Differential Equations and Arithmetic

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Ali Altug, Princeton University
Fine Hall 214

One of the questions in number theory is to represent integers by quadratic forms. To be more precise, the question asks for a characterization of the integers which can be represented by a given form. In this talk we will deal with representing integers as sums of two squares and if time permits as sums of four squares. The talk will be completely elementary. (If I were to deliver the talk in the 19th century it wouldn't be called so!!)