Monomial ideals with tiny squares (Q1783393)

Let \(I\subset K[x,y]\) be a monomial ideal and let \(\mu(I)\) denote the least number of generators of \(I\). In the paper under review, the authors prove the following statements: Theorem 1.1. For every integer \(m\geq 5\), there exists a monomial ideal \(I\subset K[x,y]\) such that \(\mu(I)=m\) and \(\mu(I^2)=9\). Theorem 1.2. Let \(I\subset K[x,y]\) be a monomial ideal. If \(\mu(I)\geq 6\), then \(\mu(I^2)\geq 9\).