Consecutive Whole Numbers: x + y = y2 - x2

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The relationship x + y = y² - x² holds true for consecutive whole numbers x and y, where y = x + 1. The proof demonstrates that both sides simplify to 2x + 1, confirming the equality. A geometric interpretation involving the areas of squares provides an intuitive understanding of the proof. Despite its simplicity, no immediate applications in math or physics are identified. This relationship appears to be a known concept with no new insights.
Dennis Plews
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The following popped into my head and I am curious whether it is already a known relationship and whether it has an utility in math/physics. It is a follows: Where x and y are consecutive, whole numbers, the following is true: x + y = y2 - x2
 
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If x and y are consecutive, then y=x+1.
x+y=x+x+1=2x+1
y2-x2=(x+1)2-x2=x2+2x+1-x2=2x+1
The proof is trivial. I can't think of any immediate application in math or physics.
(For a slightly less trivial, but much intuitively prettier proof, think about this geometrically as a difference of the areas of two squares with sides x and x+1.)
 
Or, even shorter: y2-x2 = (y-x)(y+x)
By definition y-x=1, so y2-x2 = (y-x)(y+x) = y+x = x+y.

Nothing new.
 
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