Leibniz proceeded as follows: If we wish to find the sum of the nth powers, assume S(x) to be a n + 1st degree polynomial. In this case, since we are seeking the sum of the squares, assume S(x) = ax 3 + bx 2 + cx + d. It remains to find the coefficients a, b, c, and d. Obviously S(0) = 0, so d = 0 (and in general, the constant term will be zero). Moreover: