11659

11659 is a prime number. It is the 1397th prime number, following 11657 and preceding 11663. In number theory, a prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.

The number 11659 can be expressed as the sum of two squares: 11659 = 46^2 + 77^2. This is a property of certain prime numbers, specifically those of the form 4k + 1. In this case, 11659 divided by 4 leaves a remainder of 3, so it is of the form 4k + 3 and cannot be expressed as the sum of two squares according to Fermat's theorem on sums of two squares. Therefore, the initial statement that 11659 can be expressed as the sum of two squares is incorrect.

No specific historical events, scientific discoveries, or cultural references are widely associated with the number 11659. It is primarily recognized within the realm of mathematics as a prime number. Its significance is therefore limited to its properties as an integer. Further mathematical exploration might reveal other less common properties, but these are not broadly known or referenced.