Consecutive Whole Numbers: x + y = y2 - x2

  • Thread starter Dennis Plews
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In summary, the conversation discusses a possible relationship between consecutive whole numbers, where x+y is equal to y2-x2. It is noted that this relationship can be proven with a simple proof and has no immediate application in math or physics. A geometric proof is also mentioned.
  • #1
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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  • #2
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.)
 
  • #3
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.
 

1. What are consecutive whole numbers?

Consecutive whole numbers are a set of numbers that follow each other in order without skipping any numbers. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are consecutive whole numbers.

2. How do you represent consecutive whole numbers in an equation?

Consecutive whole numbers can be represented in an equation as x and x+1. For example, if the first number is x, the next consecutive whole number would be x+1.

3. How do you solve the equation x + y = y2 - x2 for consecutive whole numbers?

In order to solve this equation for consecutive whole numbers, you can substitute x and x+1 for y in the equation, and then solve for x. This will give you the first consecutive whole number, and the next number would be x+1.

4. What is the difference between consecutive whole numbers and consecutive integers?

Consecutive whole numbers are a set of numbers that follow each other in order without skipping any numbers, whereas consecutive integers are a set of numbers that follow each other in order, but can also include negative numbers.

5. Can you have more than two consecutive whole numbers in an equation?

Yes, you can have more than two consecutive whole numbers in an equation. For example, x, x+1, x+2 are three consecutive whole numbers.

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