Prove that 8 times any triangle number is always 1 less than a square number

A triangle number is a number such that it is the sum of n consecutive integers, starting from 0. Eg 1, 1+2, 1+2+3... are the first 3 triangle numbers. The formula for the nth triangle number is well-known at A-level and is (1/2)(n)(n+1); the formula for the sum of the first n integers. To answer the question we must show that 8N+1, where N is any triangle number, is a perfect square.
8N+1 = 8(1/2)(n)(n+1)+1 = 4n(n+1)+1=4n^2 + 4n + 1This is a perfect square, as we can rewrite it as:(2n+1)^2with it's root of 2n+1 being an integer. Therefore we have shown that 8N+1 is a perfect square, hence the result has been proved.

Answered by Maths tutor

10090 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How would I go about drawing the graph of f(x) = sin(x)/(e^x) for -π≤x≤2π?


What are the set of values for x that satisfy the below equation?


A particle of mass M is being suspended by two ropes from a horizontal ceiling. Rope A has a tension of 15N at 30 deg and rope B has a tension of xN at 45 deg, find M assuming the particle remains stationary.


A curve has equation y = 20x −x^2 −2x^3 . The curve has a stationary point at the point M where x = −2. Find the x-coordinate of the other stationary point of the curve.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning