Squaring Trick

Why even bring this up in the first place? Well, we have a cool mental math shortcut: n2 – 1.
Assuming you know the above, you also know the following: 11 × 13, 14 × 16, 15 × 17 and even the
crazy 29 × 31.

How is that possible? Because n2 – 1 = (n – 1)(n + 1).

Big deal, you say. You already know basic algebra. And what does this have to do with squares?

Well, let’s say n = 20.

See, by knowing that 202 = 400, then the product of one integer less than 20—the number 19—and
one integer greater than 20—the number 21—will be 400 – 1, which equals 399.

Try it with any of the numbers above, like 11 × 13. For instance, we know that 122 = 144. Therefore,
11 × 13 = 143.

29 × 31? Well, that’s 302 – 1.

Just like that, voila! You’ve doubled your knowledge of squares above.