“ON TRIANGULAR NUMBERS AND

PERFECT SQUARES”
Gabaya, Leizel

October 2007

Abstract
An integer is a perfect square if it is the square of some other integer.
On the other hand, the nth triangular number is defined to be the sum of
the first n positive integers:
n(n + 1)
Tn = 1 + 2 + 3 + · · · + n = .
2
Thus, the sum of any two consecutive triangular numbers is always a
perfect square, i.e.,
n(n − 1) n(n + 1)
Tn−1 + Tn = + = n2 .
2 2
In this paper, we are trying to answer: “Which squares can be repre-
sented as a sum of consecutive triangular numbers?”.

1 Introduction

This paper is an exposition of the article entitled ”Triangular Num-

ber and Perfect Squares” which appeared in the journal of Mathe-

matical Gazette, Vol. 86, July 2002 No. 506 by Tom Beldon and

Tony Gardiner [2].

In mathematics [6], square numbers which are sometimes called

perfect squares are integers that can be written as the square of some

1
other integers; they are the product of some integers with itself.

On the other hand, the name ‘triangular numbers’ stems from the

Greek interest to figurate numbers. It can be illustrated geometri-

cally as the number of equidistant points in triangles of different

sizes ( Figure 1.1 ). These points form a triangular lattice.

In a letter to Mersenne in 1638, Fermat claimed that every pos-

itive integer can be written as a sum of at most three triangular

numbers. This remarkable result was eventually proved by Gauss

[5] on July 10,1796 at the age of 19. Gauss recorded his discovery

in his private notebook with evident delight:

Eureka! N U M = ∆ + ∆ + ∆

by which he meant that every integer can be represented as the sum

of three triangular numbers. This general result is easy to check for

small integers 1, 2, 3 . . . . For example,

1 = T0 + T0 + T1 2 = T0 + T1 + T1

3 = T0 + T0 + T2 4 = T0 + T1 + T2

5 = T1 + T1 + T2

However, the general proof depends on the refinement of the four

squares theorem: namely showing that every positive integer of the

2
form 8M + 3 can be written as the sum of exactly three squares.

Thus, we are concerned with the relationship between triangular

numbers and perfect squares.

May this paper enhance the reader’s appreciation of Number The-

ory and related topics.

2 Statement of the Problem

This research is concerned with a slightly different question, namely:

1. “Which squares can be represented as a sum of consecutive

triangular numbers?”

2. “Which triangular number are perfect squares?”

3. “Which squares can be represented as the sum of three consec-

utive triangular numbers?”

4. “When is the sum of three successive triangular numbers a

perfect square?”

3 Objectives of the Study

This paper aims to answer the questions mentioned above. Also, in

this study we will try to motivate the style of proof, give some ex-

3
amples and aim to show how to generate the complete set of integer

solutions.

4 Scope and Limitation of the study

This study focuses on sum of consecutive triangular numbers which

are squares. Moreover, we limit our study up to the sum of three

consecutive triangular numbers whose sum is a perfect square.

5 Significance of the Study

This study enhances our knowledge regarding triangular numbers

and perfect squares. Proofs of the main results may be useful in

motivating a course in number theory. This may also serve as a

reference for further extensions to other field of mathematics.

6 Methodology

This paper is expository in nature. Definitions and concepts are be-

ing presented by the researcher in order to support the main results.

Details of proofs of the main results are supplied by the researcher

to enhance readability. Also, examples are provided to verify the

results for simple cases.