Triangular numbers, proving numbers are tringular

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving specific expressions involving triangular numbers, particularly focusing on the forms 9tn+1, 25tn+3, and 49tn+6, as well as other related expressions. Participants explore methods to demonstrate that these expressions yield triangular numbers, engaging in mathematical reasoning and pattern recognition.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to approach the proofs for the given expressions and suggests a potential pattern involving (2n+1)2tα+n(n+1)/2.
  • Another participant proposes a specific transformation for the expression 9·(n(n+1)/2)+1, suggesting it can be rewritten as (3n+1)(3n+2)/2.
  • A different participant acknowledges a realization that they may have been overthinking the problem after receiving clarification.
  • Another expression, 5929tn+741, is mentioned as being triangular whenever tn is triangular, indicating further exploration of related patterns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus, as participants present various approaches and expressions without resolving the proofs or confirming the validity of the proposed patterns.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in their understanding and approach, with some uncertainty about the validity of their patterns and transformations. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and dependencies on the definitions of triangular numbers.

schlynn
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I've been learning about polygonal numbers, and one of the exercises in this book ask me to show that 9t[itex]_{n}[/itex]+1 [Fermat], 25t[itex]_{n}[/itex]+3, and 49t[itex]_{n}[/itex]+6 [both from Euler] are triangular numbers. I don't know how to approach these proofs, I've tried to show that they have some form similar to [itex]\frac{n(n+1)}{2}[/itex], but with no avail. But it looks like there is a pattern, that would be
(2n+1)[itex]^{2}[/itex]t[itex]_{\alpha}[/itex]+[itex]\frac{n(n+1)}{2}[/itex], but I have no way of proving this. Could someone point me in the correct direction?

t[itex]_{n}[/itex] and t[itex]_{\alpha}[/itex] are both triangular numbers.
 
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##9\cdot\frac{n(n+1)}{2}+1=\frac{(3n+1)(3n+2)}{2}=\frac{(3n+1)\big((3n+1)+1 \big)}{2}##, yes?
 
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Wow, I was over thinking this a lot. Thank you, I can check my pattern with this too.
 
Another one is ##5929t_n+741## is triangular whenever ##t_n## is triangular [gopher_p].

But it looks like you've already figured out that pattern.
 
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