Question

A triangular number is a positive integer that can be expressed in the form $t_n=1+2+3+\cdots+n,$ for some positive integer $n.$ The three smallest triangular numbers that are also perfect squares are $t_1=1=1^2,$ $t_8=36=6^2,$ and $t_{49}=1225=35^2.$ What is the sum of the digits of the fourth smallest triangular number that is also a perfect square?

$6$

$9$

$12$

$18$

$27$

Answer: D

Concepts:triangular number perfect square recursion

Difficulty rating: 1800

Solution:

If $t_n=y^2,$ then $n(n+1)/2=y^2,$ or $(2n+1)^2-8y^2=1.$ The positive Pell solutions occur successively by multiplying $(2n+1)+y\sqrt8$ by $3+\sqrt8.$

Starting from $(2n+1,y)=(3,1),$ this gives $(17,6),$ $(99,35),$ and then $(577,204).$ Thus the fourth value has $n=288$ and equals $204^2=41616.$

The sum of its digits is $4+1+6+1+6=18.$

Thus, the correct answer is D.

2022 AMC 12A Problem 16

Answer: D

Difficulty rating: 1800

Solution:

Problem 16 in Other Years