + (-3 + 2*sqrt(2))^n/64 - (-3 + 2*sqrt(2))^n/(32*sqrt(2)) + (5*(3 + 2*sqrt(2))^n)/32 + (5*(3 + 2*sqrt(2))^n)/(32*sqrt(2))

... but at least for me, not being a mathematician, I prefer the manner of mathematics that makes things simpler and shows how maths for one number progression relate to maths for other number progressions in a sensible, intuitive and accessible manner.

- RF

KEY TO PROGRESSIONS
A000129 Pell numbers: a(n) = 2*a(n-1) + a(n-2). http://oeis.org/A000129
A001110 Square Triangular Numbers: for n >= 2, a(n) = 34a(n-1) - a(n-2) + 2. http://oeis.org/A001110
A029549 Pronic Triangular Numbers: for n >= 0, a(n+3) = 35*a(n+2) - 35*a(n+1) + a(n). http://oeis.org/A029549
A077442 2*n^2 + 7 is a square. http://oeis.org/A077442
A096979 Sum of the areas of the first n+1 Pell triangles http://oeis.org/A096979
A001333 Numerators of continued fraction convergents to sqrt(2). http://oeis.org/A001333

Also see: Pell Number: Computations And Connections (mentions "Half Companion" Pell Numbers) (via Wikipedia)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pell_number#Computations_and_connections

Note: Oddly enough, none of the commentary associated with the above progressions seems to mention Sophie Germain Triangular Numbers.
A124174 Sophie Germain triangular numbers: a(n)=34a(n-2)-a(n-4)+11 =35(a(n-2)-a(n-4))+a(n-6) http://oeis.org/A124174

Trivia: Sophie Germain was one of the first great female mathematicians.
Sophie Germain: Revolutionary Mathematician
http://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/germain.html
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
12K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
908
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K