Among pairs of numbers whose sum is 16, 8*8=64 is the greatest possible product. However, if we allow for a sum of 17 then there are 3 distinct ways of achieving a higher product with two positive integers: 9*8, 10*7, and 11*6 are all greater than 64.

Among pairs of numbers whose sum is 2n, n*n=n² is the greatest possible product. However, if we allow for a sum of 2n+1 then there are 2012 distinct ways of achieving a higher product with two positive integers.

Find the minimum value of n.

(In reply to A very tricky problem (spoiler) by Steve Herman)

shouldn't 404814.25 be 4048143.75? The former is smaller than one million, let alone 4,046,133.

Posted by Charlie on 2012-05-29 15:00:38