1
$\begingroup$

The Gauss Circle Problem: find the number of integer lattice points inside a circle.

My question is: why was Gauss studying this problem? Was it just math for math's sake, or was this a part of a larger problem he wanted to solve?

I'm guessing there must be a connection to Gaussian integers, but I tried to find the origin on math history books and couldn't find anything.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
$\begingroup$

Gauss was motivated by arithmetic. He wanted to study the asymptotic behavior of the number of representations of integers as a sum of two squares (of integers).

See, for example, K. Chandrasekharan, Introduction to analytic number theory, Springer, 1968.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.