You don't need to memorize a formula. Instead, reason through it:
Let's use an 8x8 board.
How many 8x8 squares are there? 1
How many 7x7 squares are there?
Well, start with one at the top left. We could make new ones by moving it:
down 1 unit
over 1 unit
down and over 1 unit
Total: 4
In other words, the top-left corner of the 7x7 can be in any of the 4 squares defined by a little 2x2 square.
Similarly, for 6x6 squares, the top left corner can be in any of the 9 squares defined by a little 3x3 square.
You can see the pattern emerging: 1 + 4 + 9 ...
Greg Michnikov, Founder of GMAT Boost
GMAT Boost offers 250+ challenging GMAT Math practice questions, each with a thorough video explanation, and 100+ GMAT Math video tips, each 90 seconds or less.
It's a total of 20+ hours of expert instruction for an introductory price of just $10.
View sample questions and tips without signing up, or sign up now for full access.
Also, check out the most useful GMAT Math blog on the internet here.