# When Is $$n^2$$ a Sum of $$k$$ Squares?

by Todd G. Will (University of Wisconsin La Crosse)

This article originally appeared in:
Mathematics Magazine
June, 2010

Subject classification(s): Famous Problems | Number Theory | Algebra and Number Theory
Applicable Course(s): 4.3 Number Theory

A wide-ranging discussion of the question in the title of the paper is presented.

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Capsule Course Topic(s):
Number Theory | Numbers With Special Forms or Properties, Sums of Powers