Find the nearest integer that has a whole number square root

I need to write a program that will ask for a number, and then print out the nearest integer that has a whole number square root. Its supposed to be able to handle numbers up to 10 digits.

So if I entered 8, it would give me 9. 68 gives me 64, etc.

I'm lost as to how I should approach comparing the input number to the nearest squared integer. Can anyone give me some tips on the basic logic here?

Thanks in advance,
crazychile

If your number lies between two perfect squares, it's square root will lie between the square root of those perfect squares. For example, 68 lies between 64 and 81. It's square root is 8.25, which is between 8 and 9.

Thanks.

I should have asked that differently. How would you find the next lowest perfect square and the next highest?. I think I can manage the compare once I get those.

thank you,
crazychile

How was Anduril's answer not the answer?

The square root of 68 is about 8.25. Thus, the nearest perfect square to 68 is either 8^2 or 9^2, i.e. 64 or 81. Which one is closer to 68?

I think I get ya now. I was stuck on finding the nearest integer that was a perfect square, instead of taking the square root and going up or down one from there and then squaring it.

Thanks.