1. The problem is to determine if a given number is a perfect square. 2. A perfect square is an integer that can be expressed as $n^2$ where $n$ is an integer. 3. To check if a number $x$ is a perfect square, we can use the formula: $$n = \sqrt{x}$$ and then check if $n$ is an integer. 4. If $n$ is an integer, then $x$ is a perfect square; otherwise, it is not. 5. For example, to check if 16 is a perfect square: - Calculate $\sqrt{16} = 4$ - Since 4 is an integer, 16 is a perfect square. 6. To check if 20 is a perfect square: - Calculate $\sqrt{20} \approx 4.472$ - Since 4.472 is not an integer, 20 is not a perfect square. This method can be implemented in code or done manually for any integer.