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Mathworld says that $-2$ is a quadratic residue modulo a prime $p$ if and only if $p=8n+1$ or $p=8n+3$, though I don't understand their explanation.

I have seen elementary proofs that $-1$ is a quadratic residue if and only if $p=8n+1$, and $2$ is a quadratic residue if and only if $p = 8n+1$ or $p=8n-1$, but I cannot find (or come up with) a proof for 2. Is there some way to combine the results of $-1$ and $2$, or is there a completely separate way?

Much appreciation, thanks.

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    Incidentally: $-1$ is a quad. residue mod $p$ if $p = 4n+1$ (not just $8n+1$).2011-11-23

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Yes, the results can be combined, and you can do it yourself. Just use the general fact that (i) the product of two residues, or two non-residues, is a residue, and (ii) the product of a residue and a non-residue, is a non-residue.

Comment: One way to identify the primes for which $2$ is a quadratic residue is to use Euler's Criterion. The Euler Criterion can also be used to deal directly with $-2$.