Lagrange proved that all positive integers can be expressed as the sum of four squares. For example, 27 = 16 + 9 + 1 + 1. However, it can also be expressed as the sum of three squares (9 + 9 + 9). In contrast, while 47 = 36 + 9 + 1 + 1, it cannot be expressed as a sum of fewer than four squares.
Write a function that produces the nth member of the sequence of numbers that cannot be expressed as the sum of fewer than four non-zero squares.
Solve

Solution Stats

5 Solutions

5 Solvers

Last Solution submitted on Jun 04, 2026

Last 200 Solutions

Problem Comments

Solution Comments

Show comments

Problem Recent Solvers5

Tim William Chris Cleveland David Hill

Suggested Problems

More from this Author326

Community Treasure Hunt

Find the treasures in MATLAB Central and discover how the community can help you!

Start Hunting!