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How Many Squares?

Age 14 to 16
ShortChallenge Level Yellow starYellow star
Secondary curriculum
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Answer: 68


The smallest integer with 4 digits is 1000, 1 more than 999 which only has 3 digits.

The largest integer with 4 digits is 9999, 1 less than 10 000 which has 5 digits.

10 000 = 100$^2$, so all integers whose squares have 4 digits must be less than 100.

30$^2$ = 900, 31$^2$ = 961 and 32$^2$ = 1024.

So all integers $n$ with 31$\lt n\le$99 have 4-digit squares.

So there are 99 $-$ 31 = 68 such numbers.



You can find more short problems, arranged by curriculum topic, in our short problems collection.

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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