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October 19, 2016

Problem No. 12. Sum of squares

Find all representations of the number 730 as a sum of two squares? And as a sum of three squares?

Teacher tip

Suitable for implementing the elimination and reminder methods while practicing the square numbers up to 302.












Solution

All possible representations of the number 730 as a sum of two squares are:
730=12+272,
730=172+212.

For the representations as a sum of three squares, we refer to the Legendre's three-square theorem which states that:

A natural number n can be represented as the sum of three squares of integers if and only if n is not of the form n=4a(8b+7) for some nonnegative integers a and b.

Since the prime factorization of the number 730 is 730=2573, and none of it's prime factors is of the form 8b+7, we conclude that there is a representation of the number 730 as a sum of three squares. All possible representations of the number 730 as a sum of three squares are:
730=82+152+212,
730=122+152+192.

Note that, there are

  • 34 representations of the number 730 as a sum of four squares,
  • 107 representations of the number 730 as a sum of five squares,
  • 883 representations of the number 730 as a sum of six squares.

These last results are computer-aided obtained.

Additional question 

Is there a representation of the number 730 as a difference of two squares?

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