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AMC 12 Mock Exam 4 Problem 13

Problem 13 of 25

What is the sum of all positive integers nn for which n2+30nn^2+30n is a perfect square?

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Solution

Suppose n2+30n=m2n^2+30n=m^2 with m≥0m\ge0. Then (n+15)2−m2=225(n+15)^2-m^2=225, so (n+15−m)(n+15+m)=225(n+15-m)(n+15+m)=225 with 0<n+15−m≤n+15+m0<n+15-m\le n+15+m. The factor pairs of 225225 are (1,225),(3,75),(5,45),(9,25),(15,15)(1,225),(3,75),(5,45),(9,25),(15,15), giving n+15=d+e2=113,39,25,17,15n+15=\frac{d+e}{2}=113,39,25,17,15, i.e., n=98,24,10,2,0n=98,24,10,2,0. Excluding n=0n=0, the sum is 98+24+10+2=13498+24+10+2=\boxed{134}.

Tagged: difference of squares, factor pairs