Why 2025 is called a perfect square year
Mathematicians Celebrate the Start of a Perfect Square Year in 2025
Mathematicians around the world are not only welcoming the year 2025, but they are also celebrating the beginning of a perfect square year. A perfect square is achieved when a counting number is multiplied by itself, resulting in a square number. For example, 1×1=1, 2×2=4, 3×3=9, and so on.
The year 2025 is particularly special because when you multiply 45 by 45, you get 2025, making it a perfect square year. According to Craig S. Kaplan, a professor at the University of Waterloo, perfect square years are relatively rare occurrences. The last perfect square year was in 1936, and the next one will not happen until 2116.
Kaplan, known for his work on the intersection of mathematics and art, was also recognized on TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023 list for his contribution to solving a mathematical problem that was deemed impossible for over six decades.
Apart from being a perfect square year, 2025 holds other interesting properties. The number 45, which forms part of 2025, is equal to the sum of the numbers from 1 to 9 (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9=45). This unique attribute makes 45 a triangular number or a pyramid number.
Additionally, 2025 is not only a square of a triangular number but also a sum of cubes. By adding up consecutive cubes from 1 to 9, the result equals 2025. Kaplan further delves into the mathematical intricacies of 2025, showcasing its diverse properties and relationships with other numbers.
Looking ahead, Kaplan highlights the significance of the year 2048, which is a power of 2. Such occurrences are rare and hold a special place in the realm of mathematics. The next power of 2 year after 2048 will be 4096.
In conclusion, mathematicians find fascination and intrigue in the numerical properties of each year, with 2025 standing out as a perfect square year with unique mathematical characteristics.
