What is the Expression for the Difference of Two Square Numbers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the expression for the difference of two square numbers and its relation to triangular numbers and self-conjugating Ferrer's graphs. Participants explore various interpretations and implications of these mathematical concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about expressions for the difference of two square numbers beyond the basic form of r² - s².
  • Another participant provides the factorization (r+s)(r-s) as a response.
  • A participant mentions their interest in self-conjugating Ferrer's graphs and questions whether the difference of two square numbers can be expressed in the form of a triangular number.
  • Multiple interpretations of the relationship between the difference of two squares and triangular numbers are proposed, including various quantifiers and conditions.
  • There is a claim that all positive integers except for 2 can be represented as a self-conjugating Ferrer's graph, though this assertion is questioned and explored further.
  • A specific mathematical statement is highlighted regarding the existence of integers n, m, and t that satisfy a condition related to triangular numbers and the difference of squares.
  • Examples of pairs (n, m) for which the proposed condition fails are provided, indicating some limitations in the earlier claims.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between the difference of two squares and triangular numbers, with no consensus reached on the validity of the claims regarding self-conjugating Ferrer's graphs.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the definitions of self-conjugating Ferrer's graphs and triangular numbers remain unresolved. The discussion includes various interpretations that may depend on specific mathematical contexts.

chhitiz
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is there an expression for the difference of two square no.s, except, of course for rsquare minus ssquare
 
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(r+s)(r-s)
 
god you are funny. i posted this question because i was trying to find out all possible no.s which have a self-conjugating ferrer's graph, and needed to see if diff. of two square no.s is in anyway in form of a triangle no. or not. anyways, i have inferred that all no.s except for 2 can be jotted as a self-conjugating ferrer's graph. am i correct?
 
Your first post was entirely unclear, and I'm not quite sure what your second means. "if diff. of two square no.s is in anyway in form of a triangle no. or not"? Does that mean something like "Is the difference of two squares triangular?"?

If that interpretation is generally correct, I can think of at least four ways to take it:
[tex]\forall n>m \exists t:t(t+1)/2=n^2-m^2[/tex]
[tex]\forall n \exists m,t:t(t+1)/2=n^2-m^2[/tex]
[tex]\forall N \exists n>m>N,t:t(t+1)/2=n^2-m^2[/tex]
[tex]\exists n,m,t:t(t+1)/2=n^2-m^2[/tex]

If it's not, then you'll have to be more clear.
 
that was exactly what i meant, so thanks
 
Which?
 
the first one. by the way, am i not correct in saying that all +ve integers except 2 can be expressed as a self conjugating ferrer's graph?
 
chhitiz said:
the first one.

CRGreathouse said:
[tex]\forall n>m \exists t:t(t+1)/2=n^2-m^2[/tex]

The first few (n, m) for which this fails are:
(3, 1)
(5, 1)
(3, 2)
(4, 2)
(4, 3)
(5, 3)
(5, 4)
 

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