2024 SSMO Speed Round Problems/Problem 1

Problem

Find the sum of the distinct prime factors of $2024^2 - 1$.

Solution

$2024^2-1 = (2024-1)(2024+1) = 2023 \cdot 2025 = 7 \cdot 17^2 \cdot 3^4 \cdot 5^2$. The sum of the distinct prime factors are $3+5+7+17 = \boxed{32}$.

-Vivdax