Răspuns :
1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n = n(n + 1)/2
In cazul nostru n = 1996
M = 1997 + 2 x 1996 x 1997/2 = 1997 + 1996 x 1997 = 1997 x (1 + 1996) = 1997 x 1997 = 1997² deci patrat perfect
In cazul nostru n = 1996
M = 1997 + 2 x 1996 x 1997/2 = 1997 + 1996 x 1997 = 1997 x (1 + 1996) = 1997 x 1997 = 1997² deci patrat perfect