MathLabs

Problem 3

Prove that there exists a triangle which can be cut into 2005 congruent triangles.
Step 1 of 5: Represent 2005 as two squares
2005=5⋅401=(22+1)(202+1)=392+2222005=5\cdot401=(2^2+1)(20^2+1)=39^2+22^2
Detailed analysis

Multiply out (4+1)(400+1): it equals 2005, and rearranging gives 40 squared+20 squared+2 squared+1=39 squared+22 squared. Thus 2005 is a sum of two integer squares.