My way (D2):
Given (i) a^2+b=2016
and (ii) a+b=n^2
we get a*(a-1)= 2016- n^2 (ii)-(i)
since both a*(a-1) and 2016 are even n must be even as well
clearly n is in the 2 to 44 range
Checking for what even n in this range (2016- n^2)/2 equals a triangular number
We get (a, b, n)=(32, 992,3 2) as a solution
Tools used: Calculator and a list of triangular numbers.
blackjack
flooble's webmaster puzzle