Memorial University of Newfoundland Memorial University of Newfoundland

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematical Challenge for Junior High School Students 1999-2000: # 4

Grades 7, 8 and 9


It is possible to have the sum of two cubes of positive integers equal to the square of a positive integer. For example
13+23   =   32      23+23   =   42      73+213   =   982  .

Find as many other examples of this as you can. In each case, you must write the cubes in order as in the given example. Re-ordering does NOT make a different example. Also, you may not multiply the integers on the left by a square, and the integer on the right by the corresponding cube. Thus, 43+83   =   242, or (1×22)3+(2×22)3   =   (3×23)2, is exactly the same as the first example given.

Give your solution to your Mathematics teacher, who will forward it to:

Mathematical Challenge for Junior High School Students 1999-2000: # 4
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, Newfoundland. A1C 5S7

DEADLINE for postmarking of solutions: 20 March 2000
Make sure that your solution is written legibly and neatly.


A copy of the following form MUST accompany the entry for each student:

STUDENT'S NAME ------------------------------------- (Please PRINT)
School -------------------------------------
Community -----------------------------
Grade --------- Teacher's Name -----------------------------
This is my own unaided work (Calculators are permitted,
but computers are not)
Signed ------------------------------------- Date -------------------