Meanwhile reading some introductory notes about the projective special linear group $PSL(2,q)$ wherein $q$ is the cardinal number of the field; I saw:
....in a finite field of order $q$, the number of elements ($≠0$) which are squares is $q-1$ if $q$ is even number and is $\frac{1}{2}(q-1)$ if $q$ is a odd number..." .
I can see it through $\mathbb Z_5$ or $GF(2)$. Any hints for proving above fact? Thanks.