Function: sqr
Section: transcendental
C-Name: gsqr
Prototype: G
Help: sqr(x): square of x. NOT identical to x*x.
Description:
(int):int sqri($1)
(mp):mp gsqr($1)
(gen):gen gsqr($1)
Doc: square of $x$. This operation is not completely
straightforward, i.e.~identical to $x * x$, since it can usually be
computed more efficiently (roughly one-half of the elementary
multiplications can be saved). Also, squaring a $2$-adic number increases
its precision. For example,
\bprog
? (1 + O(2^4))^2
%1 = 1 + O(2^5)
? (1 + O(2^4)) * (1 + O(2^4))
%2 = 1 + O(2^4)
@eprog\noindent
Note that this function is also called whenever one multiplies two objects
which are known to be \emph{identical}, e.g.~they are the value of the same
variable, or we are computing a power.
\bprog
? x = (1 + O(2^4)); x * x
%3 = 1 + O(2^5)
? (1 + O(2^4))^4
%4 = 1 + O(2^6)
@eprog\noindent
(note the difference between \kbd{\%2} and \kbd{\%3} above).