### 2-digit Square

A 2-Digit number is squared. When this 2-digit number is reversed and squared, the difference between the squares is also a square. What is the 2-digit number?

### Consecutive Squares

The squares of any 8 consecutive numbers can be arranged into two sets of four numbers with the same sum. True of false?

### Plus Minus

Can you explain the surprising results Jo found when she calculated the difference between square numbers?

# Difference of Two Squares

##### Age 14 to 16 Challenge Level:

You may wish to look at the problem What's Possible? before trying this one.

Choose a number in the $3$ times table.Take the numbers on either side of your chosen number and find the difference between their squares.

Try it a few times. What do you notice?
Can you prove it will always happen?

Choose a number in the $5$ times table.
Take the numbers on either side of your chosen number and find the difference between their squares.
Try it a few times. What do you notice?
Can you prove it will always happen?

Is there a similar relationship for other times tables?

Extension

Instead of taking the numbers on either side of your starting number, investigate what happens if you take the numbers two above and two below your starting number and then work out the difference between their squares...

If you enjoyed this problem you may like to try Why 24? next.

With thanks to Don Steward, whose ideas formed the basis of this problem.