Given positive integer n, consider the set of numbers {n²+1, n²+2, ... (n+1)²}. If we pick two numbers x and y out of that set, how many different values can the product xy take?

(In reply to ratings - to owl by pcbouhid)

I thought about that problem for a bit; an interesting "hunt" puzzle with possibilities for generalization and/or computerization.  Lots of people love these kinds of puzzles!
But given any problem, I can see someone coming along and thinking the worst of it. And if they feel this way, than voting a "1" is their perogative. Or perhaps it was given without fair thought or consideration.
 But I wouldn't waste one single, solitary second of angst, worrying about it. No one really cares about the ranking, do they?

Posted by owl on 2005-08-16 21:49:34