# Simplify $\binom{m+n}{2} - \binom{m}{2} - \binom{n}{2}$.

Simplify $\binom{m+n}{2} - \binom{m}{2} - \binom{n}{2}$.

I'm confused on how to approach this problem. I can't think of any counting argument that will help me, and any 1-1 correspondence. All solutions are appreciated.

HINT: You have $m$ men and $n$ women in a room. $\binom{m+n}2$ is the number of ways to pick two people in the room. $\binom{m}2$ is the number of ways to pick two of the men, and $\binom{n}2$ is the number of ways to pick two of the women. If you remove those possibilities, what’s left?

Algebraic approach:
Use ${k \choose 2} = \frac{k(k-1)}{2}$ and simplify.

Combinatorial approach:
Suppose you have $m$ distinct red balls and $n$ distinct green balls. You want to choose $2$ of the $m+n$ total balls but you don't want them to both be red and you don't want them to both be green.

• Is $mn-m-n$ the correct answer? – Yuna Kun Oct 7 '16 at 19:50
• How did you get that? Always show your work. – Danny Rorabaugh Oct 7 '16 at 19:51
• I used the algebra way and got $\frac{m^2-m-n+n^2+2mn-m^2-m-n^2-n}{2}.$ – Yuna Kun Oct 7 '16 at 19:52
• I just realized my error! I had to change the signs! So is $mn$ the correct answer? – Yuna Kun Oct 7 '16 at 19:53
• If you want two balls and they cannot be the same color, you need $1$ of the $m$ red balls and $1$ of the $n$ green balls. Yes, there are $m \cdot n$ ways to make that selection. – Danny Rorabaugh Oct 7 '16 at 20:01