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If $p$ is a prime number expressible as $x^2$ + $1$, is it possible to rewrite $p$ as $p$=$a^2$ + $b^2$ where $a,b >1$? If so can you give me an example?

unknownMe
  • 695

1 Answers1

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This question has an answer here where it is shown that if $n$ can be expressed as a sum of two squares in two ways then $n$ must be composite.

I think it was Mersenne who was first to prove this but I am not sure.

(So, the answer to your question is NO)